Page 2 of Saddled in Secrets
My hackles rise. Assumption is quick to tell me that he’s just like the rest. But there’s no greed in his gaze. I don’t see disgust or pity either.
“Let’s hear it,” I say.
Brody widens his stance. “Now that we’ve settled I’m not hitting on you, I wanted to offer you a job. There are a few options. Security mostly.”
I could almost smirk at his cavalier, don’t give-a-fuck attitude. “Okay, I’m listening.”
“Our auction barns and trailer lots need to be guarded. You’ve proven to be more than capable of defending yourself. My property can use that protection.”
Bile rises in my empty gut, but the question needs to be asked. “How’s the pay?”
“Better than this.”
“What’s the catch?”
“There isn’t one. I can tell you’re fighting as a last resort. It’s probably killing you to feel trapped in these conditions. Your drive and determination deserve more than”—he gestures at our surroundings again—“this.”
My sore muscles flex, suddenly itching for another round. “Don’t act like you know me.”
“Tell me I’m wrong.” He whips out a business card and tucks it between my scarred fingers.
Against my better judgment, I thumb over the embossed script. Dirt immediately smudges the white paper. How fitting.
“That’s my personal cell,” Brody continues. “Use it or not. The choice is yours.”
Five years ago…
It’s damn ridiculous that my fingers tremble while I enter the numbers into the keypad. Almost embarrassing, really. The pressure is getting to me in this moment, but I’ve been working toward this move for a lot longer.
Brody has rewarded my loyalty countless times over the last two years. Just yesterday, he gave me a personalized code to the locked gates of Benson Manor. That grants me access to his private estate and inner circle. This is the first time I’m entering the promised land unaccompanied, and the sense of trust is more uplifting than a bonus payday.
My truck sputters something fierce as I pull forward along the curved driveway. The 1979 F-350 is in bad shape and needs to be restored, but she’s all mine. I bought her as a project to keep me busy, but the list of parts is endless. Not to mention expensive. That process might be able to start soon thanks to the promotion and salary increase. I’m officially at the top-tier of Brody’s security team. Maybe I’ll be the lead someday.
He’s hinted that the position could be available soon if my dedication to the company continues. What’s crazy is this has become so much more than a job for me. It changed my life. Brody scooped me off the bloody pavement and gave me an opportunity to succeed. So, yeah… I’ll keep busting my ass to follow his orders. The perks aren’t too shabby either.
Through the windshield, acres of manicured lawns stretch in front of me. The Benson mansion and connected offices are onthe left. Three large barns and numerous other farm buildings are on the right.
That’s where I first see her.
Tires squeal when I slam on the brakes too hard. I barely register the racket, too focused on spotting Bianca Benson in the flesh. Until now, Brody’s younger sister was basically a rumor I’ve heard about. I’ve watched random clips of her at a competition, enough to prove she’s real. Stumbling upon her during practice is another thing entirely.
Not only do seven years separate us, but her barrel racing career requires constant travel. She’s the real deal, a professional athlete, winning championship buckles and big checks all across the Midwest. Broader than that, I’m sure. Her mom started her young and they drive wherever the rodeo circuit takes them. Bianca will never have to work beyond her passion—rich in her own right, just from doing what she loves. If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.
Which is why I find myself hopping out of the truck and cutting across the grass toward the outdoor arena rather than meeting Brody in his office. Bianca is running a brown horse through the pattern. The pair moves seamlessly as one unit around the sharp turns, but the rider steals the show for me. Her braid whips behind her like a lasso. She sure caught my attention with an invisible rope. I have an unexplainable urge to snatch the elastic from her hair and set the dark waves free. That seems more her style, or how she should be. Wild and reckless… flowing with the wind.
After crossing the imaginary timer, Bianca pulls the horse to a stop and her eyes immediately find mine. My lungs seize at the impact. Fuck, she caught me. I drop my gaze, glaring at my worn boots that need to be replaced.
“I like your truck,” Bianca calls over the distance.
Heat crawls up my neck. She’s making fun of me, pointing out where I stand, as if I’m not painfully aware of how far apart we truly are. I scold myself for getting off track and wandering over here. This is my first day on the new job. Brody is waiting on me. But instead of working, I’m drooling over his younger sister. She’s only eighteen, which dumps on another load of shame.
But then Bianca adds, “It has great character. Looks rough and sounds angry, but I bet it’s super reliable. You’ll never have to question if you’ll make it to where you’re going. Maybe that’s symbolic, hmm?”
All I manage to do is blink in rapid succession. My palm blindly reaches out for support on the nearest fence post. This woman has rendered me speechless, not that I’m much of a talker on a good day.
Bianca giggles at my stunned stupor. “Do you ride?”
I shake my head, still at a loss for words.
