Page 130 of Stables

“Dixon.Daisy.” I utter the word I know will cease the moment.

He freezes. “Are you hurt?” he whispers as his grip loosens.

“There’s really a fire.” My blood races through my ears as I point to the blaze that’s upwind of us and gaining ground quickly.

His head snaps up as he lifts me, unsheathing himself from my body. He yanks my shorts up, tucking himself and grabbing my hand in one motion.

“Let’s get out of here.” His long stride pulls me into a jog to keep up.

As we cut around the corner towards the truck, there’s a loud pop before Dixon falls backwards, yanking me to the ground with him.

“Shit,” he grunts, clutching his shoulder.

Blood pours between his fingers.

Panic races through my body as I crawl over him, pressing my hands over the wound.

“Dix?” My voice rises in pitch watching his face contort in pain.

“I’ll be fine. We have to go.” His head swivels climbing to his feet.

All I can see is him and the crimson stain that soaks down his white shirt. “Let me see, please!” I beg him.

Tears sting my eyes, I can’t keep my palm away. Every drip makes my heart rip apart.

“Char, get in the damn truck. I’ve been shot.” He wraps his good arm around me, herding me near the house with his body protecting me.

But then Matt steps out between us and the truck.

“I told you no one else, Char. Why didn’t you listen?” His dark greasy hair falls over his eyes. But the pistol he’s waving has all of my attention.

“Matt? What are you doing here? Haven’t you done enough?” I try to get in front of Dixon.

I don’t want him getting hurt.

He doesn’t let me, pulling me behind his body, he holds up his palm towards Matt. “It’s over, Matt. She’s my fucking girl.”

Smoke rolls around us, filling the air with cinders.

Matt blinks hard, glowering at us. “I’ve been waiting for days to see you.” He gestures at a small black box hanging below the porch roof.

He put a camera up? How much did he see?

“I can’t go anywhere in town because of the damn cops. Your bitch of a friend has been spreading lies about me. And now the Feds suspended my dad’s appointment while they investigate the fucking horse thieving charges?” The barrel veers towards me as he saunters closer.

His voice drops to a hiss. “If you’re gone, it all goes away.”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Dixon growls. “If you hurt her, you won’t live to see a trial.”

Matt steps closer, raising his gun level with Dixon’s head.

I want to scream. Cry. Throw something. Puke.

All I can do is stand there and tremble, like every other time Matt pushes.

He’s threatening the man I love.

“I would, though. It’s only her word that says I took her horses. It’s only her that said I touched her—” Matt’s narrowed eyes turn to me. “—when I didn’t.”

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