Deprived: Devon Brothers, #1

By Tori Charles

Cade Devon grew up on his family's horse farm knowing exactly what direction his future would take. He'd spent years learning from his father, cultivating his knowledge, yearning for that one day when he could run the farm as he saw fit... until that day blindsided his entire family.

Kit Maron spent her youth barrel racing her way to the top as one of the best on the circuit. Her natural skill in the saddle and her affinity with horses marked her as one of the best until jealousy and greed ripped away that part of her that made her thrive and kept her strong.

The world is full of people looking to tear you down, to destroy any happiness that may be found in a day. For Cade and Kit, they may be their only salvation to set things straight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pedigree Press
• Release date: Mar 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393958765

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. Certain areas, and public places are mentioned, but the characters involved, and their situations are wholly imaginary.

Dedications

To Webber - the man who spoiled the idea of farmers for me for life.  You’re definitely not stereotypical and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

To Tracy - Thank you for all the legal backup and the hours of laughs.  Even with miles between us, I don’t think we could be closer.

To Diane - So glad we made brainstorming and Chinese food our go to for so many years.  Here’s to many more years of both.

Chapter One

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Jesus, what a shit hole...

Cade Devon sat hard on the old wooden chair and looked at the overflowing pile of paperwork in the bin at the corner of the worn metal desk, and he heaved a sigh.  There was a cardboard box on the chair next to the desk where the overflow had been dumped once the bin filled and he surmised there had to be about seven months worth of work orders, receipts... God knew what was in that box.  But this was the job he wanted.  This was the job he was raised to handle.  Sort of.

From the moment he could walk and carry something heavier than himself, he worked on this farm.  His father’s right hand, he followed behind knowing one day it would be his to run.  His to help grow.  But his father was a farmer.  A stout, rugged man who’d spent most of his adult life running this farm as his grandfather had before him.  But now his father was gone, and it was Cade’s to deal with.  It was clear his father was no businessman.  The mess on the desk proved that pretty clearly.

Shady Glade Farm currently boarded seventeen thoroughbreds in their twenty-four-stall barn.  On top of that were two of their own personal horses, but Cade didn’t like that there were any empty stalls at all when they needed to be making money. 

The thoroughbreds were all champions - racers and dressage horses that were owned by wealthy families, some paid for by sponsors across the tri-state area.  They were treated like royalty, exercised and fed on a strict daily schedule, and their stalls were immaculate enough to eat off the floor.  Their owners paid a hefty sum for that privilege. 

This farm was the best in the county. Large and accommodating, its close proximity to the world-renowned Abbott Fairgrounds was a huge selling point.  Abbott had been hosting dressage shows and races for over two hundred years and every year the crowds grew as did the money they brought in.  It was like a mini Churchill Downs, nestled in rural Eastern Pennsylvania.

Though Cade had attended the shows a hundred times in his life, it just wasn’t his thing.  Meant to crack open the wallets of the local aristocrats, hordes of monied patrons would attend religiously spending thousands to buy out box seats.  Like Ascot, the women came attired in designer dresses and ostentatious hats, their partners in top hats and tails.  Buffets of caviar and champagne were the norm.  Anything to pamper the pockets of the patrons.  And though the Devons were as monied and renowned as the fairgrounds for their impeccable barns and services, Cade preferred to come in with the crew, handle the horses in his jeans and muck boots, and enjoy a few beers and hot dogs in the back pens while the rest of the attendees got drunk on Dom Pérignon and Beluga.

Parker was the face of the Devons when it came to the annual horse fairs.  At twenty-two, he was what Cade considered spoiled.  His father’s death was a huge shock for Parker, having been their father’s favorite and the one he’d coddled since birth.  The moral implications of their father’s death was a wakeup call for everyone but Parker, though.  Instead of buckling down and beginning a career he’d planned for in the graphic arts, he’d run off to the city and began a life of extravagance.  It had now been nearly seven months since their father passed and their mother moved south to be with her sister, and Parker was still acting like a socialite with unlimited funds.

As precocious and out of hand Parker tended to be, though, Cade couldn’t fault him.  Parker was a charmer with a golden tongue, which was his gift.  He could talk a police officer out of a speeding ticket with a smile and a wink, which he was sure he did often. That charm could also entice any number of women into his bed and it definitely had over the years. Parker would never land himself in jail, but Cade knew that had something to do with his ability to talk himself out of any situation.  It was a gift that would probably save his skin down the road.  Still, Cade disparaged over how reckless and wild Parker had become, landing on any number of gossip blogs which did not bode well for the Devon name.

