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As I’m about to say something else, Chris’s fist flies forward. I quickly step, and my fist slams into his jaw. His head bounces back on his shoulders and he wavers.
“Just go down,” I say.
“Fuck you, pretty boy.”
I pop my knuckles, protecting my face and staying light on my feet. I study him, watch him, and predict his next move. I give a fake right swing and let out a left hook.
“Shit,” Hayden whispers as I deliver one blow that a professional couldn’t withstand.
Chris stumbles backward until he loses his balance and crashes to the ground.
Cash rushes to him to make sure he’s okay.
“If you hurt my sister,” he says, spitting blood as I look down at him.
“I’ll give you permission to fuck me up if I do,” I say.
Beckett pushes Brett forward. “Your turn to fight him.”
Brett shakes his head. “I’m good. But I do have one question for you, Easton.”
He stands in front of me, all muscle, as I look down at my swollen knuckles.
“Anything.”
“Why Alexis?”
I meet his eyes. “Because I’m in love with her.”
A grin fills his face, and he pats me on the back. “Right answer.”
Chris moans and I offer my hand to pull him up. I think he might go for my face, but he pulls me into a hug instead.
“Treat her right.”
“You have my word.”
Cash hands me the moonshine and I take a swig as we sit by the fire and then pass it on. They talk about Valentine and their work on the ranch and even chat about their significant others.
Realizing my watch is still in my pocket, I pull it out and put it on. It’s barely past nine thirty.
“I should probably make my way back,” I say, standing.
“You’re one of us now,” Brett says, and I go around the group and give strong hugs. “Don’t fuck this up.”
“Don’t plan on it,” I tell him with a wave as I walk through the barn and back to the Mustang.
I drive back to the B & B with the windows down.
As soon as I enter, I go upstairs for Alexis, but our room is empty. So, I walk through the house, searching.
“I know where she is,” Remi says with her feet kicked up on the counter.
She’s reading a book, but I can’t quite make out the title.
“Where?”
She sets the book down. “There’s a trail that leads behind the B & B. Take the single track to the end and you’ll arrive at a clearing. You’ll find her there.”