Wilde Horses

by Jannine Gallant

  Eden narrowed her eyes against the glare off the windshield. “Yep, that’s definitely a barn. Looks like a strong gust of wind would knock it over.” A wave of disappointment crashed down on her. “I don’t see Pris’s car.”

  “She could have parked on the other side.” Hannah squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t lose hope. I have a good feeling about this.”

  “Watch out!”

  Eden stomped on the brake at her brother’s shout. A mangy looking gray cat stopped in the middle of the track and blinked at them.

  She frowned. “I wonder what the poor thing is doing way out here.”

  “Probably hunting gophers or mice. That cat looks feral. Maybe it lives in the barn.” Tripp touched her arm. “Why don’t we leave the car here and walk. There’s no point in advertising our presence if we can catch this psycho unaware.”

  “That’s a smart idea.” Eden turned off the engine and opened the car door. “There’s no cover for our approach, so if Pris comes outside and looks this way, she’s going to see us.”

  “Let’s hope she’s otherwise occupied, then.” Tripp shut his door with a soft click.

  Eden didn’t want to think about what the woman might be doing to stay occupied. She walked beside Hannah behind her brother as the cat led the way up the track toward the barn, tail twitching.

  “What’re we going to do when we get there?” Hannah kept her voice low. “If we find her car, are we going to call the deputy?”

  “Depends on what we see or hear from inside the barn.” Tripp veered to the side of the road. “We’re getting fairly close. Let’s walk in the grass. We don’t want her to hear our feet crunching gravel and come out to investigate.”

  They continued onward and stopped when the cat crouched down in front of the partially open barn door. Tripp edged around the side of the building and gave them a thumbs up.

  The car was there.

  Eden’s heart pounded as she crept toward the door, certain Blake was somewhere within the old barn. She could feel his presence drawing her near. When she got within a yard of the cat, the animal hissed and darted inside.

  “Come over here, Pris. I can’t kiss you if you stand that far away.”

  Eden froze, and her stomach dropped.

  “You swear on Josie’s grave you aren’t going to try anything?”

  He laughed softly, his voice silky smooth. “The only thing I intend to try, I swear you’ll like.”

  Hannah met her gaze, eyes wide. Eden shrugged and inched closer to the opening. Blake wouldn’t talk to Pris that way without a very good reason. A glance inside had her pressing a hand to her mouth to hold back a whimper.

  Twenty feet away, Blake lay on a blanket wearing nothing but his briefs, one ankle and wrist chained to a post. Pris stood in front of him in a bra and panties, a knife clutched in one hand. She sneezed, and her hand shook. She sneezed again, and turned as the cat advanced toward her.

  “Get out of here! Shoo. Scat.” She waved the knife. When the cat kept coming, she doubled over in a sneezing fit.

  Shoving open the door, Eden ran across the barn floor and tackled her. The knife sailed through the air and landed with a thump. Arms flailing and legs kicking, Pris fought like a woman possessed.

  “No!” She scraped nails down Eden’s face. “No, you aren’t going to take him from me!”

  Gaining the upper hand, Eden straddled the mad woman’s waist then held down both arms while Pris bucked like one of her wild horses.

  “Jesus, Eden. Watch out!” Tripp grabbed Pris’s wrists. “Hannah, bring me those restraints laying over by Blake.”

  “No. No. No.” Pris rolled her head from side to side, eyes closed, tears coursing down her cheeks. “He’s mine. Mine.”

  A minute later, Tripp had her restrained and lashed to a support post. Eden crawled through the hay to Blake.

  He reached out his free hand to touch her cheek. “You’re bleeding.”

  “She clawed me. Good thing my tetanus shot is up to date.” Her smile wavered as she sat beside him and pressed a hand to his chest. “Are you okay?”

  He nodded. “Other than the fact she drugged me up half a dozen times, I’m good. My God, Eden, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing when you ran through that door.” He stroked her hair. “Like an avenging goddess. I was speechless with fear when you jumped her while she still held that knife.”

