Leading Hand (The Dusty Rider Series Book 2)

by Stella Knights

  Hopping the fence, Toddy flailing his arms and shouting. “Holly! Run!”

  What? Run? What does he mean run?

  Out of the corner of my eye, I’m jolted to reality by a terrifying sight.

  Oh, my God! It’s a bull!

  Toddy yells, but I can’t make out the words.

  All I hear is the thunderous roar of hooves beating against the earth as the massive animal charges towards me.

  Adrenaline courses through my veins as I dash towards the fence.

  Everything seems to be in slow motion and safety seems miles away, completely out of my reach.

  The animal closes in on me, sending vibrations of terror across the paddock.

  Aiden jumps the fence and frantically waves a stick.

  Toddy catches up to me first, positioning himself between the bull and me, while I continue running towards the fence.

  My fingers find the cold metal and with all my might I heave myself up and over, falling hard into the grass on the other side. My heart is pounding as I lie there winded.

  Toddy just saved my life.

  He hops the fence and stretches his arm out to help me stand up.

  I take his hand, still in shock.

  Trying to catch his breath, Toddy leans over and puts his hands on his knees. “You, all right?”

  My voice cracks. “Yeah. I’m sorry.”

  He shakes his head. “Don’t be sorry. It’s one of the hazards out here.” He stands and takes my hand in his. “I’m just glad you’re not hurt. I thought you were a goner for a second.” Toddy gazes at me without his normal pervy smile.

  Instead, I see a different look while his hand trembles against mine.

  What the…?

  Holding his gaze, I realise what he’s saying to me without uttering a word.

  Crap!

  Swallowing, his moist eyes shine, searching mine.

  Aiden jumps the fence, runs to me and hugs me tightly. “Fuck, Holly. You scared the shit out of me.”

  Toddy’s shoulders slump as he breaks his eyes away from mine and walks back to the yards.

  Straight-faced, I yell to him. “Thanks, Toddy.”

  Toddy’s raises his hand in the air but does not turn to look back at me. “No worries.”

  Aiden lifts my chin. “You, okay?”

  “Yeah, just out of breath.”

  He hugs me again. “Thank God.”

  Leaning against Aiden’s chest, I can’t get Toddy’s face out of my mind. I thought he was an obnoxious sleaze Aiden seems to put up with, but that expression he had is making me question whether there’s a heart in there somewhere.

  Aiden kisses my hair. “I better go thank Toddy. If it weren’t for him seeing that bull, I don’t even want to think about what could have happened. Maybe you were right about it being good having him here.”

  I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat.

  I’m not so sure about that, Aiden.

  A CLAP OF thunder breaks the night’s silence, causing me to jump out of my skin. Heavy rain pelts the Colourbond steel roof, transforming the earlier pitter-patter into a loud continuous reverberation through the house.

  Aiden rolls over and puts his hand on my forearm. “Are you awake?”

  “Yeah, the rain woke me.”

  He wraps his arm around me and pulls me close. “It’s been so long since we’ve had any, it’s a good sound to hear.”

  My throat is parched. “I’m going to get a drink of water.” I gently push his arm off me.

  His gentle snores let me know he’s already back asleep.

  As I walk down the stairs, lightning flashes cast an eerie glow across the house. The damp air sends a chill up my spine.

  Turning on the kitchen light, I gasp.

  Toddy is passed out, slumped over on the counter, his hand loosely gripping a beer. Several empty bottles sit on the counter within his reach.

  Has he been here all night?

  Unsure if I should wake him, I decide to walk over and gently nudge him.

  His eyes open to slits before he rubs them. Smacking his lips, he lifts his head, eyes still half open as he peers around the room confused.

  “You okay?”

  He scratches his arm and blinks, trying to focus. Mumbling, he answers, “Yeah, I’m good.”

  “Can I help you get up to your room?”

  He runs his hand through his hair. “No, no. I’m good, darlin’.” He gives a ghost of a grin as he looks towards me, but his eyes are barely open.

  He stumbles out of the room, knocking into furniture along the way.

