Amber curled up with her pillow, staring out the open window into the darkness. The wind had kicked up, creating a nice, sweet breeze. Even the various night scents were peaceful tonight. She rubbed her lips with the tip of her finger, remembering the rough kisses, the touch of his hands. Of course, she’d anticipated he would leave. The crew was working six-day weeks and the ranch-hands didn’t need to see Camden’s truck parked in front of her house. She also wasn’t ready to broadcast the information to Drago. She’d noticed the Russian had hung around. At some point, she was going to have to tell him that she was seeing Camden. Seeing? Hell, she had no idea what she’d agreed to. This had just been about sex, right?

Groaning, she rolled over. What did it matter to a man with no real life? They weren’t a couple. Drago had made no bones about that fact from day one. She breathed out and yanked the pillow over her face. As the sheets scratched her naked ass, she wiggled, enjoying the pain. How in the hell had the night even happened? One minute she was making fun of Camden’s brawn and the next? Fucking him.

She kicked her legs and shifted back and forth. Tossing the pillow, she stared up at the ceiling, studying the way the wicker fan made eerie shadows. Eerie. There was a word. Oil. There was another. The word and concept continued to come up. A quick glance at the clock and she laughed. She was wide awake as usual and the exact same time even after two rousing and incredible rounds of sex.

And two spankings.

Nothing was going to calm her down until she managed to kick Bart to the curb. She rolled out of bed and found a clean pair of shorts and a tank top, wrangling into them as she thumped down the stairs. She caught a whiff of his scent and pressed the back of her hand over her mouth. She could get used to having a cowboy around.

Her laptop screen was dark, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe the cowboys Jorge had snagged for night watch were deterrent enough. Money well worth being spent. Even though her bank account was dwindling rapidly. She pressed on the screen, flipping to the cameras and allowed them to scroll by, area after area. Nothing. Yes! A small win. She would take every one of them she could get.

She stood watching when she remembered what she’d been doing prior to Camden’s arrival. Easing onto the chair, she moved back to the internet and typed in his name. Within seconds, the screen was filled with Press Releases and pictures. She leaned in, studying his handsome face in the very slick variety of suits. He wasn’t a cowboy after all. “What?”

She scrolled for a few seconds as she tried to comprehend what she was seeing. Clicking on one of the newspaper articles, she read the passage out loud.

“Camden Dane, CEO of Rush Enterprises, when asked about the possibility of taking over additional oil companies was quoted as saying, ‘Rush is interested in acquiring additional firms at any cost’.” At any cost. Fuck. Fuck! She was being played.

Her skin crawling, she clicked on several additional articles as well as a few fact sheets. He was in charge of what had become one of the largest oil producing companies in Texas, if not the entire West. They’d grown exponentially during the last two years, even though they’d had their share of difficulty with the law.

“I don’t understand,” she whispered, fighting back tears. Why wouldn’t he tell her? Was there a connection that Rush had with Bart Randolph? Okay, nothing was making any sense. Funny how Camden had arrived not long after the serious trouble began. He’d answered a Craig’s List ad? If he was trying to make a play for her ranch, then why use his real name?

Because some men were arrogant assholes.

She had to get away from the computer before she smashed it to tiny bits, loving every second of the nasty action. He’d lied to her. All the questions he’d asked. All the innuendoes. Then, he’d gotten her into bed. What the fuck was wrong with her? “Ugh!” Slamming her hand against the wall, she had no idea how she was going to face him, but she would confront the man in the morning. And she was going to fire his ass. Damn it!

Bam! Bam!

“What?” Who the hell could be pestering her in the middle of the night? Whoever was standing at her front door, they could just forget it. She required some serious alone time.

“Amber!”

Hearing his voice, the lying son of a bitch, was more than just infuriating. Storming down the hall, she threw open the door and was about to hurl a line of obscenities when she noticed the horror on Camden’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Fire. There’s a damn fire past the river.”

“What?” She stumbled out onto the deck.

“The fire department has been called but some of the cattle are blocked in. I’m going to help.”

“Then I’m coming with you.”

“No, you’re staying here.”

She pointed her finger in his face, fuming. The man was a pig. “Hear me. I am going whether you like it or not. You can’t tell me what to do. You don’t own me.” And you never will.

Camden narrowed his eyes and after a few seconds, shook his head. “Fine. Just fucking fine. Then grab some shoes. It’ll get dicey.”