  “The cat was the real hero.” She smiled through her tears. “Do you know where the keys are for those shackles?”

  “Here.” Hannah handed her a ring. “I found them in the pocket of her shorts lying over there.” She pulled out her phone and walked away as Pris screamed obscenities. “I’m calling 9-1-1.”

  Tripp nodded. “The sooner they get here the better.” He glanced toward Pris. “That screeching is going to give me a headache. She sounds like a cat in heat.”

  Eden unfastened the chains tethering Blake then pressed her face to his neck as he gathered her into his arms. “I was so afraid we wouldn’t find you before she completely lost it and hurt you…or worse.”

  “I was a little nervous about what she might do next. How’d you know I was in Blue Valley?”

  “Roman saw Pris drive away from the ranch, but he didn’t know she had you in her car at the time. We took a chance and drove out here when the search parties back home didn’t find you.”

  “You’re smarter than I was. I never would have believed she was so unbalanced.” He tightened his arms around her. “I’m sorry you were worried. I was working on an escape plan.”

  Tripp let out a snort of laughter. “Luring her in with promises of sex? That was some performance.”

  “I needed her close in order to grab her and take her down, but I wasn’t sure my acting skills were up to the task.”

  “You had me fooled. I was afraid we were busting in on some porn flick.” Tripp smiled. “That’s why I hesitated, and Eden went barreling in to the rescue.”

  She pulled away slightly and rolled her eyes at her brother. “I knew better. Can we get the hell out of here?”

  “I’d love to.” Blake’s legs shook as Eden helped him to his feet. “All those tranquilizers haven’t fully worn off. The doses must have been strong enough to take down a moose.”

  Her brows knit in a frown. “I don’t like the sound of that. We’ll take you to the hospital to get checked out.”

  He swayed a little as he pulled on the pants Tripp handed him. “Thanks. Can you grab my shirt and shoes?” He gave Eden a reassuring smile. “I don’t need a doctor, just a little more recovery time. Anyway, I’m sure the police will want to question me. Let’s get it over with so we can go home.”

  “Blake, don’t leave me here! Blake!”

  None of them looked back at Pris as they walked out of the barn into the sunlight. As pathetic and sick as the woman was, Eden still couldn’t forgive her. She let out a long, relieved breath.

  Hannah pushed her phone into her pocket as she turned to face them. “The authorities should be here within ten minutes.”

  “Good.” Blake’s sober gaze moved from Hannah to Tripp and then settled on Eden. “You all came when I needed help.”

  Eden blinked back tears. “Of course we came.”

  Tripp stepped forward to lay a hand on his shoulder. “The Wildes protect the people we care about.”

  “You certainly do, and I’m grateful to be included in that circle.”

  A slow smile spread as Tripp nudged Eden. “If you can make my tough little sister get all soft and emotional, I figured you were worth saving.”

  Blake pulled her close and dropped a kiss on her upturned lips. His intent blue gaze held hers, filled with a wealth of promise that stole her breath. “Eden, I—”

  “Do you hear that?” Hannah held up a hand. “Sirens. Here come the police.”

  He let out a breath. “I guess we’ll have to finish this conversation later.”

  Eden wrapped an arm a
round his waist and held on tight. “We have plenty of time. Right now, I’m just thankful for that.”

  * * * *

  Eden pocketed her cell and let out a whoop then ran across the yard. She stopped near the corral fence where Duke dozed peacefully and squinted into the late afternoon sun. When the dog stood up, she patted his massive head. “Blake!” Raising a hand, she waved to catch his attention.

  Giving Apollo a kick, he trotted toward her. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong.” Her lips stretched in a grin. “Something’s right. Tripp finally sucked up his courage and asked Hannah to marry him.”

  “Oh, yeah? Did she say yes?”

  Eden swatted his arm as he dismounted. “Of course she said yes. They’re planning an October wedding. That’s only three months away, but she says they intend to keep it simple.”

