Page 52 of Cry, Little Dove

“And if Amanda didn’t like me?” she asks quietly. “Would you get rid of me?”

My heart skips a beat, and I clear my throat. I lean against the closet island, trying to play it cool.

That’s what she’s concerned about? That I wouldn’t want her anymore? What the ever-loving fuck happened to getting away from me?

“I adore my sister. She’s my whole family—not counting some estranged aunts and uncles and my grandparents from my mother’s side, all back in England. But even if Mandy hated you…” I smile. “It wouldn’t change a damn thing, little dove. I want you, and I won’t let anybody take you from me. If she didn’t like you, Mandy would have to suck it up.”

An unreadable emotion flickers in Erica’s eyes, but before I can ask what it is, the doorbell rings and she jumps.

“More deliveries?” I ask.

She puts the bag back in its box. “I got it!” she yells, dashing past me. She disappears around the corner, her footsteps thundering on the stairs.

Minutes pass and my brow furrows. I expected her to come right back, but no Erica in sight. It can’t take that long to accept some deliveries.

Fuckin’ suspicious.

I walk downstairs to find the front door wide open. Instinctively, my fingers close around the hilt of my hunting knife at my belt. Erica’s laughter reaches my ears, and I pause. A wave of relief washes through me that she’s okay, but it isn’t meant to last when the next thing I hear is a gruff male voice.

I run to stab the motherfucker who is sweet-talking my little dove, but I freeze the second I step outside. This scene ain’t what I anticipated.

Erica stands next to two beautiful horses. A golden palomino with a creamy white mane, and a taller black horse with a gorgeous blue sheen to its coat. The manly voice belongs to the driver of a SUV with a horse trailer parked in the driveway. He gestures for Erica to sign some papers and after she does, he tips his hat and gets back into his car before driving off.

Erica turns to me, extending her arms as she smiles. “Surprise!”

I release the hilt of my hunting knife. My jaw might as well drag on the gravel as I stroll toward her and pat the black horse’s neck. The majestic animal lets out a gentle huff, nudging me with his soft muzzle.

“Didn’t know they sold horses at the mall now,” I mumble.

Erica’s brows draw together. “They’re just borrowed for the afternoon. Taking care of animals is a big responsibility, and I wouldn’t put that on you without talking it through first.”

“Then… why?” I ask, annoyed at my clumsy choice of words.

“Are you not happy?” She chews on the inside of her cheek. “Amanda said you like to ride. She even helped to put me in contact with the owner of the ranch.”

I blink. “Youarranged this forme?”

Erica’s head tilts and she raises her hands. “Is that… bad?”

A strange ache squeezes my heart.

“I guess after the concert I wanted to do something nice for you, too, and then your sister mentioned that you loved horses when you were younger…”

I gawk at her. My eyes sting.

Erica planned a horseback ride forme? She cares about whatIlike?

“Wipe that sappy look off your face or this is going to get awkward for both of us, curly.” She laughs and slaps my arm. “How about you just say thank you, and then we’ll get changed and head out?”

Grateful for her attempt at relaxing the situation, I take a deep breath. “Thank you.” A smirk curves my lips. “Are you about to tell me that you know how to ride a horse?”

Erica whips her hair over her shoulder, grinning. “I’m proud to admit that I had a bit of a horse girl phase when I was a teen. It didn’t last very long, but still. So yes, technically I do know how to ride.”

“Ain’t that an unexpected surprise!” I let out a low whistle. “But you know that only makes me want you more, right?”

She shrugs, pretending to check out her nails. “Oh, please. As if you could get any more obsessed with me.”

I click my tongue, tapping my index finger under her chin and her eyes meet mine. “Don’t underestimate me. If I get more obsessed with you, you’re gonna end up as my comatose little fucktoy in the basement after all.”

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