But it wasn’t Parker he was currently worried about.  It was Sawyer, the brain of the farm.  Only three years younger than Cade, he’d chosen to go to college, and he’d chosen the best.  Graduating Summa Cum Laude from the business curriculum at Harvard, he slowly worked his way up several ladders with his eye on a CFO position when his father’s death diverted his course.  But Sawyer didn’t allow it to deter him.  Instead of falling off the deep end as Parker had, he cut back on his hours at the office to take over the business end of the farm, offering to come home on weekends to do paperwork and settle the books.  Of this Cade was extremely thankful. Otherwise he felt he'd never see what was left of his family much at all.

Cade sat back and rubbed his eyes with his fingers when he heard the car come down the drive and looked up at the clock on the wall. 6PM almost on the nose.  Punctual as always, Cade gave a nod knowing it was his brother.  Within minutes, footsteps echoed down the hallway and he looked up with a smile as Sawyer entered the back office.

Hey, Sawyer said as he came in and set his briefcase on the floor.  How’s it going?

Cade stood and gave his brother a hug, patting him on the back.

It’s going, Cade offered and backed away from the desk where Sawyer finally sat.

Uh oh, that doesn’t sound good.

No, it’s fine.  I was just going over numbers and I don’t like how much money is going out compared to what’s coming in, Cade said, moving the box of paperwork so he could sit.

Sawyer gave him a sideways glance and shook his head as he set his fingers to the keys and began typing.

You need to keep your nose out of the books, he griped.  How many times have I said that?  The debits to the account are normal... more than normal.  If we were losing money discordantly, I would say something.  Hell, I would be concerned if that were the case, but it’s not.  I mean, since Dad died, we’ve actually made up money.  He never cared about the books.

You don’t have to remind me, Cade snorted, kicking the box at his feet then stood and went to the door.  You want some coffee?

Yeah, thanks, Sawyer said, his eyes not leaving the monitor in front of him.

I don’t have much in the way of groceries, but we could go out for dinner later if you want.

Sawyer looked up at him and gave him another sideways glance.

You really need to hire someone, a housekeeper or something.  Talk about losing money.  How many nights a week do you eat out because there’s no food in the fridge?

You’re one to talk, Cade groused, crossing his arms.  Do you even own a fridge?

Smartass, I do, but I don’t need to.  Most of my dinners are written off as business expenses because I’m usually with colleagues or clients.  You can’t say the same.  I doubt the Meeting House would let you bring a horse into the restaurant.

Cade chuckled at that and headed down the hall, but Sawyer was right.  He had to admit he needed some help with the house.  Not that he was a slob.  If anything, the place needed a good dusting because not much had moved since his mother left seven months earlier.  He spent 90% of his day out on the grounds, and they were impeccable.  The house was more or less wasted space since he only slept there and not much else.

Cade grabbed a couple of pods from the drawer and one by one dropped them into the Keurig to brew.  He grabbed what was left of the milk from the fridge and was relieved that, with a sniff, it hadn’t turned yet.  Reaching up into the cupboard he grabbed the sugar bowl but a movement outside the window caught his attention and he turned to see Kit as she walked a thoroughbred out of the paddock.

There was something about her that not many people had.  That intrinsic love of animals which meant there was an uncanny draw.  The horses flocked to her, as did every dog, cat, chicken, and goat within a ten-mile radius.  It was a natural affinity that surrounded her like a magnetic pull, and he was no exception. There were moments he found himself watching her, mesmerized by everything she was that it caught him by surprise.  It took his breath away.

Her instincts were natural, and her ability to do every job he gave her was astonishing.  She wasn’t a large person, maybe five feet five and 140 pounds, but she was built tough and he knew she’d been around horses her whole life.  It was that evident.  She carried saddles on her shoulders as if they were rice sacks and ran alongside horses in training without breaking stride or losing her breath.

But the scene in front of him hit him somewhere deep.  She was leading Dakota out of the paddock.  His lead was loose and dragged the ground between them, not that she needed it.  Dakota had his chin on her shoulder, and she was talking to him and rubbing his nose as if they were old friends.  It wouldn’t have seemed so out of the ordinary if Dakota weren’t one of the more ornery horses they stabled. 

