Page 51 of Lawless Rivals

“What? No. Of course he hasn’t.” I stab the bedding a few times. “Why the hell would you ask that?”

“I’m a woman, Harrington,” she says. “I can tell when a girl’s lookin’ where she shouldn’t.”

She shifts back a bit as if she’s done talking, and Saint comes back into view across the yard.

“And Tallon blood doesn’t mix with Harrington blood,” she adds. “My brother would never choose a Harrington over us.”

I swallow hard and force myself to look away. They’re siblings.

“I’m not asking him to pick anyone. All I want is to go home to my family.”

When Sera steps back, I risk a quick glance at Saint and curse myself for the wild pulse in my throat when I find him staring at me.

Chapter 14

Saint

“You done?”

I fold my arms over my chest and watch her wheel the loaded barrow out of the stable, every shove slow. My fists clench, resisting the urge to push it for her. Once I do shit like that for her, I won’t stop.

“Yeah,” she says, without the bite I was half expecting.

“Right then. Let’s go.”

When she follows without a word, I register the obedience, and it grates on me because I’ve always known her to push back.

I glance over my shoulder and catch the flush in her cheeks from physical work; the pout pinching her pink lips as if she’s biting back a rant.

I don’t ask what’s on her mind because I sure as hell know better than to open that door.

Bran’s tacked and waiting by the round pen. Shay’s holding the reins, and he’s got a riding hat tucked under his arm. I take it from him and hold it out to Keira.

“That’s for you.”

While she looks at it, I wait for the argument that seems to play out in her mind.

After a few silent seconds, she takes it from me and shoves it on without even the slightest whisper of annoyance. I wait while she adjusts the strap, my eyes catching on the bare line of her throat before I force them away.

I should be thankful that she’s all picture and no sound now, but I’m tempted to push her buttons for a little more volume.

“You’re on the back with me.”

“I know how to ride,” she mutters.

“And I know how to keep ya outta trouble.” I nod to Shay. “Give her a leg up.”

Shay steps in closer, one hand already out.

“You sure ya don’t want me to handle it?” he asks quietly.

“If someone’s been messing with the boundary fence and shifting markers, I want eyes on it myself,” I reply. “That’s my land out there.”

Shay nods and offers his hand to Keira’s boot.

I steady Bran and wait as she clambers on, landing behind me on the saddle with a huff of breath, her thighs pressing into the backs of mine, close enough that I feel it everywhere I shouldn’t.

Bran’s hind bounces, impatient as always.