Entering the barn, I come to a hard stop when I don’t see him. The back door leading to the pasture is open so I head toward it, making sure to stop and say hello to Rosie before I walk out. Then I see him. His back is facing me as he stacks bales upon bales of hay. His lean, hard body glistens with sweat, causing my mouth to water.

“You gonna stare at me all day or come say hi?”

I snap out of my thoughts, realizing he knows I’ve been standing here staring at him like an idiot. “How did you know I was here?” I ask quietly, embarrassment warming my cheeks.

“I always know when you’re near,” he says, sending my heart into a frenzy. He turns around, a sexy smirk tilting his lips that dies quickly when he takes in my appearance. His eyes slide down my body as if they were his hands, touching me in places I’ve only dreamed about. “Nice dress, Liv.” His tone is deep and smooth.

Oh Lord.

“Uh, thank you. You look nice, too.” My eyes fall closed, humiliation setting my face on fire again. I can’t believe I just said that.

Yeah, you look great in your dirty jeans.

I shake my head, wanting to slap myself for the stupid remark. I open my eyes when his husky chuckle meets my ears. “Forget I said that,” I say, twisting my hands nervously in front of me.

He starts toward me, his purposeful gait closing the distance between us as he removes the work gloves from his hands, shoving them into his back pocket. I retreat until my back kisses the fence. His arms go on either side of me, gripping the white metal rail and caging me in. His masculine scent hangs deliciously in the air around us, making my head spin.

“You don’t think I look good?” he asks, amusement laced in every word.

“Oh no, no, that’s not what I meant at all. I just meant that you’re dirty and working and…” I release a frustrated breath. I’m making it worse. “Never mind, I’m just going to shut up now.”

Another chuckle tumbles from his perfect lips, the beautiful sound unleashing a swarm of butterflies in my belly. I could listen to that sound every single day, even if it was at my own stupid expense.

“Don’t ever shut up, Liv, I love listening to you talk.” My heart jackhammers in my chest as he leans in close, bringing his lips to my ear. “Even if it’s nonsense I could listen to you all day long.”

Why must he say things like this to me, it makes it hard for me to think straight. And that smooth baritone of his, it wraps around each word so seductively, like sweet honey being drizzled all over my skin. He steps back to look down at me, and I take the opportunity to do some looking of my own. I take in his hard, sculpted body. His chiseled abs look like they are carved from stone.

Good grief, he is far too sexy for his own good.

His smirk spreads, as if he can read my thoughts. Clearing my throat, I find a shred of what’s left of my composure. “What are you doing here?” I realize how rude that sounded so I rush to correct it. “Working on the farm, I mean.”

“Thought I’d come help Walter out a bit, I know this is his busiest time of year and he could use a hand. I also knew I’d get to see you.”

A big, silly smile takes over my face, little does he know he doesn’t need an excuse to come out and see me, but I appreciate how thoughtful he is. I know Pap could certainly use the help. “You don’t have to work today?”

His expression darkens, and I immediately regret asking the simple question.

“No.”

“Is everything all right?” I ask nervously. He peers down at me, remaining silent, as if he’s conflicted about whether to answer or not. “Grayson, what’s going on?”

“I’ve been suspended while an investigation is being done by Internal Affairs.”

“Suspended?” I gasp. “But why? What are they investigating?”

“The arrest of Reggie West. He’s saying I assaulted him.”

“What? How dare he say something like that? Why on earth would they even believe him, especially after what he’s done?”

“They still need to investigate. I’m sure they will have it resolved soon.” Something shifts in his expression, something I can’t decipher, but before I can ask him about it he clears his throat and changes the subject. “The hearing is tomorrow.”

“I know.” I nod, my voice soft. “Mr. Henderson came by last night and told me they offered him a plea bargain in exchange for the names of the others.”

His gaze hardens, clearly not liking the fact. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, but Mr. Henderson did say that he would serve time and at least the others will be arrested, too. And while I’m not pleased about Reggie’s deal, I am grateful for the last part. I think that’s why I am still having a hard time sleeping, I hate knowing the others are still out there, never knowing if they will come for me and finish what they started.

“Are you going?” he asks.

I nod. “Yeah, I am.” I didn’t go to the arraignment but Mr. Henderson told me what the plea would be, and I wanted to avoid facing him for as long as I could. I do want to be there for his sentencing though. I know it will give me some closure, some measure of safety.

Even if just for a little while.

“I want to take you,” Grayson says, making me smile.

“Are you asking me or telling me?”

He hesitates with his answer. “Which one will make you say yes?”

His response makes me giggle, but it dies quickly when he reaches up and softly cups my cheek. “I want to be there for you, Liv.”

Reaching up, I cover his hand with my own and lean into his touch. “Okay. I’ll have Pap and Tania meet us there or follow us.” They plan on coming too, but as much as I need their support I need Grayson’s more. He makes me feel safe, and I feel like I can face anything with him standing next to me. “I’m nervous,” I admit quietly, “and scared.”

He drops his forehead on mine, his dark blue gaze penetrating. “It’ll be okay. Tomorrow will be the start of putting all of this shit to rest.”

My throat burns at his words. He pulls me against him and holds me tight. I close my eyes on a silent prayer, hoping he’s right. Hoping that tomorrow brings a new beginning and some semblance of peace.

CHAPTER 15

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE KU KLUX KLAN

Located thirty miles north of Harmony Falls, situated on five private acres of rich Texas soil, they gather. Coming from big cities and towns all across the Lone Star State, the men and women of the Ku Klux Klan join their leader for monthly meetings. But this meeting is special. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the voice of our people will not be suppressed any longer.

Some would say the Klan is dead. The brotherhood does not boast their secret society. They are, however, dedicated warriors. The last line of defense. Their commitment is simple.

Serve Christ, their race, and Texas.

They don’t go around dressed in white robes, masking their faces unless it’s necessary. They walk tall and proud, bearing the symbol of their heritage, upholding their principles of honor, duty, courage, and brotherhood.

The grand dragon takes his place behind the podium to address his loyal followers.

“Let us pray. O God, bless the Klansman that he may fight to keep Texas free from ungodly things forevermore, and their races as pure as the lily of the valley. God bless the Klansman, his home, his family, and his country. Above all, God, bless those who hate the Klan, for they know not what they do with their brainwashed minds, in Yahweh’s name we pray.”

A collective ‘amen’ ripples across the gathered mass.

The building holds close to two hundred members. Mostly men but there are some women. All of who are united under their common beliefs and convictions. Silence descends before the grand dragon addresses his devout followers.