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Ryder stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel from the cabinet. After drying off, he wrapped it around his waist and secured it. Sliding the pocket door open, he exited the bathroom. Isobel was by the stove, preparing lunch, dressed only in one of Ryder's dress shirts.

She noticed Ryder's gaze as he walked out. "Sorry, I hope you don't mind. I can't seem to find my clothes. Rose must have taken them."

"Isobel, I don’t mind at all. That shirt looks way better on you than on me." Ryder approached her from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her neck. He watched Isobel flip the hamburgers in the skillet. "Those smell amazing."

"Could you see if Rose and Wren have eaten? I’m making enough for all of us. And ask Rose to bring some clothes for me?" Isobel leaned back and kissed Ryder.

"Oh, but I like you just the way you are," Ryder teased, sliding his hand down her thigh.

"Ryder," Isobel gently nudged him with her elbow.

"Alright, alright. I'll be right back." Ryder kissed her cheek before heading back into the bathroom to get dressed. He emerged in jeans and a t-shirt and headed out the door.

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Bella Rose stepped into the trailer just as Isobel was placing the last burger on a platter.

"Hey, Isobel. How are you?" Rose asked, giving her friend a warm hug.

"I'm better. Oh, great, you brought me some clothes." Isobel said, holding them up and examining them. "These aren't mine," she said, scrutinizing the jeans and shirt.

"Yes, they are. I just bought them for you."

"You really didn’t have to."

"I know. Wren and I were at the western wear store this morning, and I saw this shirt and thought it would look amazing on you, so I grabbed it."

"What happened to your hand?" Isobel exclaimed, noticing her swollen knuckles.

"What? This? Oh, it's nothing."

"Rose, what did you do?"

"Seriously, Isobel, it’s nothing," Bella Rose answered, her voice low and measured.

Isobel knew Bella Rose well enough to drop the subject. She took the clothes to the bathroom to change and later joined everyone already in the trailer preparing their plates.

"These are great, Rose. Thanks."

Rose nodded in silent understanding. Isobel had only packed short-sleeved shirts and Bella Rose knew it. She had bought a long-sleeved shirt so Isobel could cover her bruises.

Ryder glanced at her and his eyes traveled from her face to her boots and back up again. "You look fantastic, Isobel." He wrapped his arm around her, resting his hand on her hip and kissed the top of her head.

The shirt was a black, white, and turquoise plaid with the bottom fading into black. She rolled up the sleeves halfway, keeping her bruises hidden. Both front pockets were adorned with small rhinestones with snaps running down the shirt. Isobel quickly fell in love with this addition to her wardrobe. She also got a pair of new blue jeans from Bella Rose and wore her favorite boots.

After lunch, while the guys cleaned up the dishes and kitchen area, Isobel and Bella Rose sat on the couch catching up.

"Are you nervous about your ride tonight?" Isobel asked while popping a grape into her mouth.

"A little. But I always am, so it's nothing new." Rose smiled as she ran her fingers through her long blonde hair.

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The men finished their tasks and joined the women. Ryder kept his arm protectively around Isobel as they sat down, feeling an overwhelming need to keep her safe.

It was time to return to the arena. Ryder and Wren changed into their sponsor-branded Wrangler shirts and fringed leather chaps. Their riding boots, significantly more worn than their casual ones, were now on, with spurs strapped in place. They had their riding gloves tucked into their pockets and bull ropes slung over their shoulders.

Bella Rose had also changed into her turquoise competition shirt and black felt hat for tonight's event.

As Ryder exited his trailer, Bella Rose and Wren stood outside waiting. Isobel hesitated at the doorway, but Ryder patiently waited at the bottom of the steps, holding the door open.

"Are you okay, Isobel?" he asked gently.

Isobel managed a small smile and stepped out into the fresh air, immediately grasping Ryder's hand tightly.

"Stay with me during the rodeo," Ryder said softly, looking down at her.

Isobel looked up and nodded in agreement.

As they walked toward the arena, they passed the spot where Isobel had been attacked; it was unavoidable as it was the only path to their destination. Tears welled up in Isobel's eyes as Ryder glanced at her. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer as they walked. Bella Rose and Wren watched Isobel closely, concerned about how she was handling being back in that place.

As they neared the end of the tunnel that led to the rodeo stock pens, Ryder felt Isobel relax slightly.

Two rodeo security officers came forward from near the administration area as they saw the group approaching.

"There's been a complaint from this morning that a couple of cowboys attacked some men last night and left them for dead," one officer began. "Do you know anything about this?"

"Hey, Jake," Ryder greeted the other officer who had been silent until then. The lead officer glanced between them curiously.

"Hey, Ryder," Jake responded, stepping forward to shake his hand. He noticed Isobel’s bruised face and glanced at Ryder's reddened knuckles. "I think I can guess what happened last night," Jake said knowingly, "but I need you to tell me."

Ryder looked at Isobel, who dropped her gaze but gave a nod of approval. Ryder explained everything that happened while the other officer took notes in a small notebook.

Jake turned to Isobel. "Is that everything that happened?" he asked gently.

Isobel nodded as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"We'll need you to sign a statement for the police."

Isobel nodded again silently.

Jake turned back to Ryder. "We'll take care of everything." He then removed his hat and addressed Isobel directly. "I'm very sorry this happened to you, Isobel. I'll personally ensure those men face justice."

Isobel forced a small smile. "Thank you," she whispered.

Bella Rose moved closer, wrapping an arm around Isobel’s waist for support.

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Polly was walking down the long corridor when she spotted the two security officers chatting with Bella Rose and the others. She quickened her pace, ready to call out to the officers about Rose, but then she saw Isobel's face. Polly stopped in her tracks, staring as her heart raced and a lump formed in her throat. The realization of what she had caused began to sink in, making her feel sick.

Bella Rose noticed Polly and straightened up, standing taller. Ryder and Wren turned to see what Bella Rose was looking at and saw Polly with a large purple bruise on her jaw. Isobel’s gaze followed, taking in the sight.

Jake saw the group looking at something and turned around. He saw Polly's face and looked back at Ryder. "Is there more to this story?" he asked.

"Not that I'm aware of," Ryder replied, glancing over at Bella Rose.

Jake looked at Bella Rose with questioning eyes. Bella Rose, still watching Polly, started to speak but stopped when she saw the hurt in Polly’s eyes, realizing she never intended her prank to go this far. Shaking her head, she looked at Jake. "No."

By now, Polly was crying as she turned and ran down the long hallway.

"Alright," Jake said. "I'll get the paperwork done and call the police. I'll make sure all four are arrested."

The group nodded as Jake exhaled his words.

"What if they get off?" Wren asked.

"There are cameras everywhere," Jake assured him. "I'll have my guys go through the footage from that area and we’ll nail them. They won't get off." He then turned to Isobel. "They might need photos of any marks on you. I’ll tell the police to contact you if they do."

Isobel nodded.

"I'm very sorry again, Isobel," Jake said. "I'll ensure there's always a guard on duty in that area from now on."

Isobel smiled weakly and nodded again, afraid speaking would bring on tears.

Once the officers left, Ryder and Wren looked at Bella Rose.

"Handling business?" Wren asked.

Bella Rose smiled. "It’s taken care of, isn’t it?"

Isobel listened without asking questions as Ryder kept his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Pressing his lips against her temple, he lingered there with closed eyes, wishing he could undo what happened to her.

He lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered, "You’re not leaving my side tonight, Isobel."

Isobel turned to him. "They won’t let me stay back here."

"They will," he assured her. "I won’t give them a choice."

Isobel nodded and rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in his cologne.