“As if you’d know. You, wait right here.” She bolted back inside, fury making her shake. This was no time to deal with a lying sack of shit, but she would once and for all. Grabbing work boots and socks, she hesitated for only a second before heading for her guns.

His eyes opened wide when she walked out. “You really anticipate needing your gun?”

“I will shoot to kill. I’m sick to death of anyone who deceives me.” Giving Camden a nasty look, she sidestepped him and headed for his truck, throwing open the passenger door.

“Well, okay then.” He climbed into the truck and turned over the engine. “Did something happen after I left?”

“We’re not talking about this now. Period.” She hovered against the door, the rifle between her legs.

“Okay. Zero to one eighty in the blink of an eye.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Not a damn thing.” Huffing, he jerked the truck into drive, zooming off.

The tension was thick, creating a nasty vibe. Could he have set the fire? She couldn’t think this way. He might be here to deceive her, but there was no indication he was a criminal of any kind. “How did you learn about the fire?”

“How? Are you going to yank my chain?” Camden shook his head.

“I need to know.”

“Let’s see. I noticed when I left that someone was watching your house, so I followed them. Almost caught up when I noticed the fire. By the point I rode up, so did some of the crew. We tried to get the cattle moving, but we could tell it was a losing battle.”

“Damn it!”

“I woke the ranch-hands. Every one of them is already out there.” Camden’s tone of voice was soft, as if trying to comfort her.

She nodded, fearful that she was going to burst into tears.

“Now, are you going to tell me what the hell is going on or do I need to guess?”

“As if you didn’t know,” she snapped and folded her arms, keeping her eyes on the horizon. “And don’t use that tone of voice on me. I’m not your fucking submissive!” The words stung given the shocked look on his face. He could simply be a good actor. She refused to fall into his web again. She just couldn’t.

“Amber. Talk to me. Did someone else threaten you while I was gone? Did you receive a phone call? What?”

“Nope.”

He exhaled and grumbled under his breath. “Then why won’t you talk to me?”

“We have nothing to say to each other. Just drive.”

“You do realize that you’re treading on dangerous territory.”

Laughing, she wanted to give him more than a piece of her mind. “And how would you know?”

“Because I’ve dealt with these types of people before. They’re ruthless. They’ll stop at nothing to get what they want, no matter who they hurt. That’s the way it works.”

“Sounds like you know exactly what’s going on, Camden. Did you come here to help destroy everything that my father worked for?”

“What? Are you freaking kidding me? Is that what you think?” Camden demanded.

“I don’t know what to think. At all.”

A few seconds ticked by.

He rubbed his mouth and hissed. “You’re wrong, lady. Whatever is going on at your ranch I fell into. I’m not trying to hurt you and I hope to hell somewhere inside you know that. I really fucking do.”

My God, the gall of the man. She tapped her foot, the articles racing through her brain. “Just answer me this question.”

“I thought we weren’t talking,” he retorted and shot her a look.

“Have it your way.” She needed real help to try and thwart the Randolphs. Tears rushed to her eyes and she sniffed, wishing them away. This couldn’t be happening.

“Ask. Just ask. Okay?”

She heard the sadness in his voice and the same feeling from just a few hours before settled into her heart. “Why are you here?”

“I told you. I needed time to figure out my life.”

“Your old life wasn’t good enough?” If only he would tell her the truth.

“My old life was a mess. I was losing it, but you don’t need to hear about my crap. You have enough to deal with.” Camden’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.

She studied his movements, the way his face was pinched. Yep. He was lying alright.

“Shit. The fire’s gotten a hell of a lot bigger.”

Allowing a long and slow breath, she leaned forward, her eyes opening wide. “I can’t lose anymore cattle. I just can’t. I don’t have the…” No. Don’t tell him anything.

The sound of sirens blasted from all around.

“You need to be able to trust someone and I thought it was me,” Camden said quietly.

“I don’t and won’t trust anyone. I’ve been burned one too many times.” Her heart thumping, she gripped the dashboard as he drove closer. The flames were licking up into the trees, shooting high in the sky.

“Shit.” He pressed down on the accelerator, speeding around the last curve. Skidding to a stop, he threw the gear into park. “I’d tell you to stay here but I know better.” Huffing, he threw open the door and raced out of the truck.

She sat shell shocked for a few seconds before grabbing the rifle and climbing outside, running in the direction of the fire. She could just make out several of her cattle racing in all directions. “Get them to safety!” There were firemen everywhere, chaos as men swarmed the area. Her eyes were already burning, and she had no idea where Camden had gone.

