The Rider's Dangerous Embrace (An Interracial Bad Boy Romance Story) (6 page)

“It is almost five miles total between the Equine and Bull Riding Facility. We have some time. The men will be glad to see the new owner. Try to act like you know the area. Bonus points for any names you remember. Accurately, that is.” He was serious as he explained this to her, but it still stung.

Her blood boiled and she pushed away from him, trying to escape to the other side of the cab but he held tight. Luke must have read her mood, because he responded to her body language.

“Jayda, I’m trying to help. You know you’re in need of some. Accept it.” Luke pulled her closer and held her a bit tighter, even though the road had evened out.

She let it drop and they drove a couple of more miles in silence. He was right and she knew it. But it didn’t make it any less irritating. But why was he helping her? What was his motive? She would find out, she resolved, she just had to bide her time.

“I know you’re helping. I’m sorry.” It grated against her ears, even as she said it. “I’m just trying to get used to all of this. It isn’t exactly what I signed up for.”

She saw him try to hold back a smile at her irritation, but he failed.

“If I’m going to work with you, you have to be in charge. Not Thomas. Not any of the men who work for you. You. You are John Rivers’s daughter. Not some lady off the street. You were born into this business. It is yours.”

“So are you going to join?” She asked. Jayda should have waited, and she knew it, but her victory was so close she could taste it.

“So long as you take over, take charge. Yes. I’ll work for you.” He let her have her victory, pretending not to notice as she grinned widely. She knew what he was about. What she didn’t know was why. “But you can’t let it fall out of your hands, you can’t manage from afar like you have been these past few months.”

She was quiet, savoring her victory, but he spoke up, his tone informative and not at all emotional like it was a moment ago.

“The land on both sides belongs to you, by the way. It’s part of a series of ranches you own. A lot of, well, those of us who are not being independently financed by our parents, work these ranches. Even the ones you sponsor. We don’t like to be beholden to anybody, and if we can work for it, we will.”

“What about you?”

“I train here. I work here. But I don’t, didn’t, want to be beholden to anyone. I’ve been working on them for a bit myself, getting paid, and using that to help pay for the training facility. But I work on the grounds too. It lets them feed their families, pay their rent when rodeos ain’t winnin’ the bread. Thomas and John did us a solid. But lately…” Luke trailed off.

“But lately what?”

“Prices have been going up and wages have been going down. It doesn’t bode well for the riders’ moods.”

“I never signed off on that.”

“Yeah, well. Who did?” He shrugged and before she could reply he continued. “It doesn’t matter. They’ll be polite, but don’t expect friendly. And no. It wasn’t Thomas who signed that through, I already talked to him about it. Said it came from higher up.”

She was the higher up. Why would he say that? Apparently someone had been taking liberties. She made a mental note to start a chain of inquiries. She would personally see that it was reversed as soon as possible.

Luke pulled into a long driveway on the left. She could see a building in the distance, it was well groomed with a nice landscaped look. It had to be the office. Beyond that were metal corrals, filled with practice bulls and riders.

There were men everywhere; this early in the morning her grounds were teaming with people moving about. Their day began long before anyone in a white collar. And it lasted longer. The contrast to the gentle morning she witnessed just minutes before was stark.

Luke swung his truck right up to the office. No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t help but look over at him, trying to catch glimpses of him when he wasn’t looking.

“Well, Rodeo Princess, you ready to meet your subjects?”

She rolled her eyes and pushed herself away from him one final time, using a great deal of her strength. Except there was no resistance. She flung herself across the cab and hit the door with the force of her push. His playful smile returned. That man was making her crazy and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to fling herself into his arms and kiss him or punch him.

Jayda straightened herself and refused to let him get a rise out of her. Opening her door, she slid out and jumped to the ground, her boots hitting the soft dirt. Her body bounced, each curve moving with her. It was same dirt her father’s boots must have hit dozens of times. She felt the urge to straighten the hat that she wasn’t wearing, just like he always did and march into that office.

Instead, she sucked in a breath.

“So, my fearless leader, where first?” She stood just a little too close and breathed him in. It had the same intoxicating effect as it had last night. The same musky scent wafted up to her nose and sent surges down her body. Another reminder of last night’s interlude. Damn olfactory nerves.

“The office. Got someone here you need to meet.”

The men watched her. Their eyes were glued as she walked along the pathway. It was unsettling. They were oblivious to who she was, of course, she knew that. They knew John had a daughter, but none of them knew who she was. Or that she was black.

To them she was just a beautiful woman swaying and moving as she walked, all they knew was that she was a distraction. But if they couldn’t keep their eyes in the sockets, whose fault was that? Not hers.

She set her jaw as one of those distracted men met her eyes. He was older, early forties, a bit of gray grabbing at his temples and his goatee, but not a wrinkle in sight from her point of view. Maybe because as her mother always said “Black don’t crack”. This man was a handsome shade of Mocha that she gravitated to.

