Page 88 of Stockman's Stowaway

She held her breath, shutting her eyes, and dropped her head with hands at her sides. Her heart leaped with panic at the thought of actually losing the friend who’d shared the dark with her when Mia had first arrived at the station. Those mornings when her wet nose nudged Mia’s cheek when she didn’t want to get out of bed, to then share the joy of the day’s adventure. There was Willow’s wide smile as she raced alongside the ute with the other dogs. How she’d splashed around in the troughs, or effortlessly moved a herd, or zipped around the obstacle course, happily listening to Mia commands. And then she’d curl up in her corner of the nursery to watch Mia work, or at the end of the day on Cap’s outdoor deck to watch the sunset.

Was this the last time Mia would see her friend?

Willow could choose Porter, who’d spent months nursing her back to health.

She could choose Leo.

She could run to Cap, standing next to Bree, who too spoiled the dog.

Or Willow could run for the hills, just like Mia did to become a stowaway at the station.

When a moist nose pressed against her fingers. She opened her eyes, and there was Willow sitting at her feet.

‘Willow.’ Mia’s heart nearly burst from her chest as she hugged the dog that was more than a dog, she was family.

‘Looks like we have a winner,’ called out the sergeant. The crowd clapped, and soon dispersed.

Cap hugged them both. ‘Congratulations. Willow is all yours now.’

Through her hot happy tears, Mia couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.

Until Leo leaned down and said through gritted teeth, ‘The luck was with you this time, farm girl, or should I say, little Mia?’

‘Back off.’ Cap scowled as he jumped to his feet.

Leo just tilted his head to narrow those cold ink-black eyes at Mia. ‘To think I almost didn’t recognise you, Mia. You’re Gavin’slittle Mia.’

The pet name put her on her arse. Leo stepped closer, pointing at Mia as she scrambled on her knees in the dirt, desperate to get to her feet.

‘Mia, it’s okay.’ Cap lifted her up.

‘Gavin’s been searching everywhere for you. Yet here you are, shacked up with the neighbours.’ Leo sneered at Cap like he was trash, then dragged out his phone. ‘I’ll text him, shall I?’

‘H-h-he’s here?’ Terror made her blood freeze as Leo’s thumb swiftly moved over his phone’s keypad. ‘You didn’t tell him—’

Sliding his phone away, Leo smirked at her. The look he gave her was like opening that dark cupboard filled with all of her worst nightmares. Her ex knew she was here.

‘Leave her alone.’ An angry Cap pushed Leo back.

‘Well, look at this.’ Leo gave an evil chuckle. It made the hair crawl on the back of Mia’s neck. Leo casually brushed over his shirt, glancing at Cap as if he were no challenge for a man of his stature.

Where did the police go? Where was Ryder? Or Dex? Cap could use the backup of his bigger brothers about now.

‘I said leave her alone.’ But the calm Cap she adored gritted his teeth. His hands fisted so tight they shook with rage, and he stepped right up to Leo. ‘I will clobber you.’

‘Behave. There are children present.’ Leo stepped back, adjusting his shirt, all cool and collected. Again, he smirked as if this whole scene was a joke. ‘What is it with you, Mia? Sending perfectly passive men mad like some infectious disease, to make them want to lash out in anger.’

Mia gasped. Leo knew!

But he was right, too. Cap was livid—just like Gavin had been.

‘Easy, brother.’ Ash rushed over and patted Cap’s chest, dragging him back to calm him down. ‘He’s not worth it.’

‘That’s one thing we can agree on. None of you are worth my time, except Bree. And your petty petition won’t save your station.’ Leo flicked at the paperwork neatly stacked on the table sending the pages, containing all those signatures, to float like falling autumn leaves that landed in the dirt.

Mia had to leave.

Right. Now.

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