Chapter 5 - The Bulls

Savannah’s POV

“Move!” I yelled, having little time to react as I quickly dived out of their way. I had barely taken a breath of relief when I turned to see Julian, who was still frozen on the spot and he stood directly in their path.

He was completely still with a frightened expression on his face as he watched the cattle come closer and closer to where he was standing.

“Julian! Move!”

I yelled but seeing he wasn't reacting but remained standing still as if frozen in place, I didn’t think before I sprang into action. I threw my entire weight into him, grabbed his clothes and hurled him out of the way, just in time before the herd passed the spot where he had been standing.

We slammed into the dirt together from the impact. Julian was panting beneath me with his chest heaving frantically. Julian's face was pale and at this close range, I could feel his heavy heartbeat.

“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” I yelled over the noise of the herd, as I scrambled to my feet. “Get up! They’re going to break through the perimeter fence!”

If the herd cleared the yard and hit the county highway, it would be a bloodbath for the cattle and a disaster for anyone driving and since basically all the workers were having a day off. After all, today was my wedding day. Even the men that kept watch over me at all times, were nowhere to be found, leaving just the both of us to do all the work.

“Huh?” Julian asked as he got on his feet as well, looking a bit lost.

“The gate!” I shouted, pointing towards the open gates. “We have to shut them before the herd breaks out!”

Julian blinked and shook his head as if clearing a fog. For a moment, I thought the city boy was going to back out but to my utter surprise, he took a deep breath and then nodded at me.

We ran towards the gate and began to push the heavy iron, trying to close it fast. It was a heavy frame but running on adrenaline it felt lighter than ever before.

I could only hope we would closed it in time.

“Push!” I screamed, putting my shoulder into the gates to move it faster.

It took a while but soon enough, we were able to close the gates before the cattle could head our way. Seeing that the first threat was partly resolved, I let out a shaky breath. Then, I proceeded to check the reason for the smoke. It was a starting bush fire, which I extinguished with a bucket of rainwater and all the while, Julian hadn't left my side.

The next step was to control the now calm cattle back to where they came from, with the help of Julian and a few yells here and there, we managed to lead them back into their barn.

By the time the last of the cattle trotted into the barn and I closed the doors shut, only then, did I let out a sigh of relief. Incidents like this weren't unheard of but it was exhausting, nevertheless. Then, I looked over at Julian and almost burst into laughter by how ridiculous he was looking. His clothes and shoes were all messed up with dirt and sweat, even his perfectly styled hair was disheveled.

Noticing my gaze, he looked down at himself and let out a small laugh. I knew immediately that he had never been that dirty in all his life but he didn’t look mad about it.

Seeing the great and arrogant Julian Montgomery laugh at how ridiculous he looked and the fact that he had helped me without disgust, brought a warm feeling to my chest I could dare to put a name on. Before I could stop myself, a wide smile broke out across my face.

Our eyes met and we seemed to understand each other immediately, making our smiles grow wider.

“That was both scary and exciting, I must admit,” Julian said with a chuckle and I nodded in agreement.

“You had me when you almost got trampled on,” I joked as I swiped some sweat off my forehead. “Welcome to the ranch, but be more careful next time, if you want to leave in one piece that is.”

“That was pretty unexpected, thanks for acting fast,” he said, stepping closer to me. “You’re pretty fast for a lady but I assure you, I can do better on a normal day.”

I was about to tell him it wasn’t bad for his first time and that he certainly cannot be faster than me but when I realized I was smiling with the enemy, my smile turned bitter.

‘What are you doing?’ I snapped inwardly, making my smile falter.

I snapped my mouth shut and turned my expression back to the cold indifference.

“Don't flatter yourself, Montgomery,” I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm. “You almost got yourself killed, you closed those gates like you’ve never done any actual labour your whole life, which by the way, is pathetic. If you move that slowly tomorrow, the tractors will run you over before breakfast and your family is going to lose.”

Julian’s smile disappeared and was immediately replaced by a scowl. “And there she is, I almost thought the dirt had softened your personality.”

“Not a chance,” I snapped, turning on my heel and marching toward the house without giving him another glance. “Since you’re so slow and new to taking care of yourself, I would suggest you clean up now, city boy and I’m sorry mama isn’t here to bathe you.”

“Don’t you dare use that tone on me, do you understand,” Julian snapped as he followed right behind me. “I helped you keep things in order and this is what I get?”

“If you think I’ll bow and show appreciation, you better wake up from your slumber,” I snapped and didn't stop till I was back inside my room.

Later that night, after scrubbing the dirt off my skin and retiring for bed, my mind couldn't stop racing.

My freedom was officially within arm's reach, but even now, it felt as though it was further away than before because Julian was going to be a hard nut to crack.

As I pulled my blanket tighter and closed my eyes, I could only hope things worked out smoothly for me.