by Dakota Black
“Hmmm… Name rings a bell, but not certain why. Who is he?”
Camden shifted in his seat, his nerves remaining on edge. “He’s a rancher located just outside of El Paso. From what little I know about the man and his holdings, he owns a significant portion of land, over twenty thousand acres at least. He’s pushing to take over several of the smaller ranches at cheap prices, his methods more criminal than anything else.”
“Perfect. Just what we need in Texas, another asshole. Who is he to you?”
“Well…” He knew exactly what Mitchell was going to say. “I’m helping out at one of the ranches he’s trying to purchase and last night, a fire was started, complete with a set of explosives. I have a feeling Bart placed an inside man at the ranch, either spying or directly responsible for the various extortion methods.”
“Let me get this straight. You’re working at a dude ranch?” Mitchell held a lilt in his tone of voice.
Camden groaned. “Not a dude ranch. A working cattle ranch. Long story. Something is going on with this guy and I need to find out all his dirty secrets.”
“Sounds deplorable, Cam, but I still don’t understand why you need my help. Sounds like you should talk to the local sheriff.”
“Oil. There’s a strong belief with at least minimal evidence backing the idea that there is oil under several of the ranches. If that’s true, then given the proximity to the Steele site and the very interesting friends we know Mr. Steele continues to keep, we could be smack in the middle of a ruse without knowing the players.”
Mitchell exhaled. “Christ. You always know how to get in the middle of some shit, my friend. Who is the insider you’re talking about?”
“A Russian dude by the name of Drago Presidio. Heard through the grapevine that he’s an ex rigger. Shouldn’t be too hard to find his background. He pegged my true identity far too fast if you ask me.”
“Yeah. I can ask Nash. The man seems to know every rigger from several states.”
Camden hadn’t thought of questioning the employee who knew the area better than anyone. “Good idea. If Nash has zero knowledge of Drago, then maybe the guy is a total fake.”
“Anything is possible. Are you in any danger?”
“I don’t honestly know, but the owner certainly is and she’s in way over her head.
Mitchell chuckled. “She, huh?”
“Don’t start with me. I answered an ad. I had no idea what I was walking into.”
“Uh-huh. You need to come clean with me, Cam. I know you too well. Whatever is eating you has changed your entire personality. I’m your friend.”
“Just find out what you can. Will you do that for me?”
“I’ll let you know. Just keep out of trouble. You’re in enough already.”
Camden huffed. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
“Camden. I need to ask you something and I know that now isn’t the best time, but given your recent behavior, I have to do this in good conscious.”
“What?”
“That reporter? Tawny something, well she was back, insisting that she talk to you. Naturally, she ended up in my office. There were certain… things she said. Accusations I guess that made no sense.”
“Yeah, I know. She left me two messages.” Camden heard his heart thudding in his chest and beads of sweat began to drip down from his forehead. “What did she say?” He gritted his teeth.
“That you had another life that you’re not proud of. I assume she meant with Sarah, but she danced around the topic, leaving me with breadcrumbs. She said that soon the whole world would know. What is she talking about?”
He held his breath until he could speak normally. “I have no idea.”
“I’m really worried about you. I know you’re a big boy, but my gut tells me you’re in over your head. I am here, Camden. Whatever you need to tell me, I will listen and won’t judge.”
Yeah, until the man learned the entire story. “I know. Thank you for your help. Let’s talk later today if possible.”
“That’ll work. Take care of yourself.”
“Yeah.” Camden ended the call and held the phone to his head. As he shifted the gear into drive, he looked into the rearview mirror.
And could swear he saw Amber’s face. A cold shiver trickled down his spine. What they shared was over. Another complete fuck up in his life.
Chapter 7
Amber had stood at the kitchen window, staring at the truck as it drove off. His truck. The man she was falling hard for. What had she expected, that he’d come groveling? The man wasn’t that way. No, he’s dominating and rugged, sexy and thrilling. She rubbed her eyes and willed herself to walk away. Hours had passed and he wasn’t going to try and get her to change her mind. Perfect. She’d fucked up again.
She dropped her head, loathing the entire situation as well as her actions. Camden didn’t deserve her full wrath, at least not from hiding his identity. While she had trouble believing that he’d come here just to find himself, the haunted look in his eyes was one she’d never forget. The man was tortured.
“Are you going to actually talk or stare out the window the entire time I’m here?” Pepper walked behind her, peering over Amber’s shoulder.
Nudging her BFF, she let out a long and exasperated groan. “What have I gotten myself into?”
“Let’s take stock.” Pepper eased onto the edge of the counter, swinging her legs, swirling her glass of wine. “You let your guard down with a complete stranger, albeit one sexy cowboy, who you swear is trying to destroy you. You put a kink, no pun intended, into your rather sinful relationship with a brooding Russian, who obviously doesn’t like to play second fiddle. You’ve declared war with the most powerful man in town and you’re about ready to lose your ranch to a financial institution that you believe might be working for your enemy. Did I forget anything?”
