Page 3
Shane’s gaze falls to the road, sweeping the dirt that meets the edge of the pavement. His eyes widen as he takes a step back.
“Don’t tell me you’re scared of snakes.” I laugh. “You have one tattooed on your arm, and your vest literally has the word Venom on it.”
“I’m not scared of snakes.” Shane glares, his chest puffing out just enough that it’s clear he’s lying.
Which only makes me laugh harder. “If it makes you feel better, it’s smart to avoid rattlesnakes.”
“I’m not scared of snakes, Harloe.”
“Mm-hmm. Okay, city boy.” I grin.
“City boy?”
“Wild guess. Where are you from?”
His teeth clench, his jaw feathering. He’s too attractive for his own good. “Las Vegas.”
Just like I thought. I roll my shoulders back, standing taller because I read him right. Maybe the local ranchers have nothing to worry about after all. Nature might run its course and chase the bikers out of town before the city council gets the chance.
“You’re a long way from Vegas, Shane.” I look up at him. “Now that I think about it, maybe I should be the one rescuing you.”
The bigger my smile, the deeper his scowl, but beneath the scruff dusting his jaw, there’s a hint of amusement he’s trying to bury.
“You can rescue me later, cowgirl. Your brother’s ranch is back that way.” He points to town. “I can give you a ride there or back to the wedding—”
“No.”
The last place I’m going is to the wedding. Walking away might have been unintentional, but now that I’ve done it, I’m not going back.
“All right.” Shane’s tongue clicks on the roof of his mouth. “Do you know someone who lives out this way? A friend, maybe?”
“My friends are all back at the venue.” I glance at the spot of buildings in the distance, realizing I should have probably roped Nora into this because she would have at least made sure I took a car or a phone. “Even if they weren’t, I need some space. Somewhere my ex won’t think to look.”
“Did he do something to you?” Shane steps closer, his dark gaze turning deadly.
“No. It’s not like that. He didn’t do anything.” I shake my head so Shane doesn’t go ballistic on my ex for no reason.
Besides, it’s the truth. Zander didn’t do anything because he doesn’t do anything himself. Whether it’s working the land, hassling businesses in town, or participating in our relationship, there’s always a proxy. Even when he proposed, he had one of his buddies hold on to the ring for him until he slipped it onto my finger.
I glance down at my hand. Sunlight bounces off the ridiculously oversized diamond, and suddenly, the weight of it is too much. It’s not the kind of ring I would have chosen. It’s obnoxious and impractical. More of a statement to others than a promise of love.
I slip the ring off and tuck it into my bra, all while Shane watches. I can’t imagine what he must be thinking of me.
“He didn’t do anything,” I say again, brushing my hair off my shoulders and trying to pull myself together. “I just need to get away for a minute.”
Shane nods, glancing at his bike, and then he takes another look at my gown. “You have any sentimental attachment to the dress?”
“No.” My eyebrows pinch. “Why?”
Before I can blink or process what’s happening, Shane pulls a knife out of a holster on his belt, slicing the blade through the expensive Italian lace. It falls in sheets as he quickly moves in a full circle around me, cutting my dress off at my knees to shorten it.
When I pictured my wedding day, I imagined my dress being torn off my body.
Just not quite like this.
2
SHANE