The call was almost lost in the roar of the fire but as Jorge drove up, jumping out of the truck, she sagged.

“I heard the call on the scanner. What the hell happened?” Jorge rushed toward her.

“I don’t know. Camden came to my door. He said he noticed the fire.”

He patted her on the arm. “Damn it! Stay here, Miss Amber. We’ll get the cattle to safety.”

“Jorge, I just…”

“We can do this.” Jorge pulled away and trotted in the direction of the fire.

How could she stay here when the largest number of her prized cattle were in imminent danger? She started walking toward the fire and the horror crept in, the understanding that she had no way of fighting off the enemy. None.

She felt a presence behind her and bristled, gripping the rifle.

“How quickly you moved on.”

Drago. This was the last thing she needed. “What does that mean? And why aren’t you out there?” She noticed the cigarette in his mouth, dangling as he walked closer. His look was foreboding, even ominous.

“I know you very well, princess. You need constant attention, whether you want to believe that or not. You pretend that you’re so strong, but at the end of the day, you long for a firm hand.” Drago moved in front of her and took a long puff before tossing the cigarette and stubbing it out.

Princess! She wanted to scratch his eyes out. Had he been watching her house? She wouldn’t put it past him to spy on her. “I asked you a damn question. Why aren’t you out there? Why weren’t you the first one on the scene since your cabin is so close?” She couldn’t see his eyes given the darkness, but her gut told her that he was pissed.

“I was the first on the scene, sunshine. I was the one who called the fire department.” His voice was slurred, his accent heavier. He stomped closer, his fist clenched.

“Good. And your comment about attention? You have no idea who I am or what I need. You never talked to me. You weren’t interested in a relationship in any manner.” Amber wasn’t ready for the ensuing fight. She didn’t need this shit and especially not from a man who couldn’t care less whether she was even around. Fingering the rifle, she took a step away.

He grabbed her wrist, yanking her forward. “Do you really think you’re going to get what you need from a man like Camden Dane? Why don’t you ask him what his true identity is about? Why don’t you confront him as to the reason he’s here?”

“I know exactly who he is and the company he works for, Drago.” Yanking away her arm, she gave him a nasty look. “And what the hell do you think you know?” This was more of a game than she dared to admit.

He took two long strides toward her. “I know that he’s out for your ranch, just like Bart Randolph is.”

She looked away. How the fuck did Drago know anything? She’d kept everything private.

“You didn’t think I knew about the threats, the push to sell off your land? I have many powerful friends, princess. You should keep that in mind.”

“Is that a threat, Drago?” She held the rifle in both hands.

Boom!

The cracking sound was met with several loud voices as embers spewed down from the sky. Trees cracked, limbs succumbing to the power of the fire. Her beautiful ranch.

“What the hell?” Amber ran toward the fire. Men were scattered in all directions and she couldn’t tell what was going on. “What happened?”

“An explosion,” one of the ranch-hands stated as he hunkered over, wheezing. “We’re trying. It’s too damn hot.”

“It just flashed,” Walt stated as he held his head. He stood staring up at the sky, bewildered.

“No. What?” She pushed her way through the crowd of firemen.

Crack! Slam!

A ball of fire rushed into the night sky.

She took off running.

“You can’t go that way, miss,” a fireman called, trying to pull her back.

Amber managed to get out of his hold. “No. I have to see my men, my cattle. What happened?”

“Amber! You need to come here. We have a man down,” Jorge called, his tone full of angst.

She turned in the direction of his voice. The fire burned hot, the smoke rolling, the stench putrid. She coughed and held her arm over her face as she stumbled toward him.

Jorge lunged toward her, gripping her arm. “It’s bad. I have no idea what happened. They must have set explosives to go off on a timer.”

“What?” Blinking several times, her eyes watered as the billows of smoke continued. Firemen were everywhere, water spewing from their hoses, creating a hissing sound. “Jorge. Who’s hurt?”

He shook his head. “I tried to get to him. I tried to stop him from what he was doing, but he was insistent.”

“Who? Who was hurt? Please tell me!” Another rumbling sound occurred as a second blast could be heard from a distance. Cattle were everywhere, running away from the fire. The chaotic scene was difficult to process. “Jorge. We have to save the cattle.”

