Page 2 of Diamond

I glance quickly at his badge: Sheriff Calloway.

I ignore the fact it’s likely he just heard everything we said, but the main question running through my brain is how he snuck up on us so fucking quietly.

Calloway must be standing at six-four at least. I’m tall, but he towers over me.

The girls weren’t kidding, he is handsome. A strong jaw, three-day stubble—graying slightly—which matches his short salt-and-pepper hair. He has a solid build, indicating he must work out a lot, and, fuck me, if he doesn’t have tattoos skating all the way up his arms.

So Mr. Do-Gooder is a rebel? I almost snort at the idea. In doing so, I inhale his strong, woodsy, masculine scent. I’m not one to be a total fucking pushover when it comes to men, but even I have to admit his scent is intoxicating, sexy, and dangerous all rolled into one. If he wasn’t the new sheriff in town—and a man I already despise—maybe we could’ve shared something.

Sapphire didn’t just get it right; she hit a fucking home run.

“Because we’re being held here against our will,” I reply to his question.

“You must be…” He glances at his clipboard—a fucking clipboard—then looks back at me. “Diamond Elizabeth Velente. Excuse my ignorance, you have a list here as long as my⁠—”

“Sweet baby Jesus,” Sapphire mutters.

“Paperwork,” he concludes.

I try not to gape at him. The son of a bitch.

I note the twitch of his lips. Great, so even his mouth is perfect, too. He has that strong-set jaw that cycles between being amused and deadly serious, as if he can’t work out which to be.

Are we a joke to him?

It annoys me because A: I’m a hothead, and B: I don’t like people treating this club like a joke. He’s new around here. I’d cut him some slack if not for Duncan’s wild antics this afternoon, and the fact Sheriff Calloway won’t be letting us go anytime soon.

Just because he’s technically Saddle’s law enforcement doesn’t mean he holds all the cards here. He’ll realize that sooner or later, when he’s been here long enough to wipe his ass.

I purposely peek at his crotch, then flick my eyes back to his. “You’re reaching, Sheriff. It’s a pity, but since you’re new around here, I’ll let you in on a little secret: you’re messing with the wrong bitches if you think we’re gonna take this shit.”

He takes a few agonizing seconds to respond. I’m guessing a tactic of his to try to intimidate me. Not gonna happen in this lifetime. I was raised by a strong single dad who taught me how to stand up for myself.

“The hot-headed Stiletto Riders President.” His eyes flick to my feet. In true Stiletto style, I am wearing motherfucking heels, even though my damn feet are killing me. “Do those things hurt after a while?”

“You know what I can guarantee does hurt?” I toss back. “My fucking heel wedged in your skull if you keep us in here any longer. We have rights.”

He smirks, which only fuels my anger.

I bend down to slide my black stiletto off, but I feel a hand on my shoulder.

“What she means to say is she’s very pleased to finally meet you,” Ruby interjects, a wide smile on her face as she nudges me with her elbow. “Right, Diamond?”

But Calloway isn’t listening, nor is he looking in her direction. His eyes haven’t moved from my face. Instinctively, I ignore the heat between my legs as well as the rising of my pulse, throbbing in my veins. This man isn’t affecting me, he’s just… intense.

We stare at each other. If Sheriff Calloway thinks he’s gonna win this face-off, he has another thing coming.

This is my town, and he’s about to find out why.

CHAPTER 2

NASH

I stare at the beautiful woman before me.

There’s no denying I was informed about the formidable Ms. Velente. Her reputation of being a ball buster stretches far beyond Texas. She’s famous for her takedowns and rescue missions.

From all that I’ve learned so far?