A Solemn Creed (Texas Oil Book 5)

by Dakota Black

  Amber stood with one hand in her pocket, the other wrapped around the small key. Her face was pensive, her eyes unblinking. “I can do this.”

  Camden leaned against the other safety deposit boxes, remaining quiet. While she’d insisted that he come inside the bank, he knew her personality well enough to allow her space. Time to process. He thought about his last conversation with Mitchell and was no longer certain the option was the best solution. Or if he could get behind the objective. “Yes, you can.”

  She gave him a slight smile and held the key in front of her face before sliding the tip into the lock, inhaling before turning the key. A slight snap meant the mechanism had been unlocked. She allowed the slow breath to escape before pulling on the box.

  He helped her ease the metal onto the adjacent table then backed away.

  After another hesitation, she lifted the lid. “Here goes nothing.”

  From where he stood, he could see a large brown envelope, the flap sealed.

  Amber eased the package from the tight space, turning it over. There were no markings. After peering into the box, she placed the envelope on the table and took a step back. “We found what we needed. I’ll look at the contents on the way.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. We should get on the road. I have until Friday to secure a twenty-thousand-dollar payment for the ranch or the bank will begin foreclosure proceedings.”

  Camden sighed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  She slapped the lid shut. “Because I need to find a way to deal with this. I don’t want handouts or charity.”

  He also knew better than to push her, but her words and the meaning were another jab. The proposal could be considered nothing but another betrayal. “Then we have our work cut out for us.” He grabbed the box, sliding it back into place. A nervous tic appeared on the corner of his mouth and he knew he should come clean here, before embarking on a long and possibly arduous trip, but in truth, he wanted her away from the damaging influences, her day-to-day fears.

  The simple truth? He wanted her forever.

  Placing her hand on his, she moved closer. “I do appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I want to know everything you found out, including your conversation with Mr. Randolph.” She inserted the key, turning the lock.

  “We’ll talk on the way.”

  “Fair enough.” Amber grabbed the envelope, holding it close to her chest. “How long until we reach Dallas?”

  “Nine hours.”

  “Good. That will give me time to digest whatever secrets Daddy tried to hide.” Her mouth curved into a sneer, her eyes flashing. “And maybe some ammunition.” She moved toward the door.

  “Wait.” He could sense her bravado, the strong woman trying to squelch her fears, the possible revelations. There was no way of quieting her demons, but he was determined to try. “I’m not a man who believes in religion or even fate. In fact, I have very little faith in anything. What I learned, perhaps recently is that karma has a way of righting wrongs, driving catalysts together. We met for a reason and for only the second time in my life, I feel whole. You’re the reason. You brought light back into my life.”

  Amber remained where she was, almost stoic in her stance. Tilting her head, she slowly turned around, her lower lip quivering. Her eyes darting back and forth, misted from tears, she closed the distance, placing her hand on his cheek. Rising onto her tiptoes, she pressed her lips against his, the gesture full of a gentle caress. When she eased back, merely an inch, the whisper was laced with the kind of passion few could understand and fewer still would ever experience. “I love you, Camden Dane and I always will.”

  “What are you thinking?”

  Amber wasn’t entirely certain how to answer the question. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to open the envelope. The damn thing was positioned in the center of her lap, taunting her. There was no good reason not to find out what her father had been hiding. Although she suspected what she was going to find, the reality wasn’t something she was prepared to face. “That I never really knew my father.” Resting against the passenger window, she concentrated on the road, the way every mile seemed to meld into the next.

  “Do we ever really know our parents?” Camden asked.

  “I suppose you’re right. I worshipped my father, but he was always working. Long hours, seven days a week. He taught me his work ethic. I never realized that until these past couple of months. Monday. Wednesday. Sunday. What did it matter the day of the week?”

  “That’s because you’re a fighter. I think your father also taught you how to be stubborn, hardheaded.”

  She heard the lilt in his voice and punched his arm. “Very funny.”

  “Tell me I’m wrong.”

  Sighing, she eased the envelope to the floor. The bad news could wait. “You’re not.”

  “Another trait I love about you.”

  She gave him a waning smile. “I’m tired of fighting, Camden. I might have grown up on a ranch, but I have no real understanding of how to run one. That’s evident by the mistakes and a depleted bank account.”

  “Running a ranch isn’t easy.”

  “Let me guess. You run a ranch as well as a multi-million-dollar oil company.”

  “And neither very well.”

  Amber glanced over at his face, the creases around his eyes. The lines weren’t from age but worry, even fear. She dared to risk the question. After his admission about Sarah, she’d known there was more. Maybe they were both too damaged to know how to mend the wounds. “When are you going to tell me?”

  “Tell you what?”

  “The last great secret Camden Dane has been holding onto?” Even in the late morning light, she could see a change in his demeanor.

  His hold on the steering wheel became a tight grip. “What darkness is left inside of me, you shouldn’t have to deal with.”

  “What if I want to become your savior?”

  Camden darted a look before grabbing her hand, kissing her palm. “There is no way to save what can’t be saved. Now, why don’t you rest? We have a long drive ahead of us.”

