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Dustin

Is Nash gonna be good with that?

Diamond

Nash has nothing to do with this. We took care of business long before he came to Saddle. Just because we’re dating doesn’t mean that I’m losing my nerve, pretty boy

Dustin

Glad to hear it

Sapphire

We ride at dawn

Diamond

No, we’re not riding at dawn. We’re talking about this and where we go from there. I don’t know about you, but I smell a rat in all of this

Jade

Come to think of it, I could’ve sworn I saw a Devilhead’s patch, but I could be mistaken. There was a chick, though, bc I saw her ponytail

Diamond

Not the first time those bitches teamed up with Crow knuckleheads. They won’t wanna fuck with me or Saddle. I have a damn army at my disposal if and when I need it

Diamond isn’t kidding.

Not only does she have alliances with The Ridgehaven Hellions in Mississippi, but also the Blackstone Backroad Bandits here in Texas, plus the NOLA Rebels in New Orleans. She’s not kidding about an army.

I’m not usually included in club meetings, only when it has to do with the ranch, or the horses, cattle, or maintenance. I stay out of club business unless I’m called upon because, frankly, Diamond and all the women know what they’re doing. They don’t need some fucking white knight riding in to save the day just because he has a penis. These chicks can hold their own with the best of men.

Once the front gates part to let us through, Tilly parks around the back. Gem waves at us from her post, and we wave back. Ever since Lanzetti moved in, there is someone on the gate. Plus, Ruby has been instrumental in monitoring surveillance after we stepped things up. As the VP and Diamond’s right-hand woman, she likes to be on top of everything.

“Sorry, I didn’t get to buy you chestnuts,” I say ruefully.

I’m stunned when she slides her hand into mine. I look down at her small palm. She’s warm, despite the chill in the air, and she’s still wearing my fucking jacket.

My mouth is dry, and all of a sudden, I’m lost for words.

“Your place,” she replies. “Now.”

My lips part, but she’s already tugging me across the asphalt, over to my cabin, nestled behind the stables.

“Are you okay, baby girl?”

But it’s like she didn’t hear me, and hey, I’m not complaining. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a woman at my place, and never one I’m falling in love with. This? Oh yeah, I could get used to this.

CHAPTER 7

JADE

I don’t know what possesses me to drag him away from the main house, but I’m done hiding my feelings. If tonight is anything to go by, I’d say so is he.

The way he pushed me out of the way, then dived on top of me to ensure I wouldn’t get hurt, makes my eyes sting with unshed tears.

The way he ran around protecting everyone, caring for the injured, wanting to get revenge.