Read Something Blue for Free Online

easier to take. And I can always have that brothel burned all the way to the ground next time.”
    My stomach clenches as I wonder when her crew will get here. Where they’ll take me. But I don’t start to cry until I think of Cross.
    My sweet Cross.
    I miss him so much.
    Sister slaps me again.
    “Shut up, bitch. You deserve no tears.”
    I swallow, and my throat aches. Cross. Come get me, Cross! I need you. Cross!
    But why would he? This time, I’m on my own. Maybe it’s the universe’s way of paying me back for being a coward. For being afraid to let things with Cross run their natural course.
    Sister is pacing the house, ranting and still doling out slaps, when I hear the wheels on the gravel drive outside.
    I forget how to breathe.
    “My crew,” she says in Spanish. She races to the door, and I hear the sound of someone kicking something as my blood runs cold.
    “Cross,” I sob.
    And then there he is.
    He’s cutting through the ropes, lifting me up into his arms. Behind him, Marchant has Sister penned to the floor. A moment later, two of the ranch’s security guards take over. They haul her outside, and Cross wraps himself around me.
    I hear sirens.
    “What’s going on?” I mange.
    “Jail for her,” he tells me.
    A long time passes as I hold him. I’m keeping my body strained, myself rigid and tough. And then I let my head sag on his shoulder.
    “I made a big mistake. I love you,” I whisper.
    “I know.”
    “Will you take me back?”
    “Merri.” His lips press against mine. “I’ll always take you back.”
     
     

Chapter Seven
    ELIZABETH
     
    I’m standing under the trees, beside the pond, looking out at my closest friends and family, all dressed up and sitting in white fold-out chairs.
    The group is divided into two, each chunk on opposite sides of our grassy aisle. At the front of the crowd is the pastor, behind a podium.
    Everything is beautiful. Simple. Lots of ferns and white ribbon.
    But really, my eyes are searching for Hunter.
    I finally see him walk up behind the pastor, and despite the absence of Cross and Marchant, who should both be with him, I feel myself relax a little.
    Suri and Loveless, who dressed me, are right beside me if I need them. I wonder where Cross and Marchant are as the music starts, and some of Hunter’s poker buddies start walking our relatives down the aisle.
    I watch my mother smiling on the arm of a tall, red-haired guy I recognize from the some of the tournaments. Things haven’t been perfect with her these last few months, but she’s still trying, and I can respect that and even enjoy her company in small doses.
    I watch my mom be seated, and notice her looking over my shoulder. I turn and find my dad walking up, wearing a black suit and smiling.
    “You look gorgeous,” he tells me as he kisses my cheek. “Are you ready?” he asks.
    I nod.
    And there they come. Behind Hunter and the pastor, I see Marchant, Merri, and Cross, dirty and, in Marchant’s case, bloody.
    For a moment I’m worried. Scared. And yeah, a little disappointed at the timing. But then the music starts, they file beside Hunter, while Merri hurries back to me, and our wedding is starting. There’s no time to be anything but…thrilled.
    Marchant flashes me a small thumbs up, and I know we’re safe.
    When Merri reaches me, she throws her arms around me and whispers, “Sorry. I’m so sorry.”
    “It’s okay.” There’s a blood-smear on her cheek. I wipe it with my thumb. “You okay?”
    She nods.
    She and Suri and I embrace, and their whispers to me are drowned out by the music, which the man at the baby grand piano just behind us is starting to really pound out.
    I’m nervous as I look down at my dress, then at the aisle. I’m nervous, but Hunter catches my eye and smiles.
    He smiles while my girls file down the aisle before me. While the piano pounds its notes and sets the tone—for something exciting. Something life-changing.
    He smiles while my Dad slides his arm