Page 66 of Winning Over the Wrangler

Cal gave her his back as he turned his attention to Brand. “He’s an outlaw. Don’t bother wasting your time on him.”

She stepped into the pen. Dawg pressed to her side and she patted his head, but kept her attention fixed on Cal. When he continued to ignore her, she grabbed his shoulder. “Who appointed you judge and jury?”

He spared her a look full of disbelief. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“Sybil, leave it be.” Brand obviously did not thank her for interfering.

“I have no intention of leaving it be. Cal, let him alone.”

The cowboy laughed in her face. “Who’s going to stop me?”

She grabbed the rope, surprising him enough that it slipped from his grip. She glowered at him. “I am.”

Cal growled. “Little Miss London. Too good for the rest of us. You might just consider that you don’t belong here and this is none of your business.” He lunged for the rope, but Brand jerked away, pushed Sybil aside and faced Cal.

“You can call me an outlaw all you want, but you will treat Miss Bannerman like a lady.”

Cal’s face darkened. His fists curled.

Dawg’s hackles rose and he snarled at the man.

Cal kicked at him. “Your dog is ugly and stupid.” He grabbed the rope and yanked it tight.

Brand choked, fought the rope with his bound hands.

Sybil shoved Cal. He shoved back and she fell into the boards.

Dawg erupted into a ball of flying fur. He lunged at Cal, grabbed his arm and bit.

Cal shook his arm, balled his fist and—

Sybil screamed.

“Cal, that’s enough.” Eddie’s voice stopped them midmotion. He stepped into the pen and loosened the rope around Brand’s neck. “Call off your dog.”

Brand croaked out two words. “Dawg, down.” He clutched at his throat. Dawg released Cal and stood back, his hackles raised, his teeth bared as he growled.

Cal held his arm. “That dog attacked me for no reason. I’m going to get my gun and shoot him.” He stomped toward the gate.

“Stop.” Eddie spoke the order softly but with no mistake. He meant to be obeyed.

Cal halted, his back to the others.

“You can pack your bag and be off the place immediately. I wouldn’t advise you to linger. I might regret letting you off so easy if I have time to think about it.”

Cal turned. “I ain’t done nothing wrong.”

Eddie planted his fists on his hips. “I heard enough, saw enough to disagree. You aren’t the sort of man I wish to have on the place.” His eyebrows rose. “I’m already having second thoughts about letting you just ride out.”

Cal spared Brand one hot look and then tramped out of the barn.

Eddie faced Sybil and Brand. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Sybil said.

Brand nodded and backed up to the corner.

“I’m sorry,” Eddie said. “Outlaw or not, you don’t deserve to be treated like that. I wish I didn’t have to tie you up again, but I do.”

Brand simply sat down and let himself be tied to the post.

Sybil bit her lip to keep from protesting. “Eddie, do you mind if I stay here and talk to Brand?”

“I believe you’re safe enough.” He backed away and left the barn.

Sybil lowered herself to the floor in front of Brand and sat staring at him, uncertain what she wanted to say.

He studied her, his eyes flat, his face expressionless. Then he laughed.

She stared. “What’s so funny?”

He shook his head, unable to talk.

She lifted her eyebrows, silently demanding an answer.

“You,” he sputtered. “‘Little Miss London.’ You certainly surprised that cowboy. You looked about ready to bear wrestle him.” He laughed some more.

“I don’t see what’s so funny. He was about to hurt you.” A trickle of amusement drowned out her fear and a grin grew on her lips. “I did surprise him, didn’t I?” Not half as much as she’d surprised herself. Where had the fight come from? She was normally the most agreeable, most nonaggressive person imaginable. Her actions were totally out of character.

He sobered. “Why are you here?”

Her amusement ended as quickly as it had begun. “I don’t know.” She studied her fingers as they intertwined in her lap. “I guess I was hoping for some answers.” She lifted her head and met his look, searching for truth.

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