Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
10
STRIKER
My woman is fuming mad and I haven’t even done anything yet. She frowns at me as she inspects my hand. It’s throbbing good since I connected clean with Tristan’s nose. Might’ve broken a knuckle or two. Hope I did. It’d be for a good cause. Defending my woman will always be worth it to me, no matter how many bones I break.
“Let’s get this cleaned up in the house,” Maisy says.
She gently tugs me back into the house and into my bathroom. She uses water to wash away the blood and peers at my discolored, swelling knuckles. “You didn’t have to hit him.”
Now, it’s my turn to be mad. “Nobody talks to you like that. I defend what’s mine, pearl, and you are mine. Forever and ever.”
When she looks at me, there’s a sheen of tears in her eyes. “I don’t want you getting hurt. I know he deserved it but you’re in pain now.”
“I’ll let you kiss it better,” I promise, my voice dropping a little deeper. I didn’t mean for the suggestion to come out like that, but there it is. This woman gets my cock going and I don’t imagine that’ll ever change.
“You’re mine too, you big caveman.” She applies ointment to my knuckles and blows softly to dry it on my skin.
Nothing romantic about the moment except that we look at each other at the same moment and share a smile. Maybe this is love, not always them fancy dinners or diamonds or any of that nonsense. It’s knowing she’s got my back and defending hers and patching each other up when it’s all over. It’s love, country style.
“Tristan won’t go away,” I warn her. I want her to understand why he’s going to keep coming for her.
“I meant what I said. I’m not marrying him.”
“Don’t matter. I’m not letting you either way,” I answer, meaning it. I’d fight that little weasel to the death for my woman. No one is putting their hands on her. She belongs to me. She’s property of Striker just like I’m property of Maisy. Don’t get more real than that.
She wraps my knuckles in a soft gauze bandage. It’s a contrast, watching her tiny light fingers work against my big, sun-darkened ones. “I’ve never understood why he wanted to marry me. I mean, he’s got other women on the side so he’s obviously not lonely.”
“He wanted your farm,” I tell her before launching into the whole story. I even tell her about the call with Nick.
“Did you know?” She asks when I’ve told her everything. We’re still in the bathroom but she’s sitting on the counter now. I like it when she sits there. Puts us about eye level so I can look into that pretty face while we talk. Never thought I’d be the kind of cowboy that likes talking but with this woman, I don’t mind it.
She repeats the question again because I got distracted staring at those pouty lips. “Did you know that Tristan wanted my family’s farm when you put me in your truck tonight?”
“Only thing I knew was that I wanted you and I was going crazy thinking of you being his. Figured…hell, I don’t know. Figured I’d find a way to convince you.”
She giggles, a soft sound that fills me with relief. Even after all she’s been through, she can still laugh. “Well, you did. Not gonna lie. The amazing sex went a long way toward convincing me.” She reaches for my zipper.
I put my hand over hers. I want that more than I want anything. But we still got some stuff to clear up. “You’re gonna marry me and live with me and carry my babies.”
She drops her hand. “I want that more than anything. But I’m about to lose everything financially. Are you sure you want to tie yourself to that?”
“Don’t you worry about a thing. I got enough money for both of us, the youngins, and even some left over for a big fat rock. Get you something real pretty and sparkly you can show off.”
She pins me with a look, like I’m a little boy telling tall tales. “Striker, I love you. But look around. You’re just as broke as me. Maybe a little bit more.” She shakes her head. “I don’t need money. I’m marrying the cowboy I love, and yeah, when the farm finally goes up for sale, I’m gonna cry. I’m losing my family’s legacy. But I’ll still have you and my brothers. Nothing matters more than that. I can even take on another job or something. I’ll figure out a way to make enough to keep them cared for.”
“Come here,” I pull her into my arms and carry her into my bedroom. I set her on the bed before I go to the dresser. I yank out the leather portfolio in my top drawer. Don’t reckon I understand what it says. But I know that my money keeps growing.