Page 37 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

T wo days later, we arrive in Cloverleaf Meadows with a trailer full of horses and irrational desire thrumming between us. The latter might be one-sided. Bianca appears content in her bubble of chaos as I test every traffic law along the way. I’m ravenous for her. Constantly.

My palm squeezes her thigh for the tenth time in as many minutes. She doesn’t stop crocheting while smiling over at me. Whatever she’s making has her full attention until we’re pulling into Benson Farmstead.

It doesn’t take long for us to unload the horses and detach the trailer. Spud makes friends with his numerous siblings. Their chorus of barks trail us around the compound as we search for Bianca’s family.

“Guess they’re busy,” she sighs.

My eyes cast around the quiet stables. “It’s the middle of the workday.”

Her gaze narrows on me. “Are you still getting paid to watch me?”

“I don’t prefer to think about my job like that.”

Bianca leans close. “Now that we’re doing it? Mhmm, seems like a Human Resources nightmare.”

“My position is head of security for the company. It’s very broad and includes many duties. I just happen to spend most of my hours stuck to your ass like those jeans.”

She spanks herself. “Can’t say I blame you. And for the record, I’m not complaining. Let’s go.”

“Where to?” But I’m already following her to Fern.

“Camp Cloverleaf.”

That stops me short. “No.”

She whirls like a ballerina, but her glare belongs in a cage match. “Yes.”

“It’s not safe,” I argue.

Her scoff calls me an idiot. “Seriously, Stalker? It’s a therapeutic establishment for children. Do you honestly think someone is going to attack me while I’m surrounded by families?”

“Already happened.”

I’d always considered it a low threat level until her last shift. The woman that confronted her in the barn remains a mystery, which marks the spot as dangerous. That’s one reason I made the decision to whisk her away to the other house. Unfortunately, Bianca doesn’t share the same concern.

Her hands park on her hips. “I love you, but I’m not a pushover. Either take me or I’ll go alone.”

That’s how I find myself scouring the outdoor portion of the camp fifteen minutes later.

My focus rakes over crowded paths and tables that are set between the corrals.

There are too many people. Any number of them could be on my father’s payroll.

This heavy sense of dread sits in my stomach like a cinderblock.

It overshadows the insatiable urge to be buried in her pussy.

“Relax. It’s just for a quick visit,” Bianca assures me.

Which turns into an hour faster than my continuous scan of the area can track. She fusses over every kid and animal she comes across. We don’t make it a single step without her finding a reason to stop. It’s obvious she’s adored by this community, but it only takes one individual to change that.

Bianca slides her hand into mine, which eases an ounce of the pressure off my chest. “Are you okay?”

“I will be once we leave.”

Her compassion melts into a frown. “What happened to looking on the bright side?”

My stoic mask doesn’t slip. “That’s easier to do when we’re in a secure location.”

She studies my expression. “You haven’t smiled since we arrived back in town.”

“Those are few, far between, and reserved for you during happy circumstances.” Which doesn’t describe this congested setting.

Her mouth stoops lower. “Did your father get released from the hospital?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Then what are you so worried about?”

“He’s still alive,” I deadpan. “That makes me uneasy.”

“I suppose that’s… fair. Do you think he’s that determined to get at you?”

My gut tightens. “I’m not sure what he’s capable of in his condition. The promise of death might make him desperate.”

“What does he want from you?”

That’s the million-dollar question. “At this point, it’s tough to say. Respect? Loyalty? Some bizarre, misguided sense of passing the torch?”

She snorts. “He’s delulu.”

“Which is what scares me.”

“We’ll deal with whatever he tries to toss at us. But until then, try to relax. Nothing is amiss,” she insists.

Another glance across the picturesque grounds proves her words. It’s quiet and peaceful. There aren’t any obvious suspects lurking in the shadows under the colorful trees. Nobody is watching us.

“Oh, look. It’s the happy couple.”

I turn to the masculine voice, pushing Bianca behind me. My fight reflexes calm at the sight of Byron and his daughter approaching. Ronnie rushes straight at Bianca, cinching her legs in a fierce hug. There’s a desperation in the child’s grip.

“Have you seen my new mommy?”

Bianca blinks at the little girl before lifting her gaze to her cousin. “Are you seeing someone?”

“Uh, no.” Byron scrubs the back of his neck. “She’s talking about the redhead in leather.”

“My new mommy is a superhero,” Ronnie breathes.

Her father looks pained. “What have I said about calling her that?”

His daughter huffs. “She’s gonna love me once I find her. It’s the longest game of hide and seek ever.”

Byron looks to us for help. “I’m not sure what to do. Ronnie has built this woman up to be Taylor Swift, but I’m no Travis Kelce.”

