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“Of course he does, Belle. We’re Destonians. We all believe in dragons.” He put his arm around her shoulder and pointed to the three highest peaks across the valley. “When I was about Juan’s age, I swear I saw a dragon circling right there.”
“Now, you’re just teasing me.” She laughed. “Is it everyone’s duty in town to make sure the unbelievers come into the fold?”
“Not officially, but we do win prizes when we convince someone. Are you becoming a believer yet? If you swear fealty to the dragons, I’ll get a new grill for my house.”
“So you’re just using me, Mr. Blue.” Her eyes sparkled. “Is that it?”
God, he couldn’t get enough of her. “You caught me.”
“Not hard to do, Corey. You’re like an open book.”
It was good to be out here with her by his side. She seemed more relaxed than she’d been in some time, but it was still obvious to him that her plan at dinner tonight was to end things with him and Shane. Not happening.
He’d talked with his brother about how they were going to get her to open up. Dinner. Wine. And then they would turn the conversation to why she was holding back. Once they knew her fears, then they would be able to win her for all time. That was the goal and that was exactly what was going to happen.
Jake screamed.
Instantly, they ran, reaching Jake just steps before Cody and the other boys.
Juan was on the ground, holding his hand. Corey and Belle got down on their knees next to him.
“I’m so sorry, Juan.” Tears streamed down Jake’s cheeks.
“It’s okay.” Juan looked up at Belle and held up his hand, which had two little wounds. “Rattlesnake got me, Mom. It was in a hollow log. Jake stuck his hand in. He thought it was a baby dragon. I pulled him away but the snake got me.”
“He saved me,” Jake choked out.
Juan’s hand and arm were already swelling up.
Corey brought out his phone and called Doc Ryder. He put it on speaker.
Jake’s eyes widened. “Is he going to die?”
“No, Jake.” Belle turned to Cody. “Bring me my saddle bag.”
Cody ran to her horse and brought back the bag.
“Hello.” Doc’s voice came through loud and clear, thank God. Reception up here was hit-and-miss most of the time.
“Doc, Juan got bit by a rattlesnake.” Belle cleaned the wound on Juan’s arm. “I’ve got everything in the kit you gave me.”
“Give him the shot and keep the epinephrine ready.”
“Sweetheart, relax.” She stuck the needle close to the bite. “Everything is going to be fine.”
The bars on Corey’s cell went down and static came through, muffling Doc’s voice. “You’re doing great, Belle. Be sure… keep the epinephrine…in case you need it. Paris and I…set up here.”
The line went dead. Fuck.
Cody had the boys standing back, and he was kneeling by the hollow log where the snake had been sleeping. “I sent a text to Emmett. He’s driving to the crossing point to meet you. That way you can drive the rest of the way into town.”
Belled kissed Juan on the cheek. “Sweetheart, relax. Everything is going to be fine.”
Juan smiled weakly. He was being so brave. “I think I can ride, Mom.”
She shook her head. “You need to stay as still as you can, baby.” She turned to Corey. “You’ll have to carry him.”
He nodded. Corey was amazed at Belle’s skill and how calm she was being. She knew what had to be done. She must’ve been pushing her fear way down deep.
