Page 35 of Reckless Hearts

“You’re making a hell of a mess,” Doc greets me, bushy brows pulled together as he gives me a once-over.

Quick as a whip, he pinches my nose between thumb and finger, and there’s a sickening pop that has bile rising in my throat.

“Jesus Christ.” I hiss, covering my nose with one hand, nails digging into the other.

Bastard didn’t even warn me.

“That fucking hurt, you know.” I glare at him.

“Wouldn’t hurt if you quit breaking it.”

He tosses me a cloth to wipe my face, clearly done dealing with pissed-off cowboys for the day.

It’s stained red by the time I toss it in the trash.

“Thanks, Doc,” I mutter, then head for the locker room, hunting for the extra-strength painkillers I keep stashed.

I stay away from the prescription shit.

Seen too many guys go down that road.

Blood dries, sticking my shirt to my skin, tearing out hair with every step.

Staying up all night has me operating at barely human levels.

One more corner, and then I’ll change, crash, and forget today ever happened.

Ah, fuck.

Colt’s waiting there, arms crossed over his chest, tendons straining at his neck like he’s seconds from snapping.

I groan. “Whatever the hell you’re pissed about, it’ll have to wait. Now’s not the time.”

I move to sidestep him and the bastard blocks me, turning himself into a goddamn wall.

“Fucking reckless out there. Does winning mean that much to you?”

It takes my pain-addled brain a second to catch up to what he’s saying.

Almost seems like… he’s worried.

Nah. Can’t be.

“What’s it to you?” I mutter, because really, I want to know. Normally, he’d be laughing his ass off, not looking like he’s about to deck me.

“Callie saw it. Turned white as a ghost. I thought she was gonna pass out.”

He glares at me, voice rough and cracking.

“You can’t fuck around when she’s here.”

Guilt slashes through me, sharp and ugly.

I tell myself she’s not new to this; she knows injuries are part of the game.

But it doesn’t fucking help.

“At least I finished my ride,” I snap, a bastard move I can’t stop.

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