Page 131 of The Rancher's Secret Relationship

Former associates of Flint were the ones who broke the news to us, but the knowledge only made my heart heavy. Even Flint admitted reluctantly that the other man’s death gave him no pleasure.

My heart still isn’t soft like yours, angel.

But that night changed us.

And because every day of our lives feels undeserved...

I’m just hoping he had a chance to repent.

Miguel’s existence has always been like a shadow hanging over our lives, and while it pains me a little to admit this, his death has freed me from my secret fears. I no longer suffer from nightmares of Sunlight being abducted anew.

A week ago, I graduated with a degree in [insert degree here], and it was while celebrating this over dinner that my husband asked if I was willing to start a new life with him back in Wyoming.

I said “yes” without hesitation, of course...

But as for what that new life entails in particular, Flint tells me gravely it’s also on a need-to-know basis, and I’m not sure this time if I believe him.

I mean...really?

He even asked me to promise not to tell anyone we’re moving to a remote little town called Hartland—a place so remote that you can’t even find it on Google Maps! He also claims the internet doesn’t work there, but I’m not sure I believe him on that either.

I mean...really?

The more I spend time with my husband, the greater the mystery surrounding his past grows. My heart is convinced he’s hiding something from me, but I’m also confident it’s nothing bad. It’s just...mysterious, I suppose?

“I was wondering what was taking you so long.”

And speaking of Mr. Mysterious...

I turn around with a sheepish smile. “You’re going to tell me I’m being too sentimental again, aren’t you?”

“On the contrary,” my gorgeous husband drawls, “you’re doing exactly what I hoped you’d be doing—”

My brows furrow. “Really?”

“Because now I have a reason to comfort you.”

Oh no.

Everything becomes worryingly clear in an instant. The word “comfort” might mean something soothing to others, but in this marriage, it means something entirely different, and it’s why I’ve been working out so, so hard since I became Flint’s wife. I want to be a lot stronger and faster in hopes of escaping him, but—aaaah!

My husband catches up to me with ease, and a swift yank has me literally spinning into his arms.

“Why so nervous, angel” Flint purrs. “All I want is to distract you from your pain—”

That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.

“Which is what any good husband would do.”

I can’t help but choke. The way he comforts me is absolutely the opposite of what any good husband—

“Ah.”

My heart is torn between sinking and fluttering when I see where he’s looking. Almost all of our furniture has already beengiven away, and the only things left are the console table in the foyer...and the framed mirror above it.

I make another attempt to escape, but Flint only clucks his tongue as he wraps an arm around my waist.

“Now, now,” my husband purrs. “Where do you think you’re going?”

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