Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69098 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69098 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“I even have my own cabin,” Ronan murmurs. “Over there. I’d be, uh, happy to show you or your dad or whomever.”
I frown at my brother, confused at his awkwardness.
“All the boys around here get their own place,” I grumble to Logan. “If you’re a girl, you just wait to get married off so you’ll become someone else’s problem.”
Dad remains where he’s at but doesn’t miss my snarky words. “Raegan.”
Ignoring his warning tone, I turn to CJ. “I may not have my own cabin, but I could show you my room.”
CJ jerks his head toward my father, eyes wide with terror. “Eh, maybe that’s a bad idea.”
“Just a suggestion,” I say sweetly.
Logan chuckles at our antics. “When CJ’s dad, Owen, gets here, he won’t let him out of his sight. These two knuckleheads are in a world of shit for approaching you guys back there at the creek. Sorry, sweetheart, but your attempt to piss off your father through my cousin won’t be happening.”
Ronan smirks at me. Now it’s my turn to flush with humiliation. I’m used to Ryder driving me insane, but not Ronan. Never Ronan. Ever since he met Logan, it’s like he’s under the guy’s spell, ready to make him his new best friend.
Jealousy prickles under my skin. I have the urge to step between Ronan and Logan but refrain, barely.
“Got any more of that liquor?” I mutter under my breath just loud enough for CJ to hear.
His grin is wolfish. “Jace does. Need a drink, pretty girl?”
I warm under his praise. He thinks I’m pretty. Besides Dad, I don’t think anyone’s ever called me pretty before. Certainly not Wild—my supposed “future husband.”
“Badly,” I say, smiling back. “Want to see our goat?” Then I raise my voice so my father can hear. “I’m going to show them Fleabag. Don’t worry, you can still see me.”
Dad’s eyes narrow, but he gives me a slight nod. A thrill shivers down my spine knowing I finally, finally have gotten some freedom. Who knew? All I had to do was blow up and yell at everyone. Good to know for the future.
Ronan remains planted firmly at Logan’s side, much to my annoyance, but as me, CJ, and Jace start toward Fleabag’s pen, Ryder stalks toward us. So much for getting a moment away alone. I glower at my brother, warning him not to be an asshole. He gives me a flat, emotionless stare that boils my blood. Asshole it is.
“You guys really do have an awesome place,” Jace says, gesturing at our fenced-in land. “I bet it sure beats sleeping in tents.”
“Maybe you can stay,” I suggest, ignoring Ryder’s scoff. “Get on Dad’s good side and I bet he would let you build nearby. He and Mom are grooming me to be a wife. Maybe I’ll marry one of you two. Then they’ll have to let you live near us.”
“Dibs,” CJ says, cackling with laughter. “I saw you first.”
Plus, he called me pretty girl.
“You can both court me,” I tease, grinning at CJ.
“This isn’t a dumb historical romance novel,” Ryder growls. “Stop being so careless and stupid.”
His words hurt, but I don’t let it show. I pretend he didn’t even speak, choosing to run ahead to Fleabag’s pen. Our goat is gray and loud like the rest of our family. She bleats upon our arrival, eager to see us.
I reach over the fencing around the pen to scratch her head before motioning for the guys to follow me to the other side of Fleabag’s house. Leaning up against the back side of it, I stare off toward the wooden fence that keeps our property safe.
“We’ll have to be discreet,” I say, urging CJ to come stand beside me. “Don’t let my dad see the bottle.”
Jace and CJ sidle up beside me and then Jace slides the bottle my way. I sneak a drink and then sputter on the nasty liquid, once again earning me laughter from the guys.
Well, not Ryder.
He comes to stand directly in front of me, arms crossed over his chest, watching me through narrowed eyes. Maybe CJ’s sister, Mya, will interest him and distract him from being a prick. He can get his penis hard all he wants and make a million babies with her. I’m sure my parents will be so proud since that’s all they care about.
CJ nudges his thigh against mine, making goose bumps rise along my skin. He leans near me, his hot breath tickling my neck. “I’m glad I found you in the woods, pretty girl.”
I melt at his words.
“Me too,” I say, flashing him a small smile.
I make the mistake of looking at my brother, who vibrates with anger. His nostrils flare and he loudly cracks his neck, all in some stupid show to scare off my new friends.
Luckily, CJ is oblivious to Ryder.