Love. Love. Love! What the hell did Camden understand about love? How could he entertain the concept after a few days?

How could she?

“Motherfucker.” Amber had spouted the words at least six times during the last few hours. She was numb, unable to think as clearly as she certainly needed to. She had no idea what or who to believe; however, the various notifications she’d found in her mailbox had been enough. The bank hadn’t wasted any time.

In bold lettering, the words were frank enough.

FORECLOSURE

She’d read over the contract written by Rush, albeit briefly. Yes, the offer was damn good, the kind of protection she desperately needed and no, she refused to entertain anything of the kind.

Stupid girl. Stupid.

This wasn’t how life was supposed to end up. This wasn’t a little girl’s dream. All her hopes had been crushed, the reality of life altering her mindset years before. She closed her eyes, the ugly vision she’d been able to shove aside slithering into the forefront of her mind. Maybe Kyle had been right all those years ago. She’d laughed at his nasty string of accusations, pretending she didn’t care what he had to say, but he’d managed to slide under her skin, stealing her innocence.

And she’d allowed him to remain, furrowing into that portion of her soul she’d cut away, closing down, but never leaving, never allowing her to embrace the kind of joy so many others had found.

“You will never be anything but trash.” Kyle swaggered toward her, the sneer on his face magnified by the hatred looming in his eyes. “I thought you were special. I was wrong.”

“You don’t know me, Kyle and you never will.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I know everything about you, every inch of your body as well as your mind. And I’ll never allow you to forget it. One day, you’ll come groveling to me and on that day, that very sweet day, I’ll break you. After all, princess, one day I will own you. You will succumb.”

Would he? Is that what was happening at this moment?

The words burned yet she’d refused to allow him to see her discomfort or the way he’d dashed her feelings. This was his promise and she was about to crash into his lair.

She’d known from the day she learned Kyle was back in town exactly what he wanted from her. Everything. He wanted her to grovel at his feet, to succumb to the realization that he was the only man who could save her. And she’d fallen into his trap. Why hadn’t she realized that Kyle was the one holding the cards? Why?

But there was more.

No wonder her father had kept the information locked away and whoever had stolen the key knew they’d find a firebomb. She had no way of knowing how much of the agreement Bart had kept or been given, but the indications were clear enough. Her father had gone into the oil business with Bart, only to dissolve the corporation when no oil had been found the land purchased by the corporation itself. The rest was too ugly to think about, but enough ammunition for Bart to wreak havoc in her life.

She would never divulge the information unless she was forced, and she was going to do everything in her power to keep the secret just that. A secret. One kept to her grave.

Pacing the lobby of the bank branch, she tried to remain calm, the practiced speech full of demands yet wishful, even helpful. Yeah, right. Who the hell did she think she was fooling? And so, she continued pacing, waiting her turn to speak with the Devil’s puppeteer.

Damn. Damn!

“Miss Harding? Mr. Smythe is ready to see you now.”

Glaring at the young girl, she rushed past her, perhaps fearful the window of opportunity would be closing. The second the door was closed, she held out the foreclosure papers, shoving them into the man’s face. She’d known Marty Smythe for years. He’d been out to Rattlesnake Ranch twice. She’d served him sweet tea for God’s sake, along with fucking cookies. Cookies!

“What is this, Marty? What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Marty stretched his neck, his face blossoming into a vivid red. “My job, Amber. This is a business. You’ve been warned for weeks that if you didn’t bring the loan up to date this would happen.”

“I still had time, you lowlife. I have a plan. I told you that.”

“We can’t wait until the end of the season, Amber. Besides, I know the trouble you’ve been having.”

“Trouble? What the hell do you know?” Amber continued to shake the papers. “Are you working with Bart Randolph to ceremoniously destroy my life? Of course, you are. You’re nothing but a coward.”

“I don’t work for Mr. Randolph.”

“Uh-huh.” She heard the glitch in his voice. “Why would you do this? Why? Bastard! This is my ranch that my father built! Don’t you care about anything? Don’t you care about the people of this town?”

