Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

“True, but it’s been years. They probably think you blew all your money on drugs and women.”

That’s fine with me. I don’t want a gold digger. “I have almost every damn penny considering all the interest I accrued, but that’s not the kind of woman I want as a wife anyway.”

We pull into the drop-off line. “Good luck, Tobias.”

“Thank you. Have a great Christmas.”

“You too, and give the boys hugs from me and kisses from the wife.”

“Will do.” We shake hands, and I take my luggage and enter the airport. A week. I swallow hard. It’s going to be a trial to break out of my routine, but at least her husband will give me an endless supply of coffee.

As soon as I take my seat in first class, I get comfortable and go through the security feed at the ranch. I don’t have many cameras up, but after the incident in the summer, I installed a motion-activated camera in my bedroom that turns on when I’m not home. It has yet to be activated except when we initially tested out.

Once we’re in the air, I get a bottle of water. I’d learned years ago to fall asleep on a plane. I traveled so much, it was necessary. It’s a six-hour flight, and that means I’ll get some rest. After finishing my water, I sit back in my seat, close my eyes, and fall asleep.

It seems like a short time later when the flight attendant taps on my shoulder. “Sir, we are about to descend.”

“Damn, I slept the whole way. Thanks, ma’am.” She smiles and blushes before walking away. I’m not sure why I have that effect on women, but at least she leaves me alone. I buckle myself back in and think about Big John’s words. Maybe I will see if my sister’s hosting any parties. I need a wife. If not, what’s the point of keeping the ranch? It’s been in my family for a century, and I want that to continue on.

We began exiting the plane and there’s a sign that says, “Big Brother Montana.” My brother-in-law has a sense of humor. I walk up to the driver, who I recognize. He gives me the slightest smile. “Are you ready?”

“I am. Let’s get out of this place. I’m starving.”

“Your sister is preparing lunch.” He opens the passenger door and I hop in back, closing it behind me. He puts my luggage into the back of the Escalade and then climbs inside. The drive to their home isn’t too far from the airport, but I’m so anxious to see my family that it feels like forever.

The second the driver pulls into their long driveway, my sister comes running out of the house and my nephews are clinging to her side running as well. “Uncle!” They run ahead, and I scoop both of them into my arms, giving them bear hugs. I drag my sister in there too, kissing her cheek.

“What are you doing out here without a coat?” my brother-in-law calls out, bringing her shawl and sliding it over her shoulders. It’s cold, but the sun is keeping it above freezing today. I set the boys down, who immediately run to their daddy.

“I took it off because I got hot and then forgot to put it on when I saw them pull into the driveway.”

“It’s good to see you,” I say, shaking his hand.

“Good to see you, Tobias. Come on in.” I take my suitcase from the driver while my brother-in-law grabs the other one. “Inside, my little terrors.” He takes my sister’s hand and leads her inside.

“How was the trip?” my sister asks.

“I slept the entire flight, which was nice.”

“Good. I’m sure you’re hungry, then. I have lunch ready.”

“Starving.”

Chapter 2

Ava

The room spins as I fall against the wall, sliding down to the floor. My face aches painfully, but I don’t have time to process it because he’s looming over me. "Are you going to listen now?" I nod, shaking in the corner and sobbing. Everything that happened in the past ten minutes turns my world upside down.

Lies. The many lies.

I stare at my father, not knowing the man in front of me. His eyes are darker, angry. "I have the power to destroy you. You're my daughter, and that’s the only reason I'm going to let you live. Don't make me regret it. This deal is important to your mother and me. I won’t let you ruin it. You meet with him tomorrow.” He grabs my hand and helps me to my feet like he didn’t just send me to the ground like a prized fighter. “Practice your makeup and behave."

"What time is the lunch?" I ask my stepmother, who is standing there as if nothing’s wrong with my father’s fist meeting my face.

“They will arrive around twelve thirty,” my stepmother says, checking her two-thousand-dollar watch, itching to leave for the gala.