Billionaire Cowboy: Siblings (Book 2 in the Richland Series)

Chapter 13: Rianne

Rianne’s pov

Arriving at the bar, I parked next to Kemper’s truck, which stood out with its large wheels and lift kit requiring average-sized people like me to use a step ladder to climb up. Checking myself in a car window’s reflection, I felt confident in my appearance, then became a little nervous, remembering I might be hanging out with my brother. We know many of the same people but always hang in different groups.

Well, to be honest, I don’t hang out much.

Walking towards the main door, my phone vibrated, causing me to stand to the side.

Michael: Matt is not ready for us. We should keep our distance.

My heart sank.

What does that mean? Taking a deep breath, I figured while out in public, we’d keep our hands to ourselves. Stifling a giggle, I knew it would be harder for him to keep his hands to himself. At the clubhouse, he roamed every inch of my body like a lion claiming its prey.

Goosebumps shot through me, anticipating the attention I’d get later tonight from Michael.

Walking in and looking around the large room, I instantly caught Heidi’s attention as she waved me over with a big smile. The crowd was larger than expected, causing me to weave through random groups as my name was called out like roll call. Smiling and waving while pursuing Heidi, it felt good to be in my hometown even though Michael and I would need to eventually plan our exits to avoid rumors.

Leaving Kemper’s side, Heidi met me halfway, guiding us to the bar for a round. Waiting for the bartender, I scanned the room for Michael. Heidi leaned in, “Who you lookin for?” Knowing my secret, I admitted, “Michael.” Her smile faltered. “I saw him earlier with a blonde, she looked familiar. She was standing awfully close to him at one point, but he didn’t look interested.” Seeing my reaction, she added, wiggling her eyes, “I noticed he kept watching the door like he was waiting for someone.”

I know she was trying, but it didn't help.

Spotting my brother talking to a tall blonde guy, I noticed Matt's arms were crossed over his chest, looking like he was bored. According to the rumors, it was unusual to see him alone, unless he had just finished up with one bunny and was planning his next target.

Shaking my head, I knew my brother and his friends were predictable. Ever since high school, their “game” has not changed, but then again, their targets haven’t either. Most females spread their legs just looking in their direction. It’s disgusting.

Heidi shimmied against my shoulder to get my attention, “Hey, there’s a hot guy checking you out. Check your left shoulder.” Trying to keep a fake smile, I took a deep breath then slowly looked over my shoulder. Sure enough, Billy Minton, one of my brother’s friends from high school, tipped his hat in our direction. Giving her my, “are you serious?” look, I turned my attention back to the bar.

Before I could scan the room, Billy squeezed between the back of a large person and me, causing his arm to conveniently brush against my chest. Rotating his arm to wrap around my shoulders, he leaned in whispering, “Never thought I’d see you again. You look good, Rianne.” Unsure what the “again” was referring to, I stifled hearing Heidi’s laugh as she turned away giving us privacy. Gee, thanks cousin.

Smiling, not wanting to engage with Billy, I kept quiet while he apparently wanted to keep the ball rolling, “How’s life treating you?” Glancing in the bartender’s direction looking for an escape, I saw Heidi placing an order while I remained trapped.

Turning subtly to give Billy the hint that I was not interested, his hot beer breath warmed my neck in a sleazy way, “I was hoping we’d cross paths this summer.” Before he could continue, I reached for two beers that Heidi was handing in my direction, then pushed forward to get out of Minton’s mittens.

He’s never given me the time of day. Why now?

Ducking under his arm, my escape plan was put to the test. Creating a trail to Kemper, I scanned the room for Michael but came up empty again. Is he with the blonde? Is he in the bathroom?

Am I jealous?

Lost in my thoughts, I grabbed a stool unable to scan the crowd and gave up on the one person I was looking for. Maybe he’ll return soon.

How do I act when we’re keeping our distance?

Out of my element, my mind was overanalyzing how to act around Michael when a shoulder shove forced my attention to none other than my brother, whose odd behavior had him holding me in a side hug. His deep voice interrupted his friends' conversation as he announced, “Hey y’all, remember my sister Rianne? She’s hanging out with us tonight.”

What is going on? For years he wouldn’t let anyone talk to me and now he’s putting me out there like a piece of meat to a pride of lions.

Holding my beer close, like someone was going to take it, I was out of my comfort zone as he introduced me to his friends one at a time using nicknames that didn’t make sense but probably derived from their childhood. Instead of handshakes, bear hugs were exchanged, along with roaming eyes that should have made my brother's temper go crazy.