He seemed to soften, and he stared at the closed door before lowering his voice. “They’re dangerous men, Amber. They don’t care about anyone but themselves. I have no choice but to follow orders.”

“You are such a coward.”

“That I am, Amber, but I prefer living.”

Easing down her arm, she plastered on a smile. “You are not going to get away with this. You tell Bart Randolph that his days are numbered. That goes for you and your bank, Mr. Smythe. I’m certain your Board of Directors would like the detailed evidence I have on your collusion with the Randolph Corporation. So will the state police and the FBI.”

“Are you threatening me, Miss Harding?”

“Oh no. This is a promise.” The smile remained as the threat sunk in. “And I’m certain you wouldn’t like your wife to know about your affair with that hot little number who ushered me in.” You bet she was throwing darts, but she could tell she’d hit the target. “Stay off my land or else.”

As she headed for her jeep, she didn’t have to look back to know that Marty was making a phone call or two. She’d just played her last hand.

And there was only one thing she could do.

Make a deal.

The café was quiet and out of the way, on the edge of town and a location few of the locals bothered to frequent. Amber lifted her sunglasses, studying the weather-beaten entrance, the once vibrant logo now dilapidated from peeling paint, complete lack of care. The sad establishment suited her mood.

She could see his car parked on the corner, freshly washed and polished, gleaming in the late afternoon sun. Always grandstanding. Always lording his wealth over everyone he came in contact with. Well, this was nothing but a short-term deal. She couldn’t care less about anything but keeping her ranch.

Her skin was clammy, the humidity creating a sticky feeling on her arms and neck. However, the intense heat had little to do with the agony pooling in her stomach.

You can do this.

Could she? Could she sell her soul to stop a madman?

The words did nothing but create another unsettling feeling. She’d spent two hours talking to several of the affected ranchers and knew the harsh tactics were similar to the ones she’d experienced. She understood their positions. They felt they had no choice but to sell out. The conversations had been frank but full of such utter hopelessness.

The oil under her land was valuable, and she would use it as a bargaining chip. A quick glance at her watch told her what she already knew. Past time to get this over with. At least she might be able to find out his intentions. Holding her head high, she crossed the street and walked into the café. Three of the four other people inside couldn’t care less who she was or her reasons for being inside the restaurant.

The fourth remained silent, waiting for her arrival. Waiting for her surrender.

Swallowing, she only removed the sunglasses after she was standing in front of him. She knew he’d be able to read her level of hatred.

“Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in,” Kyle motioned to the chair. “Might as well sit down, princess.”

Amber eased onto the chair, keeping her distance. “Kyle.”

He leaned over the table, his grin sliding into an expression of knowing. “You called this meeting, princess.”

The word was one she would never forget, the very one that had attracted her to the man all those years before. He’d been sweet, doting on her for two solid months before freeing the beast inside. And she’d been young and naïve enough to fall for his bullshit. “I did. I have a business proposition.”

“I’m not certain you’re in a position to offer me anything that I want. I will have your property, as well as several of the adjacent ranches by the end of the month and I don’t have to lift a finger.” He seemed pleased with himself, his eyes twinkling.

“I have two things you will want, Kyle. One, confirmation that your father has been lying to you for a number of years.” She slid the paper across the table, careful to keep her emotions under the radar.

“What’s this?” he asked after a few seconds.

“Take another look.”

Kyle wiped his mouth and studied the information.

After a few seconds, she could tell his hand was shaking. “Seems like he wanted you out of the way. All those years in Alaska when you had little hope of getting rich. The rigs were basically dry. Meanwhile, the real money was here. Several veins of black gold. Plus, he’s been working with some old buddies of his. I’m certain you recognize their names.” She allowed the information to sink in. Anger furrowed his brow and the beads of sweat slipping down from his forehead only matched the twitching of his mouth. She’d hit the mark.

He sat back, staring out the dirty window, tapping his fingers on the table. “Why did you bring this to me?”

“Because I’m tired of playing the fool and I suspect you are as well.”

“What do you want?”

“I want you to leave my ranch and the others alone. You obviously have enough oil on the land you currently own.”