He’d noticed a lot about Kit from the day she arrived.  She was quiet, but not introverted, much like he was.  She kept to herself and did her work without question or grief.  And she did it well.  When he wasn’t on hand, he’d found that she’d helped some of the other staff and gave them pointers on how to do things in the barn more efficiently, which pleased him.  Since the day his father died, that was his aim.  No offense to his father, who ran the farm successfully for more than thirty years, but they were behind the times in almost every aspect of the business.

With Sawyer’s help, they set up software to help organize the business and installed a state-of-the-art security system in the barn, as well as a digital scheduler that allowed him to see when each horse was fed, walked, moved, washed or brushed using code readers and scanners throughout the farm.  It streamlined the business and saved them tons of time and money.

Kit learned the new system quickly, said she’d had some experience with the apps and offered to train the other staff so Cade could handle more important things.  So she’d managed to solidify her place in the barn rather quickly and also made him realize what an asset she truly was.  Her equine knowledge went beyond riding as she was well versed in medicine, knew how to administer shots, knew what symptoms meant and how to treat them, and could splint like a champ.  She was probably saving him more money on vet bills than he realized, so it seemed dumb that he was worried about the farm losing money. 

His eyes followed Kit as she led Dakota into the barn and out of sight, then he turned his attention back to the coffee and headed back to the office where Sawyer was tapping away at the keyboard.

What’s this nine hundred dollar debit for AFG? he asked as Cade entered the room.

Cade set a mug on the desk next to the keyboard and leaned over his brother’s shoulder to see what he was talking about.

Oh, Abbott fees, he said, then stepped back and sat.

Abbott fees?

For the next horse show.  Box and advertising fees.

Nine hundred dollars?  Jesus, Sawyer grimaced.  You’d think with all the money we bring them, they’d give us a discount.

Cade shrugged and sipped at his coffee.

Nine hundred was hefty but considering how much they actually made at the show, it made up for the exorbitant fee.  They always got new customers or recommendations, and Cade planned on advertising more this year so they could fill the rest of the stalls.  Besides the fact that many of their clients won at the races or received awards at dressage, which was added notoriety for the farm since they trained the horses and riders.  It all evened out in the end.

The numbers aren’t as bad as you think, Sawyer said as he flipped through a couple of screens, adding information.  We’re always going to have bills, and you can’t prepare for the vet expenses, but we budget for that, so we’re good.

OK, I just want to make sure of that.  I never want to see this place losing money.

Well, we could always cut Parker off, that would save a ton, Sawyer said with a chuckle, but Cade didn’t find it funny.

Have you heard from him at all? Cade asked with another sip of coffee.

Yeah, last week. He was in the Hamptons for the Jacoby’s Saint Patrick’s Day bash.

Where’s he staying?

He rented a place on the sound.

Of course he did.

Look, I know you don’t appreciate his lifestyle. Honestly, I can’t blame him.  If I had no responsibilities, I’d probably live the same way.

He’s 22, he should have responsibilities, Cade grumbled.

Be that as it may, he doesn’t.  Cut him some slack.

How much more slack can I cut him?  He’s got an inheritance that he’s quickly draining, a degree that cost a fortune that’s going to waste, and he’s doing nothing with his life.  If I give him any more slack, he’s going to hang himself with it.

Sawyer smirked and shook his head before turning back to his work.

He’s a good kid.  He’s just a little unfocused. You know how close he and dad were.  He’s floundering without him.

It’s been half a year, he needs to get over it already.  He can’t act like a kid forever.

He’ll grow out of it.  When I talked to him last week he said he even landed a couple of graphics jobs.  He’s doing things on the side as they pique his interest. And he’s good at it, so he makes some nice money.  He’s spending less of his money than you think he is.

I wouldn’t know, he never talks to me, Cade said with a grimace.

That’s because you act like his father instead of his brother.  Christ, even dad wasn’t that harsh with him.

Yeah, well, he should have been.  That’s why he’s out running around like a fucking gypsy instead of being a part of the family.

You know that’s not really the problem.

Cade gritted his teeth then looked away with a grumble.

Come on, you’ve had a bug up your ass about him for years.  You’re jealous that he gets to fuck off when you have this place to deal with day in and day out, Sawyer said as he continued to type.

Of course, I am.  I’ve worked this place since I could walk.  I’ve never had a life of my own and now he's running around like an entitled celebrity.  Even you have a better life than I ever will.

Sawyer stopped typing and turned to stare at him, giving him a sly smile.

