I open my mouth?—
“Seth Benton.” The name cuts in from behind me, deep and masculine, the kind of voice that doesn’t ask for attention but takes it.
Seth’s head snaps toward the sound, and I follow his gaze.
A uniformed deputy stands at the edge of the driveway, then starts toward us like he’s got all the time in the world. My stomach knots so hard it hurts.
Of course last night didn’t stay buried.
“Seth Benton,” the deputy says again, voice flat and official, “you’re coming with me. You’re under arrest for assaulting a police officer.”
God damn it, Tanner.
My stomach drops.
This is my fault.
5
JUNE
“Seth Benton.” Deputy Jones stands at the edge of the corral, one hand resting on the cuffs at his belt, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else on the planet right now.
I’ve known Leo since he was twelve years old, stealing candy from the general store and thinking nobody noticed. He’s twenty-four now, with dark hair cropped short and a face that still hasn’t quite hardened into the cynical mask most cops develop after a few years. Right now, that face is tight with discomfort as he addresses the cluster of cowboys in front of him.
“You’re under arrest for assaulting Deputy Tanner Rook,” Leo continues, his voice carrying across the suddenly silent space. “I’m going to need you to come with me to the station.”
My insides freeze up. Someone gasps. A few of the crew members exchange wide-eyed looks while Belle lowers her camera.
And Seth’s whole body goes rigid. “This is bullshit.” His voice is low, dangerous. “That asshole struck me first. I was defending myself.”
Leo’s jaw tightens. He pulls the cuffs from his belt, the metal glinting in the morning sun. “That’s not what DeputyRook’s report states. According to him, you initiated the physical altercation while intoxicated. We have a record of you being arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct last night.”
“I wasn’t drinking.” Seth’s hands curl into fists at his sides. The bruise on his jaw, the one I watched Tanner put there, stands out, purple and angry, against his skin. “Whatever was in my system, I didn’t put it there.”
Murmurs ripple through the crowd, but most of my attention is fixed on Seth. On the way his shoulders have pulled back, his chest expanding as he draws himself up to his full height. On Kai and Carter moving at his sides like they materialized from thin air, flanking him with expressions that have gone hard and cold.
And it’s my fault.
If I hadn’t been standing on that sidewalk when Tanner showed up. If I hadn’t?—
Stop it, June. This isn’t helping.
Seth’s father pushes through the crowd, silver threading through dark hair, those same sharp blue eyes fixed on Leo with irritation. He’s carrying himself like he expects people to get out of his way. It helps that he’s a big man.
“Officer.” His voice deepens. “Surely we can handle this somewhere more discreet. The circuit has a reputation to maintain.”
“Sir, I’m going to need you to step back.”
He huffs loudly. “Are cuffs really necessary? My son is cooperating.”
“Sir—”
“He’s telling you he didn’t start the fight. And that he wasn’t intoxicated by choice. The least you can do is show some discretion until?—”
“Back up. Now.”
The father’s mouth thins, but he steps back. Leo moves closer to Seth, cuffs still in hand, and the tension ratchets upanother notch. Kai shifts his weight, muscles coiled. Carter’s easy grin has vanished entirely, replaced by something sharp and watchful.
