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“I know, right? He should’ve shown some respect and left the first time I asked him. Some people have zero manners.”

She rolls her eyes. “Why’d you scare him off?”

My body naturally sways closer until her knee is at my groin. “You already know the answer.”

Restless energy zips along my flesh. I want her to rely on me and only me. The reminder that she doesn’t in the slightest is a punch to the nuts. She wants me to leave her alone, but I can’t surrender again. Losing her is a mistake I won’t repeat.

But Gemma’s trust will be hard won. “I’m not yours to piss on. If I want to flirt with other guys, I’m going to do just that.”

“Go right ahead. Just don’t be surprised when they suddenly run in the opposite direction with their dicks tucked between their legs.”

A muscle in her jaw leaps. “That’s stealing my choice.”

My head shakes to deny the accusation. “You’re free to do whatever you like. I won’t stop you from expressing yourself however you see fit. But I’ll damn sure control the men who think they have a chance at you.”

Gemma’s glare blazes with blue flames. “This isn’t the way to win someone over.”

“And what is?”

“Giving me the space I asked for.” She rams her bent knee into my dick that I left as an open target.

Blinding pain radiates from the point of contact. I stumble backward, gathering my bearings in a quick breath. Gemma nudges Moe to move onward and leaves me to eat her dust again.

It takes a few deep inhales for the nausea to pass. I limp to catch up, matching the gelding’s stride on the way to Gemma’s trailer. Her huff isn’t impressed with my speedy recovery.

“Was that really necessary?” I croak.

“Says the man who’s following me against my wishes.” A slight tug on the reins avoids another horse and rider going the opposite direction.

“It’s for your protection. There are a lot of creeps out there.”

“Uh-huh, that’s one way to justify your actions.” She dismounts and swaps Moe’s bridle for the halter tied to a metal ring on the side of the trailer.

“Is he done for the night?”

“Yes.” She avoids my stare while going through the motions of removing his saddle.

I kneel and begin taking off the protective boots on his legs. “Is the open still going?”

“Planning to ride?” The snark in her tone is begging for a spanking.

“I’ll run Hank if you’re not.” My thumb hitches at her other horse tied to the trailer.

“In what saddle?” Her gaze carves a path down the length of my body. “Your big… ego won’t fit in my seat.”

I smile when she blushes. “Good thing I brought mine. Never know when I might need it.”

That news seems to fluster her more and she chews on a response for several seconds. “You’re not riding my horse, Bronc.”

“Can I ride you instead?”

Laughter bursts out of her. It’s spontaneous and uncontrollable and a huge relief. I wasn’t sure I’d have the privilege of hearing it again.

Gemma’s eyes are still watering when she collects herself enough to answer. “Did you really just ask me that?”

My wink oozes charm. “Sure did. So, what’s the verdict?”

“You’ve lost every last one of your marbles.”