  “I’m happy for them both.” He tugged on the reins to lead the horse toward the barn. Bright blue eyes twinkled as he smiled at her. “I imagine you’ll be maid of honor again.”

  “Of course.” She tucked her hand through his arm. “Always the bridesmaid…”

  He stopped and loosened the girth strap on Apollo’s saddle. “I have some news, too. I was going to wait until this evening to tell you, but no time like the present. Right?”

  “What?” She held her breath, wondering if he’d accepted the part he’d been offered in a new spy thriller. The only problem was they’d be filming in France for several weeks in the fall. If he had to miss Tripp and Hannah’s wedding… “Did you take the part?”

  He lifted the saddle off Apollo then gave him a slap on the rump to send him strolling away. “Huh?”

  “The CIA agent chasing the assassin in Paris?”

  “Oh, no. I turned that one down a couple of days ago.” He frowned as they entered the dim interior of the barn. “I don’t want to be so far away from you for any length of time. Didn’t I tell you?”

  Letting out a relieved breath, she resisted the urge to smack him for keeping her in suspense. “I guess it slipped your mind.” She waited at the tack room door while he dropped the saddle over its stand. “What’s your news, then?”

  “A couple of things. Roxi called about another movie. This one is a psychological thriller. After what we went through with Pris a few weeks ago, I’ll be able to add extra depth in the form of personal experience to the part.”

  Eden shuddered. Every time she thought about him chained up in that barn, her stomach turned. Despite what the woman had done to him, Blake had paid for an expensive defense attorney. Pris had entered an insanity plea, and hopefully she’d eventually get the help she needed.

  “Eden?”

  “Sorry.” She smiled at him and took his hand as they headed back outside. “What did you say?”

  “I’m excited about this project. The picture is set in San Francisco, and the location shots will be filmed there in January. With this much advance notice, hopefully you can work your wild horse training schedule around it so you can come with me.”

  “I’m sure I can, but that’s six months from now. What are you going to do until then?”

  He led her around the barn and out toward the open prairie as the hot summer breeze lifted the hair off the back of her neck. Long, dried grass waved around their calves and filled the air with a scent reminiscent of baking bread. Duke trailed along behind them before flopping over to roll onto his back.

  Blake stopped and gathered her in a loose embrace. “That’s my other news. I spoke to the owner of the piece of land that butts up to your parents’ ranch on the northern boundary. He’s interested in selling. If we built a house on the western edge of the property, we’d have some spectacular mountain views, and I’d have a project to keep me busy through the fall.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. “That would be quite a commitment.” Her gaze met his and held. “Are you sure putting down roots in Wyoming will make you happy?”

  “I’ve never been more certain about anything.” With a thumb, he stroked wisps of hair off her cheek before bending to kiss her. “Being with you fills me with excitement and unending pleasure. I’m one hundred percent ready to commit to a life here with you. I enjoy ranch work. I won’t be bored when I’m not acting.”

  “I’ve been thinking, too.”

  “Oh?”

  She nodded. “I miss working with leather. I enjoyed that creative outlet, but when I’m busy with my horses, I don’t have enough time to devote to filling orders.” She linked her fingers behind his neck and stroked his warm skin. “But, I can take all my materials and tools to Malibu the next time we go and sell belts and purses on consignment in one of the specialty shops. That’ll keep me occupied and productive when we’re there.”

  “I guess we’ve both been working on ways to make this relationship solid.”

  “I love you, Blake. Maybe it would be easier for you to date someone in Hollywood and for me to find a local man, but easy isn’t what will make me happy. I want you in my life, even if we’ll have a few challenges to overcome.”

  He gathered her tight against his chest and kissed her. “I couldn’t agree more.” His breath fanned her cheek as he pulled back a few inches. “I guess that leaves only one quetion.”

  Joy filled her. “What’s that?”

  Letting her go, he dropped onto one knee and pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket to flip it open. A huge, solitaire diamond sparkled in the sunlight. “Will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?”

