Page 74 of Wildest Dreams

“Dixie?” I say softly, and her head lifts, eyes red rimmed from her tears. “Shit,” I grunt, jumping down off Travis and jogging towards her as I kneel down. “Who hurt you? Are you okay?” and she sort of nods but then shakes her head from side to side, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Come,” I say, offering her my hand and after a moment or two, she takes it and I pull her to her feet.

We stand in silence for a moment, her face turned away from me as she looks across the empty plane in front of us. I tilt my head as I look at her, it's as if she has the world on her shoulders.

“Wanna talk about it?”

She shakes her head before finally meeting my worried gaze.

“Let's get you home.” She steps towards the horse, eyes widening. “Shit,” I hiss, “I forgot you don’t know how to ride.”

Her cheeks pinch crimson.

“It’s fine,” I sigh, nudging her towards Travis. “Grab the reins,” and as she does, I foot her into his saddle and once her feet are into the stirrups, I take her reins into my hands, and I walk us back towards the ranch in complete silence.

Tying Travis up, I help her off and she mutters the word ‘thanks’ before disappearing into the house. I want to follow, want to ask if something happened, but it's not my place. Mom will get it out of her no doubt.

“Riggs,” I hear the sound of Hudson’s deep gravel of a voice.

“Yeah?”

“A word?” he nods his head towards the bunkhouse, and I grunt. I am exhausted. I just want to go home and curl up next to Aspen and sleep this shitty day off.

Following behind him, he opens the door and I walk in after him.

“What's wrong?” I cross my arms across my chest.

“We followed those two guys, no one got hurt.”

“What a shame,” I let out a soft chuckle, “their names are Lucian and Wallen,” I nod.

“We think there is some connection between Tripp’s girl and the Attaways.”

I raise my brows. Of course, I know this is true, but I am intrigued to where this conversation is going.

“I sent the rest of the guys away, then I tucked myself away. As they got out the car that Lucian guy was talking about getting Dixie back to Wyoming, but Wallen told him to hold off a few weeks because he is meeting the suits that Clay was dealing with... then they were going on about that place Mules and howeverything will come full circle...” he pauses for a moment, “I heard them say about killing Lainey if the plan doesn't work.”

And my blood boils.

No fucking way am I going to let those two cunts anywhere near Lainey or Dixie for that matter. I may not like the girl much, but I can tell who she is to Tripp and because of that I care enough for her to protect her at all costs.

“They won't get a chance to get near her.”

Hudson nods, and I can see concern etched into his face.

“Is there something else?” I ask as I begin to walk towards the door of the bunkhouse, his skittishness has me on edge.

“They’re coming for Austin.”

I swallow.

“They can fucking try,” I grunt, as I march towards the house, slamming the door behind me as I scan the room for my brothers. The two I would call for a family meeting, the two that would be stood by my side... and then it hits me.

Neither of them are here.

I'm all alone in this war that the Attaway’s have brought onto my family.

Realization sinks and settles deep into the crevices of my chest.

Dixie and Lainey are my family.

---