Page 148 of Burn the Wild

A millisecond of uncertainty swings his gaze from me to the vast farmland. Then, decided, Davis lifts the radio once more to his mouth. “Reese and I are headed to get Ford.” His rough voice is stern, commanding. “Meet us at the ravine on the Pancake Flats. If you’re not there fast, you’re all fucking dead.”

Waiting for word on Ford is sheer torture.

Less than two hours after my arrival, we brought Ford back to the ranch. Now, the staff medic, Curtis, tends to him in a back bedroom. Davis and the rest of Ford’s brothers are pacing a hole in the hallway. Everyone assured me he’ll be okay, but I won’t believe it until I see him again.

Touch him.

For now, I sit on the couch in Dakota and Davis’s living room. Ruby brought me a change of clothes—a buttery soft flannel and leggings. Dakota hot chocolate to warm me up. Thunder rumbles. The ranch is in one piece, but I’m not.

My heart is a heavy, clenched ache.

I just want him to be okay. Please be okay.

If he isn’t…

I think about Ford, keeping me safe all through the storm, holding on to me tight.

His amber eyes.

His amazing heart.

I blow out a breath. Needing a distraction, I pull out my phone.

I freeze.

I have twenty texts. All from Gavin.

A chill skitters over my spine.

You’re playing games, Reese.

I will bring you home. One way or another.

Time’s almost up.

Something clicks inside of me, like a lock turning a key. Gavin doesn’t matter.

All that matters is Ford.

All that matters is me.

What I did today.

I survived. I found a piece of the old Reese. Which means…maybe I can start over. Maybe being brave is easier than I thought. Maybe Doctor DiFeo is right. I haven’t given myself enough credit.

“How are you holding up?”

The husky sound of Dakota’s voice has me looking up. She enters the living room with Duke in her arms.

I leap to my feet. “How is Ford? Is he okay?”

“He’ll be just fine,” Dakota says softly. Brown eyes shining with tears, she reaches out to squeeze my arm. “You got him help in time, Reese. You saved him.”

Tears threaten, but I clear my throat, pushing them away.

Dakota hugs me and I lean into her touch.

We pull back, and I smile at Duke, tickling his chin. He coos, reaching for my hair with fat little fists.

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