  She covered her mouth with both hands as tears filled her eyes. “Yes. Oh, my heavens, yes.”

  He tugged her left hand down to slide the ring onto her finger then stood. Lifting her off her feet, he swung her around then let out a shout of sheer exultation. “I love you, Eden.”

  She held on tight. “I love you, too, Blake. Now and forever.”

  Turn the page for a sneak peek at Jannine Gallant’s

  Wilde One

  The Wilde brothers have one thing in common—a thirst for adventure. But Griff Wilde is about to be taken on the ride of his life . . .

  When Griff Wilde receives a letter from a dead man sending him on a race to find a mysterious treasure, he’s not worried about the competition. After all, salvaging sunken treasure is what he was born to do. But the riddles leading to the clues are a little trickier than he anticipated . . .

  Ainslee Fontaine is ready for a change. A cross-country scavenger hunt sounds like a piece of cake after teaching in New York City. How hard could it be? For starters, travelling alone seems to have its hidden dangers, like real-life treasure hunters who ignite her deepest passions. But there’s still a hidden prize to find—unless someone stops them by any means necessary . . .

  Chapter 1

  Griff Wilde downed the last of his beer and pushed back his chair. Legs grated across the scarred wooden floor of his favorite dive on Key West where he and his team had spent the better part of the night celebrating. Mission accomplished. They’d salvaged a hoard of gold doubloons, not to mention a few quality artifacts from the old galleon mired deep in the silt of the ocean floor. He’d donate the best pieces to a museum, including a couple of brass candlesticks and a garnet broach, but keep the gold. A grin spread. The profit margin for this operation would be his best yet. Reason enough to hoist a few then take a month or two off for a well-deserved vacation.

  “You aren’t leaving are you? Hell, it isn’t even dawn yet.”

  As Griff rose to his feet, he glanced over at Joe Hackett.

  His old friend’s eyes were glazed, but he still managed a lopsided smile. “The party’s just getting started.”

  Griff snorted. “I don’t intend to spend my first night in weeks on dry land sleeping on a beer-stained floor, which is where the rest of you seem destined to end up.”

  He gave Willy a nudge, and the boy slid off the chair to land in a boneless heap beneath the table. Across from Joe, Arlo grunted and twi
tched, head thrown back, mouth hanging open.

  Griff shrugged. “Looks like the party’s definitely over.”

  “Lightweights.” Joe tilted the last of the pitcher’s contents into his glass.

  A frown drew Griff’s brows together. “Maybe we should wake them up and haul them to their rooms.”

  “Not gonna happen. Let ’em sleep it off. Roy’ll rouse those two when he shows up in the morning to clean the place.” Joe swirled the beer in his glass. “Nice of him to let us stay after he closed up.”

  “It isn’t the first time, and I gave him one hell of a tip.” Griff headed toward the door, his steps faltering a little. Gathering his bearings, he turned to his friend. “You coming?”

  “Naw, I think I’ll brew a pot of coffee then take a walk to watch the sunrise. No point in going to bed. I have a midday flight to catch out of Miami, and I need to get there first.”

  “Suit yourself. I’ll be in touch once I know for sure where we’re going next. I think we’ll switch it up and head to the Pacific. Based on my research, there should be a couple of old wrecks to choose from off the California coast. One near Big Sur looks promising.”

  Joe pressed his hands down on the table then pushed to his feet. “Don’t rush into anything. I could use some down time.”

  “No worries. I think we all could. See you in a month or two.”

  “Take it easy.”

  The bar door creaked as Griff stepped outside. The damp heat of a Florida night smacked him in the face. He drew moisture-laden air into his lungs as he strolled the two blocks to his rented room. After unlocking the cabana door, he hit the light and blinked in its sudden glare. His gear rested in a heap on the floor where he’d dumped it after vacating the Wilde Lady. In the corner, a pile of papers was strewn across the table.