Kyle shot her a look. “And I suppose you’ll want this in writing.”

“Absolutely. Executed and witnessed.” Amber did everything she could to keep her voice calm.

“And if I don’t.”

“Then I’m certain every newspaper and television station in Texas will like to hear about the various lies you and your father have told, let alone the extortion attempts. I have several tapes, confessions from the ranchers you tried to extort. You also forget that I have evidence including surveillance tapes highlighting men from your crew. I’m certain the police will be able to follow the bread crumbs, especially with affidavits from my neighbors. They were very happy to talk with me.”

Kyle laughed. “Don’t threaten me, princess. Not a one of those ranchers has the balls to do any talking. I know better. As far as any reporter. Go right ahead. I’m certain they’ll like to hear a sad story from a woman whose ranch is about to be foreclosed on. Now, wouldn’t they?”

She smiled. “That’s your call.”

He glanced back at the paper, fingering the lettering. “What else.”

“Meaning?”

“You said two things,” he huffed as he held up two fingers. “I need something to sweeten the deal if I’m going to take my father head on.”

A cold shiver trickled down her spine. Last roll of the dice. “No more roses. No more breaking into my home. No more nasty cards. I won’t tolerate any of the shit any longer.”

He wrinkled his brow, his eyes darting back and forth. “Go on.”

“And two,” she whispered, forcing herself to mutter the words. “I’m ready to succumb.”

“Stop pacing the damn floor,” Mitchell hissed.

“She won’t answer the phone,” Camden said as he glared at the screen. He’d left two messages.

“And she won’t right now. She needs time to process the contract.”

He looked at his friend before grabbing his drink. If only he’d pushed her about the envelope. Whatever was hiding between the folds he had a terrible feeling would break her. “What if she doesn’t accept?”

“Then we approach the other ranchers without her. There’s nothing else we can do,” Mitchell said then shrugged. “I don’t want to go around her, but we have to protect our interests. You know that.”

Nodding, he walked toward the hotel window, gazing out at the garish lights. “Yeah, I get it.”

“Are you ever going to tell me why you dropped out of your life?” Mitchell asked, flanking his side.

“I will, but not right now. Let’s get through this.” There was no way he was going to hide from his past any longer. The secret had eaten him alive, creating a pocket of guilt that would never go away.

Mitchell placed his hand on Camden’s shoulder. “Fair enough.”

Zach threw open the door, bolting in from the connecting bedroom. “Your hunch paid off, but I have to tell you, that required every favor that I have.” He gave Camden a look. “Yeah, I had a few more up my sleeve.”

“There is a contract between Bart Randolph and Mathew Harding.” Camden’s heart sank. Amber would be crushed her father had signed a deal with Bart.

“A pretty damning one.” Zach shook his head. “The contract developed a corporation between the two men and portions of their current land, almost forty percent. Bart was the one who believed there was oil and from what I can tell, brought the information to Mathew. From there, they developed the corporation. However, Mathew was a smart businessman. He had a stipulation placed in the contract that if oil wasn’t found by a specific date, that the corporation would be absolved. The other interesting portion of the contract is that if either party dies, the entire acreage of land is owned by the remaining partner and not by the corporation itself.”

“Jesus Christ. That’s one hell of a deal to make. No care to the heirs of the land.” Mitchell walked closer.

“I’ll say. My guess is this clause was drafted by Bart Randolph in response to the stipulation. I’m not even entirely certain it’s legal. I’ll have to do some further digging.” Zach shook his head. “There were several tests performed on various testing sites.”

“And no oil was found,” Camden answered.

“Not from what I can tell. The corporation was thereby dissolved. I’m guessing this is the bad blood between the two families,” Zach stated.

Camden knew there was more. “The graph as well as the ledger indicates that there was oil found on Rattlesnake Ranch.”

“Yep. The question is the timing. By the fact Mathew Harding hid the information for years, he knew that if the secret ever came out, the Randolphs would have full legal recourse to take a significant portion of Amber’s ranch.” Zach tossed the paperwork onto the coffee table.

“There is nothing Amber can do?” Camden knew the damning answer.

