The Badge and the Bad Boy (Redemption Ranch, #1)

by Lena Hendrix

Despite my better judgment, I’d run after her like a lunatic and shoved my dinner in her face. Something about her had made me want to take care of her, though the vibe she’d put out was that she was more than capable without me. I’d gone to bed with her face in my mind and my dick in my hand.

there were strict criteria for being invited and working here, but it didn’t change the fact that someone came to Redemption for one of two reasons: either you were a criminal, or you were being hunted by one.

To save my sister, I’d sold my soul and become a rat. I’d forced Gemma and myself into the Federal Witness Protection Program, but it was the only way to keep her safe from the people who would stop at nothing to end us both. Including my brother, Parker.

While I couldn’t bring myself to lie to her, I needed to get out of that barn. To talk to Ma about why the hell a police officer, let alone the one I’d taken a bullet for, was standing in front of me at the ranch. It was too close. Too risky for Gemma for us all to be in the same location.

“Our last sequence tonight will be some deep partner stretching. Please pair up.” Though her voice was calm and soothing, my heartbeat ratcheted higher. Val intentionally didn’t look my way, and when a young guy with floppy blond hair glanced at her with his eyebrows up and face full of hope, I threw a murderous glare in his direction. He caught my stare over Val’s shoulder and quickly turned to find someone else.

Val changed legs, placing her right one against my shoulder, and I gently leaned forward. “Is this far enough?” My hand stayed planted on her ankle, and I leaned far forward, stretching her leg. “Deeper.” The husk in her voice sent a bolt of lightning straight down my spine, and it settled between my thighs. I gently moved forward, deepening the stretch so I was almost pressed against her heat. One more inch and Val would not only see but feel exactly how much she affected me.

“I will never lie to you. Don’t lie to me.”

“When you’re with me, you don’t have to worry. I’ll take care of you.”

Gemma noticed too. “What the fuck is she looking at?” “Watch it with that mouth.” “Whatever. She’s creeping me out.” “She’s allowed to.” She stared at me with disgust. I continued, “That’s Officer Rivera. As in, saved-your-ass Officer Rivera. Treat her with a little respect.” “Oh shit . . .” “Yeah. Oh shit.”

Take me. Push me up on this pool table right here and take me. My rogue thoughts were on my tongue when he brushed the tip of his nose down mine. I wanted to puddle at his feet.

In a heartbeat, Evan was in the man’s face. “Disrespect her again. I fucking dare you.”

Younger me wouldn’t have thought twice about beating the shit out of him just because I didn’t like the way he looked at my girl. My girl.

Gemma brushed her fingertips over the scar. Her voice was quiet. “I’m not embarrassed in front of you. You saved me.”

“I always thought the Highland cattle looked more human than cows.” I peeked at him and fought the smile that tugged at my lips. “It’s the hair. They just seem so emo.”

“When I was sixteen, I snuck out to go sledding with friends and ended up breaking my leg in three places. Needless to say, I did not get away with it.”

“There’s darkness in me, Val.” “Maybe some. But I can see the light.” Before I knew what was happening, Evan’s hands were in my hair, and we were tumbling into the soft grass. His long, hard body covered mine. His mouth crashed down, rough and demanding. The air whooshed out of my lungs and came out as a needy, breathless moan.

“A man like me always wants what he can’t have. But you, baby girl, are the most dangerous thing on this ranch.”

“It’s not good. They definitely know you’re alive. My source also said that the organization is distributing pictures of you and Gemma and . . .” Scott dragged a hand across the stubble at his jaw. “And what?” I urged. “Val.”

I wanted to wipe that cocky grin from her face—throw her over my shoulder and drag her somewhere private, rip those tiny shorts down her legs, squeeze my hard cock in my hand, and spread her open until both of us couldn’t see straight.

Thank god she wasn’t on time. Ever. Five minutes earlier and she would have caught me dry humping her brother on the mat.

“During the day, it’s business as usual. Chores. Sunday supper. Just friends.” “I can do that,” I assured with a nod and the tiniest movement of my hips. “Nights are mine.” Evan paused as his eyes drank me in. His wide palm delicately wrapped around the column of my throat. My pulse hammered beneath it. “You,” he whispered as his head bent forward to nip my ear, “are mine.”

Next to the large island, two stools were pulled up, facing each other. A bottle of wine and two paper cups, along with a stack of playing cards, were on the table. I gestured toward one seat. “Evan. What is this?” I couldn’t hide my smile at the confusion and awe laced in her voice. “A date.”

“Pull that cock out.” I lifted an eyebrow at her command. “You heard me.” Val pulled herself to her elbows and smirked. “Last time you insisted I tell you what I want. I want to feel your cock in the back of my throat.”

“Baby girl, if I die with your pussy on my face, it would be an honor.”

“Parker found us. It’s time I go remind him who the fuck I am.” A reminder. A criminal.

Another shot rang out as Al sidled up beside Johnny, a shotgun at his shoulder. “Already been to prison and don’t mind going back. Health care sure was cheaper.”

Al leaned against the butt of his shotgun. “What did you expect? This is Tipp. When one of our own is in trouble, we come running.”

I wanted to name one of the new babies Val after you, but then Gemma reminded me that honoring a woman with a cow was (and I quote) “the least romantic thing on the planet.”

But mostly I worry that one day people will stop mentioning you. I promise to say your name every day. Love, Evan

“The work I do is important.” “There is nothing more important than love, mija. Remember that.”

“Tired?” “Mmm.” She was nearly asleep. “This is everything. I want to give you everything you deserve. Thank you for coming home.” Val looked at me and smiled. “Thank you for not giving up on me.” My chest tightened. I would fight for this woman for the rest of my life. “Marry me.”

Whatever you want. Anything you want and I will make it happen for you.”