Rodeo Rancher

by Lauren Wood

  I shook my head and pushed aside those thoughts and shoved them in the garbage bin just where the likes of Eros belongs. "You either let me go or I'll scream," I warned him. He tossed his head back and laughed "Little, little Grace. What I'd do just to get you to scream my name," he teased which made me glare at him even more.

  He then guided me to one of the fair's game stalls. "I tell you what, let's play a few games, ride a few rides and if you still don't want to go out with me then I'll leave you alone," somehow those are music to my ears. I smiled at him and said "Then what are you waiting for? Win me a stuffed toy," and once again I'm drowning in the butterflies of my stomach because of that addictive genuine smile of his.

  I've lost track of time as Eros and I played games and rode a few rides. He even won a stuffed panda for me. And as I'm lost in our laughter and fun I forgot that this was only part of the deal for him to leave me alone. All my life I've strived to be a good student and good daughter that I've never let myself have any fun. It was like a breath of fresh air.

  During our little fun as we laughed and shared cotton candy, a group of men wearing hoodies came up to us. "Boss," they nodded towards Eros. "We have a situation." one said, and as I looked at Eros he was no longer in a jolly mood. His carefree smile was replaced with a serious expression. "I'll be back little Grace," he said as he left with his men leaving me alone. It wasn't even minutes till I finally snapped out of the little bubble that Eros has created for us.

  What the hell was I doing? He's in the freaking Mafia for all I know. I mean a group of men in black hoodies showed up and called Eros, the boss. My mood turned sour as I stomped out of the fair and started heading home. But before I could reach my car a hand tapped my shoulder. I spun around expecting to see Eros but instead it was a man wearing a white shirt. "May I help you?" I asked politely.

  Suddenly three more men appeared behind him and all the blood has left my face. "That's Eros' girl, get her." one of them said. Two men grabbed me by the arms and tried lifting me but I wasn't going without a fight. The other two tried grabbing my legs but I was kicking like the day I was born. "Let me go! Let me--" I was suddenly cut off as one guy shoved a piece of cloth into my mouth. I tried screaming and shouting but it only became muffled.

  I knew just being around Eros was going to get me into trouble. I heard tires screeching as they started dragging me towards the car. "Get off of her!" a familiar voice growled. I was dropped to the ground as the men who carried me started fighting with Eros. It wasn't much of a fight when it's obvious that Eros was winning. My body ached from the struggle but my focus was on Eros beating the men into pulps.

  I was in awe at the way he moved. He obviously knows what he's doing. He moves like a warrior would combine with gentleness. His eyes focused on his moves and his face full of anger. Once the men were down on the ground, Eros growled "You stay away from what's mine!" the men then ran away.

  In a blink of an eye, Eros was right beside me checking for any injuries on my body. "Are you alright little Grace?" he asked. His eyes full of concern. I won't deny that I enjoyed his company today and saw a whole new side of Eros but I can't ignore the fact that's he's Eros Carmichael. The dangerous man who lives next door. Who claims that I’m his, when nobody owns me.

  I pushed his hands away as I stood up. "I could've handled myself," I tried my best to stay angry. "Little Grace, I know you can handle yourself but I can protect--" before he could say anything else I stomped my foot and said "Enough of your games Carmichael," he flinched. Probably because he could detect the irritation in my voice. "The best thing you can do for me right now... is to stay as far away from me as possible."

  I grabbed my stuffed panda but before I could leave Eros grabbed my hand. "I will always protect you even if you don't want me to," he said. I looked into his eyes and saw that he was hurt by my words but I shrugged it off and said "But how can you protect me from yourself?" my heart clenched by the way he looked at me. “As you wish,” he said emotionless. I turned around and left without looking back but the way he looked at me will haunt me for the next few days.

  Chapter 4

  I've underestimated when I said that 'the way he looked at me will haunt me for the next few days.' It's been a month since the incident and the way he looked at me still haunted me. He stayed true to his word because I didn't see a single glimpse of him. And I didn't know what irritated me more? The fact that he's not around and he could be planning something or my traitorous heart yearning for his presence.

