Hard Ride: A Rough Romance Read online

  He gave me his usual sexy smile, perhaps for the camera, maybe because he thought he was better than me. When he spoke, his words were a husky whisper. Maybe to entice me. Maybe to keep them from the crowd waiting with bated breath for every word. “Did you forget our deal? That you’re required to obey me?”

  “I’ve given our deal some thought. We need to make different arrangements. Sir.” I hadn’t been able to sleep the entire night. I’d given him authority to do anything he wanted to my body like some idiot.

  “We’re going to finish this, but right now, you need a lesson in humility.”

  “Right. Go for it.”

  He reared back, the crowd gasping. Then he broke into a smile, his words spoken with gusto and absolutely loud enough for the entire arena to hear him. “I’m going to give you exactly what you deserve, you little brat.” With that, he jerked me by the waist, lifting his knee and tossing me over. His hand came down across my backside before I could react in any manner.

  “Oh, God!” someone exclaimed.

  “Make sure and get that on camera,” another shouted.

  I was mortified, unable to grasp the fact he was actually doing this. Then I exploded, as I usually did.

  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I was finally able to yelp, much to my chagrin.

  “When you’re nothing but a bad little girl with a caustic mouth, you’re going to be treated like one,” Montana responded.

  This was going to be on the eleven o’clock news. I was mortified, struggling to get out of his hold but there was no way. He was far too strong, virulent in every way. Even though I couldn’t see the growing numbers of reporters, I could hear them—their exclamations.

  “What a story.”

  “That’s going to make for good copy.”

  “A good man.”

  I would eventually crawl into a hole, drowning myself in liquor.

  “Don’t!” My cries were useless. He was serious about this. I’d pushed him too hard, breaking a deal I had no business of putting myself in the middle of in the first place.

  You’re a thief.

  I willed my inner voice to shut the hell up, fighting tears that sprang to my eyes. I would never be able to look anyone in the eye again.

  And the spanking continued, pain washing along my legs, heat increasing in my bottom. Everything was a blur as Montana’s hand smacked me over and over again.

  Until Dan finally intervened.

  “Hey. Hey, you two. I think we can take this disagreement elsewhere.” Dan’s voice filtered above all the catcalls and laughter.

  I would never be able to face an audience again.

  * * *

  “Girl! I can’t believe you came in second!”

  Julia was my best friend but the way she was jumping on me was obnoxious. However, she was one of the few women I knew who would actually talk to me. That didn’t bode well for my veterinary practice. I needed clients badly. “Second last night only and I was lucky I got to participate.” I cringed, praying to God that she hadn’t watched the news. I’d been sick to my stomach in doing so, the embarrassing event only coming second after Cobra’s win. I could almost see the headlines on the local morning news.

  I had to admit that going immediately after the great Cobra, managing to actually stay on the bull and for eight point four seconds was the highlight of my not so illustrious career. I’d taken what he said to heart, thinking about swimming with the dolphins when I gave the okay. The bull didn’t seem too impressed with me, however.

  Neither had Montana.

  I’d sucked away some of his glory as the reporters actually wanted to talk to me for a change. His eyes had been telling, illuminating his rage at having a woman usurp him.

  Awww, what a shame.

  I shifted in my seat, cringing from the umpteenth spanking.

  “But that’s fantastic. You might even have a career doing that,” Julia said as she plopped down at the table, still squeezing my hand. She noticed my behavior, grinning like some loon.

  I pulled my hand away, angry with myself for continuing to think about Montana. The fact my bottom had been on fire during the oh-so long ride on the bull had refused to let me forget. I could tell what she was thinking. “Just say it!”

  “Say what?” she asked, unable to keep laughter out of her voice.

  “That you and the entire rest of the town watched me being spanked on television.” As if karma was trying to kick me in the ass, not one but four televisions over the bar flipped to the rodeo and guess what they were showing? At least four customers recognized me immediately, turning their heads in my direction, sneering at me.

  I slunk further into my seat, wishing I’d worn a hat. “Stop laughing! It’s not funny!”

  She bit back a laugh, slapping her hand over her mouth. “Okay. Okay. I won’t bug you about it even a little bit. You know, being turned over a cowboy’s knee, his massive hand stinging your bottom. Riding him hard. And fast. And...”

  “Shut up!”

  I folded my arms, struggling with the embarrassment.

  “Seriously. You look professional on that bull and a lot of folks are saying you have a real shot at making it.”

  “I have a career. Remember? I’m just working out the kinks, but you know how much I love animals.” I’d been struggling since the day I’d opened my veterinarian office, barely having enough clients to keep the lights on. Forget about a salary. I couldn’t live on my meager savings for much longer. There was another rodeo coming up and given my performance last night, I would at least qualify. The winnings were significant. I was determined to be on the podium.

  To save my business.

  Who was I kidding? To provide some level of security. Safety.

  I needed more training. Dan was good, but he wasn’t doling out any secrets. That was for certain.

  “I know, but you look good in a cowboy hat.” She giggled as the waiter walked over, licking her lips in appreciation at his muscular biceps.

  I didn’t even bother looking. In my mind there was only one man.

  Dominating.