Grabbing her wine, she almost dropped the glass. Her entire body was trembling but not from fear or even anger. Anxiety was kicking her in the ass, the level at the point she was close to having an attack. The entire situation had become overwhelming, let alone dangerous. “Love.” Had she actually spouted off the word, let alone the concept?
“Excuse me? You’re in love with the cowboy or the brooding Russian?”
“He’s not a cowboy.”
“Well, excuse me,” Pepper laughed. “And that didn’t answer the question. Do you actually think you’re in love with this Camden guy?”
She eased away from the window and leaned against the counter. “I don’t know. What we shared for just a few hours was amazing. He’s kind and sweet, funny and dominating all at the same time.”
“Yep. You’re in love. Your face is red and you’re panting like a school girl.”
“Ugh!”
“Exactly, since you told him to get the hell out of your life.” Pepper lifted her glass. “Here’s to you, Little Miss Sunshine. Such good work in a few days.”
“Don’t tease me. I have no idea what to do.” Amber was beginning to think she was losing her mind. When Pepper remained quiet, she glanced over her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“Fine. Better than fine. So, did the investigators say anything about the fire?”
Amber shrugged. “That the full investigation will take time. When I questioned the possibility of a bomb, the fire chief blew me off. I guess a girl wouldn’t know about such things.”
“A bomb.” Grinning, she took a sip of her wine. “The man obviously doesn’t know you very well.”
“And here I thought my reputation preceded me.” What Jorge had mentioned, given his conversation with Camden, had been more than enlightening and made perfect sense. However, the timing of the blast made it seem like the explosion was personal. Could Drago really be involved? Yeah, she could see the man working for the highest bidder.
Pepper moved her glass back and forth in her hands. “All kidding aside. What you found in your father’s things is the reason that good ol’ Bart wants your ranch. He owns everybo
dy in town. You need to look at your options very carefully.”
“I don’t know if what I found is anything more than my father’s fantasy. Don’t get me wrong, he loved the ranch, but if someone had suggested oil? He’d spend time determining the truth.” At least she had someone to confide in, even try and put the pieces of the puzzle together with.
“I remember how your father was. Did you go through everything? I’m happy to help if you need me to.”
Amber nodded. “I kinda want to do this by myself.”
“Oh. Okay. I understand.”
“My dad wasn’t the best record keeper and his methods were old school. A lot of hand written information, plus the graphs, some junk including keys. I don’t know what to make of everything.”
“But Camden is certain that the graphs depicted oil.”
“What if he’s a plant to throw me off?” Amber shrugged.
Pepper gave her a contorted face. “Would you listen to yourself? If Camden Dane, Mr. CEO of Rush Enterprises wanted to throw you off, he’d make you a decent offer on your ranch and you’d come to professional business terms. I spent a little time after you called looking up the company. Their reputation is stellar. They’ve had their share of issues, but there is nothing to indicate any wrong doing or criminal activity. In fact, just the opposite. However, he is a business man. Ever heard of Steele Industries?”
“Yeah. Mr. Steele and my father were old friends. I hated the man. I used to consider him a monster. He was terrible to his employees. My father used to tell me stories. I have no idea how he kept his company afloat for so many years.”
“We all heard them. Did you know that Rush purchased the site over a year ago and that all the horrible stories have gone away? And that the site is making tons of money?”
Amber looked at Pepper’s twinkling eyes. “So, the company is really on the up and up?”
“You bet. Why the man is here, I have no idea. Camden Dane is the most reclusive of the men involved. There is very little written about his private and personal life, except…” Pepper licked her glass.
“What?” She pointed her finger at her best friend. “If you know something, tell me.”
“There was a snippet of a story from a reporter yesterday morning about Rush. The new second headquarters is set to open and the article had some very odd language. Something about sins of the past. You know how reporters are. Claim to fame.”
She thought about what Camden had said to her and the way in which he’d said the words. What was he hiding? “The question that continues to bother me. If there’s really oil, why didn’t my father tell me directly?”
“Maybe because he knew you wouldn’t want to sell off any portion of the land but ask yourself this. What if you did? You have eight thousand acres, mostly unusable for ranching. What if you sold even a portion to get the bank off your back? You could even consider having another bank or investor take the note, thereby squelching any influence that Bart has.”
Amber frowned as she thought about the idea. “Not bad. How much land would I have to sell?”
“Honey, I’m a wedding planner, not an environmental engineer, but my guess is that if you tell Camden the truth, he might be able to help you. If. You. Dare.”
“Since when did you become a psychologist? In all your spare time?”
Pepper rolled her eyes as she jumped off the counter. “You need to talk to Camden. I don’t think you’re giving the man a fair shake.” She placed her hand on Amber’s arm. “Besides, Jorge is right that you need another person in your life that you can trust. He’s not going to be around for that much longer.”
Sadness crept into her mind as well as her heart. “I know. I can’t believe he’s dying.”
“Jorge is a tough old bird. He’ll hang on as long as you need him to, but for once, take my advice. Go see Camden. Don’t let him leave. You’ll never forgive yourself.”
“We have a party to plan for tomorrow. Notice I say ‘we’.” Amber tried to laugh, but the sounds was strangled, even fake.