  My parents were at the hospital and it was storming outside. Thunder echoed through the sky, lightning lit up dark rooms and heavy rain pounded loudly on the roof. I was in my room trying to get my homework done. But all my thoughts were consumed with Eros and his absence. I ran my hand through my hair frustratingly, and I can't help but glance every now and then at the Panda that Eros won for me.

  Maybe I was too harsh on Eros? I mean he did show me a good time at the fair and he was always kind to me except for his flirtations and perverted jokes. Suddenly I heard glass shattering coming from Eros' house. Maybe he was with another girl? Just the thought of that makes my heart clench.

  I shook my head willing myself to ignore the thought of Eros but then another glass shattering noise came from his house and I couldn't help but be worried. I stood up and went to my window but it was hard to see anything through the heavy rain. I groaned not knowing if he's alright or he's with another girl. I don't know why it bothered me so much. As I stared at the window through the heavy rain, I knew that there was only one way to find out.

  I grabbed my coat as I dashed into the pouring rain and ran all the way to Eros' house. I knew that Eros no longer lived with his parents so it was just him. As I climbed the stairs to his porch I noticed that his front door was slightly ajar. The worst came to mind. What if someone's here to hurt him? Or worse... kill him.

  I felt my blood leave my face and without hesitation, I pushed the door open. Vases were broken on the floor but there was no sign of Eros anywhere. "Hello," I called out hoping his annoying grinning face would show but there was only complete silence. As I started walking into his home I noticed the floor was wet almost as if someone got drenched in the rain and walked right through the house.

  "Carmichael!" I called out through the house. I heard groaning and instantly stiffened. "Carmichael, if that's you then it isn't funny." But as I rounded a corner I gasp at the sight. Eros was drenched from head to toe, probably from the rain. He looked like he was worn out and a broken glass was on the floor and he had a bleeding hand as he laid on the ground. Who would've known that someone as tough looking as Eros could look so broken.

  Immediately I made my way next to Eros as I brought his head to rest on my lap. "Carmichael, are you alright?" I asked the most stupid question. Of course, he wasn't alright. I put my hand on his head to feel that he was burning up. His eyes were drooping as his body trembled. I started panicking as I slapped his face trying to keep him awake. "Stay with me Eros," finally calling him by his first name. "I need you to stay awake and I also need you to help me get you to your bed," going all full nurse mode.

  As I helped him to his bed which took a while since we kept stumbling on furniture. I bit my lip as I started stripping him from his wet clothes. I had to convince myself that I was a nurse and this was natural but I couldn't help but gawk at his bulging muscles. But what made me move faster was his rising body temperature. Once he was in dry clothes I started cleaning his wound on his hand. Removing particles of glass from the wound, applying alcohol and finally bandaging it up.

  I wiped parts of his body with a clean rag removing the sweat and grime from his body. Who knew? That Grace Hawthorn would be taking care of the most feared man in our town. If it was anybody else they would've left Eros' body to slowly die. I stared at his sleeping form admiring his handsome face and his body as it rises and falls to his breath.

  "What are you doing to me, Eros?" I asked no one in particular.

 
; Suddenly I heard a tired chuckle coming from him. "You... you called me by my name," he said tiredly. "It sounds nice coming from you," he added. I blushed as I looked away but then snapped my head back at him and asked, "Why the hell were you lying on the ground wet?"

  "Be careful little Grace, you almost sounded like you care," he said with a smirk.

  I did care but I blamed the part of me that wants to be a doctor. His smirk faded and was replaced with a pained expression. "I kept my word," he started and I thought he was talking about keeping his word by staying away from me. "That I'd protect you even if it means standing in the rain," he coughed. I rolled my eyes and said, "Didn't your mom tell you that it is bad to be in the rain?"

  "No," was his simple answer. I remember that Eros and his parents were never great neighbors. His parents kept fighting and knowing Eros he must not have a great relationship with them. I instantly felt guilty for asking that question. "Gosh... how did I get lucky to have someone as beautiful as you to take care of me?" he asked as he brushed my cheek with his hand making my cheeks turn red.