  Sexy.

  What the hell was I even thinking?

  “I can’t stay long. I have a sick horse I need to get back to.”

  “You’re always running off. You’re so dedicated.” Julia sighed. “I’m just sorry I missed getting to interview you last night. I was on a ridiculous assignment. Granted, important work, but I would have preferred sashaying with sexy cowboys.”

  Julia Gregor was an award-winning journalist working for one of the local television stations. We’d actually met at my first rodeo, one that would forever go down as an entrance into hell. I’d stayed on the bull for a flat two seconds, a laughing stock. She’d actually reported my performance in a positive manner, something I’d forever be grateful for.

  “Don’t worry about it. My ten minutes of fame is now gone. They love Cobra.” I almost whispered his name, tingling when I did so.

  “He is one sexy man. The most eligible bachelor in the entire state. Did you know that? I’ve even heard People magazine wants to interview him.”

  “That figures. Pompous asshole jerk of the year.”

  Her eyes opened wide as she leaned over the table. “I sense you like the guy.”

  “Not even a little bit. He’s arrogant as they come, unyielding and certainly not a team player.” Then why can’t you get him out of your mind?

  “Yep. You like the guy.”

  I couldn’t afford to care about anyone. I had far too many secrets and a real chance at a new life. If only I didn’t fuck it up acting like a teenager with a crush.

  After ordering drinks, and I’d needed a Bloody Mary, she lifted a single eyebrow, her grin far too mischievous. “I think the spanking was as hot as shit. I would love a man to take control of me.”

  “Fuck. I just wish you hadn’t seen that.”

  “I think everyone in the state witnessed the delicious event.” She nodded toward the television
.

  I shifted in my seat, my bottom still tingling even after several hours. “I don’t want a controlling man for any reason. Besides, what he did was bullshit. He’s an asshole and a chauvinistic pig.”

  “Hmmm... I repeat. You like the guy. Maybe you two were meant for each other. One arrogant surgeon and a veterinarian who provides grief to anyone and everyone you think might have abused an animal in any regard.”

  I wanted to hate her, but at least a portion of her statement rang true. “Yeah, well, that was horrific. He had no right.”

  “Or did he?” She hung back in her chair, giving me an evil eye. “Seems you two have history.”

  “Not really,” I could only half whisper, my throat starting to close. “Maybe.”

  “Uh-huh. What did you do?”

  I twisted my neck, trying to see if anyone in the restaurant was paying attention. Only two people continued to glance in our direction every once in a while. I resisted giving them the finger.

  “Come on. Did you pinch his butt or something?” Julia teased.

  “Not exactly. I might have broken into his house.”

  Julia’s eyes grew large. “Wait a minute. Are you kidding me? What the hell?”

  “Long story and I don’t want to get into it. I’m serious. That’s between the asshole and me and I will get my revenge.”

  “For breaking into his house. I can see the logic.” She laughed, shaking her head. “What did he do?”

  “Horrible things.”

  When I shifted in my seat, her eyes opened wide. “Another spanking?”

  I cringed again, heat rising to my face. “We sort of made a deal.”

  “A deal.”

  “Uh-huh.” Maybe several shots of tequila would do the trick, getting my mind off the sexy man and the stupid decisions I’d made.

  Julia leaned over the table, tapping her finger. “Spill it, girlfriend. Must be some kind of deal the way you’re fidgeting.”

  “That I’d obey his every command, spanked or even harsher punishment when I don’t.” The words just managed to tumble out of my mouth. Another embarrassing moment. I might as well be the laughing stock of Cheyenne.

  Her entire face lit up and she slapped her hand on the table. “You had me going there for a minute. Nice try. However, you need a distraction. That much I know.”

  “Why do you say that?” I wasn’t going to tell her I was serious.

  “Because you’re always working, whether on your bull riding techniques or at the clinic. You need relaxation. A good time. A hard fuck. Or wait, maybe you already had that.”

  Her raucous laughter was starting to piss me off. “Not going to happen. I refuse to care about anyone.”

  “Except animals.”

  That much was true. “Someone needs to. God knows there’s something sinister going on in this town.” I sucked in my breath the moment I issued the words. I had no proof of anything. I certainly didn’t need to draw the sheriff’s attention in any manner.

  “Sinister? What in the world are you talking about?” Julia narrowed her eyes. “You’ve been acting weird since you told me about the sick horse involved in the rodeo a month ago. What gives?”

  I thought about the various sick animals I’d seen, two of them dying even before I was able to administer any kind of help. “Sometimes animals die on a rodeo, whether from mistreatment or malnutrition, even heat, but this is different.”

  “How so?”

  I could tell she had her reporter hat on. I leaned over, lowering my voice. “I’ve been doing some checking. There have been eight reported deaths of various rodeo animals in the last four months. Not just here, but in outlying counties.”

  “That doesn’t seem like a lot considering the popularity of the rodeo. There are hundreds of animals performing.” Her expression was emotionless, far too much so.

  Why did I get the distinct feeling she’d already heard about this?

  “Yeah, I know, but my gut is telling me that something is wrong,” I insisted.

