Page 16 of Saddled in Secrets
Fury blisters under my skin and I bristle. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Why do you think he accepted Echo as payment from Uncle Jimmy?” Her deadpan tone isn’t appreciated. “It got my attention. Now Daddy Dearest wants to use me to get to you.”
I lunge forward until we’re almost touching. “Did he threaten you?”
To her credit, she barely bats an eyelash at my proximity. “Not really, but I’d prefer if it doesn’t reach that point.”
Old wounds rip open in a painful slash that curls my hands into fists. “I’m gonna kill him for roping you into his illegal shit.”
“Let’s not be extreme.”
“You’re right,” I mutter. “He deserves worse.”
Her eyes bulge. “What’s worse than death?”
“That’s for me to worry about.”
“Uh-huh, sounds familiar. I’m just supposed to pretend everything is sunshine and rainbows.”
“It’s dangerous, Princess. You need to stay far away from him.”
Bianca scoffs. “Too late.”
The uncertainty of this situation makes me itchy. I hate that we’re miles apart while standing so close. It’s my fault but I can’t convince her to trust me when she knows better. Not until I take out the trash.
“I’ll handle him from here, okay?”
“Just like that?” She snaps her fingers.
That lack of faith offers me a challenge. It’s a chance to prove myself and protect her in one swoop. I shift closer until myheight towers over hers. Bianca just shoots me an annoyed glare. My lips almost twitch. So damn sassy.
“You think I won’t?”
Her laughter lacks any trace of humor. “Oh, I’m well aware of your dedication to a task. You’re still hounding me even though I’m home safe and sound. The job is done, Cowboy. I’m not your problem anymore.”
“That’s what you think,” I rasp.
“Very funny. If I’m such a pain in your ass, allow me to quit for both of us.” Bianca spins on her heel and resumes stomping to the barn. Her glare skewers me over her shoulder. “And stop following me.”
I give it approximately five seconds before going directly against her wishes. My steps shadow her fuming silence until we’re almost at the door.
“Seriously?” She whirls back around, hands parked on her curvy hips. “I’m going for a quick ride. There’s no harm in that.”
“Then you shouldn’t care if I watch.”
“Fine, have it your way.” No sweeter words have been spoken. But then she adds, “Nobody ever listens to me.”
That stops me short—false as it is—but she doesn’t get too far ahead. One problem at a time. Eventually, I’ll reveal just how much control Bianca Benson has over me.
“Okay, let me get this straight.” Paisley’s forehead is creased into deep lines. “Colton is still acting like your bodyguard?”
“Yep,” I confirm with a pop of my lips. “If Brody wasn’t following us, his best friend would be.”
She shields her eyes from the sun while glancing at her husband. “Is that true?”
My brother’s perma-scowl locks onto her. “Shouldn’t have run off on a rescue mission without telling me.”
She slams to a halt on the sidewalk. “Is this a punishment?”
