Page 40 of Resisting His Charm
“Right, what else?” I ask.
“Whatever it takes to stay on top,” he answers.
“I get it.”
His eyes flick in my direction before staring back out at the road. “You do?”
“I mean, it’s not ideal walking in on unalived bodies, but I get that you do what you need to. Don’t you think it’s a bit much, though? What your sister did? I mean, does it really matter ifsomeone said something about me?” I press. “I don’t think it deservesthatlevel of torture.”
“It’s the disrespect. If we let one soldier get away with disrespecting us, they will all try it. And that’s when you lose power. We can’t show weakness. Besides, he got off light. If I would have heard it, he would have suffered a lot more.”
Well, shit, I don’t even know what to say about that. I know if Jaxson had heard someone say something like that about me, I’d probably never see the person again either. Except I’d have that ignorant bliss of never actually knowing what happened.
Then again, I wouldn’t have known now if I hadn’t walked in on that scene. Sammie and Imogen wouldn’t have told me.
“I think I like ignorance,” I admit aloud.
“What do you mean?” Sammie asks.
“It’s how I grew up. My mom always made sure I never knew what truly went on around the ranch. So, what I mean is… although I know shit isn’t always above that gray line, I like to live life being ignorant. I don’t need to know the details of what you get up to every day. And I certainly don’t want to see it.”
“Careful, Poppy. It sounds an awful lot like you’re planning to stick around for a while.”
“You’re underestimating the power of a good orgasm, Sammie. There is a lot a girl would overlook for the kind of pleasure you give.”
When I pull into the ranch, I peer up at the sign:Kestral Valley Ranch. I’ve driven under this sign all my life. When I was a child, I loved it. Ever since I was sixteen, I’ve hated it. It’s a reminder of everything I’ve lost.
“What’s wrong?” Sammie turns in his seat to look at me.
“Nothing.” I shake the thoughts of my parents from my mind.
“Something happened just now. What were you thinking?”
“It’s nothing,” I assure him, slowing a little on the dirt road.
“It’s something. You got real sad real fast, Poppy. Why?”
“It’s just this place has memories, and not all of them are good,” I say cryptically. “Now, before we get to the main house, I should really warn you that my cousins are pure Texan cowboys—rough and fiery as hell.”
“Are you trying to intimidate me?” Sammie chuckles.
“No, I know you can handle yourself. I saw you fight Jaxson at the bar. But I just… They’re my family. I have to put up with them. You don’t.”
“Do you not like your cousins?”
“I love them. I just know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea.” I shrug.
“Trust me, I doubt they have anything on my cousins.” Sammie reaches over and takes hold of my hand. “You need to stop worrying. It’s just dinner, Poppy.”
“Jaxson has never invited any of my boyfriends to dinner before,” I mutter under my breath.
Sammie’s smile widens. “I’m your boyfriend, huh?”
“That’s not what I meant.” I shake my head.
“Too late. You put it out into the universe.”
“I’mtaking it back,” I insist as I park the car. Imogen pulls in right beside us. I did my best not to drive like a maniac so she could follow.
