Page 18 of Take My Name

“Goddammit, Warren!” She hisses between her teeth. “Why do you make me be mean to you?”

“It’s my kink.” Shrugging, I wink before I untie Priest and guide him away from her.

“You’re seriously gonna leave right now?”

“I’m workin’, Maze!” I face her, my neck getting hot. “Did you expect me to drop everythin’ for you? I can’t just take a break because you finally returned after seven years.” My words come out harsh, but I can’t seem to stop the anger from pouring out.

“Fine. Let me go with you and we can talk while you”—she waves her arm toward Priest—“do whatever you’re doin’.”

“You’re gonna ride in those atrocious heels?” I raise a challenging brow.

“There’s extra boots in the tack room,” Bodie blurts, and I avert my gaze to his, hoping he sees the daggers I’m shooting at him.

“That works for me,” Maisie says.

“Fine,” I spit out between clenched teeth. “But you better keep up. I’m headin’ north to check the fence.”

“This ain’t my first rodeo, cowboy.” She plants her hands on her hips. “I’ve been on horses plenty of times before.”

“Coulda fooled me,” I say, scanning my eyes down her outfit again.

“Yes, I know I’m not dressed for it, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do it.”

I shake my head, taking the boots from Bodie when he brings them over. “As long as you don’t complain about ’em gettin’ dirty or some shit.”

“I’m not the stuck-up city girl you think I am. I can handle it.”

I nod toward the stall behind her. “Lean back and gimme your foot.”

She furrows her brows until I’m kneeling in front of her, motioning for her to lift a heel.

When she does, I pull off her shoe and slide on the boot, then stare up at her while she watches me tighten the strings.

She swallows hard when we don’t break eye contact. “I coulda done this myself.”

Instead of responding, I finish that boot and then set it down.

“Next one.”

Licking her lips, she lifts her other foot, and I go through the same process. Except this time, I keep my eyes transfixed on hers while my fingers do the work.

There’s a thickness in the air and it’s not from the dust blowing up.

“How do they feel?” I ask once both feet are on the ground.

She shifts from side to side. “They’ll do.”

I stand and find a horse for her to ride.

“This is Lilith,” I tell her, shifting my gaze to Bodie, who’s shaking his head at me for giving her the demon horse. “Do you remember how to put on a saddle?”

“I’m sure I’ll figure it out,” she bites out.

Bodie returns with more tack, and we watch as she fumbles her way through attaching it. Every time she attempts to put the bit in Lilith’s mouth, she gets nipped.

“Should we help her?” He leans over and whispers.

“Nope,” I pop out the word, keeping my attention on her.