  “I can’t rest. I have too many things on my mind.” Chowder had agreed without asking her a single question to both guard and handle the chores, taking over for Jorge. He was also the only person who knew where she was going. There was no need to help facilitate another attack given her absence. But there was more.

  “You had a long night. You must be exhausted.”

  “Not as long as some. Was Bart really anticipating your visit?” Camden’s recounting of his interrogation of Bart had been status quo.

  “There are few major players. Bart is an asshole but he’s not a dumb man. He’s no doubt kept tabs on the oil companies that could potentially give him a fight for control. Rush Enterprises merely came into the game late. Or we were far too arrogant to pay enough attention. Mitchell has certain aspects of the company under control as well as tightening security. Plus, if I know Mitchell, he’s allowed some of the information to slip out to the right people.”

  “You mean based on the threat you made?” She had to admit, trying to convince Bart to turn himself in was a stretch, but she adored Camden for the concept.

  “Not a threat. A promise.”

  “And how are you going to do that?”

  Camden chuckled. “When you give a mouse a cookie…”

  “They want the entire box.” She also realized that Rush Enterprises had a major stake in what could happen. A sudden flash of heat trickled up the length of her legs. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re right about Bart Randolph. He didn’t get where he is either being or playing dumb, but then again, neither did you or Mitchell Rush. Rush Enterprises has a stake in this. What is it?”

  “This is much more complicated than you think.”

  “Well, un-complicate it for me. I’m not a stupid woman.”

  Camden exhaled. “Of course, you aren’t.
I never insinuated that you were. Don’t try and put words into my mouth.”

  Bing.

  She rolled her eyes. “Saved by the bell.”

  He jerked his phone in front of his face. “I have to take this.”

  “Sure, you do.” She crowded as close to the passenger door as possible, her mind reeling with possibilities. Yes, she trusted him, but she knew damn good and well he had something to gain. Everybody did.”

  “Mitchell. On the way,” Camden said, his tone of voice clipped.

  She closed her eyes and reached for the envelope. Maybe whatever contracts or deeds, wills or other legal documents that might be inside could actually yank her out of the arms of Hell.

  “What are you talking about?”

  The vehicle had slowed down.

  Camden exhaled and slapped the steering wheel. “Fine. Then I guess the threat I made hit its mark.”

  What threat? He hadn’t told her about a threat, other than to leave her alone.

  “Yeah, that’s fine. What hotel?” Camden shot her a look.

  When he pulled off onto an exit, she turned in his direction.

  “Yeah, okay. We’re almost forty-five minutes out. Yes, we. I told you what I was going to do but this is a discussion. We’re not coming to any conclusions right now.”

  Amber could tell his anger was increasing.

  “I’m serious, Mitchell and I will put my foot down.” He looked in the rearview mirror then shifted the gear into reverse. “Yep, I get it. I understand.”

  For some reason, she began to shiver. Her fingers were ice cold as she tried to peel away the flap on the envelope.

  “I’m prepared to do what we need but I have certain terms as well and you’re going to honor those. See you then.” Camden ended the call, dropped the phone and gave her a quick look before heading in the opposite direction. “Change of plans.”

  “Meaning?” The way his fingers were gripping the steering wheel, she knew any jerk of the wheel would take them off the road.

  “We’re heading back into El Paso. Mitchell and Zach, the corporation’s attorney, flew in.”

  “Why? What’s so important that they couldn’t wait?”

  He shook his head before answering, his face flushed with anger. “I gave Mr. Randolph an ultimatum. Seems like he took me seriously.”

  “What ultimatum?” This was getting better and better.

  “To turn himself in to the authorities and cut his ties with the various financial organizations he was connected to.”

  She held her breath.

  “He’s come out fighting.”

  Camden stood against the back wall of the elevator, on their way to the hotel suite. He’d thought of several things, admittances to tell her in the forty-five-minute drive, but the timing didn’t seem appropriate. He was hiding behind the same damn mask that he’d left wearing only days before. Nothing had changed. He wasn’t the strong man he’d once been. He hadn’t figured out his plan in talking with Mitchell. In fact, he was in over his head with lies and with Amber.

  Fucking perfect.

  And Mitchell. The man had taken his ideas and pushed them out, creating an entirely different scenario. You bet he was furious, but there were few choices at this point, at least if they were going to beat both Bart and Kyle Randolph at their game. Time was running short and Bart had called in certain favors. The push on Amber, as well as the other ranchers, had been shoved into high gear.

  His threat? Not handled in the best manner.

  “I don’t know why I keep waiting to find out what’s inside the envelope,” Amber whispered.

  “After the meeting, if you’ll let me, we’ll go back to your house. I don’t have to know the contents, but I’d like to be there with you. For you.”

  She cupped his cheek. “Another reason I love you. You want to protect me.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and lowered his head. “Always, lady. Always.” He kept his lips just over hers, drinking in her perfume, the scent of her shampoo and he wanted nothing more than to fly to the tropical island Mitchell had mentioned. Anywhere but here. As their lips touched, his heart soared, creating a series of tingles dancing down his spine. Every touch, every taste of her was elevated.

  She moaned into the moment of passion, her fingers intertwining in his hair.