  As the waiter arrived with our drinks, her attention was dragged away once again, staring at the man’s tight ass, the way his jeans seemed to be glued to his well-rounded cheeks. I sighed, thinking about Montana and his anger at the fact I’d remained on the bull. He almost seemed like he cared. I knew better.

  She took a sip of her white wine, fingering the rim. “Look, I’ve reported on several rodeo events and I’ve heard some horror stories. You forget that this town, no matter the population, is tight. You don’t want to go making accusations that you can’t prove. Let the professionals look into what’s going on, if anything is going on. Do you understand?”

  I knew all about unfounded as well as truthful accusations and the horrible effects. “I get it. Don’t shit where you eat.”

  Julia snickered. “I think that’s about fucking someone, not reporting on suspicious activity, but good analogy anyway.”

  I huffed, reaching for the Bloody Mary. I certainly didn’t need alcohol to infuse my rage, but I almost needed some kind of... I wasn’t even certain of the word. Comfort? Guilt reliever? Courage? Maybe all of the above.

  “All I’m saying is tread lightly. I can do some checking for you, find out if any of the rodeo officials or cowboys have expressed a concern, but I’m not going to stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong. Unless you have some real proof.”

  I thought about the horse I was caring for, my suspicions that she’d been poisoned. I wasn’t ready to embarrass myself in any additional manner. “Not really and I appreciate you snooping. I just worry. There’s something going on and I can feel it in my blood.”

  “Just remember to be very cautious when you’re grilling people and I know that’s exactly what you’re going to do.”

  My BFF did know me. I wasn’t one to take the back seat for anyone or anything. My suspicions had been growing for some time, my worry that there was something trying to sabotage the industry a part of what I’d been trained to do.

  And not just as a licensed veterinarian.

  “Changing the subject,” she purred. “Tell me more about this sexy man. Can he help with your training? Whether sexual or otherwise? Is he as good in bed as I think he is? Inquiring minds want to know.”

  As if I was going to admit any more of my ridiculous behavior to anyone. I felt a warm flush as guilt riddled my system. “There’s nothing to tell. He doesn’t like me and I certainly can’t stand him. End of story.”

  “Me thinks you doth protest too much.”

  I couldn’t help but lift my middle finger.

  * * *

  I’d made a few phone calls to two other veterinarians that I knew were on various rodeo teams. They certainly hadn’t appreciated my prodding questions, providing limited information. What I had learned was that there was a pattern whether they wanted to admit it or not. Something dark and ominous was going on and I was determined to find out exactly what.

  I spent the rest of the day attending to what few clients I had, two regular checkups and a sick feline. When I’d finally been able to spend time with Misty, a horse brought in almost a week before by a distraught owner, I’d convinced myself that there was a racket going on, with various officials looking the other way. She was the owner’s prized possession, a former winner on the rodeo circuit. The horse was suffering from either the effects of poison or maybe something she ate. The worst part was that she was pregnant.

  “Hiya, girl. How are you?”

  The horse lifted her head, whinnying when she saw me. Her eyes were at least brighter than they had been the day before, and she attempted to stand after seeing me. I knew her position wasn’t about getting REM sleep. “That’s okay, baby. I’ll come to you.” I knelt down, listening for her heartbeat. The medicine I’d given her seemed to be working, but only time would tell. While she’d passed the most critical time, I was still very concerned since she wasn’t eating much. The next two days would tell the tale.

  After making certain she ate at least s
omething out of my hand, I walked outside, staring up at the sky. The waning light illuminated the mountains, the setting just gorgeous. I’d moved here, away from all those I cared about, because of an opportunity. An established vet who was retiring. I’d had to mortgage myself to the hilt just to have a chance at success.

  I wasn’t making many inroads.

  Well, I’d only been here six months. Time. That’s what my aunt had advised. Only I wasn’t a patient girl by any means. As I walked toward the little house that had come along with the deal, my thoughts shifted to Montana. I really did want to learn more about the rodeo in every way possible. Granted, maybe for two reasons, including being able to get closer to the rodeo officials who might garner some answers as to the reason for the animal sickness.

  My thought was they were being poisoned on purpose. But why? How would that gain any momentum or dollars to anyone? I had far too many questions. Maybe I was just exhausted from the day. For some reason, I became more incensed by what Montana had done. The man had humiliated me on purpose. Why? What had been his reason?

  The more I thought about it, the angrier I became. He had no right to treat me like he owned me, no matter how sexy or desirable he was. He was nobody as far as I was concerned.

  Instead of walking to the house, pouring myself a nice glass of wine, and pretending to forget about the recent events, I did exactly the opposite.

  Storming toward my truck.

  The man was going to get a piece of my mind.

  As I revved the engine, I became convinced I was right.

  Bad girl. Bad girl.

  I maneuvered the curvy roads, full of piss and vinegar, as my aunt would say. I’d always been the one to get into trouble, refusing to follow the rules.

  Something else the asshole had pegged.

  Maybe I wanted to spar with him since he seemed to know it all. I swerved into the driveway, kicking up dirt and gravel, ready to take on a bear. As I pulled just in front of the house, the disappointment in not seeing his truck made me furious.

  Like some stupid kid not getting her way.