Page 17 of Wildest Dreams

“Merlot?” I slip a bottle out just past it's neck, “or a Rioja?”

“Merlot,” she nods.

“Or...” I pause as my fingers dance over to another bottle, “a cabernet?”

“Cabernet,” she smiles, giving a confirming nod.

“Two bottles?”

“The whole family is here, so why not,” she steps beside me and slides a bottle out.

“Sound perfect,” I take my own bottle and hold my hand out for her to take the lead. We walk back towards the steps in silence, and as she climbs the steps, I don't miss my chance to sneak a look at her ass.

Now it's her turn to hold her hand for me, and sure, I don't need her help, but I take it.

Because for just a moment, I feel like she soothes all my worries.

Like my own personal dreamcatcher.

Walking back into the house, I hear the light chatter coming from the kitchen. Anxiety cripples me when I see Riggs' face.

The man can't hide his thoughts even if he wanted to, his expressions always give him away. If he was guilty, his expressions would be the thing to do it.

“What is it?” my chest rattles as I place the bottles on the countertop, Dixie slipping up behind me and placing her bottle next to mine.

Riggs’ eyes lift over my shoulder, and I know he is looking to Dixie.

“I'm going to check on Lainey,” her voice is quiet, and my eyes follow her over my shoulder as she disappears.

Riggs exhales heavily, head dropping for a moment.

Aspen is nowhere to be seen.

“Shits getting real bad, Tripp,” and I can hear the concern that laces his voice.

“What's happened?” my hands rest on the woodblock of the counter, warmth radiating through me.

“Austin is being sent to trial in two weeks,” I watch as his throat bobs.

“What?” my eyes widen, and I am already slipping my phone out of my pocket looking for Kelcie's number.

Riggs places his hand over it and pushes it down, shaking his head from side to side.

My brows crinkle, eyes bouncing back and forth between my older brother’s.

“Kelcie is the one that pushed for it.”

“FUCK!” I shout, slamming my hand on the worktop and instantly regret it, my hand throbs and Lainey screams.

I tip my head back and let my eyes close.

That's why Pacey said it was my fault.

I appointed Kelcie.

He made quick work of getting rid of Pacey as Livestock Commissioner as soon as he was in. I put it down to protecting us, but seems I was wrong.

“What are we going to do?” my voice cracks and honestly, I feel like my chest is going to cave in. I want to cry. Full on sob like a little boy. I want someone to tell me everything is going to be okay, but the truth was, no one could.

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