The Swan and The Sergeant - Alana Albertson Page 0,15

etched glass doors separated. A lifted, shiny silver Ford truck stood there in all its glory. It had all the bells and whistles, a huge grill, custom rims, and bright, brilliant headlights.

Benny tossed me the keys. “Bret, m’boy. This is your new truck! Courtesy of Ford. They’ve donated it to you as a welcome gift for our American Hero!”

My jaw dropped. “Are you messing with me?”

“Nup.” Benny opened the truck’s door.

I stood there in awe of the truck. I didn’t deserve this and definitely didn’t want to owe anyone anything. The only reason I agreed to go on this show was to raise money for Pierce’s family—not to be showered with gifts that I hadn’t earned.

This was unreal. What price would I have to pay for this gift? This Ford Raptor was my dream truck. It had to be worth at least eighty thousand dollars.

More than I made in an entire year. More than I would make on this show.

My stomach ached. How could they just throw money at me? I wouldn’t—couldn’t—accept this “gift” when my men struggled to make ends meet while risking their lives.

The video camera was just inches from his face.

“It’s very generous, Benny, but I can’t accept this. It’s too expensive. My truck is perfectly fine.” My ten-year-old basic-model GMC Sierra needed new brake pads and a fresh coat of paint, but it was paid off and still ran.

Benny signaled the cameras to shut off. “Okay, so the deal is, Ford is sponsoring the show and giving you the truck. In exchange, we’re giving them free advertising.”

“Out of the question. I won’t take it.”

Selena butted in. “Bret, take the truck. You don’t really have a choice. Ford is one of our sponsors.”

My face warmed. I wouldn’t be backed into a corner. “I refuse.”

Benny put his arm around me. “Mate, you can always sell the ute. We can even do an auction after the season for charity. But you have to ride in it.”

“If I have no choice…” My voice trailed off—how would they manipulate me next?

“Attaboy. There’s one more thing. They want to film you both traveling in the truck.”

“Us both? What does this have to do with Selena?”

“Well, no one knows you yet. Selena’s our star! It’s just one road trip. For your dead mate.” Benny winked at Selena.

Was she in on this bullshit? So now they were going to throw Pierce in my face every time I didn’t do what they asked?

“Fuck you, man. And this truck.”

I threw the keys on the ground and walked away.

Selena came racing after me.

“Don’t, Selena. Just don’t. This was a mistake.”

She reached for my hand, and I pulled it away.

“No, Bret, wait. You know Benny. He didn’t mean anything by that. This is just how the show works. Reality is real, you know?”

Yup, I knew.

I exhaled. I knew I couldn’t quit. It was too late to go back. I’d signed the contract knowing full well what Benny was capable of.

I turned and walked back to Benny.

“Sorry, Bret.”

I didn’t have to accept his apology. I just wanted to get this over with. “So, what’s the plan? Any other surprises?”

“There’s a camera in the back of the truck that will record your trip. You need to leave tonight.”

“Tonight? I have to stop in Los Angeles to get my clothes.” Selena bit her lip.

“You two can work out the details. Have a great night.” Benny gave me a final handshake, kissed Selena, and sauntered back inside the hotel.

I turned to Selena, whose gown was glowing in the moonlight. “Well, I guess we’re leaving tonight.”

“I can’t believe we have to drive there.” Her brow was furrowed like it was the craziest thing ever.

My own forehead crinkled with amusement. “Why?”

“Well…because.” She placed her hands on her hips. “I mean, no one drives. They arrange first-class seats, and then a limo picks us up.”

“Well, maybe a nice, peaceful drive isn’t your thing, but it’s mine. Especially in this truck. I don’t need a plane ticket, and I sure as hell don’t need first class.”

A thinly painted eyebrow rose while her eyes narrowed. “You’re saying I’m high-maintenance?”

Yup, exactly.

I laughed, holding my hands up in protest. “Hey, I never said that did I? I haven’t seen you in ten years. But from what I’ve read in the magazines…yeah. I’d say you seem like a diva.”

She pouted, but her eyes twinkled. “Okay, fine. I can handle a road trip. As long as we can stop tonight at my place so I can get my stuff. And, of