  I better help him up to his bed.

  With one hand on his back to steady him, I help him climb the stairs.

  He slurs his words. “You’re hot. I like you.”

  I ignore his comment and focus on keeping him from falling.

  Contempt coats his words. “You know everyone thinks Aiden is so great.”

  “Toddy, you’re drunk.” I get him to his room and push the door open. “Go sleep it off.”

  He hiccups and points his finger up to his lips. “Shh, I know all his secrets.”

  “Go to sleep.”

  He staggers towards the bed, kicks off his boots and begins to unbuckle his pants. “Want to join me?”

  “No.” I shut his door and walk back to bed.

  How does he drink like this then get up and work every day as if he doesn’t have a hangover? And what does he mean about Aiden’s secrets?

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  AFTER A WEEK of rain, the colour of the property transforms as life returns, turning dusty browns into damp greens. The sunlight peaks through the clouds, making the landscape appear almost foreign in comparison to the weeks before.

  I’ve never seen such a drastic change, so I decide to try to capture the beauty in a watercolour painting. On my way through the kitchen to gather my art supplies, I stop at the tap and fill a cup, glancing out the window while I wait.

  Toddy and Aiden are standing near the fence, looking at something near their feet.

  I lean towards the window, trying to work out what has caught their attention.

  I hope it’s not another snake.

  Toddy tilts his hat back and points out a few other areas.

  Perplexed, Aiden scratches at his chin.

  They glare towards the house and notice me in the window.

  I wave.

  Aiden shakes his head before walking towards the house. Once inside, he kisses me. “Morning, hon.”

  “What were you two looking at?”

  He leans against the counter. “Toddy thinks someone’s been lurking around the place.”

  My eyes grow wide. “What do you mean?”

  “He said he noticed a few things out of place lately and muddy footprints this morning. If it weren’t for the rain, he might not have noticed.”

  “Should we be worried?”

  “I don’t think so.” He lifts his chin and glances at the ceiling. “But just in case, I was wondering if you know how to use a gun?”

  “Not really.”

  He raises his eyebrows in surprise. “But you’re from Texas.”

  “I’ve shot a hunting rifle once, but I’ve never used a gun.”

  Truth be told, I wasn’t allowed to do anything my parents thought was unladylike. If they had their way, I would do nothing but pretend to be a pretty little princess in a perfect, spotless dress without a hair out of place.

  Aiden drums his fingers against the edge of the counter. “I want to give you a lesson with my gun.”

  “Is that really necessary?”

  If we don’t need to be worried, then why learn how to shoot?

  Aiden’s concern resonates through his words. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

  I’m not sure I’m tough enough to handle a gun, though it would be good to know how to take care of myself.

  “All right, I’ll give it a go.” My heart races and my body tenses.

  I’m not sure I can do t
his.

  He disappears into the foyer and returns with a rifle. “I need to get the bullets.”

  I follow him into his office.

  He opens a closet and uncovers a safe. Spinning the dial, occasionally he stops, before then pulling the latch and opening the solid door.

  Over his shoulder, I see several boxes of ammunition on one shelf. On a lower shelf, there’s a green folder resting on a stack of papers. Aiden pulls out some bullets, then shuts the door, giving the dial a spin before checking the latch to ensure it’s locked.

  We walk out to one of the paddocks.

  Aiden yells. “Toddy, you around?”

  Toddy pokes his head out of the shed door. “What’s up?”

  “There’s a bunch of old cans on the bottom shelf near the door. Can you bring them out?”

  Cocking his head to the side, Toddy raises an excited eyebrow. “Wicked. Shooting practice!” He disappears but quickly reappears walking towards us with a box.

  Aiden points across the paddock. “Set a couple of cans over on that fence.”

  “Sure thing, mate.” Toddy races across the grass.

  Aiden looks at me. “Okay, I want you to shoot at the cans to get a feel for the gun.” He looks down and carefully checks the gun. As he loads in a magazine, it makes a distinctive click. Meeting my eyes, he hands the rifle to me.