Bianca rolls her lips between her teeth to stifle a laugh. “Mhmm, I can see that. No offense, cuz.” Her gaze returns to Ronnie. “Superheroes are really busy fighting crime. If that woman we saw is a superhero, you might not see her for a long while. Especially if she’s locked up. Fingers crossed.”

The little girl gasps. “You think she’s captured in a super tall tower? What if she’s cursed and sleeping? Or chained to dragons that breathe fire?”

I rock on my heels, trying to follow the swerve in storyline. But I’m not one to judge.

“We can only hope she’s locked up tight,” Bianca mumbles. She’s holding a mean—and rightful—grudge.

“Daddy!” Ronnie appears horrified as tears collect in her eyes. “You gotta save her!”

Byron pinches the bridge of his nose. “Thanks a lot, Bee.”

“You’re welcome. My bill will be in the mail.” Bianca tips toward her cousin and whispers, “But seriously, maybe mention this strange attachment to the therapists here. It’s not a good one for her to have. They might have some advice.”

“She’s met with every single specialist and hasn’t clicked with one. I’ve reached out to countless other clinics. The waitlists for kids’ mental health services are months long. There’s a counselor at school, but the sessions with her are very minimal.”

Bianca winces. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Hunt down this enchantress and get her to undo the spell. I’ve been tangled in trouble since she vanished without a trace.”

Brooding silence is my preferred status unless in the comfort of my inner circle, but this situation calls for reinforcements. “If she’s affiliated with my father, you don’t want her anywhere near you. Just forget about her.”

Ronnie’s bottom lip wobbles. “But I’m gonna love her forever.”

Her dad exhales. The sound is weary to match the dark circles under his eyes. “You don’t even know her name, cupcake.”

“I don’t care!” And then she runs away.

Byron immediately follows, calling her name. Two staff members give chase as well. The three adults catch up to the little girl at the playground.

“Breaks my heart.” Bianca is rubbing her chest. “I think Byron needs help with her.”

“Do you wanna go over there?” My skills in the child department are zero, but I’ll tag along regardless.

“No, I mean in general. It’s gotten more challenging as Ronnie gets older. He might be struggling to adapt to her recent changes in attitude.”

I scratch at my stubble. “Sounds slightly familiar in a completely different scenario if the roles were reversed.”

She pins me with a narrowed stare. “What’re you trying to say?”

“Gotcha.” I lasso an arm around her waist and crush her to me.

“In spite of your outrageous demands.”

My palm cups her cheek. “See? You get it.”

“That was a stretch.”

“Wasn’t sure what else to say.” The heat rising in my face could be caused by the wind. “Empathy doesn’t exist where I come from.”

She bumps her forehead on my chest. “Gosh, I’m so sorry. You’re listening to me prattle on about small problems when you were raised in horrific conditions.”

“Princess,” I chide and her gaze lifts to mine. “Don’t apologize. That’s not what I need from you. Just be patient with me in these types of situations where you’re expecting sensitivity.”

Her caring gaze assesses mine. “Who’s been taking care of you this whole time?”

“Doesn’t matter. I ended up exactly where I wanted to be.” My shrug pretends to be casual and carefree.

Bianca loops her arms around my shoulders. “Allow me to fill the position.”

“It’s yours whether you want it or not,” I chuckle softly.

“You’re a great man, Colton Keller.”

Warmth travels through my veins, bending me to her every whim. “And Byron seems like a good dad. Better than most. And if he needs support, your family won’t hesitate to stand beside him.”

She nods, a soft smile returning to her beautiful features. “We stick together.”

“It’s incredible to watch.”

Her brows pucker at my solemn tone. “You’re one of us, Stalker. My dad and Brody have made that clear for years.”

I tug her tighter against me. “What about you?”

Bianca laughs, peppering kisses along my jaw. “I took more convincing, but I’m sold.”

That odd, uplifting sensation spreads through me when she peers up at me. It’s as if I truly belong. “Are we done here?”

She bites her bottom lip. “Is there somewhere else you need to be?”

“Inside you,” I murmur against her mouth.

Her grin caresses mine. “What a coincidence. That’s exactly where I want you.”

“We’re very compatible.”

Bianca threads her fingers through mine, tugging us toward the exit. “Mhmm, and you don’t think you’re in touch with other people’s emotions.”

“Just yours, baby girl.”

We’re in a crowded area full of recognizable gossips, but she doesn’t hesitate to initiate another public display. I bask in her joy when she glues herself to my side. Mutual affection pulses between us. It’s a connection I didn’t understand until meeting Bianca.

My much taller height towers over hers, but I bend to kiss her forehead. “I know what love feels like because of you.”