“Along with planning ridiculously over-priced weddings, I also dabble in catering. I’ll plan the barbecue. You go see the love of your life.”
“And say what?” Love of her life. She’d sworn to herself that she wasn’t going to fall in love. Men were far too much trouble.
“You could try apologizing. I realize that’s not you, given you’re always right, but a handful of humility can work wonders for an opening conversation.”
Giving her friend the finger, she was forced to smile. “I was awful to him. Wasn’t I?”
“Terrible. You should ask for one of those spankings of yours. Penance. Isn’t that what you call it? Gifts work well too. My suggestion? Both.”
Amber shivered at the thought. Her mouth watered, her skin prickled. “What if he doesn’t accept?”
After taking a sip, Pepper winked. “Then. You. Beg.”
Camden stood at the river’s edge, his mind filled with memories, thoughts from the past. He had no idea how the reporter had found any information, or if she was bluffing, but the last thing he needed to have happen was Mitchell finding out from some blasted article. Leaving was in his best interest. Even though a part of him would be left at the ranch. His heart.
He wasn’t certain what he hoped Mitchell would find, but if there was a threat to Rush in addition to the various ranch owners, he would find a way to crush Randolph. Perhaps his anger could be used in a constructive manner. He glanced at the late afternoon sky. There would be no visit from Amber, no reconciliation. She’d made up her mind that he was her enemy.
At least he could still protect from afar. Somehow. Bart Randolph wanted her ranch and he had no doubt she needed the money. Selling would kill her.
After skipping a few rocks across the water’s surface, he wanted nothing more than a cold beer or two. Food? He couldn’t care less about. His muscles remained stiff, but the walk had actually eased some of the pain. Still, his gait was slow as he headed back to the cabin and was forced to admit, he’d grown almost fond of the aging little house. He snickered as he rounded the last corner, moving through the thick underbrush.
Stopping short, he studied the vehicle parked next to his truck. The small pickup was older and not one he’d seen around the ranch. Maybe it belonged to one of the ranch-hands. How nice. A visit. When he walked onto the porch, he was able to tell the cab of the truck was empty. And the front door was open a crack. A visit was one thing. Breaking and entering entirely something else.
Tamping back his anger, he moved forward with quiet steps and pushed open the door. “What the…” As he walked inside, he couldn’t have been more floored. There were candles lit in various corners and the small kitchen table had been cleared off, two plates and two wine glasses, along with gleaming silverware were placed with cloth napkins. He heard music coming from the kitchen, the lilting sounds of jazz music a surprise.
The scent of tomatoes and garlic wafted all throughout the small space, the delicious scents making his mouth water. “I don’t understand. Hello?”
He closed the door and stood with his back against the wood, inhaling once again. No one appeared but he sensed her presence, gathered a whiff of her exotic perfume. His cock was already hard, aching. As he walked further inside, he had no idea what to think. Out of the corner of his eye, he couldn’t have been more surprised seeing Amber coming toward him, her face pensive, her eyes darting back and forth.
“I knocked and waited,” she whispered.
“Breaking and entering is a crime in the parts where I come from.” Camden allowed a slight twang to slide into his voice.
“What happens to criminals in your parts?” Amber managed, a slight smile on her face.
He lifted his eyebrows as he rubbed his mouth. “They are usually severely punished.”
“Interesting.” She had a faraway look in her eyes. “The door was actually unlocked so I wasn’t breaking and entering.”
“Really? I guess I shoul
d be more careful.” His heart was racing.
“I brought gifts anyway, including dinner and wine, liquor and other treats. I wasn’t going to steal.” She moved out of the shadows. “I promise.”
“Other treats?”
“A bag full of them.” Her expression was wistful. Inviting.
Standing in a soft white dress, her feet bare, she was the most beautiful sight he’d seen in so very long. However, he refused to allow this to go any further. He didn’t want simply another round of intense sex. Going back to his life would be too difficult. “What are you doing here, Amber? I thought you wanted me to leave. Forever. I believe that’s what you told me.”
Amber’s breath sounds were labored, and she walked a few inches closer. “I did say that, and I meant the words at the time.”
“And now?” He clenched his fists and took a few steps toward her.
“I was a fool. I know that now.”
“Why? Why do you say that?” He was charged with adrenaline, every cell ready to break free from his skin. “I don’t want this unless you can trust me. That’s important. I hope you understand. Whatever you think of me, I guess you have your reasons, but I’m not a liar or a cheat. You can ask anyone.” The words seemed foreign to him. Maybe he was just trying to convince himself.
She looked away before wringing her hands and whispering. “I do trust you. I believe you and I want very much to be here. I don’t want you to leave, at least not now. Camden, I know you have another life, demons to fight. I was scared and hurt. I guess I still am.”
Camden wanted nothing more than to take her into his arms, hold her until the demons disappeared, but he was no fool. “And now?”
“I’m still terrified, but this is what I want. My father used to tell me that anything worth having means taking chances.”
His worry continuing, he allowed a strangled exhale to escape. “Your father was a wise man.”
“Besides, a little bird told me I was being an idiot.” Amber pressed the back of her hand across her mouth. “She was right. She usually is.”