  "I bet you say that to all the girls." I nervously said. I felt disappointed that I was just another girl of his collection. He chuckled and said "Just you, my little Grace. Only you get to hear such words from me. You deserve all the sweetest words in the world."

  "Why me Eros? I'm not sexy. I'm not--"

  "Grace, you're sexy without you even knowing. It's not a secret little Grace that I'm completely in love with you." he said.

  I stared at him with wide eyes. My heart was in flutters and I could feel the possibility of going into shock. Eros Carmichael, the bane of my existence, the notorious bad boy was in love with me. "Why?" I asked. "I've seen you grow up little Grace. You have the most beautiful heart. And you're so passionate and kind about things. You're fierce and not afraid to speak your mind. You're smart and beautiful... And most of all you're not afraid of me."

  That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever told me. I never knew someone looked at me in such a way. "Grace," he grabbed my attention. "You heard a lot of bad things about me and I might be mean to other people but to you... I'm different. I want you to understand that no matter what I'll never hurt you." And I believe him. "I've made mistakes and I've done terrible things, and when I look at you I know for a fact that I don't deserve you. Hell, no one does. But I'm a selfish person and I want you all to myself."

  He pushed himself into a sitting position I tried pushing him back down but I wasn't stronger than him. He then started leaning towards me and my heart was beating rapidly I think that it's about to leap right out of my chest. I closed my eyes expecting him to kiss my lips but instead, I felt his soft lips upon my head.

  "You're my saving grace."

  Chapter 5

  I haven't been able to sleep a wink of sleep since my visit to Carmichael residence last night. His words echoed through my mind and the touch of his lips left a lingering sensation on my head. I was in complete bliss ever since his confession.

  As much as I want to think that he's just playing games with me, last night I saw another side of him. It's like Eros has all these different sides that no one knows and he's only showing them to me. I blushed as I tiredly made my way out of my house to head to school. But as I looked up I saw Eros leaning against his car wearing shades as he smiled at me.

  My breath was taken away by how his dark hair was gelled back and he wore a leather jacket that hugged his muscles. He was the epitome of a handsome bad boy. I stood frozen as he slowly made his way towards me. It was like he was walking in slow motion

  "Good morning beautiful," he greeted as he kissed my cheek and pulled me against him. "Morning," was all I could muster. "Shall we?" he asked as he held out his hand for me to take. "Where are you taking me?" I asked and all I could think was him taking me to his Mafia headquarters and torturing me. "To school, of course," he replied.

  He helped me into his car and drove me to school. He didn't even park where the other cars are parked. Instead, he parked right in front of the stairs going up to the front doors of the school. Teenagers were littered everywhere either going inside the school or simply hanging out but as soon as the car screeched to a stop, all eyes were on us.

  Eros quickly got out of the car and literally slid across the hood of the car to get to my side. He opened the door for me and helped me out. Who knew the infamous dangerous man could be a gentleman. "Have a nice day at school sweetheart," What's up with the terms of endearment?

  He had his arm wrapped around my waist but before he could lean in and kiss my cheek, I held up a finger to stop him. "Eros," before I could get anything else out, he moaned in delight which made my cheeks heat up. Some people even looked at us with wide eyes. "I love it when you say my name," he growled out. I still had my finger held up as I gulped and said "No need for PDA. I'm not your girlfriend but thanks for the ride," He smirked as he leaned in and kissed my finger making me tremble with an unknown desire. "Yet," was all he said as he walked back to his car and drove off.

  Still shocked and mesmerized about what happened. People started whispering and Melissa appeared by my side with wide eyes. "Did I just see that happen?" she asked. I nodded and I was expecting Melissa to start telling me how in danger I am or how it was nice knowing me. But she surprised me by squealing in delight. "I can't believe my eyes, Grace. This is so romantic. You changed the bad boy!" she shared her thoughts.