She felt the urge to inspect closer but stayed herself. She stopped following Luke, her eyes locked on the salt and pepper hottie.

Damn, are they all hot?
Her thoughts were always getting herself in trouble. She wasn’t sure what was happening with her and Luke but the slightly silver fox sure had caught her eye.

Until he opened his mouth.

“Daniels, you turn around and get that exotic Buckle Bunny right back in that truck and out of here. I told you, no girlfriends. I thought I made that abundantly clear after what happened with that Jeffery’s girl last summer. Get her out of here.” Foxy, as she dubbed him in her head, barked at Luke. Such fire, he must be the one in charge.

He was pissed. But at that moment so was she. Exotic Buckle Bunny? Really?

“Excuse me…” She tried to interject, her tone giving him a clear understanding of her irritation.

“Not now, honey. I’m sure you have a great story about why you need to be the exception but…” Oh, he put on a voice like he was the boss, but she couldn’t help it. She let him continue his tirade until he was done.

Wow he gets more grating by the moment. Still can’t stop staring at his biceps…

She cleared her throat and interrupted him. “I’m here because I own the place.”

“You what?” He stopped and squinted at her.

“Own it. I’m Jayda Rivers.” She stood up straight and looked him right in the eye. “John’s daughter.”

“I didn’t know…”

“Surely you knew he had a daughter. I’m guessing you didn’t know she was a sister?” All the snark loaded into one comment, but if he was offended, he didn’t let it show.

She had to fight the urge to giggle when she saw his face. He knew exactly who she was and what she meant. And he had put his foot in it. To his credit, he recovered quickly. He put a hand out for her to shake.

“Dustin, Dustin Snow. I’m a friend of your dad’s.” He waited just a tad longer, so she shook his hand. It was strong. Firm. Another set of strong hands she wondered about. She tried to shake the thought but it was too late. Her lips got a bit of color and her face felt hot, she didn’t blush the way a white woman did, but she was light enough that some red flushed her face and her ears.

Hope no one notices.

She shot a sideways glance in Luke’s direction.

Shit.

He definitely noticed. His jaw was clenched and he was looking at Dustin with the same intensity he had on his face when he was about to jump out of the gate on a bull. With no mercy. The tension emanating from him sent shivers down her spine.

“I apologize, a woman causes distractions. A man trying to show off. It could cost a life.” He didn’t back down. Dustin was strong, and also a natural leader. She liked that in a man.

Luke fidgeted next to her but didn’t say anything.

“Sounds like your men need to control themselves a little better. I’m not in the business of slut-shaming, Mr. Snow.” She set her shoulders and met him toe to toe.

“I don’t disagree, but that doesn’t make it a reality. I don’t blame the women, I blame the men and their foolishness. Business is business, Ms. Rivers. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to sign that insurance report.”

“You have me there. We can discuss gender politics another time. I just want to see my operation.” She smiled at him, turning off her calculated businesswoman approach and moving into a more relaxed gear.

“That’s fine, let’s just get you into the office so that we can get you into something a little safer, if you are going to be around the bulls.” He kept his jaw hard but there was a twinkle in his eye as he walked towards the office.

Just as she started to follow Luke grabbed her arm.

“Give us a minute, will ya, Dustin?” Luke asked, pulling her aside.

She humored him, trying to keep calm while his hand was on her. Being directed and controlled, it wasn’t something that would win Luke points. At least, not in this way.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?” Luke growled as he jerked her towards him and then let her go.

“What do you mean?” She feigned innocence as she looked until into his eyes.

“Can’t you see that I am standing right next to you while you throw yourself at my boss?”

“I am your boss.” She crossed her arms and looked at him.

“Yeah, right. Besides, Dustin is like fifteen years older than you.” He was dismissive but the clouds in his eyes continued with their storm.

She couldn’t help it, she had to bait him. “Who says I’m interested?”

“Your whole body is saying it,” He growled. He wasn’t disgusted, she realized. He was worried. Jealous.

“Look, I don’t know what you are trying to prove, that you are protective, or something. I dunno, some white knight? Let me explain something. I’m my own person, Luke. I make my own decisions. Live my own life. You don’t own me.”

Luke grabbed her by the shoulders, swooping down and taking her lips hostage. His kiss was strong, his lips hard against her own, possessive. So different from the one last night. The one that left her wanting more.

He didn’t stop there, though. He forced her lips open and slid his tongue past her teeth. Damn, he felt good. She let herself get swept up in him, wrapping her own arms around his neck and leaning into his kiss.

He pushed her away just as abruptly.

He stormed away from her and into the office. She couldn’t help but watch his ass sway as he walked. Angry or not, the man was sexy. Luke was autumn to Dustin’s winter.

***

Jayda followed him into that office. It was just Luke and her standing in the main room. It was clean and organized, a file cabinet next to the desk, a row of jackets. She peeked into the adjoining room at a set of lockers that she assumed was filled with equipment. So Salt and Pepper was a neat freak. Contrary to what she thought, all men didn’t have the organization of her father.

