Page 22 of Love in the Wild

Gage’s heart rate spiked. “That’s a stupid idea.”

“I don’t think it’s so stupid. I mean, it’s one way to get her delivered to his doorstep.”

“How is bringing the cops here ever a good idea? We have thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen parts right inside that door.”

Emerson shrugged. “He thinks leading them here openly will make them think he doesn’t have anything to hide.”

“But he does! Man, that’s a stupid idea.”

“I’m sure things would be coming up roses if you were in charge,” Emerson smarted.

Gage lowered until the bill of his cap touched Emerson’s forehead. She wouldn’t be able to see the warning in his eyes through the darkness, but she’d be smart to listen carefully.

“Don’t tell them I know. Do anything you can to throw them off.”

“Why would I do anything you say?” Emerson asked, lifting her chin with her upper lip pulled on one side.

“Do you care about Thea at all? You brought her here, and Bruce and Cain used her face as a punching bag.”

“I didn’t do this to her!” Emerson shouted.

“Keep your voice down. You’re gonna get us both caught.”

Emerson turned and started the car. “Whatever. I’ll find Thea myself.”

Gage put a hand on the wheel, gripping it with all the force he had to keep bottled up. “Stay out of it.”

“Why aren’t you looking for her? Do you even care?” Emerson spat.

“You know I do. Just let me handle this. If we can’t find her, then Bruce can’t either. Trust me, she’s better off lost.”

Emerson stared out the windshield, sucking in heaving breaths. Would she help or hinder his search for Thea?

“You’re right,” Emerson said softer. “Sorry I told her about your mom. I knew she’d want to come back.”

“We’re past that. Let’s just hope she gets out of here before they do anything else.”

Nodding, Emerson looked up at Gage and shifted into reverse.

Satisfied that he’d gotten through to her this time, Gage backed up and let Emerson go. One fire extinguished. Now to go handle Bruce’s dirty work.

Gage stalked through the garage to the back exit. Bruce and Tommy were propped up against Gage’s truck holding cigarettes. The smoke from their hands mingled with their foggy breaths.

“Took you long enough,” Bruce said.

“Pretty sure the ship couldn’t leave without me,” Gage said as he got into the truck and slammed the door. He’d had enough of his uncle today, and knowing they’d been the ones who hurt Thea had his blood boiling.

Living paycheck to paycheck was getting old. Gage had to find a way to get more hours with Beau and sneak in even more at Silver Falls Ranch. At this point, one big mess-up could wipe out every penny he had.

Gage put the truck in gear and drove, not looking to see if Bruce and Tommy got out of the way. Gripping the steering wheel and twisting, his hands itched for the sting after a punch.

He’d been working sixteen-hour days since middle school without a single break. Granted, most of those hours violated child labor laws, but the Howards didn’t live by the law of the land.

Nothing in life was easy. Even the things that were supposed to be easy were hard for no reason. Gage got held back every time, while others got to jump off the starting line.

The phone in his front pocket vibrated. It was the phone he kept hidden from select family members. He pulled it out to see the name Danielle on the screen. It was the fake name he used for his mom.

Mom: ?

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