  It’s heavier against my palms than I expected. My insides flutter with nervousness as the cold steel rests in my grip.

  Toddy sets a few cans along the top of the fence and then returns to where we’re standing.

  Aiden moves my body into position. “Put one hand here on the stock, roughly in the middle.” He moves my left hand into place. “Cradle it firmly. Grip the gun with this hand, right behind the trigger.” He moves my right hand to where he instructed, then raises the gun up against my shoulder. “You want the butt tight, so the kick doesn’t hurt.”

  I lean down, breathe in, trying to catch my breath as I stare down the barrel. “Aiden, I don’t think I can do this.” I let the barrel drop towards the ground.

  He moves closer and whispers. “Holly, you can do this.”

  My voice cracks. “No, I can’t.”

  Aiden runs his fingers along my forearm. “I know you can. Block your thoughts and think about the cans on the fence.”

  Lifting the gun, I take a deep breath, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Okay.” I reposition myself, my hands shaking as they grip around the gun.

  Aiden moves in close. “You’ve got this.” With his knee, he pushes my thighs further apart, widening my stance. “Ready?”

  I nod, my heart thumping hard in my chest. My palms go slick with perspiration.

  “Fire when ready, baby.” Aiden smiles tight lipped, giving me a reassuring nod.

  Blocking all thoughts, focusing on my target, I take another slow, deep breath. My heart is galloping fast enough that it threatens to knock me out of position. I curl my quivering finger around the steel, pull the trigger and wince as it moves backwards within my grip.

  Kaboom!

  Ting!

  The can tumbles to the ground.

  “Whoop!” I yell in surprise.

  Aiden grins and squeezes my shoulder. “Nice one. I knew you could do it.”

  “I can’t believe you hit one on your first go.” Toddy shakes his head and laughs. He slaps Aiden across the back. “Told you she’s tough and she can take care of herself.”

  “Guess you’re right.” Aiden looks at me, grinning. “You are full of surprises, Holly.”

  Adrenaline intoxicates me. This is nothing like I remembered. In the past, I feared it, but the success of my first shot empowers me, and I want more.

  Out of four more attempts, I knock down two more cans.

  Aiden takes the gun from my hand. “You amaze me. I knew you’d be a firecracker once you let go of your fears.”

  I smile, chuffed that I didn’t make a fool of myself.

  Toddy runs across the paddock to set up more cans. He yells over his shoulder, “I guess it’s true what they say. Don’t mess with Texas.”

  I can’t believe I hit the target. Moments ago, I was terrified of holding a gun, let alone shooting one. Now, I realise it’s quite the opposite. It’s power and control like I’ve never felt before.

  Raised to be a dutiful wife, I had been too scared to do anything but put up with my husband’s bullshit and let him take care of me. A smile spreads across my face as I contemplate another lesson from Aiden on how to conquer my old ways of thinking and free my mind from the shackles that once held me helplessly in place.

  Maybe I can take care of myself after all.

  JUST BEFORE DINNER, Jess walks onto the veranda and knocks on the back door.

  Aiden, who had been working on his laptop, goes to greet her. “Hi, Jess.”

  “Hey.” She glances at Aiden before rubbing at a scuff mark on her boot. “I came over to see Toddy.”

  Aiden’s brow furrows. “He’s in the shed.”

  “Thanks.” She goes but stops and looks back at Aiden. “Did he say anything to you about his mum?”

  “No, what’s happened?”

  “She had another fall. She was probably drunk and hit her head. My mum found her unconscious in a pool of blood and took her to the hospital.”

  Aiden runs a hand through his hair and stares off towards the shed. “No, he didn’t say anything. That’s awful.”

  Jess tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “My parents are on their way to see her.” She steps to the side and looks over Aiden’s shoulder. “Hi, Holly.”

  “Hi, Jess.” I wave, then go back to working on my watercolour. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch everything.

  Aiden rubs his forehead and stares at his feet. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Jess strokes her fingers down Aiden’s forearm.

