Page 32 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

O ur second trip to Dirty Dicks is received just as poorly by the regulars holed up inside. Silence announces our entrance. It’s the stagnant type that crawls across my skin and leaves a sticky residue behind. My boots scuff across the floor, dragging me to an empty spot along the wall.

That allows me to catch the array of emotions splashing over Bianca’s face. From uncertainty to excitement, she can’t seem to decide how to feel. But then her focus snags on a pair of shirts hanging on a flickering beer sign that proudly proclaim the name Dirty Dicks.

“Are those for sale?” She stabs a finger at the merchandise that probably hasn’t been touched in months.

The grouchy bartender from yesterday nods while pouring three shots of vodka.

“We’ll take them both,” Paisley shouts as if someone else is about to steal the loot.

“That’ll be forty bucks,” the burly man drawls.

Brody coughs into his fist. “Damn rip off.”

The guy stares him down. “They’re in high demand.”

“You can afford it.” His wife holds out an open palm.

“Now you want my money.” He peels a crisp fifty from his wallet.

“Gonna need more than that, husband.” She wiggles her fingers.

“For what? There are only two available, which is two too many.”

“We’re having burger baskets for lunch.” Paisley nods at a chalkboard that lists the barely legible specials.

“Delicious,” he deadpans. His lack of enthusiasm hands her another fifty.

“Thanks.” She smacks him with a kiss before spinning on her heel. “I’ll tell him to keep the change.”

Which the man in charge is all too eager to have.

I didn’t think the weathered local knew how to smile, but he’s looking pretty pleased while passing the women their purchase.

Paisley shakes out the white fabric before slipping it over her head.

Bianca doesn’t hesitate to do the same. Dust billows around them in a thick cloud.

My lips twitch as I watch my princess enjoy herself.

She tugs at the bottom hem of her friend’s top, tying the baggy material into a makeshift knot at Paisley’s waist. Bianca’s shirt gets the same treatment before she lifts her phone to take a selfie of their matching outfits.

The duo cackle loudly at the promotional image they create, proudly displaying the Dirty Dicks logo.

If the bartender cared about bringing in new customers, he’d post that picture out front.

But then I’d have to threaten him with bodily harm.

“This place is a dump.” Brody wrinkles his upturned nose at the stained carpet.

“Don’t be a rich asshole,” I complain at him in return.

“That’s exactly what I am.”

“Doesn’t mean you need to spoil the vibe.” I inhale a deep breath. The recognizable stench of grease and cheap beer permeates the air. “Our women and your dad love it.”

His focus trails to where Dennis inserted himself into a cribbage competition at a corner table. “Ridiculous.”

“You could join him.”

My friend recoils. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“They’re having a blast.” I thrust an arm at his wife dancing circles around Bianca. “It’s like Christmas in late October.”

He curls his upper lip at me. “And you’re a jolly fucking giant all of a sudden.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? What’s to be upset about?”

“For starters, your father is hounding you and my sister is involved by proxy.”

That flattens my mood into a scowl. “She’s safe with me.”

“Didn’t say otherwise. Just pointing out that you’re technically on the run and there’s not that much to be overjoyed about.”

Bianca chooses that moment to tip her head back with a giddy squeal that vibrates the walls of this dive bar. It’s a different pitch than when I make her come, but my cock doesn’t care. I widen my stance in an attempt to hide the evidence of her effect on me.

“Fuck,” Brody spits. “You’re not even bothering to hide it anymore.”

“Why would I?”

What started as Bianca acknowledging feelings for me quickly became her exposing our relationship.

That already had me reeling. Then she went and spelled out what’s to come.

Bianca might’ve tried to keep her voice down on the ride earlier, but I overheard every word.

She’s got plans for me. A smile curls my lips as I admire her posing in that unflattering Dirty Dicks tee.

Brody shakes his head. “Bianca has you wrapped around her manicured pinkie.”

“And?”

His phone rings before I get a response. A glance at the screen has him muttering a curse. “I’ve gotta take this.”

The door bangs shut behind him, signaling that I’m free to ogle his sister to my obsession’s content.

She must feel my stare, twisting to wink at me over her shoulder.

The temptress takes it one step further and wiggles her ass in my direction.

I straighten off the wall with every intention of making a scene that’ll get us kicked out.

Brody storms back in like a dark cloud. “Time to leave. Now.”

Paisley pouts at his demand. “But we just got here.”

