“I got this,” she adds.
I know she’ll protect my daughter. I have no doubt about it. Sarah loves Evie even though she just met her—she loves her because she’s mine and because Sarah loves me.
Now, if only she’d trust me….
I take my time walking to the front door. Since the poisoning, I’ve started locking doors, which is unusual for most folks in Wildflower Canyon. But I’m glad for it because it means Landon can’t just walk in.
I open the door with a grimace.
Landon is in his congressman uniform: polished cowboy boots, tailored sport coat, and designer jeans. This is his ‘I’m a cowboy but sophisticated’ look.
Violet walks past her husband, all but pushing me aside to enter my home.
She’s in a silk dress that costs more than three months’ worth of hay. This is my hard-earned money they’re spending. I’ve never resented it as much as I do now.
“We need to talk, Cade Mercer,” she declares like a drama queen.
“Brother,” Landon greets, voice dripping charm. “She’s just…she’s upset.”
“Of course I’m upset,” Violet screeches as she flops onto the couch, pushing aside some of Evie’s picture books so they land with a small thud on the area rug.
I step aside and let my brother in.
“Did you tell Hugh Dillon that we might be involved in that bitch’s house burning down?” Violet demands. She’s shouting.
“No, I did.” Sarah steps out from the kitchen into the living room. Evie isn’t with her. She probably handed her off to Dodge to go riding, to be away from the house.
Landon pales when he sees Sarah.
Violet’s lips curl, and she lets out a sharp laugh. “Well, well. That explains why you’ve not been answering my calls, Cade. You’ve taken up with the town whore.”
Before Sarah can flinch, I step between them. My blood runs hot. “Be careful how you talk to her in my home.” Our home.
Sarah smirks, chin high, refusing to shrink. And God, I love her for it.
“What do you both want?” I snap.
Landon’s mask is back in place. “Denver PDshowed up early this morning. You’re having some trouble at the ranch?” His eyes keep flitting from me to Sarah and back, like he can’t believe she’s here—comfortablyhere.
But he should’ve known after the last time.
“Yes, he is.” Sarah moves to stand next to me. She grabs my hand. She’s making a statement. I’m there for it. “Someone tried to kill his new Angus. Didn’t succeed. But they did manage to kill a younger bull.”
She’s looking straight at Landon, and he’s shifty as hell—nervous, scared.
You should be, you son of a bitch!
Violet rises and stalks up to us. “You need to shut the fuck up, bitch.”
“Someone recently said that to me.” Sarah squeezes my hand—her way of telling me to let her handle this.
“Then maybe you should listen,” Violet sneers.
“Now, why would I do that?” Sarah tilts her head and smiles serenely. She doesn’t feel calm—I know it. I can all but touch the tension radiating from her. But she puts on a good façade.
Note to self: never, ever play poker with Sarah. Unless maybe strip poker….
Violet turns to face her husband. “Do something about this, Landon.” She waves at Sarah and me.
