Royal Atlas by HJ Bellus

Author:HJ Bellus [Bellus, HJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Small Town Girl Books, LLC
Published: 2016-12-10T18:30:00+00:00

18

Molly

“90% of the ocean remains unexplored and you’re telling me mermaids don’t exist? Idiot.” -Amos

The rodeo circuit has changed with my absence. I’m not sure if I thought it would just pause like my life or what in the hell I thought. There are new players and way more competition than high school rodeo. I have a shit ton of rodeos to get under my belt to get my pro card. It’s something that’s kept me up late at night. I want the card, hell, my heart lives to be on the back of a horse, but I’m torn about being away from the ranch. My momma needs me and I need her.

I don’t miss the looks sent my way while warming Broker up. I can physically feel the daggers being shot into my back. I have big boots to fill and only hope my heart is in it. I’m just focusing on running barrels. It’s my first true love and Broker’s for that fact.

Up in the stands, Guy sits next to my momma. He has her hand clutched in his. It’s been difficult getting her out of the house. It’s like people find the dumbest things to say once a loved one has passed away. Where Momma used to love the community and volunteer at everything, she hates going out anymore. It warms my heart to see her here.

My fingers tremble and palms begin to sweat when I’m up next. Something that used to be so natural has now become terrifying. My brain goes right into freak out mode and I begin over thinking everything. I catch Grandpa out of the corner of my eye.

He’s leaning on a gate and sends me only a simple nod. The world is in that nod. I see the plea in it to give us our lives back. This is the first baby step to going back to living. We all need it. Actually, our souls crave it. A bird flies above my head swooping down and squawking loudly.

“Don’t you dare, Amos,” I whisper.

He’s always there, surrounding us.

Broker takes the lead, pounding his front feet on the hard ground while throwing his head up and down. His energy and eagerness to take back the arena sends a thrill through me. My heart begins beating again at full force, pounding against my chest.

I kick Broker into action sending him into full speed. The sound of his hooves striking the arena dirt brings back the innate reactions to rounding each barrel. I can’t force the smile from my face as he hugs them as tight as possible then turns his head to race toward the next one. After the third barrel, I urge him home.

I feel the muscles in my inner thighs rip as my legs fly home with his running action. I plant back in the saddle after finishing the pattern, pulling Broker to a stop. Both of our hearts race out of control even though he was the one that did all the work.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.