“Amber. Listen. To. Me.” Jorge flanked her side. “He’s not breathing.”

“Who?” she screeched. “Jorge. Talk to me. Who’s not breathing?”

He shook his head. “Camden.”

Camden exhaled and as he opened his eyes, he winced. The light was blinding, creating a wave of pain in his forehead. He rolled over and closed his eyes, willing the stiffness to go away. The last thing he remembered was the damn box he’d noticed nestled under some brush. He’d seen enough in his life to know explosives when he saw them. Yeah, he’d been a fool going near it. Then the explosion.

Given he hadn’t even come within five feet of the device, meant someone was close by, watching. The bomb had to have been on a remote control of some kind. He didn’t know the area well enough, but there were certainly damn good places to hide. Willing the pain to subside, he attempted to sit and doubled over, holding his stomach and panting. Coughing, he wiped his mouth and brushed soot from his face. He also felt a single bandage on his forehead. The last thing he remembered was everything going black.

As he exhaled, he realized he certainly wasn’t in a hospital nor was he in his cabin. Blinking in order to focus, he finally recognized the room. He was in Amber’s bedroom. Given the light level, he realized that it was at least late morning. Throwing back the sheets, he eased first one leg then the other down to the floor. Every muscle in his body ached and he felt like he’d been used as a punching bag.

The attempt to stand was met with a rush of nausea. Panting, he waited until the moment passed before trying again, finally struggling to his feet. Staggering, he headed toward the bathroom, slapping his hand against the light switch. The harsh lighting made him wince again and he padded toward the sink, leaning over to catch his breath. When he looked at his reflection, he groaned.

Yeah, he’d gone ten rounds with some bulking dude. Forget the ring. Scratches covered his face and neck. He touched the bandage, picking at the tape. Every move was taking him twice as long, but he finally managed to peel it away. While the gash wasn’t deep, the cut would no doubt leave a scar.

After washing his face, neck and arms, he slowly maneuvered back into the bedroom. His shirt had been tossed in the corner. Even from where he was standing, he could see that it was covered in strings of dried blood.

Tap. Tap.

He turned his head toward the cracked door. “Yeah?” He was already exhausted, his throat parched, creating little more than a hoarse whisper.

Jorge opened the door and walked inside. In his hands was a stack of clothes. “You shouldn’t be out of bed.”

“I’m fine.”

“Yeah. I can tell. You look terrible.”

The moment he laughed, he doubled over again. “Don’t make me laugh.”

Walking closer, Jorge shook his head. “You’re damn lucky to be alive, son. What did you think you were doing? You’re not Superman.”

“A bomb.”

“Yeah, so the firemen said. A bunch of investigators and the police are going through the rubble now. Crazy bastard you are.”

“I didn’t touch it,” Camden managed and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean,” he coughed and wiped his mouth. “That I just noticed the damn thing but never got close to it.”

“Huh. Must have been set on a timer.” Jorge laid the clothes on the dresser.

“Or set off after I got close.”

“Wait a minute. You think that someone was waiting to set off the explosives?”

Camden shifted. “Bomb. The device wasn’t a cheap creation by some cowboys for a revenge shot.”

“How would you know that?”

“I’ve had my share of bomb scares.” Camden thought about the single time at the Rush headquarters, not long after his step up to CEO. He sensed Jorge studying him.

“You aren’t just a ranch hand, are you, Camden?” Jorge lifted a single eyebrow.

“I’ve been around.”

Jorge walked closer, darting a glance over his shoulder. “Miss Amber doesn’t need any additional grief right now. She’s dealing with a lot. I appreciate your help, but if you’re here for any subservient reason, I need you to heal then leave.”

“I’m not here to destroy her ranch or try and steal it out from under her. I care about Amber, maybe more than I should.” Camden realized he did, more than he wanted to say. “Someone was watching the ranch last night. Any idea who?” While he had his thoughts, he wanted to see how connected Jorge was.

“She has surveillance cameras and pissed off members of the Randolph crew. I would guess they were bucking for retaliation.”

“She has that way about her.” Camden pushed his way off the bed. “A smoker.”

“A smoker?”

The slight strangle of Jorge’s voice caught his attention. “Anyone on the crew smoke?”

“Not that I know of,” Jorge said and nodded toward the clothes. “Miss Amber wanted you to stay here. Had the paramedics look you over. I brought you some clothes from your cabin. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Why did she bother? I’m fine.”