“Okay, so you need to wear a vest and a helmet if you are going to get within 50 feet of the practice bulls,” Dustin’s voice echoed, “Insurance and whatnot, but you know this already, I am sure.”

Where is he?
Her mind was anywhere else, and she knew it was dangerous.

Craning her neck, Jayda peaked around into that room with the lockers. She couldn’t see him before but now she got a good look of his ass as he was bent over, head first between those metal walls reaching into the locker. The jean fabric was tight as he bent down, those cowboy jeans fitting just right.

“You think you could sign a few documents for me while you’re here?” He asked, as he popped back up with a helmet and a safety vest. “I was going to send them over, but since you’re here. I figure, it might be a good time to get it out of the way.”

He may have aged out of riding condition, but damn was he still in shape. She bit her lip as she watched that tight ass bob around while he was digging for equipment. God almighty, he’s fine.

Luke brought her back into the real world with a quick clear of the throat and a hand on the small of her back. Tendrils of pleasure and warmth spread out from his fingers, taking root in her body. A subtle reminder that he was there, and that he wanted her. Even if just for a bit a fun. The sexual charge was enough for her to forget where she was and beg him to take her to bed. She sidestepped him, hoping that the break in contact would bring her back to her senses.

“Ah, here we are,” Dustin emerged from the lockers and walked towards her with a vest and helmet that were clearly new. “Your father had them made for you about 10 months ago, when he figured you would be taking over soon.”

Dustin cleared his throat and looked at her. There was no pity in his eyes. Only admiration. She inspected the equipment. They were custom fit to her, black with pink writing. Tacky, not really her style, like a ditsy buckle bunny. A private joke between her and her father. She bit back the tears that were threatening to make their way out of her and down her face.

“Thanks, Dustin.” She said, shrugging them off with a laugh.

“Anything I can do for ya, ma’am. Anything at all.” His gaze lingered over her, just a moment too long.

Luke shot him a look. Dustin just winked at him. And stepped a little closer to her.

She liked the attention, truth be told. Something about testosterone filled men staring each other down over her thrilled her. Even if it was outdated and a bit backwards.

“I get you.” Was all that he said to Luke, nodding. He hovered close to her for a moment before moving over to his desk, sitting down and looking up at the two of them. Dustin’s tone shifted, his mouth turning down. He had capitulated.

“I suppose you can take her around, huh, Luke? I got work to do and you seem keen on hanging tight to her. So show her the place.” Dustin opened up a book right on his desk and got to work, not even bothering to look up at the two of them.

Jayda couldn’t help it. She pouted.

“Come on, Jayda. Let’s go.” Luke placed his hand back on the small of her back and his grip strengthened as he guided her away from Dustin and through the door.

“If you’re trying to make me jealous, it worked.” He whispered in her ear once they were out.

“Why would you assume such a thing?” A smile played on her lips as she walked past him, breaking contact once again. She walked up to the practice corrals just as a man let out of the gate. He only lasted for a couple of seconds before he flew off, his ass hitting the ground. He was up like a shot and out of the arena before she could even get worried. Hands were there, corralling the bull back through the intricate fencing that led to his pen.

One by one Jayda watched different men ride bulls, following the same routine. They got up, rode, spoke to a coach, rested and went again. All training and looking at the bulls, trying to figure out how to read them and adjust to them. It reminded her of her father’s life. Of a life that she once wished she could have. Until she realized the grueling pace and the likelihood that she would end up bankrupt.

Despite wearing the least attractive outfit ever men were openly gawking at her, their eyes taking in everything but her own. Sometimes men could be so dense, it was like they didn’t think she would notice because as soon as she made eye contact with a face they quickly turned their gaze elsewhere. The open leering made her feel like she didn’t belong, more than ever. Judging from the look on Luke’s face, he also didn’t appreciate the way the men were looking at her.

“So, what do you think of the facilities?” Luke shifted uneasily next to her. His hand hesitated on the small of her back but he put it down at his side.

“I think they serve their purpose well. The men seem to appreciate the space, and they also seem to like the competition. Updates suggested?” Jayda tried to remain calm as she faced him, but then another man caught her eye as he suddenly turned away.

“I’m just a farmhand and a rider, you might want to talk to Dustin about that.” The edge in his tone let her know that he was irritable, but not just about Dustin. He noticed it too.

“I just might. But from a rider’s perspective…”

He cut her off, “More corrals, more space. Maybe some new practice bulls. You know, might help bring in some clientele.” He ticked the major things off with his fingers.

“I see. Anything else?” She pursed her lips and tried to hide a smile. He couldn’t help acting like he was in charge.

“Updated safety measures. Maybe make the upgrades that the inspector always advocates for. Even if they aren’t mandatory.”

She tried to take a mental note of what he was saying, but the feeling of eyes on her back was making her a little edgy. She turned back to watch another rider leap on a bull, getting lost in the motions, trying to ignore the curiosity that buzzed around her.