Page 66 of Wrangled Up

In a short time, she’d risen to the peak with Tucker’s return. Then just as quickly been made to feel like a teenager, caught sneaking two boys into her room.

She squeezed Tucker. “Thank you.”

At any time he and Christian could have easily attacked her father. Instead, they’d danced with him enough to let him feel as if he was making some progress. She believed her father still had the fortitude to hold his own against either of her lovers one-on-one though.

Tucker gave her a boyish quirk of his mouth, and the silver glint of his new piercing drew her attention. “Why don’t you take her inside, Chris? I’ve got other family business to attend to.”

Claire followed his gaze to the corner of the barn, where his uncle and cousin casually leaned against the rough wood.

She sucked in a harsh breath. Tucker released her and strode toward his relatives. Christian caught her hand and towed her along to face the people who were most definitely there to cause trouble.

Without throwing a glance over his shoulder, Tucker said, “Take her inside.”

“Like hell.”

As they passed Boom Boom’s pen, the alpaca rushed out to meet Claire. Tucker twisted his head, obviously taking in the spangled sign and the pink bow sitting jauntily atop the animal’s head.

He kept walking.

“Leon. Dale.”

Leon spat a stream of tobacco juice and braced his legs wide. “See you’ve got the whole county riled up with your arrival home, nephew.”

“Nah, only a few people are going to get put in their place today.” Tucker clenched and unclenched his hands.

Dale’s clothes were splattered with mud and his boots were caked with it. He sneered at Claire until her stomach flipped. She never wanted to be alone with this man—not onlybecause he was sure to make a pass at her, but because he would probably spill his guts to her. The last thing she wanted was a door to open to his brain. The way he smiled was creepy enough.

Christian stopped within feet of the men, his fingers tightening around hers.

“Got the papers right here, Tucker.” Leon reached inside his coat and eased a thick sheaf of papers out.

“Put them right back in that pocket. What about the words ‘not signing’ don’t you understand? You have enough money and land galore. If you used that land for raising stock, you’d be a millionaire for what…the sixth time? Seventh?”

Millionaire? Claire stared at his relatives.

Leon leveled his glare at Tucker. “I didn’t want to go to these lengths to get you to sign, Tucker, but I don’t have a choice. You realize there are ways I can work around you, legally?”

Tucker dug his boot heel into the earth. It was the only outward sign that his uncle was getting to him. “Not sure how you think you can do that, but I invite you to visit the offices of Sterns and Brindle. I believe my deed is alllocked up tight against people who might…how should I put this? Try to force my hand.”

They stared at each other for long seconds. Claire glanced up to find Dale giving her a greasy smile. She shrank against Christian’s side.

Finally, Leon shoved the papers back into his coat and took a moment to tug his gloves more tightly onto his hands.

“You don’t leave me any choice, Tucker.” He lowered his head and cocked a brow at him. “It’s war.”

Tucker sliced the air with his hand casually. “I’m ready. But remember that now that you’ve declared war, I will do anything in my power to defend my property. Which means…” he took a step toward them, “…you’d better haul ass out of here.”

When they didn’t move, he said, “Now.”

Leon’s glare turned evil as he leaned in and poked a finger at Tucker’s chest. “Prepare yourself, boy.”

“I’ve got his back,” Christian spoke up.

Dale dissolved into sniggers. Leon shook his head and the pair of them loped backaround the barn to where their four-wheelers were obviously parked.

For a long moment, the air was fogged with tense silence. When the engines started and droned away up the ridge, Tucker’s shoulders slumped.

“Goddamn, I never should have left.” He spoke so quietly, and the words were edged with such pain, Claire’s heart pricked.

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