“Well, don’t count this out yet, my friend. I see some holes in the contract. I just need to do a bit of checking. You know me.” Zach grinned.

“Like a dog with a bone,” Mitchell snorted.

“If she does have oil, whether or not she goes into business with us, she’ll have enough collateral that she can get another loan almost anywhere.” Zach walked toward the bar, pouring himself a drink. “I have a call into the Federal Trade Commission. The two banks in El Paso the ranchers used are private. Any indiscretions will discredit them. At minimum, they’ll lose a lion’s share of their customers. However, if what I’ve learned is true, they’ll be shut down.”

“That’s good to hear on all levels. Maybe the news will appease her.” Mitchell shook his head.

“At least she’ll be able to breathe,” Zach added. “So will the other ranchers. I’m talking to the local police department as well. The death of the ranch-hand on Amber’s ranch was deemed suspicious so I just used some magic in my effort to point fingers.”

Mitchell burst into laughter. “It’s damn good to have an attorney as a friend. Thank God, you’re with us.”

“I’ll second that,” Camden lifted his glass, noticing the look shared between the men. “I’m okay and yes, I’m coming back to work.”

“Good, because that DUI isn’t going away,” Zach teased.

“Yeah. Yeah. I know.” Camden rolled his eyes.

A quiet settled into the room.

“And the other ranchers? Why is it important for them to sell at the same time?” Camden asked, trying to piece everything together.

“Remember the graphs and the way the veins run. Every rancher would have to sign off on drilling,” Zach stated. “Going into actual business with them is the smartest move, short of obtaining their land.”

Camden sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. “Which will never happen.”

“I know how much you care about Amber.” Mitchell’s voice was soft, supportive.

Camden took a gulp of his drink and realized his hand was shaking. He noticed Mitchell’s curious look. “I’m in love with her.”

Zach whistled. “About damn time.”

Camden could feel the heat rising from his neck. “But I’ve lost her. Lies. That’s been too much of my life. Lies.”

“Why do I have a feeling that you aren’t just talking about Amber?” Mitchell asked.

Bam! Bam!

“What the hell?” Zach huffed, turning toward the hotel room door.

“Amber?” Mitchell suggested.

“Not a chance.” Walking toward the door, Camden’s heart skipped more than a single beat. At this point, all he wanted was to talk with Amber, to apologize and convince her that he wasn’t working against her or her amazing ranch. When he opened the door, he couldn’t have been more surprised. “Drago. What in the hell are you doing here and how did you find me?”

“I have friends, Camden Dane. I told you that before.” Drago swept his eyes into the room. “I also have news that you are going to want to hear.”

“What’s wrong?” Camden closed the door behind him. “This is Drago Presidio.”

“I know who he is. He used to work with Nash Waters years ago,” Mitchell stated.

“Nash,” Drago said them smiled. “A decent man. A hard man.”

“Yes, and one who expressed his concern about you.”

Camden looked at Mitchell. There was no worry on his friend’s face, but there was an intense level of amusement. “What do you need to tell me?”

“Amber is in danger,” Drago said through gritted teeth.

“We know. Kyle is the major player here. We have plans to bring down the Randolphs.” Camden wasn’t certain he wanted to give the man any details.

“Not from Kyle. The man is an asshole and I will help you take down that family, but that’s not what I mean.” Drago hissed as he pulled an envelope from his pocket. “I followed Kyle to a bar, and this is what I found. This is the leak Amber was talking about. This is the person responsible for providing the Randolph’s information.”

Camden blinked several times before registering what he was seeing. “Which means the Randolphs must know you two are in town. They can guess what’s coming. Jesus Christ. I have to go to her. She has no idea.”

“I’ll go with you,” Drago insisted. “These two had an argument. That much I could tell. Amber is a sitting duck.”

Nodding, Camden grabbed his keys. “Call the police. Tell them to meet us at her house.” Dear God, he could only hope he was able to get to her in time.

