Free Her Tycoon to Tame by Emilie Rose Page B

breath when she counted the number of zeros. But the amount was irrelevant. She wasn’t going tolet him drive her away. “My grandparents built that cottage and the wall surrounding it stone by stone from rocks they collected from their fields. This is my home, my heritage. So as generous as your offer is, no thanks.”
    Surprise flickered in his eyes then his jaw hardened. “Sell me the property and I’ll allow you live in the cottage rent-free for twelve months, and I’ll continue funding your money-pit operation for the duration. A year will give you plenty of time to find alternative accommodations for you and your animals.”
    The man had mastered bribery. And while his offer tempted her simply because of the fiscal logic behind it, for the first time in her life a strong competitive urge pulsed through her. She wanted to win—to best this heartless bastard. Failing meant losing everything that mattered.
    Searching her mind for alternatives, she tucked her hair behind her ear. The post of her mother’s earring scraped her fingertip, reminding her that Sutherland Farm and rescuing horses had been her mother’s dream, too. This fight wasn’t just about her. This was her mother’s legacy and Hannah’s way to leave her mark in the world.
    â€œNo thanks.”
    â€œThat’s my deal, Hannah. Take it or leave it.”
    She had to get him physically involved with the students. Seeing the joy and sense of accomplishment on those faces hooked everyone.
    Everyone except her father, a voice in her head warned.
    And if converting Wyatt to a believer failed, she had to find another way. All of that required time and money—neither of which she had a surplus.
    Think, Hannah. What would Megan do?
    She’d buy time and strategize.
    â€œI’ll consider your offer—” over my dead body “—on one condition.” She threw his words back at him.
    He dipped his head, indicating she continue.
    â€œGive me ninety days to search for a comparable property close enough for our students to continue using our services…and you have to spend time with us. Watch us in action. Talk to our clients and their families. See the miracles we accomplish.”
    His eyes narrowed, but not so much that she couldn’t see that being backed into a corner had annoyed him. Well, too bad. She wasn’t whistling a happy tune, either.
    â€œYou’re in no position to make demands.”
    â€œOn the contrary, Mr. Jacobs. I have something you want. That gives me leverage.”
    A nerve in his jaw twitched. “I could simply evict your horses and outwait you. At the end of the year my contractual obligation to employ you and the other Sutherland employees will be over.”
    The implied threat against the rest of the staff shocked her, but she held her ground. “You don’t seem like the waiting type.”
    â€œYou’re mistaken. I can be very patient when I want something bad enough.” Silence stretched between them. “I’ll give you sixty days to find a new location. In the meantime, you’ll accept no more rescue animals. And you will start covering the expenses for your operation. Is that clear?”
    Jerk. She forced a conciliatory smile. “As Waterford crystal.”
    Before he could change his mind, she pivoted on her heel and bolted through the patio door for the safety and order of her lab. She’d won a brief reprieve of sorts. But that was only the beginning. She had a lot of work to do and very little money to do it with.
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    â€œPretty gal. Your wife?”
    Sam’s question jolted Wyatt from an unexpected and unwanted attack of lust. His stepfather climbed the stairs from the south lawn to the patio. Alone. Where was his nurse?
    â€œI’m not married, Sam.”
    Wyatt took one last glance at Hannah striding down the driveway toward the barn, her anger giving her hips anattention-getting sway. The