Roped In (Armed & Dangerous, #2)(11)

Getting to his feet, he glanced at me, then focused back on the task at hand. “Something I can help you with?” he muttered.

“I thought maybe, since we’re going to be stuck with each other for a while, we could talk. Our stories need to be consistent if we go out in public. I don’t know what all you know.” I said it nice and sweet, even though I wanted to take his hammer and slam it against his head.

He turned to me. “That’s the thing, Hollywood. I don’t know our story because I didn’t want to take this f*cking job. Just know this, I’m not going to kiss your ass because you’re famous.”

Sucking in a breath, I could feel the blood rushing to my face.

“You see me as a dirty, worthless cowboy who doesn’t know anything other than shoveling shit and playing in the dirt.” He stepped closer and I stumbled back, the look in his eyes making me tremble. “I’m a trained killer, princess. The government calls me in to solve cases they can’t. But yet, here I am . . . babysitting you. It’s a f*cking joke.”

My heart raced, anger boiling in my veins. “So keeping me safe is a joke? I’m here because Robert says you’re the best.” I laughed with no humor behind it. “I find myself wanting to explain who I am, but then I remember I don’t give a shit what you think of me. I didn’t want to leave my family and friends behind, believe me. If you want me gone, I’ll be glad to go. I refuse to be treated like shit when none of this was my fault.”

He studied me for a minute. A small smile appeared, making me shiver. “Actually, I don’t think I want you to go,” he said.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Oh yeah? Why is that?”

His grin grew wider. “I’m starting to think you might be good to have around. How about we trade services? I keep you safe, in return for a favor.”

“I’m not sleeping with you.”

He shook his head. “And there you go, assuming shit. I don’t need you to get a piece of ass, sweetheart. I can get that anywhere.”

“You probably do, too.” I grimaced. “Look, I don’t exactly need you either.”

“Great. Now that we have that settled, let’s get down to business. If you want me to keep you safe, you have to work for it. Chores around the ranch will do fine. However,” he started, glancing down at my manicured hands, “I don’t think those will stay pretty very long.”

I clenched my fists, hiding my long, pink nails. “Why don’t you just worry about keeping me safe and I’ll do what I have to do.”

With a devilish smirk, he looked into my eyes. I stared right back and didn’t waver. “You think you can handle the job?” he asked, his voice seductive and deep.

I stood up straighter. “I know I can. Just tell me what to do.” I wasn’t going to let him mock me.

“All right. Be up and ready to go at dawn. Let’s see what you’re made of.”





Blake

“Good morning, Mr. Evans,” Jerrod said, handing me a thermos.

I opened it up and took a deep breath. “Is this the coffee you were telling me about?”

He smiled wide. “Yep. My mom said you wanted to try it. My grandmother in Hawaii sends it to us. Supposedly, it’s the best.”

I took a sip. “I believe you’re right. Will you tell your mother thank you?”

He nodded. “Of course. She had to go in early to the hotel, but I’ll tell her this afternoon.”

Jerrod Kalani was fifteen years old and a hard worker. His mother had wanted me to hire him to keep him out of trouble. When he’d found out I was a cop, he got his act together quickly. It was fun telling him stories of my adventures undercover. I couldn’t wait to get back in that line of work again. Keeping the ranch up had taken me away from it all.

Jerrod started toward Snowflake’s stall. “Wait,” I called.

He turned around, furrowing his brows. “Is there something else you need me to do first? I have to make sure I get to school early so I can finish studying for my Algebra test.” Every morning, he’d come and help me in the barn, before getting ready for school. I never asked him to do it, but it was something he enjoyed. Plus, he got paid nicely for it.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Why don’t you go and study, instead of worrying about this today. I got it covered.”

“Are you sure?”

“Go.” I chuckled, waving him off. “And good luck on your test. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks.” He rushed to his bike and sped down the driveway. As soon as he was gone, the light in Hadley’s room turned on. I could see her silhouette through the sheer, white curtains.

I had to hand it to her, she knew how to fight back. For dinner last night, I’d placed a can of beans on the kitchen counter with a note that read, Enjoy. It was meant as a joke, but she’d opened them up and ate straight out of the can. I was impressed. For the rest of the night, I didn’t hear any more from her, other than the sound of her crying softly in her room. It made me feel like shit for being a dick to her.

It wasn’t long before the back door slammed against the side of the house. Judging by the sun peeking behind the mountains, she was right on time.

“I’m here,” she called out.