What was going on?

Finding the only empty stool right among the lions, an unexpected inquisition pulled me into their conversation, placing me under the spotlight. Answering questions about Rodeo Ways, pride swelled in my chest realizing my brother’s friends were up to date with my YouTube channel.

Out of the blue, Billy asked, “What does it take to become a major feature?” OK, here we go, the “What’s in it for me,” type. Before I could say a politically correct answer, Matt blurted, “When you earn it, you’ll be featured.”

An argument started about the mysterious brothers that Rodeo Ways was featuring. Little do they know they've competed against the Kennedy brothers for the past two years. Instead of describing their skill level, I sat back soaking in the entertainment as my brother's friends attacked each other.

Cowboys may flourish on arrogance, but few are confident enough to welcome competition from outsiders. The competitive jealousy of Texans dominating my Montana-born Rodeo Ways reinforced the decision that I featured the right brothers this season.

At one point, Matt leaned in whispering with his sarcastic tone, “This cat fight should negate their chances of ever being featured.” I sipped my beer agreeing, impressed with his words.

Curious as to why my brother was including me tonight and no comments about the Texan competition, I asked, “Are you OK traveling together?” Keeping his eyes on the entertainment in front of us, he answered, “Well, your reputation will have many eyes on you, and if I had it my way, you would stay home.”

He paused, turning his body in my direction and catching my raised brow, “But I understand why you need to be on the road. I’d rather be there by your side than anyone else.” He paused, “You know, in case something happens.”

Appreciating his older-protective-brotherly ways, I replied, “You mean you want to keep me away from guys like you?” I winked, taking a swig of beer. Matt turned his attention back to the entertainment, “Exactly.”

I had to know, “Is that why you introduced me to your friends?” Bumping my shoulder, he admitted, “They know to stay away from you but now they will keep an eye on you.”

Huh? Like Billy did earlier?

Speaking mostly to myself, because I knew he didn’t want to hear it, I said, “When the right one comes around, you’ll least expect it and find yourself wanting to change your life for her. Who knows, maybe you’ll find her on the road and move to a smaller town.”

Pausing and holding his beer inches from his mouth, his body stiffened, which was beyond weird. Hoping I hadn’t ruined his night, I stood to walk over to Heidi. Peeking over my shoulder, I was stunned to see Matt sitting on a stool with his head down staring at his beer that was clutched tightly between white knuckles.

**** ******

Michael’s pov

Arriving at the strip club, the parking lot was overflowing with county tags that were over an hour’s drive away. This was more than a simple girl’s night. Walking through a back door, I paused at a poster promoting tonight as the fourth annual event.

I’m so screwed.

Parking in the back, we walked into a room with unknown and unnatural smells. Ash leaned in, “Tanning oil and champs.” Shaking my head at the idiots prancing around in shiny g strings, I grabbed her hand, “Jack, I need a bottle of Jack.”

Skipping off, she left me among a room full of guys who were checking me out. If I didn’t know any better, I’d guess they were all gay, but whatever, I’m only here for one song. Finding an open bench, I sat down rubbing my face, wondering what I had gotten myself into. Pulling up scenes from Magic Mike on my phone, wondering what I was going to do, I did my best to ignore the mostly naked guys around me.

Downing half the bottle of Jack, my buzz was solid as an older lady tapped on my shoulder asking for my song. WTH? I had no idea what to say, expecting Ash would help me out. She conveniently hadn’t returned since handing over the bottle.

A guy walking by caught my attention as a trail of dollar bills followed him with more tucked into places I would never want money to go. The older lady, who apparently never left, patted my shoulder like a grandma, “What’s your stage name, sweetie?’

With a blank look, I dropped my head, “I’ve never done this before. I’m only helping out a friend.” She rubbed the top of my shoulders, which did little to comfort me. Her voice reminded me of someone who has smoked cigarettes most of their life, “I see. So, what is your name?” Staying focused on the floor, I muttered, “Mike.” Her scratchy voice spoke again before walking off, “I’ll take care of you, my dear.”

Leaving my wallet, boots, socks and phone on the bench, I assumed they were safe since everyone coming off stage had a trail of bills, surpassing the cost of my items, ten- fold. Walking to the side of the stage, I shook my head as the guy on stage was f*cking a pole, looking like pancy.

I might not know what I’m doing, but I sure as hell won’t look like that fool. Finishing his pathetic performance, the pole-f*cker walked by with a smile swaying his hips as he patted my cheek, “Take your time, no need to rush the feeling.” I had no idea what he was talking about but planned to get this sh*t done with, then returning to Ri.