“You need rest and she insisted. Just take your time getting better. You weren’t breathing for several minutes.”

“I’ll be ready for work on Monday.”

Jorge gave him a once over before walking toward the door. He stopped just inside the doorway. “I like you. I already told you that, but if you’re out to hurt Amber, I will be the one with a gun in his hand. Know that.”

“Point taken.” The man knew someone on the crew was watching Amber’s house. And he didn’t need his gut to tell him who. Drago.

“Oh, and I brought your truck.”

“Appreciate it.” Camden offered a half smile.

“One more thing. There’s a barbeque here tomorrow. Amber wanted to give some thanks to the crew. If you’re up for it, I wouldn’t mind your help.” Jorge offered a crooked smile.

Camden grabbed the clothes and headed for the bathroom. “If she doesn’t throw me out, happy to help.”

After a quick shower, Camden walked down the stairs, every step driving a shot of pain into his ribs. She wasn’t in the kitchen or living room, but her jeep was just outside. He hobbled down the hallway, searching. A door at the end of the hall was open and he heard several cuss words and had to smile. The lady was in the house.

He labored as he walked, finally standing just outside the door. She was on the floor, her legs crossed, sorting through a banker’s box. “Hi.”

“Shit!” Grabbing the lid, she tossed it on top of the box before craning her neck. “You look a hell of a lot better although you still look like you’ve been hit by a truck.”

He chuckled and touched the cut on his head. “Well, shucks. Thank you for such a fine compliment.”

Frowning, she narrowed her eyes.

“I’m fine. Can I come in?” The same electric sensations mixed with the muscle tension.

“Suit yourself.” Amber pushed the box aside and shifted to be able to see him. “I thought that…”

“That I was dead?” He laughed and walked further in. “No such luck.”

An awkward tension settled in.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

“What about the fire? What happened?”

She eased her back against the desk and grimaced. “Lost a few acres of trees, seven cattle, but the damn shit could have been a lot worse.”

“What did the investigators say?” He glanced at the remaining papers on the floor. Several were covered in graphs, the majority in color. He inched closer. What was she hiding? He could just catch a couple words of the heading.

“Only that their investigation could take weeks. I might not have that long.”

“They’re just doing their jobs,” Camden said quietly.

She snickered. “That’s what I keep hearing from everyone. That fire was out of control.”

“There was a bomb planted on your property. You might suspect who is doing this, but without concrete evidence, there’s little you can do. I’d like to help you if I can.”

“I know perfectly good and well that Bart has the upper hand, but I’m tired of playing the fool.” Amber got up off the floor and folded her arms. “You can’t. There is nothing that you can help me with.”

“You mean you won’t allow me to help you and you’re no fool. You believe in people.” Camden sauntered even closer.

She shrunk back, refusing to look him in the eye. “Maybe once.”

“Meaning?”

“You lied to me about your reasons for coming to Rattlesnake Ranch.”

“About what? That I was here to try and find myself. That’s not a lie. That I care about you?” The words rushed from his mouth before he could stop them.

Her eyes opening wide, she swallowed. “You’re trying to tell me that you care about me when you don’t even know me?”

“You say that as if there is no way I could.”

“I think you care only about yourself. I don’t know who you are trying to fool, Camden, but as soon as you’re better, I want you off my property. Gone. Do you understand me?”

“Why? What in God’s name did I do?” He closed the distance, stumbling against the desk. Even from where he was standing, he could see her computer screen come alive from the jarring movement. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his picture. “What?”

She caught his gaze and rushed to move around the desk.

But she wasn’t fast enough.

He grabbed her hand before she had a chance to change the screen. “What are you looking at?” He scrolled down, able to see the article and remembered the exact date the photograph was taken. “Why didn’t you just ask?”

“I did. I asked you exactly who you were and why you were here, and you lied to me. You. Fucking. Lied,” she snapped.

“My name is Camden Dane,” he hissed through clenched teeth.

“At least you got something right.”

“I’m the CEO of Rush Enterprises.”

“Oh, goody. Another truth,” she snarked and jerked out of his grasp.

He smacked his hand on the desk. “I never lied about who I was. I just didn’t want to tell you the reason. I didn’t think I had to. In fact, I thought you could trust me.”

“Trust is earned. You’re an oil man.”

“And what does that have to do with the tough financial shape you’re in?”

She snarled and turned toward the window. “My business.”

