Phoenix Rising

The crowd went absolutely wild.

Too wild.

Some fool starting waving a gun around in the air, celebrating Texas style. My eyes were wide as someone else pulled out a firearm. Didn't these idiots know that was a good way to spook a horse?

A shot rang out and Apollo reared back. Phee held on with all her might, clinging to the saddle. It wasn't enough.

Time seemed to stop. I heard a dull roaring in my ears as I reached out for her. But I couldn't reach her in time.

I stared in horror as Phoenyx fell. With the horse on his rear legs like that, it was a good ten feet to the ground. I saw her land on her shoulder, her head bouncing against the ground.

I roared and was over the fence in a heartbeat. The crowd was utterly silent as I ran towards the still figure on the ground. I had tunnel vision, staring at her beautiful, still face.

No, no no no. Please God, no…

Visions of another accident flashed through my mind. A tragic one. One that had haunted everyone who saw it for years to come.

I landed on my knees inches from her.

I wanted to lift her up and hold her but I was no dummy. I could make things worse that way. I brushed her hair back from her face, checking for breath, a pulse, anything.

I said a prayer of thanks as I felt the faint warmth of an exhale on my hand.

She was breathing.

"Phee– come back to me, babygirl. Please darlin', don't leave me–"

Her eyelashes fluttered and she moaned. She blinked those gorgeous eyes of hers and stared up at me.

"What are you doing up there, Clint?"

I exhaled in relief, but I knew we weren't out of the woods yet. I hadn't realized a crowd had gathered. I kissed her hand in a decidedly lover-like way, fawning over her like a worried mother hen.

Hell, even if I had noticed the crowd, I doubt I would have cared.

"Hold still, honey. We got to wait for the doctor, you hear?"

She nodded and I flinched.

"Don't even do that. Try not to move at all, okay?"

She frowned, wiggling her fingers and toes.

"I'm fine Clint. See?"

"That's real good but I meant what I said– don't move an inch. And that’s an order,” I added sternly, using the voice I used to get her to do what I wanted in the sack. It hadn’t failed me then and it didn’t fail me now. She held perfectly still, staring up at me with those brilliantly sparkly, clear eyes of hers.

The doctor was there before she could argue with me anymore, I thought with relief. He checked her neck and her spine, and nodded to me. I let out a big whoosh of air after he shone a light into her eyes and turned to me.

"Pupils are responding… She seems to be fine. I don't think there's a concussion. Still, she should take it easy for a few days. Lots of fluids. No riding until she's checked out again."

Phoenyx was already griping in protest but I was grinning ear to ear. She sat up and I was there, guiding her to her feet and right into my arms. I kissed her long and tender, careful not to squeeze her too hard.

Hootin' and hollerin' broke out along with applause. The crowd was glad to see her on her feet. They were even happier to see a pretty lady get kissed so thoroughly.

"What the hell is this?"

Jackson Delancey was standing behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and grinned at him. Well, it was time to pay the piper after all. So be it.

He was already lifting his fist but I shook my head. I was ready for the fight. After that scare, I was even looking forward to it. I could give as good as I got. But I had to make sure Phee was settled and out of the way, first.

"Not until the lady is clear."

A muscle twitched in his cheek but he nodded. I helped Phee out of the ring and into a seat in the rider's tent, taking my sweet ass time to make my lady comfortable. I handed her a bottle of water and told her to drink the whole thing by the time I was back.

"I hate to leave you but this won't take a moment."

"Where are you going?"

"I need to pay my respects to Jackson."

Her eyes widened as I strode outside. I nodded at Jackson. Daniel was standing beside him, both of them looking fired up. They were big sonofabitches.

I smiled grimly. I was ready to take my licks. I would do anything for Phee, including getting a beat down. Not that I wouldn’t put the hurt on both of them, too.

After all, I was a big sonofabitch, too.

"You whoreson! Who told you you could touch that girl?"