“Well, by all means then, go ahead.” He bent closer, his green eyes locked with hers as he murmured softly, “I dare you.”
She narrowed her gaze at the cocky taunt. When his lips twitched into a smirk, she lost it.
5
Reyes heard the crack as pain exploded in his cheek. His head snapped to the side, and he froze for a stunned moment. Slowly, he turned his head back to Raine. Fiery red bloomed in her cheeks—likely matching his left one.
“I can’t believe you just did that.”
Her chin lifted defensively as she took a wary step back. “You told me to.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”
“Well, word to the wise—don’t dare a Diamond, ‘cuz we don’t back down.” With that parting shot, she pivoted and resumed her trek to the barn.
He raised his hand to his throbbing cheek as he followed at a distance. Hell, she was a lot stronger than she looked. Then again, he shouldn’t be surprised when she spent her days in a saddle controlling a twelve-hundred pound beast. He’d underestimated her for sure—yet another lesson learned at the hand of a Diamond in less than two days.
However, he had his answer, didn’t he? Yes, she was afraid, but she wasn’t willing to give up without a fight. Now all she needed to do was come to that realization by herself.
Reyes went to the office to do paperwork while Raine took care of her horse. A half an hour later, he heard her boots a moment before her slim form shadowed the doorway. He glanced up from an email on the computer from Janine about Morning Glory’s adoption.
“I’m not leaving,” Raine stated.
Strong and smart.
He gave her a mocking smile. “Daddy said you can’t come home?”
Her jaw clenched, and her hands fisted at her sides. Man, it was so easy to push her buttons. He couldn’t help but wonder how responsive she’d be if he pushed other buttons. More enjoyable buttons.
His blood warmed, and he had to swallow hard against a wave of want.
“I didn’t call my dad.”
He’d already figured that. Her father had been very adamant on the phone yesterday, and if she had called him, Reyes was pretty sure she wouldn’t be all blustery and challenging right now. She’d decided to prove to herself—and him—she wasn’t afraid of anything. He’d like to say good, but first he needed her to face what had happened. Only when she admitted her fear could she confront it and then prove she could get past it.
In the meantime, a few more buttons couldn’t hurt. “I’m proud of you, Princess. That’s a big step all by yourself.”
Her nose scrunched up in a scowl. If she knew how cute she looked, she’d be even more pissed than she was right now.
Defiance glittered in her eyes as she crossed her arms. “I’m only staying to watch you fail.”
“Then we’re both agreed.” He leaned forward, bracing his forearms on the desk. “We’ll be doing things my way.”
“Whatever.” She started to turn away, then paused to look back. “My dad must be paying you a lot to make this all worth it.”
Reyes drew back the slightest bit, surprised not only by her words, but the offense they sparked. “He’s not paying me a dime.”
Her gaze narrowed, and she hesitated a beat. “He can afford it, you know.”
“You can all afford it,” he tossed back. “You’re Diamonds.”
She gave him a sugar-sweet smile. “You should’ve negotiated.”
“Your uncle asked me to help. It never even crossed my mind to ask for anything above my regular wages.”
“Hmm. Note to self. Save words to the wise for someone who’s actually wise.”
She was gone before he could tell her not everything was about money. Granted, he hadn’t taken this assignment willingly, but even if he had, he wouldn’t have expected to get paid more for doing something Mark and Janine already generously compensated him for. And if he was being honest, he wanted to help her get her confidence back so she could once more be the winner he’d seen in earlier tapes.