Brutal Heir (Billionaire Heirs #2)

Chapter 6

Sage

It isn’t until I’m past the last gate on the ranch that it finally feels real. It’s Friday. It’s a holiday. And I’m halfway to freedom.

Laredo is a decent-sized city, sitting along the Mexican border. It’s big enough to lose myself. A place where I can unwind, do some shopping, find some delicious food, and maybe get myself a drink and a room for the night.

Although it was a short week, it was one of the most frustrating ones I’ve had in a long time. The problems started with the rig move and dealing with Ezequiel. It extended through yesterday when the ranch owner showed up and spent the day at the office. There was so much tension, you could cut it with a knife.

Worst of all, it included Bill running out because his wife isn’t doing well. I can’t even imagine what they’re going through.

At this point, I’m glad for a day, any day, I don’t get home with mud on my boots. It’s why I decided to take advantage of the three-day weekend and separate myself from the job. I didn’t even bring work clothes with me.

I’m nearing the intersection with Highway 44 when my phone rings. Nooo . I don’t have anyone who’d just check in to say hello. If I get a call, it’s something to do with work.

The phone rings.

I take my foot off the gas pedal and pull onto the shoulder where many of the local truck drivers stop. I have to pull over before I get to the checkpoint. If I’m close enough for the border patrol agents to see me, they might think I’m up to no good. If I pass the location, I’ll have to sit in line to get back.

The phone rings.

Hold on . I come to a full stop and put the truck in park. I reach out to check my cell phone. Ezequiel. Oh hell .

The phone rings again as I stare at the name, my stomach twisting at the thought of having to talk to him. I lock the doors, knowing this is going to take more than a quick minute. Letting my lids drift closed, I press the button to answer the call. “This is Sage.”

“Well I’m glad it wasn’t an emergency,” he says in his usual surly tone.

I grit my teeth and open my eyes. What does he expect? Am I supposed to drop what I’m doing the exact second he calls? I was driving for goodness’ sake.

“Where are you?” he continues.

I don’t want to tell him, but I don’t have much of a choice. This role I accepted comes with the responsibility of being available at any point of the day or night—that includes holidays. “I’m out of town,” I reply. Though I’m actually close enough to turn around in case of emergency. “Well, on my way to Laredo.”

“Are you working?”

Now, there’s a question. I draw in a breath. When Mike was around, he took care of business. If, on a rare occasion, he took off to the valley with his wife to see their family, I’d cover for him. I was the backup. Now that he’s gone, with me taking the lead, there’s no backup. If I was already in Laredo, I might consider calling Bill for help. While he’s in San Antonio with his wife, he might be able to get someone else.

Resigned, I ask, “What did you need?”

“I need you on-site,” he growls.

Ugh. I knew it . The fact I was getting a day to myself was too good to be true. If someone, anyone else, was available, I would have said I’d flown out to see my dad. Dad … Oh God, that’s a problem to deal with on another day.

I glance down at the peach colored toenails peeking out from the strappy sandals I’m wearing and curse under my breath. I should have brought my damn boots. I should have packed a spare uniform in my overnight bag, just in case. Instead, I’m in a white tank top, loose cotton shorts in the same color as my nails, and sandals that leave my toes exposed.

I cringe, preparing to tell him I’m not ready. I can already hear him berating me for not being prepared. “I’m not in uniform,” I admit. And there’s only one way I can get into uniform. I guarantee he’s not going to like it. “I’ll have to go back to Carrizo Springs to change before I can come in.”

“You’re not doing some damn beauty pageant,” he snaps. This time it’s my turn to be annoyed.

I try one last time. “Can we reschedule for tomorrow morning? I can be there before—”

“No, I need you here, and I need you now,” he stresses. “If you can’t handle the job, say so.”

I grit my teeth again. After the news I got about the de Marcos buying the company, it’s not a good idea to push it with this guy. He won’t be going anywhere. The same can’t be said about me. While I hope it doesn’t happen, my job might be on the line after Monday’s announcement.

You don’t belong here.

It took me a long time to get settled, more importantly, to feel settled. Realistically, there’s a chance I’ll have to pick up and move to another company and maybe even another part of the country.

You don’t belong here.

A hollow feeling grows inside me. Still, I’m here now, and the unclear future doesn’t mean I’m going to drop the ball today. Regardless of anything else, part of me wants to show Ezequiel who I am and what I do.

“All right. Let me head back to…” He hasn’t actually said where I’m going or what we’re going to do. I won’t push it, but I will get details. “Where is here?” I ask, keeping my tone as neutral as possible.

He pauses. I switch gears and check for traffic. A tanker truck zooms by; the draft left by his speed shakes the truck. “Go to gate seven. I’ll leave it open for you then we can meet at the hangar to switch trucks. And I don’t care if you show up in pajamas—just get here. Now. ”

“I’m on the way.” I end the call, not bothering to wait for him to say anything else.

I take a calming breath. I should have told him I was on the other side of the border patrol checkpoint. It would have bought me some time to swing by the office and see if we have anything I can use.

I scoff. While it’s an idea, I already know we won’t have anything in my size, either clothes or boots. The typical oilfield worker doesn’t come with big boobs or an ass like mine.

Come on, you fat bitch . The man’s voice echoes in my head.

Shaking away the thought, I pull out to the highway and do a U-turn. Ezequiel. I have to focus on him and what he wants.

I’ve never been to the hangar, but I know where it sits in Delta section. As security lead, I had to learn the map in case I have to show up anywhere. From my calculations, I should have about forty-five minutes before I have to face him, at best.

That’s still not enough time to prepare myself mentally for what I’m sure is coming.