“’Cause, see, I’m not sure she’s worth what we paid, but you’re the one who got a taste, not me.” He elbows Clay in the ribs and cackles. “Might have to have a taste m’self, just to see.”

Clay stands, his arms ramrod straight at his sides, fists clenched. “I swear to God, Sheriff, if you don’t shut up—”

The Sheriff barrels upward, both elbows plowing into Clay’s chest. Clay topples back, landing hard in the dust beside the campfire.

Everyone goes silent. The Sheriff hovers over Clay, fists clenched. Clay lies on his back, shock spreading over his face. Then his hands curl into balls. He pops up and stands a foot from his old man.

The Sheriff points a thick finger in Clay’s face. “Lest you forgit who you speakin’ to, boy.”

Clay holds his father’s gaze, venom blazing in his eyes. “I didn’t forget.”

Their hands stretch toward their hips like they’ll draw guns, but the Sheriff lets out another dark laugh, thumping his thigh with his hand. He turns to Hatch and points to Clay. “Boys, this stallion needs to stud or he’ll buck his rider. Let’s give the love birds some privacy.” He turns to me with a disgusting smile. “You call me Daddy from now on. Make me a proud grandpa and we won’t have no trouble.”

Hatch lumbers up and follows the Sheriff out of the circle. Even Ethan gets up. I want to protest and grab his arm, but he’s gone. The Sheriff hollers as he’s turns the corner. “You kids behave.” I hear him cackling long after I can see him.

I feel like a tornado has just torn through the campsite. My hands shake as I curl them over my knees. I glance up at Clay. He’s still standing between the fire and me. In the wake of his father, he looks as shaken as I am.

He stares at the flames a long time, his hands squeezed into fists. Finally, he turns to me. “Sorry.”

“What did he mean by make me a proud grandpa?” My voice trembles more than I’d like.

The log I’m sitting on rocks as Clay settles beside me. He keeps his eyes to the fire, his face slack, his hands still in fists. “My goddamn father.” He rubs his hands over his face. “That S.O.B. doesn’t understand why I wanted you back so bad. Why I couldn’t just take one of the infertile girls the Breeders ship us. He thinks …” his eyes flick to my face and then away. “He thinks I’m in love with you.”

“Oh.” I clutch my hands together at my knees and stare at them.

Clay shifts on the log beside me. “Anyway, I just thought it’d be easier to let him think that.”