  Does she not realise I can see her every move? Maybe I should be sarcastic and ask her to do that again, so I capture it correctly in my painting?

  Batting her eyelids, she gazes at him. “I think we just need to be there for him. Like the old times, just the three of us.”

  Can’t this girl see that the old days are long gone? And I’m pretty certain there are four of us now.

  Out of sight, I roll my eyes, waiting to see how Aiden deals with this.

  He scratches his jawline. “I’m not sure that’s the answer.”

  “Oh, come on. I know you can help me with being there for Toddy.” Her tone is sickly sweet and incredibly passive aggressive.

  “I am there for him, but times have changed. I’ve changed. There’s not much I can do to fix his problems.”

  She takes his hand and squeezes it. “I’m sure you’ll do the right thing, Aiden.”

  My word, Jess is smooth with the mental manipulation, trying to tap into Aiden’s good nature and guilt him into doing the things she wants.

  Aiden recoils, but she continues to gaze up at him.

  Maybe she’s too lovesick to see that Aiden isn’t into her?

  “I know you’ll do what’s right.” She leaves, hips swaying as she walks away.

  I stop painting for a moment, watching her strut off with her blonde ponytail swinging in the wind.

  Aiden shuts the door then sits back down to continue his work. “I don’t get why Toddy didn’t say anything.”

  “He’s probably embarrassed.”

  “Maybe.” His fingers tap on the keyboard. “Hope Jess can help him somehow.”

  I raise my eyebrows and let my words come out wrapped in sarcasm. “You mean you don’t want to take her up on her offer?”

  Aiden glances up.

  My tone exudes sweetness like honey dripping slowly off a spoon. “Oh, come on. Wouldn’t you like to have a piece of that little blonde thing?” I reach over and stroke his forearm. “Surely, she’d satisfy you better than I ever could.” I bat my eyes, mimicking Jess’s earlier action.

  Leaning closer, Aiden narrows his gaze with one eyebrow
raised. “No one can satisfy me like you can.”

  I wink, laughing as I return to painting and Aiden goes back to his work.

  AIDEN STOPS TYPING and shuts the cover of his laptop. “Want to take a ride and watch the sunset?”

  I nod and put my brush into my cup. “That sounds lovely.” My insides grow excited at the thought of being pressed up against Aiden, riding hard with the wind blowing through my hair.

  Close to the stables, Aiden notices the door is already open. “I mustn’t have shut this properly.” Walking inside, he drops my hand and glares towards the stalls.

  I tilt my head to the side and peer over his shoulder.

  Something is moving on top of the hay.

  “Is that Toddy naked with…” My hand covers my open mouth.

  My word! Jess and Toddy are getting it on in one of the stalls.

  I pull Aiden out of the stables. Once outside, I giggle. “Is this what Jess meant by helping Toddy?”

  “I guess so,” Aiden huffs. “I think taking a ride is out of the question unless we want to interrupt them.”

  I run my fingers along the waistband of his jeans, seduction oozing through my words. “Well, maybe we can take a different kind of ride?”

  He grins. “You sure?”

  I nod, licking my lips.

  He puts his arm around my waist and pulls me close as we walk back towards the house.

  Off in the distance, something moving catches my eye. “Aiden, is that a truck coming up the driveway?”

  Aiden strains, furrowing his brow, to see who it is.

  The sight of a strange vehicle makes me stop in my tracks.

  He relaxes. “Don’t worry. It’s just my dad.”

  “Did you know he was coming?”

  “He said he might stop by, but I didn’t think it’d be today.”

  “He’s probably excited to see how things are going.”

  “Maybe.”

  Aiden walks to the front section of the veranda to meet his dad at the door while I slip inside through the back.

  Through the screen door, Aiden’s tone sounds strained as he invites his father inside. “Hi, Dad. I didn’t think you’d be coming today.”

  Graham scuffs his feet on the welcome mat before walking into the foyer. “I was out this way and thought I’d stop by to see how you’re going.” Straight to business, Graham’s billowing voice takes over the house. “You have a broken fence out near the road.”