Page 127 of Burn the Wild

Fury pulses through me. “Leave her alone,” I order, putting my body between Reese and my brother. “You’re acting like a maniac.” He’s worked up in a way I’ve never seen from my brother.

“She’s a liability,” Charlie growls. “I want her off the ranch.”

“Say one more word about her,” I snarl, “And I will bust your fucking head little brother.”

Charlie’s hard stare burns into mine. He’s afraid because it was Ruby. I understand. But he has to back the fuck off Reese or else.

Wide-eyed, Ruby touches Charlie’s broad chest. “Charlie—”

“Charlie’s right,” Davis says, his gaze hard, unflinching. “Ruby could have been hurt.”

Ruby squirms out of Charlie’s tight cradle. “Charlie, I’m—”

“Back the fuck off.” I glare at them. Too far. They’re both going too far.

“Listen to me.” Ruby stamps her foot and goes to Reese’s side. “It’s not her fault. She was trying to—”

“It’s okay.” Reese shakes her head. Tears stream down her face. “I understand. I’ll go.” Lower lip trembling, she turns on her heel and races for her chalet.

I take a step toward her, my heart pitching in my throat. Then I whip my glare to my brothers.

“You both are assholes.”

But it’s not me who says it.

It’s Ruby.

“I can’t believe you, Charlie Montgomery.” Drawing herself up, she gives her husband a frosty glare. I’ve never seen her this angry. Even Charlie blinks. “This is our ranch. We help people. And Reese was trying to help me. I almost fainted right there.” She points at Winslow’s hooves. “And you go and yell at her?”

Even as angry as I am, a grin tips my lips.

Fairy Tale activated is a sight to see.

Ruby balls her small hand into a fist. “Reese is trying. And Ford is happy. What more do you want?”

Happy.

Christ. I am happy. Happier than I’ve ever fucking been.

Taking deep breaths, Charlie blinks like he’s just now realizing what he’s said and done. “Sunflower,” he says, his voice breaking.

“No,” Ruby snaps, holding out a hand. “Don’t follow me.”

The look on my brother’s face is like someone carved out his heart.

Ruby’s gaze finds mine. “Go, Ford.”

My eyes soften in thanks as Ruby spins on her heel and storms away from her husband.

I don’t even hesitate.

I turn and do something my gut tells me I’ll do for the rest of my goddamn life.

I chase after Reese.

When I get to the chalet, the front door is open. Reese looks fragile, standing in the middle of her bedroom. Her suitcase is open on the bed.

“I thought I was doing good. I really did.” Her voice is mournful, dejected.

---