You can’t tell me this isn’t the life you wanted.  You’ve been dreaming about running this place since we were at prep school.

That’s beside the point.

Is it? Sawyer asked with a chuckle.  Or do you just want a reason to be pissed at him?

Cade glared at his brother and sat back in his chair, balancing his mug on his knee.

You know I’m right, Sawyer continued as he sat back from the computer and turned to his brother. You love it here and wouldn’t give it up even if someone offered you money.

Someone already has, Cade said with a sniff and smirked when the expression on Sawyer’s face changed.

Spill, he said, crossing his legs and arms.

Tremaine is sniffing around again, he said, finished off his coffee and set the mug on the corner of the desk.

He’ll always be sniffing around. What was his offer this time?

Cade grinned and shook his head.

I almost hate to tell you, he started, then laughed when Sawyer smacked his knee.  Two million.

That’s it?

Yeah, that’s it.  Two mill for the property and everything on it.

He’s dreaming.  This place is worth three times that.

Cade nodded in acknowledgment.

I wouldn’t sell it if he offered me ten million, but he can keep sniffing around, it’s not going to get him anywhere.

Really?  Not that I’d want to, but you wouldn’t sell the place if someone offered you a rude amount of money for it?

Cade didn’t even have to think about it.

No.

I didn’t think so, but it’s always good to know where you stand.

When I die, you can do whatever you want with this place, but while I’m here, it’s staying in the family.

Sawyer shook his head, then stood and headed toward the door.

More coffee? he asked, holding his hand out for Cade’s mug.  Cade gave a sigh then grabbed his mug and pushed to his feet, following Sawyer into the kitchen.

You staying for the weekend? Cade asked as he tossed Sawyer two more coffee pods.

Sawyer loaded one pod in and leaned back against the counter.

Not sure.  I mean, I can, but do I really want to? he asked with a casual laugh. 

What’s that’s supposed to mean? Cade asked, taking the freshly brewed cup of coffee, handing it to him before he loaded a pod for himself.

This place is so depressing, Sawyer said as he hesitantly gave the milk a sniff, then stirred it into his coffee.  I mean, come on, have you done anything here?

What would you like me to do? Cade asked, aggressively taking the milk out of his hand so he could add some to his own mug.

Sawyer sipped at his coffee and slowly turned in the room, his eyes moving over every surface.

Same cheesy country wallpaper and curtains that mom put in twenty years ago.  Same cupboards.  Same old, worn-out appliances...

Why would I need a new kitchen?  Besides, the appliances work.  There’s nothing wrong with them.

You’re such a cheap bastard, Sawyer said.  At least move into the 21st century.  How do you expect to find a woman and bring her to this place?  She’d think mom still lived here.

Cade grimaced at him.

I don’t plan on bringing anyone here.  When do I have the time to even speak to anyone let alone date?

You’re such a sad, sad man, Sawyer said with a chuckle.  I know it’s none of my business, but do you ever plan to get laid again?  I mean, how long has it been?

Cade gave him another disgruntled look then sat at the kitchen table.

It’s not your business and I’ve had more important things to deal with.

More important than getting laid?  Are you serious? Sawyer asked, choking on his coffee.  Taking a seat across from Cade, he reached for a paper towel and wiped his face.  You can’t tell me it’s never on your mind.  Jesus, you must go through a lot of Kleenex.

Very funny, Cade said but didn’t crack a smile.  And of course I think about it, but this place takes up all my time.

Give me a break, you don’t work 24/7, and if you do, something’s wrong.  You have evenings free, you go out right?

No, I really don’t, Cade said.  I mean, I go to the Meeting House for dinner, but that’s about it.  Not like I’m going to find a wife at the farm supply store.

Considering your options, that’s probably your best bet, Sawyer said with a short laugh.  When’s the last time you went on a date?

Cade sighed heavily and sat back, setting his booted foot on his knee.

I can’t even remember, Cade said with a self-deprecating chuckle.  It was with Erin.

Erin? Sawyer asked incredulously, choking on his coffee again.  That was almost a year ago!

I know, he said.  But I’m here all the time.  I’m not one to hang out at the bars or get online with any of this Tinder crap.  I don’t need some strange woman who I don’t know or trust coming onto the property.

Sawyer stared at him for a long minute, then shook his head.

I know a few women who might suit you, I could set you up.

No thanks.  Besides, I don’t really fit into your crowd.

My crowd?

"The country clubbers