The older ladies’ scratchy voice came over the speakers, “Well, ladies, we have a local favorite for you. Please get your bills out and pump those t**s up for a one-night experience that will blow your mind. From sweet moans to nasty s****s, please welcome our very own Magic Mike to the stage.”

Well, here we go

**** *****

Rianne’s pov

Standing awkwardly by Heidi, as Kemper assaulted her, my phone suddenly became interesting. I checked the time and unofficially tracked how long Michael had been gone.

Was this the distance he wanted?

Doubt rushed through my mind as my brother had sauntered to our table undetected. Keeping quiet but close, he let others know of his presence. Looking up to find his cold stare at something across the room in the direction of the workers’ break rooms, my head tilted to the side while I raised a brow questioning his weird behavior.

Losing interest, he turned his attention back on me and took a long swig. Feeling there were secrets we were both keeping, I asked, “Anyone catch your fancy?” Smirking, he shook his head finishing his beer. Regretting my words as soon as they escaped my lips, I asked, “Where’s Michael?” Standing and facing the bar, Matt turned to look me in the eyes before saying, “Taking care of a blonde.”

My heart sank.

Unaware that his words felt like a knife plunged six inches into my chest, he asked, “Want a beer?” Trying to hide the pain, I nodded, struggling to stop tears from tumbling down my cheeks. Clearing my throat, I managed to mumble, “I’m actually heading out. I have a lot to do before hitting the road.” Grabbing my arm gently, my brother asked, “Are you OK driving home?” Nodding, I whispered, “I only had one.”

Focusing on my steps, trying to place one foot in front of the other, tears fell as soon as I walked outside when the nighttime air brushed against my exposed skin. The walk to my truck took longer than I had remembered as my mind spiraled out of control. Why did I think I mattered to Michael? Why did I let myself fall for him?

When I ask him about the blonde, will he say, “I only had one.”

**** *****

Michael’s pov

Hearing the start of the music that the older lady had selected for me, I froze up. This is not country. Females screamed the title, Candy Something, by 50 Cent. Fifty what? I'm worth more than that, WTH?

I strutted out bare foot, turning my back slowly to the audience with my hat down low, hiding my face as moans greeted my back. Peeking slowly over my shoulder, the moans got louder.

One song, just one song.

Tapping my foot, trying to calm my nerves over the obnoxious noises coming from the crowd, I slowly peeled off of my shirt and rotated, showing off the side view of my chest. Peeking towards the crowd, my eyes widened, noticing a cloud of bills covering the catwalk.

Many were yelling obscene comments about wanting to lick and suck me like a lollipop. At least Ash was right, these desperate idiots arrived with truck loads of money.

Unable to see the faces of the money bags, I kept my attention between the bright lights and the width of the catwalk. Swaying my hips, their moans increased to a higher decibel, masking the words in the song that were conveniently shouted by many of the idiots in the audience. Candy shop? WTH?

Hoping the song was wrapping up, my jeans were slowly removed as I stood in my boxers and hat. Needing to put on the c****x of my show, I pictured Ri lying on the catwalk as I devoured her. Keeping my hips rotating while bills were shoved into my boxers from various angles, I wished I had heard the song before so I would know when it was over.

I never want to hear this song after tonight.

As the beat ended, indicating the song was finally over, I let out a deep loud sigh. The old brawd must have played an extended version of the song, there's no way I was on stage for only a couple of minutes. It was at least fifteen minutes, if not more.

I pushed up into a plank position showing off my guns, gaining more ridiculous moans, and of course, bills showering the catwalk and stage. Unsure how to casually exit, I rolled over on my back as bills stuck to my sweaty body thanks to the hot lights.

A familiar giggle on stage caught my attention as Ash was stuffing her freedom papers in her bra. A couple of drunk money bags shoved bills down my boxers, which was not appreciated. More than one hand grazed my d**k, forcing me to jump up and retreat to the back room letting Ash collect her well-earned paycheck.

Leaving the stage sweaty and feeling like p**n filth, I pulled off the bills that were covering my body and threw them on the bench before wiping my body and getting dressed. I could care less at this point if Ash gets this stash. Grabbing my personal items, I checked my phone for any contact from Ri, but there was nothing.

Driving back to the Tavern, the bar was still packed but our area was occupied by new groups of people. Verifying with a friend who was bartending tonight that my friends had left, caused my mood to turn sour. All my intentions for tonight blew up in my face and my gut was telling me the worst was yet to come.