  "That can't be Melissa. Bad boys never change especially for girls like me." I told her as we both started heading to class. "But that's the point Grace. It's entirely unexpected that's what makes it so romantic," her head clearly on cloud nine. "One day he'll get tired of me and toss me aside like all his other girls back then," I said.

  "Whatever makes you sleep at night. But one thing is clear Grace, the guy is totally in love with you," And there it was again. Eros in love with me. I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around it but I'm downright stubborn. Through all my classes I've either slept right through it or thought about Eros being in love with me.

  I'm so caught up with Eros that my grades are slipping. I could see my career as a doctor slip right through my fingers. This is why I never bother with any boys, they're nothing but a distraction. When school was done, I walked out readying myself to drink lots of caffeine back home and study. What I wasn't expecting was Eros waiting for me in the parking lot. A lot of unexpected things are happening for a while and I wouldn't be surprised if Eros unexpectedly disappeared. I stopped dead in my tracks as I see Eros walking up to me with people moving to the side giving him way. This man is driving me crazy.

  "How's your day gorgeous? How about we go have some dinner?" he asked as he started leading me towards his car. I stepped out from his hold and said "I can't Carmichael, I have to do my homework and study,"

  He sighed "Back again with my last name? And haven't you studied enough?"

  "I have to study every day. I can't afford to lose my scholarship to college." I said as I started walking away from him. He grabbed my arm to stop me and said "Then let me pay for your college. Any school you want, I'll pay for it. Want to go to Stanford? Princeton? You name it," My eyes widen at his suggestion. "Carmichael, I don't want your Mafia business or whatsoever meddling with my perfect path towards my career," Once those words escaped my mouth he tossed his head back and let out a laugh. And let me tell you how sexy it sounded.

  Shaking my head from nonsense thoughts, I glared at him. "Mafia? You think I'm a Mafia boss little Grace? I'm flattered but I'm not," I felt relief just hearing those words. "Look, Eros," it's like I can't decide which name to call him. When I'm trying to avoid him and when he's annoying me he's Carmichael. But when he's a gentleman and sweet he's Eros. "I can't afford to have any distractions. I need to be perfect." I told him seriously.

  His hand caressed my cheek as he said "But you're already perfect,"

  Annoyed and touched I decided to give him a piece of my mind. "Why are you sweet? Planning to use me and when yo
u're tired you'll toss me to the side like all your other girls? And what's up with the terms of endearment huh? I can't get my head wrapped around the idea of you in love with--" but I didn't finish my sentence because his lips were on mine.

  We spoke a thousand kisses with our eyes but nothing prepared me for the fireworks I felt inside. I didn't notice I was kissing him as well until he pulled back and leaned his head against mine.

  "I told you. Absolutely, perfect."

  Chapter 6

  I've been pacing back and forth pondering on that one mind-blowing kiss. It's the best I've ever had. Well, it's the only kiss I've ever had. There's no denying that I'm attracted to Eros and especially after that kiss it makes me think it's more than just a petty crush.

  But what worries me is that if he's not in the Mafia, then what is he in? There must be a reason why he's the most feared man in town. It can't just be him wearing a leather jacket and breaking hearts left and right. I frustratingly ran a hand through my hair as I glared at the stuffed Panda. Annoyed and bested by my little traitorous heart, I stormed out of my house and over to the Carmichael residence.

  As I climbed the steps to his porch I noticed the front door was slightly ajar, just like last time. Déjà vu hit me like running into a brick wall, and I started panicking. Wondering what state Eros would be in this time. I marched into his house but this time there was no shattered glass or wet footprints. But I did hear shouts and groans which seemed to be coming from the basement. Thinking the worst I dashed for the entrance of the basement and walked down the steps.

  The lights were dim but I was able to see that there was a hallway with four doors but only one door was slightly open. I hesitatingly walked down the hallway and heard the groans of a person grow louder and louder. A bloody and beaten Eros appeared in my mind which gave me the courage to open the door but nothing prepared me for what was actually happening.