“One that might get you killed, in case you haven’t figured that out yet. That fire was intentionally set. Whoever did this won’t stop there. If you can’t learn to trust me, then you might lose everything.”

“Possibly by your hand. I read that article. I know what you want.” She winced and dropped her head.

“I’m not your enemy, Amber, but you better start looking in your own house, the people who are working for you and that includes that damn Russian you’re so attracted to.”

“I told you. I’m not attracted to him,” she snapped.

“Right and he’s not attracted to you. That’s why he was standing watch outside your house last night,” Camden stated and could tell by the flash in her eyes that she also believed Drago was spying on her.

She exhaled, a sneer on her face.

“If you want me gone, fine. I’m leaving this house right now.” He held his breath as he walked back around the desk and stopped as he stared down at the graphs. Struggling, he reached down, yanking one of the colored papers into his hand.

“Don’t you touch my things!” she barked, flying around the desk.

“Do you have any idea what this is?”

“These are my father’s things. Or they were.”

“These graphs are indications of oil and if I had the corroborating papers, I’d no doubt see that your father knew that there is oil under various locations on your land. Oil. And from what these show, a hell of a lot. I don’t know why or care as to the reason he held this back from you, but this is why Bart Randolph wants your property so damn badly and why he lowballed you. My guess is that the president of your financial institution is a close personal friend of Mr. Randolph. If I were you, I’d check that out. Happy to help since yes, I do run an oil company. I’m one of three men who built it from the ground up and trust me. We know oil. And you bet we’re looking to acquire additional land, increasing our holdings. That’s what corporations do, but that’s not the reason why I’m here. I had no idea who you were nor had I ever heard of the Rattlesnake Ranch.”

“I don’t know if I can believe you.”

He shook his head, forcing the anger and frustration back into the ugly little box. “You know? The chip on your shoulder is keeping you blind.”

She blinked several times, a single tear slipping past her lashes.

“But you don’t care about that in the least. You’re so certain of your beliefs that you’re blind to anything else. I’ll be at my cabin tonight. I’m leaving first thing in the morning and you’ll never have to see me again, so don’t worry.” Camden huffed and tossed the paper before heading toward the door.

He wanted her to say something. Anything. He prayed she would stop him, even race into his arms, but Amber Harding wasn’t that kind of woman. Anger swelled to the point he had difficulty seeing clearly and he stopped just inside the door, not bothering to turn back in her direction. “We all have secrets, Amber. Every one of us. Some are dark, feeding on the demons inside, clawing at the surface. I’ve lived a life full of them. And I’m tired of hiding. That’s why I came here. To find the man I used to be. If he even exists.”

When she said nothing. Nothing. He left, his heart heavy. What had he just done?

Minutes later, he sat in his truck, disgusted with his actions and even his decisions. He hadn’t intended on destroying what little trust she had in anyone, including herself, but she was in over her head. He grabbed his phone, eyeing the dark screen. All his good intentions of disappearing, even for a period of time, was shot to shit. His only recourse? To contact Mitchell and see if his friend had any knowledge of Bart Randolph or Drago Presidio. Coincidences he didn’t believe in. Drago already professed to know his identity. Was it possible that the Randolph family had their sights set on the Steele site as well?

At this point, anything was entirely possible.

He waited as his cell phone powered up, thinking about his various reasons for wanting to help a woman he knew little about. Love. Jesus Christ. Did he actually think he was falling in love with her?

Noticing several messages, he scrolled through them. When he noticed two from the reporter, he bristled. Whatever the woman thought she had, she was tenacious in her efforts and if he didn’t respond, he knew damn good and well she’d print whatever fabrication she desired. Her last message was very early this morning. Against his better judgment, he listened.

“Mr. Dane. This is Tawny Smith once again. As you are aware, I’ve been trying to talk to you for almost two weeks. I realize you’re a very busy and important man, but certain information has surfaced that I think you’ll want to respond to. The story could be… difficult for you.”

Difficult. He wiped sweat from over his lip and saved the message. At some point, he was going to have to find out what the hell Tawny Smith thought she had on him. Right now, other items were of vital importance. Mitchell.

Hitting speed dial, he held his breath, half expecting and perhaps hoping that the call would go to voice mail.

No such luck.

“Well, our long-lost buddy,” Mitchell said, a hint of anger in his voice.

“I left you a message before I left.” Camden leaned his head against the seat.

“Yeah? Okay. To take care of your ranch and nothing more. Where the hell are you?”

