“I’ll have the boys check the cameras, but this arena is on lockdown as of right now.”

“I’ll have Shaw and Tate bring the rest of the steer around and push this crowd back. Go on out that way.” He nods toward the door that leads to the tunnel.

“I appreciate it.” I quickly clasp him on the shoulder before I duck out of the mob and to the safety of the dark.

This is the whole reason I stopped going to shows. When I was the one riding the bull, the women wouldn’t leave me alone, and when I was in the stands, the men were just as bad. I just want to be able to enjoy the sport like the rest of them, but it’s never that easy.

The crowds, the people, the attention, none of that was what I ever wanted. Even when I smiled and played nice. I did all I could to put a boundary between me and the job, but even when I took all the best precautions somehow people would break into my home or travel trailer to get my attention. Or they’d show up in the changing room, thinking I’d be easy. Enough is enough, and if that means I have to stay in an office while the rodeo is going on, then so be it.

It takes me forever to walk around the arena, but when I get to the back office, I find Tracy closing up for the night. It’s about damn time, because I’m already mad as hell that I had to track her down to begin with.

“You’re finished?” I ask, and she nods, but before she can answer me, I grab her wrist. “Good, we’re leaving.”

“Wait, what’s going on?”

“I said we’re leaving.”

“You can’t drag me out of here. I’m not your—”

“You might want to rethink that, sweet thing.” I hear her frustrated growl, but I don’t care.

“Why are you so pissy? I’m the one that should be mad.”

I don’t stop moving as I practically drag her out to my truck and strap her into the seat. Once I’ve got her belted in, I lean over and glare down at her.

“I’m pissy because I had to watch you walk around in that little outfit all night with every goddamn man in that arena wanting a piece of what’s mine. Now sit your ass down and be quiet.”

I slam the door of the truck and give security at the gate instructions to check with Maguire and lock the arena up. I make sure they know to call me after checking the footage, but I need to get the fuck out of here.

When I get in the truck, she starts in.

“You can’t tell me what to do, Bronco. I saw your fan club tonight, and I see all those little bunnies hopping around your feet. I’m not one of them, and I don’t plan on being one. I refuse to beg for your attention, and I won’t have you telling me what I can and can’t wear.”