Page 11 of Sophia, Property of Tracker

It killed me that I had to break up with her, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I wished loving her would be enough. Maybe for another couple of years, I would think to myself, but ultimately, I knew in the end I’d be lying to myself and her.

Finally, she broke things off. One night before heading to dinner with friends, Riley opened the closet in our room to pick out a pair of shoes. That was when she found the box where I’d been hiding her engagement ring.

I was in the living room making myself a bourbon when she walked in with a shocked expression, holding the turquoise box in her hand.

“Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is,” she had asked, her lip trembling as she held back her tears.

I sculled the rest of the amber liquid in my hand and placed the crystal glass on the bar, then made my way to her, lifted the box out of her hand, and opened it, showing her the ring I’d chosen.

Tears fell down her face when she lifted the ring out of the box. “Please tell me this is just a gift and not what I think it is.” I wiped away a stray tear on her cheek, leaned in, and kissed her gently.

When I pulled back, I said, “Riley, I love you, and want us to have a future. I know marriage and children is not something you want in your life, but I’m hoping that you will one day with me. I bought this ring a year ago before I knew you didn’t want more, but I need you to understand that I need this. I want this. I want to be married to someone I love. I want us to have our own kids one day and watch them grow and have their own families. Tell me, Riley, do you think that maybe one day, you could want the same thing?”

She wiped her tears with the back of her hand and took a breath before she spoke, “Ryan, I don’t want this. I never will. I’m so sorry, I wish I was different and wanted the same things as you, but I don’t. I think it’s best we end this now.”

Riley then opened the palm of my hand and placed the ring in there. I sighed, placed it back in the box, closed the lid, and then placed it in my pocket. I nodded and told her I understood.

That night, with dinner forgotten, I packed my bag, left our apartment, and arranged to stay in a hotel.

That was two years ago, and since then, we have continued to be friends. She still lives in the apartment with Max, and I bought a house of my own overlooking a beautiful lake where I fish now and then. It is small, but I don’t mind because it’s perfect for me.

Moving the sheets, I get out of bed, reach for my boxers on the floor, and pull them on, followed by my jeans. Glancing around the room, I look around for my shirt when my phone rings. I quickly grab it from my jeans pocket, immediately recognizing Sam’s number.

“Hey, Sam, what’s up?” I ask as I hold the phone to my ear and shoulder while continuing the search for my shirt, lifting the sheets and pillows.

“Ryan, where are you? I’ve been trying to call you all night.”

Sam is my work partner. We’ve been together for five years, and he’s my best friend. He’s come through for me so many times when I’ve needed him, and I can’t say that for many people in my life.

Sam’s been helping me try to locate my brother after he heard he was missing.

If it wasn’t for his help, I wouldn’t have gotten a lead on Tate heading this way and possibly joining a motorcycle club. If my superior knew I was looking for my brother, he would kick my ass. As far as Luke’s concerned, he thinks I’m investigating a motorcycle club for drug smuggling that’s linked to a cartel. There’s been a few cases of drug overdoses using a new brand named Z. Even though it is not in our jurisdiction, it may be linked to people dying from overdosing on the drug.

“Hey, Sam. I’ve been a little held up.”

“Held up? You’re not in any trouble, are you? Because if you are, just say the word, and I’m there.”

How do I explain I’m held up because I met a woman and needed to fuck her?

That she is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met and that I can’t get enough of her.

I know exactly what he’d say—I’m an idiot and I should never let pussy get in the way of my brother. And yeah, he would be right, but he hasn’t met Sophia. He would know with just one look exactly what I mean.

“Nah, I’m not in any trouble. I’m on the road again this morning. Had no luck here in Vixen Falls,” I reply, looking out the window of Sophia’s bedroom and giving up on my missing shirt.

Just as I finish the sentence, I turn at the opening of the bedroom door and watch as Sophia enters wearing my shirt with a tray in her hand. She smiles as she sees me on the phone and walks past me to place the tray that smells amazing on the bed.

Even in the morning, she’s beautiful.

She’s bare of any makeup, messy hair from our lovemaking, and even sexier wearing my damn shirt. Fuck, how am I going to say goodbye to her?

“Sam, gotta go. I’ll touch base later.” I don’t give him a chance to reply because I quickly end the call and place my cell back into my jeans pocket while my eyes linger on her thighs.

“I made you some breakfast and black coffee,” she says as she picks up the mug and hands it to me.

If I weren’t so goddamn hungry, I’d slide the tray on the floor and throw her on the bed, having my way with her again, but my stomach rumbles as that thought enters my mind.

Sophia giggles, and redness plants on her cheeks.

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