  Hearing the ‘ping’ indicating the door was about to open, he eased back, pressing his lips across her forehead. “Changes aren’t something any of us like, but sometimes they are necessary.”

  “Mmm… Are you trying to tell me something? Are you moving to El Paso maybe to be in charge of the Steele site?”

  Laughing, he grabbed her hand, leading her out into the hallway. “That’s actually not a bad idea. I’ve been thinking about stepping down permanently as CEO anyway.”

  Amber tugged his arm, pulling him to the side. “What? Are you serious?”

  “I’ve been thinking about a lot of things. I love my ranch. I love my horses. I do enjoy the people I work with, even though many of them would say I can’t stand them.” Chuckling, he thought about his abhorrent behavior as of late. “But I’m not tied to staying there. Mitchell is much better served as leading the pack. If I can convince him.”

  “I think you need to really boil down on your reasons why before you make any tough decisions.”

  “Such a wise woman.”

  “And don’t you forget it, buddy.” Using a single index finger, she jabbed him in the gut. “Come on, they’re waiting.”

  “Yeah.” After locating the room, he knocked on the door and as soon as Mitchell twisted the doorknob, he knew this was a mistake. But he was committed to what needed to be done. The people he would potentially hurt could crush him.

  “There you are. We were beginning to wonder,” Mitchell smiled as he ushered them in. “And while Camden has tried very hard to keep you a secret, Amber, I’ve learned quite a bit about you.”

  She looked from Mitchell to Zach, her eyes moving up and down.

  Camden couldn’t help but smile. She was ceremoniously sizing them up.

  “And I know a lot about Rush Enterprises. How is the new building and the opening?” she asked Mitchell as she shook his hand, immediately turning her attention toward Zach. “And how are the legal logistics coming along with the offshore rig? Are the governmental engineers and hard-ass oceanographers still giving you a difficult time?”

  Zach stole a glance at Camden as he shook her hand. “Quite the formidable lady.”

  “You have no idea,” Camden offered, watching the way Mitchell was studying her. His buddy knew him better than anyone and given the twinkle in Mitchell’s eyes, he seemed to sense that Amber was special.

  “Well, then. I think we can sit down and have a real business conversation,” Mitchell stated, motioning to the two couches.

  Camden noticed the various stacks of papers on the coffee table and was leery of how they were going to handle the suggestion with her. However, there was no other course of action.

  For either one of them.

  They either worked together or the Randolph Corporation would slowly eat away at their respective accomplishments.

  “What exactly do you have in mind to thwart Bart Randolph? I need to know given I’m about ready to lose my ranch,” Amber started the conversation as she sat down, glaring at the various files. A nervous tic appeared in the corner of her mouth, as if she anticipated what they were going to offer.

  Mitchell gave Camden another look, a cue.

  “Amber, you need to know a few things before we get started,” Camden kept his voice even.

  “Okay. What?” She folded her arms, obviously uncomfortable already.

  Camden could tell Zach was raring to go. “We may have underestimated Bart Randolph and his family. Bart called in multiple favors from all the various companies and financial institutions he’s worked with. But he’s not the only issue. In fact, I don’t think he’s the one holding the reins.”

  Mitchell narrowed
his eyes but stood silently.

  “You think Kyle is the one doing this, forcing me into selling.” Amber didn’t bother looking in his direction.

  “I do, and you know why.” Because the man was still in love with her. He’d never gotten over his attraction or the fact she’d pushed him away. He could see she was guarding her reaction, but the goosebumps popping along every inch of skin was a clear indication that she’d already had the same thought.

  Amber rubbed her arms. “Kyle is an asshole.”

  “An asshole who wants what his father has?” Mitchell asked.

  “Maybe,” she whispered. “Kyle has always been the heir apparent. Maybe this is his way of taking what he considers rightfully his.”

  “I think that’s what we’re dealing with here,” Camden half whispered. They hadn’t grasped the power that Kyle had secured after his return.

  “That may be true. There is evidence that Kyle is behind the attacks on your property as well as extortion attempts on several of the other ranches, but there is no evidence at all. None. The man was careful. However, Bart also contacted every member of our Board of Directors, spinning a tall tale that pulled our ethics into question,” Zach added. “His demands disguised as a lucrative offer were… creative, but unfortunately, the members of the Rush Enterprises Board of Directors remain gun shy, concerned about our future. They contacted Mitchell immediately. Fortunately, we already had a head start given Camden’s phone call.”

  Something that Camden didn’t know. He flashed Zach a ‘hold-on’ look before continuing, a concentrated level of anxiety as well as anger fueling his words. “He’s pulling every loan, every line of credit in an effort to push the targeted ranchers into selling.”

  She blinked twice before tilting her head. “Including my loan.”

  “Yes,” Camden whispered. “The move will force you into foreclosure.”

  “Foreclosure. So, he’s won,” she said under her breath. “Bastard.”

  “Not necessarily. After some heated discussions, we have been backed by not only our board, but also other owners of some fairly lucrative oil refineries. They’ve begun to push back, threatening to pull their business away.” Mitchell smiled as he pulled a group of papers from the table.