The gate flies open.
Blackvein rushes out, bucking in circles and trying to throw me off.
I grip the rope for dear life, and a cloud of dirt grows around me. My heart bangs into my chest, and I count inside my head.
One Texan.
Two Texan.
Three Texan.
Four Texan.
Five Texan.
Six Texan.
Seven Texan.
Eight Texan.
The horn blares.
Holy shit! I did it!
A new wave of adrenaline courses through my veins at the next test I face.
I have to get off him before he kills me.
Blackvein bucks, and I push off his body, making a clean escape and landing on my feet. I rush toward the safety zone as Bucky and Matrix lead Blackvein farther away from me so they can lasso him.
"Whoo hoo!" Willow cheers, jumping up and down next to Jax.
Pride swells on his expression under the wide brim of his hat. He chews on his toothpick and pumps his fist in the air. "Atta boy!"
"You did it!" Willow shouts.
My heart continues hammering like a war drum. My muscles twitch with fatigue and leftover fight. I exit the ring, just barelyresisting touching my girl, who beams, making my victory that much sweeter.
Jax slaps my shoulders. "Now, that's the way to ride a bull!"
"Told you today was my day! When can I get on Whiplash?" I ask.
He chuckles. "Slow down, son. Enjoy your victory for a moment."
But I can't. I'm one level from the difference between an amateur wanna-be and a real rider who gets paid. I ask, "What about tomorrow?"
Jax chuckles again. "It's Christmas tomorrow. And besides, you gotta go a couple more rounds with Blackvein before you're ready for Whiplash."
"What? No. I'm ready," I insist.
He shakes his head. "You're not. You're close, but there's more to learn from Blackvein."
"Coach—"
"Don't argue with me. When you're ready, I'll be the first to tell you," he interjects in a don't-argue-with-me tone.
My adrenaline level plummets, and disappointment replaces it. I clench my jaw and look away.