“Sorry, wife. Duty calls. The business needs me. You can screw off with Bianca later.”

She’s still glued to her friend’s side. “What about the food?”

“Change it to takeout. You can eat in the truck.” His authoritative tone has the bartender barking the adjustment to the cook.

Paisley is slow to approach. “We need to get the horses.”

“Dammit,” he groans. “I don’t have time for this.”

A calm washes over me, the kind that keeps my head on straight during a crisis. “How can I help?”

“There’s nothing you can do.” Brody tugs at his collar, slipping into professional mode.

“One of our grain manufacturers had an incident at the factory. Several machines malfunctioned to the point of being out of commission for weeks. It sounds like a clusterfuck. He’s our biggest feed supplier and this will cause a ripple effect if we don’t get a handle on it. ”

“What about all the storage?” I ask. “Don’t we have enough feed to last us a while?”

“That’s the thing. Apparently, our stockpiles are almost depleted. There might be enough to last the weekend. We’ll need to scramble to get ahold of a replacement vendor because all our normal deliveries are canceled.”

“Shit.” I scrub over my thick stubble. “There must be an easy solution.”

“It’s not your problem.” He grunts and slaps my back. “Keep my sister happy. Don’t give me the details on how you manage that. I’ll text you later.”

“We’ll bring the horses home sometime this week.” That generous offer spills free from Bianca as she balances a burger basket in one hand and a bag of cardboard containers in the other.

“Princess,” I clip under my breath.

She blinks her long lashes at me while discreetly transferring the takeout to her friend’s arm. “It’s safe to make a quick stop, right?”

“I’d rather not risk it.”

“But we’re going to Haunted Harvest Haze. It’s tradition.”

Paisley gasps while Brody grunts. Even I comprehend the importance of that festival. Marion Benson and her slew of charitable foundations sponsored the annual event. This is the first time she won’t be in attendance. Defeat slides my eyes shut.

Delicate fingers walk up my shirt. “We’ll be extra careful, Stalker. And after Halloween, we’ll hit the road for the next jackpot or rodeo. See some other sights. Avoid the trouble chasing us. Stay in hiding a bit longer.”

“Fine,” I grit through clenched teeth.

Brody makes the sound of a whip cracking. “Say goodbye to your balls, Colt.”

My eyes don’t stray from the woman who owns a lot more of me than that. “She’s had them in her possession for five years.”

Bianca’s grin is the bratty version that brings me to my knees. “They’re in very good hands.”

“For fuck’s sake. Why are we still here? Dad!” Brody bellows across the small space. “Haul ass.”

Dennis stands, pointing at several folks around the table. “This isn’t over. I want a rematch.”

A guy with bushy eyebrows hoots hard enough to shake his big belly. “Just name the date, old timer.”

“And don’t forget your pocketbook,” another taunts.

Dennis chuckles while he approaches us. “What a riot. Thanks for introducing me to this goldmine. I’ll make a fortune off those fools.”

Bianca kisses his cheek. “Love you.”

My heart clenches. I’m desperate to hear those words from her. And more than that, the affection is so natural between them. The family bonds where I came from look very different.

Her dad loops an arm around her shoulders. “Love you, kiddo.” His gaze shifts to me. “Take care of her for us.”

“With my life,” I vow.

“Good man.” Dennis pats my back. “You’ve always been one of us, but it’ll be nice to make it official.”

Bianca is in the middle of saying goodbye to Paisley and Brody, but freezes. “Jeez, Dad. No pressure or anything.”

He scoffs while backing toward the door. “It’s a done deal, Bee. We all see it. Put the guy out of his misery.”

After another round of hugs and a few more reminders that we’ll see them soon, Bianca sends them off with a parting wave.

The energy in the room crackles as we stay behind.

A hot sensation prods at my back as if all eyes are on us.

I turn to reclaim my position along the wall where I have a clear view of people pretending to mind their own business.

“Looks like we’re alone again,” Bianca purrs. It takes her three muffled steps to reach me and press herself flush against my chest. “Now what, Stalker?”

I was about to suggest we kick rocks out of here, but my dick appreciates her close proximity. “This is fine.”

Her smile widens at my response. “Hungry?”

“Famished,” I croak.

She snatches a French fry from the burger basket still in her grip, lifting it to my lips. “Can I feed you?”

I open my mouth and chew automatically. It tastes like nothing. My palate is very particular, preferring a specific tangy honey flavor.

“More?” She has half of a cheeseburger suspended in midair.