Page 2

Chapter Two

brUNO

My blood runs hot as I stride from Everly's booth, cock hard from that single moment when her pink tongue darted across her lips while she talked. Every muscle in my body screams to go back, pin her against that counter and show her exactly what I want to order.

But I'm not that kind of man. Age has taught me patience, and Everly Parnell deserves proper courting, not to be bent over her cotton candy machine and fucked until she screams my name. Even if that's exactly what I crave. What I've been dreaming about for months

I've watched this girl longer than she knows. Hell, longer than I want to admit. I first saw her in town before Christmas, laughing as she walked with her cousin down the street. Seven months later, the sight of her still has the same head-spinning, blood-pumping effect.

When Brock mentioned his wife's cousin Everly was helping with the cotton candy booth, I made it my business to learn everything about her.

Who she was. What she likes. Her laugh. Her smile.

The way she unconsciously arches her back when she stretches.

The way her tank top strains across her full tits.

Ever since I spotted the gorgeous, golden-haired goddess, I've watched like a goddamn stalker from the shadows every single time she was back in town.

Fairs are neutral ground where social rules bend; where a mountain recluse can approach a college girl. She’s way too young for me. Too sweet. But I can’t stay away anymore.

I make my way toward the arena where they're setting up for the horse trials, nodding to people I recognize. I don’t stop to talk.

One of the reasons I like the mountains in Snowflake Falls is that they’re filled with people who don’t expect you to socialize.

I sold my family’s ranch and disappeared into the mountains for a reason.

I’ve had years of silence and space, and the kind of peace you can only find when you're truly alone.

“Bruno!”

Drake Morris jogs over, all youthful swagger and enthusiasm. He steals a glance at the cotton candy stall as he passes. Kid's talented with horses, but he's all steak and no sizzle.

“Drake.” I nod. “Ready to lose?”

He flashes white teeth. “We'll see about that, old man. How about making this interesting with a little bet?”

“I already got my eye on the prize.”

“You do? So what's this prize you're so confident about winning?”

I glance toward Everly's booth where she serves candy to kids, face bright with joy. That smile could bring a dead man back to life. “The prettiest girl at the fair.”

Drake follows my gaze and lets out a low whistle. “Everly Parnell? She’s more my age. I think she’s cute. Shit, Bruno, she's young enough to be your daughter.”

Posessiveness surges through my veins. I’ll break his face if he looks at her wrong. “She's twenty-two. And it’s none of your damn business.”

The steel in my voice wipes the grin off Drake's face. “Hey, man, I didn't mean…”

“Yes, you did. And you're not wrong. She is too young for me, too sweet, too good.

But I want her anyway, and I'm going to have her.” The image of Everly naked and writhing beneath me sends a fresh rush of blood south.

I picture those gorgeous curves spread out on my bed while I worship every inch of her soft skin.

He stares at me for a long moment. “You're serious about this.”

“You bet your boots I’m serious. So I hope you're prepared to lose, because there's no way in hell I'm letting anyone else win her.” Or touch her. Or even fucking think about her the way I do.

I walk away before he can respond, heading toward the registration table. Everly’s too damn beautiful to be safe out here. She’ll have suitors from all over Snowflake lining up to take their chances. I need to make a grand gesture and show’s she’s mine, even if she doesn’t know it yet.

Magnus Huckle is standing by a table, chatting to a woman holding a clipboard.

“Bruno! You and Drake are the only challengers I’m seriously worried about.

Are you sure you don’t want to sit this out?

” He grins at me, running a hand over his silver beard, his bright green eyes twinkling.

Magnus has quite a history. A former racing car driver turned architect, he’s Danish royalty with some of the best horsemanship skills I’ve ever seen.

I smile at him. “Afraid I can’t do that, Magnus. And I have a suggestion.”

“Of course.”

He laughs when I tell him my plan, but doesn’t object. Clapping me on the shoulder, he walks in the direction of the arena. “I’ll let the announcer know.”

My horse, Ranger, is already saddled and waiting.

“You ready for this, boy?” I run my hand along his glossy neck. “We've got a gorgeous girl to win.”

Ranger snorts and tosses his head, eager to get out in the ring. My hands shake slightly as I check his tack, adrenaline and lust making me jittery as a teenager. The thought of claiming Everly publicly, of everyone knowing she belongs to me, sends dark satisfaction through my blood.

The announcer calls competitors to register. I lead Ranger over as crowds gather. Conversation buzzes while people place informal bets. The horse trials span two days; challengers are eliminated until only three remain. Barrel racing first, then pole bending, and finally the flag race.

“Ladies and gentlemen…” the announcer booms into a microphone once we're all assembled, “Along with the thousand-dollar prize, Bruno Castelli has proposed a winner-take-all competition with some very interesting stakes.”

I step forward to take the mic.

“I'll run the flag race blindfolded for the final round,” I say, my voice carrying easily across the arena.

A hush runs over the crowd, followed by a hum of conversation.

“If I win, I get to claim the prettiest girl at the fair as my prize. If I lose… I put up my mountain property as collateral.”

The crowd gasps. My cabin and hundred acres represent considerable money. Hell of a bet for any prize.

But Everly Parnell isn't just any prize. Having her spread naked in my bed, crying my name while I make her come? Worth every fucking acre.

“And who exactly is this prettiest girl?” someone calls out.

I scan the crowd until I find Everly, standing at the edge of the arena with her mouth open and her cheeks flushed pink. I smile.

“I think she knows who she is.”