Page 7 of Diamond

I level her with a look. She’s young, so I won’t go too hard on her. “No, Lisa, that’s only necessary when we need to raid the property, and as far as I know, I’m not here to do that. Just talk.”

She walks away, making her call, as I tap my fingers on the wheel.

Surprisingly, the gates slide open a few moments later. I give her a chin lift as I pass, and she waves.

The grounds are immaculately kept. It’s rustic, charming. and pristine.

The clubhouse is essentially an old house, completely renovated, with an old-world charm about it. It’s a two-story, and stands grandly as if it holds all the secrets of the world. I park easily, though there are several motorcycles out front.

These women don’t come to play, judging by some of the beasts parked here.

I’m surprised when I make it all the way up the steps without anybody stopping me. I glance up at the Stilettos emblem on the front double doors, a fierce touch if I’ve ever seen one. Then I think of the last words she said to me about saying please: The last time I heard that word was when I had a man shackled to my bed.

I shake my head. That memory keeps haunting my dreams. I might be dominant in the bedroom, but I could see myself submitting to her every whim if I let myself. Which I have no intention of doing.

I’m equally stunned when nobody stops me from entering through the doors, either. Inside it’s… pleasant. It has the faint smell of cedar oil and lemons. The place is bright, too, with huge windows letting in the afternoon light.

There are polished oak floors, photos aligning the walls of motorcycles, lightning storms, and horses.

“So, you made it through the gates without getting fired at?” Sapphire eyes me from head to toe as she steps into view. “I’m impressed.”

I remove my Stetson hat. “One can only hope you’re kidding,” I murmur, then add, “I’m here to see Diamond.”

“Right.”

“Is she here?”

“Nope.”

I thumb behind me. “Then how come her motorcycle is right out there?”

I shouldn’t know that. Yet, I familiarized myself with her ride a few days ago.

Her pretty smile and roaming gaze aren’t lost on me, but I only have eyes for one woman. “You’re observant.”

“Just tell me she didn’t head to Lanzetti Farms.”

Sapphire winces. “You know, then?”

“I just found out.”

Lanzetti offered Diamond a lot of money to sell her land, but I know how passionate she is about this property. Heck, the entire town knows it. The one thing I don’t know is what Lanzetti is really planning on doing on her land. A wind farm? My ass.

Sapphire folds her arms over her chest. “You gonna give her any more problems?”

“I’m here to help, not be her enemy. I want what’s best for Saddle, and I’m going to find out what’s going on, once and for all.”

Something flickers in her eyes, an understanding. She sighs. “She’s out riding her horse. I’ll show you the way.”

I know how proud these ladies are, so I don’t argue. I let Sapphire take me through the main clubhouse to a set of double doors that lead to a porch overlooking the expansive property that is Rustic Grove.

“There.” She points across the field.

In the distance, I see her.

I give her a chin lift. “Thanks, appreciate it.”

“Go easy on her,” she calls after me. “She’s more bark than bite, Sheriff.”