“Outside of El Paso.”

“Jesus Christ. You couldn’t have gone to some island at least?” Mitchell laughed. “Okay, I’m sorry. I should be pissed at you for running out and not only on the Board meeting.”

He rubbed his fingers across the steering wheel. “I need your help, Mitchell.”

“That’s the understatement of the year.”

“I’m serious. I wanted to get away, but I find myself embroiled in what appears to be extortion.” Camden laughed, hearing the way the words sounded. Ridiculous.

“Just what I wanted to hear,” Mitchell snorted.

He held back a bitter retort. Mitchell knew everyone in the oil industry, everyone influential, powerful or had a single connection.

“Okay. Okay. What?”

“Have you ever heard of Bart Randolph?”

“Hmmm… Name rings a bell, but not certain why. Who is he?”

Camden shifted in his seat, his nerves remaining on edge. “He’s a rancher located just outside of El Paso. From what little I know about the man and his holdings, he owns a significant portion of land, over twenty thousand acres at least. He’s pushing to take over several of the smaller ranches at cheap prices, his methods more criminal than anything else.”

“Perfect. Just what we need in Texas, another asshole. Who is he to you?”

“Well…” He knew exactly what Mitchell was going to say. “I’m helping out at one of the ranches he’s trying to purchase and last night, a fire was started, complete with a set of explosives. I have a feeling Bart placed an inside man at the ranch, either spying or directly responsible for the various extortion methods.”

“Let me get this straight. You’re working at a dude ranch?” Mitchell held a lilt in his tone of voice.

Camden groaned. “Not a dude ranch. A working cattle ranch. Long story. Something is going on with this guy and I need to find out all his dirty secrets.”

“Sounds deplorable, Cam, but I still don’t understand why you need my help. Sounds like you should talk to the local sheriff.”

“Oil. There’s a strong belief with at least minimal evidence backing the idea that there is oil under several of the ranches. If that’s true, then given the proximity to the Steele site and the very interesting friends we know Mr. Steele continues to keep, we could be smack in the middle of a ruse without knowing the players.”

Mitchell exhaled. “Christ. You always know how to get in the middle of some shit, my friend. Who is the insider you’re talking about?”

“A Russian dude by the name of Drago Presidio. Heard through the grapevine that he’s an ex rigger. Shouldn’t be too hard to find his background. He pegged my true identity far too fast if you ask me.”

“Yeah. I can ask Nash. The man seems to know every rigger from several states.”

Camden hadn’t thought of questioning the employee who knew the area better than anyone. “Good idea. If Nash has zero knowledge of Drago, then maybe the guy is a total fake.”

“Anything is possible. Are you in any danger?”

“I don’t honestly know, but the owner certainly is and she’s in way over her head.

Mitchell chuckled. “She, huh?”

“Don’t start with me. I answered an ad. I had no idea what I was walking into.”

“Uh-huh. You need to come clean with me, Cam. I know you too well. Whatever is eating you has changed your entire personality. I’m your friend.”

“Just find out what you can. Will you do that for me?”

“I’ll let you know. Just keep out of trouble. You’re in enough already.”

Camden huffed. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Camden. I need to ask you something and I know that now isn’t the best time, but given your recent behavior, I have to do this in good conscious.”

“What?”

“That reporter? Tawny something, well she was back, insisting that she talk to you. Naturally, she ended up in my office. There were certain… things she said. Accusations I guess that made no sense.”

“Yeah, I know. She left me two messages.” Camden heard his heart thudding in his chest and beads of sweat began to drip down from his forehead. “What did she say?” He gritted his teeth.

“That you had another life that you’re not proud of. I assume she meant with Sarah, but she danced around the topic, leaving me with breadcrumbs. She said that soon the whole world would know. What is she talking about?”

He held his breath until he could speak normally. “I have no idea.”

“I’m really worried about you. I know you’re a big boy, but my gut tells me you’re in over your head. I am here, Camden. Whatever you need to tell me, I will listen and won’t judge.”

Yeah, until the man learned the entire story. “I know. Thank you for your help. Let’s talk later today if possible.”

“That’ll work. Take care of yourself.”

“Yeah.” Camden ended the call and held the phone to his head. As he shifted the gear into drive, he looked into the rearview mirror.

And could swear he saw Amber’s face. A cold shiver trickled down his spine. What they shared was over. Another complete fuck up in his life.