Rules of the Ride: A Silver Star Ranch Novel by HJ Bellus

she’s grieving the loss of her mother. Her ice princess act can only stand up so long before she explodes.
    “I’m scared, Maverik.”
    Ella’s weepy eyes stare down the funeral home.
    “Of?”
    C’mon, Ella, break, break down and tell me everything.
    “Everything.”
    She begins shaking again. I grab the back of her head, tuck her into my chest, and let her cry. I feel her arms wrap around my waist and pull in even closer to me. I give her time and just let her break down and let out whatever she needs to. After several minutes, my phone goes off. It’s Marvel’s ringtone. With one hand, I keep her pressed to my chest and answer the phone with my free hand.
    “Hello.”
    “Mav, they’re releasing Granddad.”
    “Really? Thought they’d keep him in for a few more days for observation.”
    “Nope, he insists on going home and has already signed the papers.”
    “Stubborn old ass. Doctors okay with that?”
    “His primary doctor seems to be. They have all of his meds regulated. Challis is going to stay with him for the first couple nights.”
    I chuckle out loud, imagining Merek’s displeasure with that fact.
    “Okay, I’ll be home in a few.”
    “Also, Challis and Merek have planned a reception.”
    “A what?”
    “Granddad went on giving them a guilt trip, so now they’re throwing a reception at the pond in a few days.”
    “Shocker, the two stubborn assholes doing what they want.”
    “Yeah.”
    Marvel’s laughter fills my ear.
    “Be home in a bit. I have Ella with me, and she’ll be staying with me for a few days.”
    “What?”
    Marvel’s voice loses all joking tones as he practically springs into a full seizure on the other end.
    “See you in a bit, little bro.” I hang up before he has a chance to ask another question or protest.
    “I’m going home with you?” Ella’s big blue and very watery eyes lock with mine.
    “I’m taking you home where you belong.” I press my finger to her sweet lips. “Don’t even start crying again, I need at least ten more beers to handle this shit storm.”
    I watch as Ella sucks back all of her emotions; her lower lip quivers when she tries to be brave. And it’s like yesterday when I’d seen her hurt and nursed her wounds. Everything about this moment confuses me and demolishes every part of me in the same action. I want Ella forever and know for a fact I only have her for a short time. Do I fight her or give in to her? All I’ve ever known is giving in and being sucked into the passion and numbing embrace of Ella James. She owns me.

8
    Ella
    T he light hurts my eyes , and it’s easy to shut them and find the solace and peace once again. A deep soothing voice coaxes me to do it. It’s the same voice that won over my heart, played my hormones, and tattooed his person on my soul. And the person I wrecked when I fled.
    I clench my eyes shut again and struggle to find the boy and girl who were recklessly in love.
    “Mav.”
    “Pinks, I just won state.”
    “That doesn’t mean I’m going to just hop on and ride my own eight seconds.”
    “Afraid you can’t hold on?” His brown devilish eyes tantalize my insides. He’s the same boy who rescued me on the playground and knocked out P.J. Longwell when he ridiculed me about my facial hair. It was the day when all the gods of the universe shone down on me and the only thing I saw staring back at me was Maverik Slatter in all of his glory.
    “Actually, I think it’s you, you big bad cowboy, who’s afraid he can’t catch this hot chick in her mini-skirt and high heels in the bed of his truck.” I drag my candy apple red nails up the length of my very short mini-skirt, taunting him the whole time.
    The thing about Maverik, and I’ve known this since we met in kindergarten—it doesn’t take much in order for him to defend me. From colored pencils to the lunchroom and the follies of junior high, he’s always been there.
    After my fingers run up my skirt and my six-inch heels sink into the