Free The Cowboys Heart 1 by Helen Evans Page B

sneaky rotten… now, more than ever, I was going
to do this. Nothing or no one was going to stand in my way.

Chapter Nine
    O nce I signed the contract with the gas company,
they wasted no time getting on the property and drilling. It was noisy, but so
far there hadn’t been any issues. Jamie was more excited about it, too,
especially since we know had money to do things. I splurged and spoiled him
when we got the first check. All talk of returning to the city seemed to have
died on his tongue. Things were peaceful for once. Hudson still wasn’t thrilled
with my decision, but he didn’t have to be. It was my choice to make, and he
supported it, even if a little begrudgingly.
    “Whoa, easy Biscuit.” I pulled on her reins, guiding her to
slow down a little. I think she was just as excited to be ridden as I was to
ride her. The last time had been weeks ago when Hudson and I inspected the
ranch for needed repairs. I promised myself I was going to ride more regularly,
and that started today.
    We rounded the corner edge of the property when I noticed
the Jennings brothers lurking around. I slowed Biscuit to a stop. “Can I help
you gentlemen?” I kept my voice loud and firm. Inside, I was terrified. They
were four big men. If they decided to attack me, there was no way I’d be able
to defend myself.
    “You shoulda sold to us,” Buck said, venom lacing his words.
“That oil and the money you took for it belongs to us.”
    I snorted. “Nothing on this ranch has ever belonged to you,
and it never will. It would serve you well to remember that.”
    Buck sneered a mix of a smile and a scowl. I had to stop
from physically cringing at how evil he looked. “It doesn’t belong to you,
either! Noreen was days away from selling to us, and then you swooped in and
took it. A true woman would honor her grandmother’s wishes.”
    My eyes widened, and my heart raced. Anger boiled in my gut.
“How dare you! I know damn well she never had any intention of selling to the
likes of you four.”
    Buck stepped closer and for a moment I was worried he’d
climb the fence and come after me. Instinctively, I backed Biscuit up, prepared
to make a fast retreat if necessary. “You have no idea what you’re talking
about, but I promise, you’ll found out soon enough.” His brothers snickered,
and I glared at them.
    “Are you threatening me?”
    He flung his head back and let out a loud cackle. “Nope.
Don’t need to threaten you.”
    I cleared my throat and straightened my back, making myself
sit a little taller. “Then I suggest you leave. You’re all close to
trespassing, and one thing my grandmother taught me was how to shoot a rifle.”
It was a total bluff, but they didn’t know that. I hoped. And even if it were
true, there was no way I could ever actually aim a gun at anyone let alone pull
the trigger.
    “Little miss thing is all tough now. Guess fucking your
neighbor gives you a renewed confidence, huh?” Buck spit on the ground,
grinning. “Maybe I should give you a go, see what it does for me.”
    “Uh,” I huffed, making a disgusted face. “You’re so vile.” I
shuddered at the thought of that man getting anywhere near me.
    “If you only knew…” one of his brothers muttered.
    “Yeah,” Buck said, spitting again, “you might wanna rethink
who you’re calling vile. Your precious Hudson isn’t as wonderful as you think.”
    My heart stopped, and my ears burned hot. “What does that
mean?” I had no idea why I asked, or why I was still here listening to them.
They weren’t worth my time, yet that nagging voice in the back of my mind
wouldn’t let me leave.
    Buck shrugged lazily. “Just hope you’re enjoying Hudson
because we sent him to you, Heather. He’s one of us, and his sole goal has been
to convince you to sell.” He laughed, and his brother’s joined him. What do you
have to say to that, Miss haughty-taughty, Buck said with a smirk? I was too
shocked to respond. My response must have been what