The last thing Amber wanted to do was have dinner with Kyle. Upon his insistence, she’d purchased a new dress, emerald green, his favorite color. He was pulling the strings now and would be until he confronted his father. If her plan worked, the entire corporation would unravel. Until then, she was Kyle’s for the taking. She wrung her hands as she paced the kitchen, debating for the fifth time whether to call Camden.

She wanted his arms around her, and to hear his voice, the way he touched her. Gentle. Loving. Yet dominating. But he’d never understand her decision. Never. To allow another man to touch her, use her body? Out of the realm of understanding for any man. Hell, out of her own concept of sanity. Still, it had to be done. She had no other weapons to use. If Kyle didn’t take the bait, then she had no idea what she was going to do. She could only pray that he brought the signed documents.

She grabbed her glass of wine and gulped half, trying her best to calm her nerves. Not in a million years. Dinner then what, back to his place? She could only imagine, envision the horrors she was going to have to endure.

Funny how there was no little voice encouraging her.

She leaned against the counter and glanced at the clock. Ten minutes. Ten lousy minutes and she would become an indentured servant. Who was she kidding? She would become his whore.

The ugliness was almost too much to bear. After another swallow of merlot, she closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting to Camden. She would try to explain. She was also going to try and convince the other ranchers that the offer from Rush Enterprises was a good one. Bart Randolph hadn’t entered into some arrangement with anyone else. They were free and clear to make money. This was the right thing to do.

Hearing the knock on her door, she groaned. The man had to be early. She eased the glass onto the counter and smoothed down her dress. One night for now. Get the papers, deal with the asshole and begin the second phase. Planting a smile on her face, she walked toward the door.

“Pepper? What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?”

“I’m expecting company in a few minutes. Can this wait?” The last thing Amber wanted was for her best friend to see her fall into disgrace.

Pepper pushed on the door and walked inside. “No, it can’t. We have to talk.”

She watched the way Pepper sauntered into the living room, very much on edge. “What’s wrong? I know something is wrong.”

“You’re right. I’m so upset. No, I’m angry.”

“What’s going on? Talk to me.” Amber followed her into the room.

“You know? I found the man of my dreams. Well, he’s always been there but he was finally mine. He even asked me to marry him. Isn’t that wonderful?” Pepper had a dreamy look in her eyes.

“That’s fantastic.” Why hadn’t her best friend told her anything? Well, in her bestie’s defense, she had been preoccupied. “Pepper, who is he?” A sick feeling scuttled into her stomach. Pepper was sweating, even her makeup was smudged.

“A very special man. He’s sexy and demanding, damn good in bed and he treats me like a princess. He even calls me his princess. Isn’t that wonderful?”

The hair stood up on the back of her neck. No. No! “Pepper…”

“What? You know him already. Of course, you never wanted to give him the time of day. What did you call him? An asshole? Much worse actually.” Pepper brushed both hands through her hair several times.

The girl was shaking like a leaf. “Are you talking about Kyle?” She took a single short step backward. Even the look in her friend’s eyes was different, full of rage. What in the hell was going on?

“Yes! You knew this. You knew how much I adored him years ago!”

The difference in Pepper’s personality was astounding. “I had no idea.”

“Liar. Bitch. Bitch!”

Shivering, she tried to keep a smile on her face as she thought about the note, the movement of the roses. Pepper had a key to her house. This was insane. “Pepper, you’re scaring me, honey.”

Pepper took two long strides toward her, sticking out her finger. “Don’t you dare call me honey! Kyle was special, and you took him away from me.”

“I did no such thing.”

“You’re such a lying bitch. Wasn’t that cowboy good enough for you? You had to have Kyle as well. You think you’re special.” Nearly hysterical, her entire body was shaking.

“I’m not taking him away from you.” Where in God’s name was this coming from? Her heart was racing.

“You are! Kyle told me about your special deal. You get to have the ranch if you become his slave. Christ. You disgust me!”

Amber shivered, trying to figure out where this was going.

“What’s wrong? Can’t answer me?” Pepper snorted. “I did everything he wanted. I gave him information about the ranch and the damn cattle. I stole from your father’s things. I did everything for him! And he dumps me because you want him back. You! Can’t you allow me to have what is mine? Mine! I went to Alaska to be with him. I waited here for him to come back. Years!”

