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“Because it wouldn’t matter if there werefiftyof us!” Veronica’s voice didn’t rise, but instead became a sort of hissed whisper.

I gotta admit, that’s pretty intimidating.

“And don’t expect me to be some shoulder to cry on when it does!”

Every single person stopped what they were doing and stared at her. Lora turned off the weed-whacker, but for only a second.

When she restarted it, she aimed it in Veronica’s direction and sent a flurry of grass blades shooting toward her.

“Hey!” the tall brunette shouted, her hands coming up to shield her face.

“Leave, or help! No more watching!” the petite blonde ordered.

The pair locked eyes for a long, tense moment while the rest of the girls waited to see what would happen. Chyanne couldn’t help but wonder if they were holding their breath, too.

“Fine,” Veronica relented, giving Lora a sour look. “But Iwillbe saying ‘I told you so!’” But after her formidable announcement, she picked up a pair of scissors and knelt on the lawn with the rest of them.

And Chyanne’s respect for Lora went up by about a thousand percent.

CHAPTER7

Chandler

After a hard morning’s work, he was looking forward to finding his Little. His sub. Whatever she was, the label didn’t matter all that much to him. The only thing that counted was that in practically no time at all, Chyanne had infiltrated his heart.

Don’t be ridiculous. You hardly know her.

That much was true, but that was part of his daddy heart—getting invested quickly. But it was more than that. She was special. He wasn’t sure what it was about her, exactly… her fiery spirit that matched her auburn curls… or the pain he saw lurking in the depths of those beautiful green eyes. Pain she kept locked away. Pain that, if he had his guess, fueled the naughtiness she seemed prone to.

What I wouldn’t give to know what makes her tick… if I knew, I could help her. I want nothing more than to—

Chandler literally stopped mid-thought, gazing out across the field Chyanne should be in. He knew this was where he’d left her, even though it was now… done. The grass hadn’t been horrible before. A little long, yes, but nothing of jungle proportions. And yet, he was still shocked that it was all neat and short. Except for a couple of odd patches that looked like she’d started cutting in the opposite direction, it was… great.

His daddy radar was going off at an insane volume inside his head, and he knew that whatever this was, however it had happened, it wasn’t good.

* * *

Chyanne

After they’d stopped cutting the grass, every one of them sweaty and sporting grass stains, Ashley had insisted on taking Chyanne on a tour of the ranch and the other girls had eagerly jumped on board with the idea. Veronica was following behind, much more subdued than the rest of them.

“So, we have the horses, of course, but we’re not allowed to go in there unless our daddy gives us permission.” Betsy gazed longingly at the stables.

Chyanne’s heart was right there with her, filled with longing. “So…” She cleared her throat, wondering if she dared to voice the question that had been plaguing her.

Lora bumped her shoulder playfully. “Come on, whatever it is, you can say it. We’re all friends here now, right?”

“Right!” Ashley nudged her from the other side and the girls giggled.

Betsy made an exaggerated pouty face at being left out of the Chyanne sandwich, but then her face lit up and she disappeared.

Chyanne didn’t have long to wonder where she’d gone, because she soon felt the weight of the other girl on her back. Hooting with laughter, she grabbed onto Betsy’s legs and carried her on her back as they walked.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this light… so free… I can’t remember the last time I’ve had real, actual fun. Actual friends.

Veronica notwithstanding, of course.

Chyanne gave her a glance, just barely making out her profile over Ashley’s head. She was walking with crossed arms and pursed lips.Why doesn’t she just leave? Why is she tagging along just to be a party pooper?