Page 146 of Burn the Wild

“No shit, baby.” Ford grinds his teeth together, trying his best at a smile. Even now, he’s fighting against falling apart in front of me. “Come on. Let’s get the fuck outta here.”

I help him sit up. He loops an arm around my neck. I try to help him stand, but he’s too heavy. He collapses on his back, breathing heavily.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.”

I move like I know what to do. I find the canteen and put a blanket beneath his head. Quickly, I slip off Ford’s outer shirtand drench it in water before placing the wet fabric over the wounds.

“Good girl,” he says.

Suddenly, he looks very, very tired. His amber eyes close.

I grab the two-way radio. Tears spring to my eyes at the NO SERVICE signal. Even so, I keep hammering its SOS button.

He lifts himself on his forearms. “You have to go.”

Panic rises, and I frantically shake my head. “No.” I tug on his arm, trying to lift him up. “I’m not leaving you.”

“You can’t lift me.” His voice cracks. “I’ll never stay on Eephus, anyway.”

I scrape tendrils of hair from my face. Shock paralyzes my limbs. “I can’t leave you, Ford. I can’t.”

“You have to.” His voice is steady, but I see it in his face. That spark of fear. “You have to…get to the ranch.” His chest heaves as a tremor runs through him. “Get help. We have…an antivenom kit there.”

My gaze latches onto Eephus and my stomach roils.

I rode with Ford, but me in the driver’s seat? I clench my eyes shut. Fight the flashbacks.

Gavin and the duct tape. The day turning to night. Being left out there all alone.

Ford looks like he hates himself. “I know, baby. I know.” Glassy-eyed, Ford clutches my hand, his voice breaking as his calm fractures. “Birdie, you gotta ride.”

I blow out a breath, staring at his pale face. “Okay.”

Groaning, he rests his head back on the blanket. “Tell my brothers we’re near the ravine on the Pancake Flats.”

I nod.

“It’s a straight shot back,” he rasps. I have to lean closer to hear him better. Another tremor rocks his body. “Ride straight and you’ll hit it in an hour. Maybe less.”

Leaning down, I smooth his unruly hair back. “Kiss me or I won’t come back for you.”

His chuckle is pained. “Brat.” Trembling hand finding mine, he brings it to his lips. “Baby, ride easy.” He gives Eephus a nod. “Take care of her, you bastard.”

I wobble to my feet.

Eephus looks at me. I look at him.

Chuffing, he backs up.

“C’mon, you asshole,” I hiss, taking a step toward him. “Don’t make me turn you into cat food.”

Slowly, I strip off my bangles. His black eyes follow me as I drop them on the ground. “There. That better?”

I grab his reins and he shakes me off.

He backs up. I follow.

“Please,” I beg. “Please.”

---