“Pepper. Kyle isn’t good for you. You have to know that.”

“Well, he’s good enough for you!”

Amber shook her head. “I made a business arrangement with him. Nothing more.” God. Now, she was lying, but her friend was unhinged.

“Whatever.” Pepper closed her eyes, her body swaying. “I was pregnant by him!”

“What?” The news hit her hard. Amber knew that Pepper had been sick at one point, falling into a state of depression, but pregnant? The bastard had used her, just like he had done his entire life. Why hadn’t Pepper trusted her? “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have been there.”

“Because you would have made fun of me.” Dropping her head into her hands, Pepper crumpled.

“It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.” Rushing toward her friend, she tried to console her.

Wham!

The strike hit Amber across the jaw, sending her reeling against the wall. Stars flew into her eyes, but she reacted, moving out of Pepper’s reach. “Pepper. This is ridiculous. Stop. I’m your friend.”

“You’re not my friend.”

Smack!

The second strike caught her along the neck. Coughing, Amber slapped her hands around her throat as she stumbled backwards, tears in her eyes. This couldn’t be her friend, not the girl she’d brought into her life years before. “Stop. Please.”

Pepper raised her arm again, a wild look in her eyes. “You can’t have him. I won’t let you take him from me. I’m going to kill you!” Attacking Amber, Pepper threw her on the ground.

Amber reacted, kicking out and catching Pepper in the kidney. Struggling to get away, she managed to crawl backward.

Pepper yanked her backward by the calf, pummeling her fist into Amber’s face. “Bitch!”

Rolling, she struck a hard punch then shifted, breaking the connection. “No!”

In the next several seconds, she was aware of two hands jerking Pepper back.

“Get off her!”

Hearing the male voice, Amber struggled to get to her feet, her ears ringing, pain coursing through every muscle in her body. “What?” Kyle.

“I said get off her.” Kyle positioned himself between them, holding out both arms. “You mean nothing to me!” he snapped at Pepper. “Stupid whore. Why in God’s name do you think I would ever want you?”

“I love you,” Pepper insisted.

“Please. You loved my money and the things I purchased for you. Nothing more,” Kyle scoffed then turned his attention toward Amber. “You’re coming with me. You belong to me now.”

“I don’t think so,” Amber said then laughed. She had to get Pepper out of here.

Pepper lunged forward, striking him across the face.

With one snap of his wrist, he took her down then stood over her.

“Leave her alone. You pig. You used her. All these years,” Amber confronted him.

Kyle kicked Pepper in the side and wiped the blood off his mouth. “You’re all alike, but guess what, princess? You’re mine.” Within two seconds, he had Amber in his grasp, wrestling her to the ground.

“No!” Amber fought him, trying to get her hands free.

He grabbed her wrists, forcing them over her head and holding them with one hand. “Now, you and I are going to have some fun.” Ripping at her dress, he tore away the bodice, revealing her breasts.

Amber’s mind swirled into overdrive and she shifted her legs until she was able to kick Kyle in the groin.

Wham!

The hard slap stopped every movement, another slice of anguish creating bile and blood in her mouth. “You will not do this.”

“Get off her now!”

Disoriented, she heard the second male voice and tried to focus on what was happening.

“You can’t have her, cowboy. She and I made a deal together. She’s my slave now to do with what I want.” Kyle laughed.

“Camden. I had to,” Amber struggled. She could see such confusion on Camden’s face.

“I know exactly what happened, Kyle and you’re going down. The police are on their way.” Camden’s voice remained soft.

“Whatever. You’re worthless.” Kyle laughed and cupped her breast, squeezing. “Come on, princess.”

She looked up and managed to see Camden, a gun in both hands. “Camden.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Kyle laughed and yanked at her dress again.

“Get off now or I’ll pull the trigger.” Camden cocked the gun.

“Bastard!” Pepper screamed as she raced toward them, a stainless-steel blade shining in the light.

The next several seconds went by in a blur as Amber continued to fight.

Whoosh!

Slam!

Bang!