Page 35 of Untamed

Leroy was right.

I need to focus on my goal. Not play with the fire that will most definitely get me burnt.

“No we don’t. Leave, Mila.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

MILA

Mila

“No, we don’t. Leave, Mila.” Colter grunts, his voice a low rumble hitting me right in the chest. He leans forward, his forearms dropping to his knees, as his eyes meet mine. “Go home. You’re not wanted here.”

His words hit their intended target, and tears burn the backs of my eyes. I know I should leave, but the importance of this moment keeps me rooted to the spot. I need to see this through. Even if I don’t get the response I’m looking for. We stare at each other, neither of us willing to back down. The tension in the room thickens with every moment that passes.

Colter’s gaze sparks in challenge and I know he’s waiting for me to walk away. But clearly, he doesn’t know me at all. Because that won’t happen. Not this time.

“But–” I take a step forward, my voice firm, only to be cut offagain.

“No buts. Go. Home.” Colter enunciates, his words leaving no room for argument. His jaw clenches, anger flashing in those vibrant greens. “No good can come from us spendingtime together. A man like me will destroy someone as pure and innocent as you, and I’ll do it without remorse. And enjoy every second of it. You need someone like Brandon. Uncomplicated. Gentle.Vanilla.” That last word rolls off his tongue mockingly and my hackles rise.

Screw him. Colter doesn’t know what I want or need.

“I don’t want Brandon.” I growl out through clenched teeth, my frustration growing by the second. Tonight, I acted immature, played stupid games and used Brandon’s attention to distract me, because I was angry at Colter. I realize I could’ve handled things better, but fuck him. He doesn’t get to do this to me after his little show with the brunette. And I definitely shouldn’t be the one explaining myself. We wouldn’t be in this situation if Colter hadn’t spent the whole night trying to push me away.

Colter glares. “I don’t care what you want, Sunshine. But listen to me when I tell you that he’s what you need.” He stands, his 6’4” stature towering over my 5’5”. “I’d break you without giving it a thought. I’d leave you a broken shadow of yourself without guilt. It’s who I am. I break things.” He steps toward me, his chest rising and falling with every breath. I swallow, my neck craning to look at him. “What can I offer a girl like you, Mila? You’re the daughter of a multi-millionaire, fly around in private jets, and have the world at your feet. I’m a broke-ass, washed up, cowboy living paycheck to paycheck. We’re from different worlds.” His lips curve into a cruel smirk. “Unless it’s a just a good fuck you’re looking for, to be used like a cheap whore…” he trails off and I flinch at his crass words, but I don’t back down. “Exactly. That’s not you. Now go back to your world, to the little sunshine bubble you surround yourself in, and forget anything ever happened. I have,” he finishes callously, the weight of his words sitting heavy on my chest.

Pain radiates through me. Not for myself, but for the man who thinks so little of himself. Colter feels unworthy, that I’m out of his league. It couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve never once looked at him as beneath me. It’s also an insult he believes I would ever be so materialistic. We may be worlds apart in certain aspects of our lives, but our souls speak to each other. And that means more to me than anything money could buy.

A tear leaks down my cheek, sadness radiating through my body. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to make Colter see he is so much more than what he believes.

Mistaking my silence and upset for something else, he huffs a sardonic laugh, shaking his head. “Those tears only prove my point. You could never handle a man like me. Now run back to your little boyfriend. There’s nothing here for you.” He sneers, his eyes tracking the moisture leaking down my cheeks.

Anger ignites inside me.

He does not get to do this to me.

I blink back the tears, my resolve hardening as I square my shoulders. My parents raised both me and my brother to always stand up for ourselves, to fight for what we believe in. I haven’t done a good job of doing that so far, but that all changes now.

If Colter wants to deny our connection, that’s his right. But I’m not going to ignore it. I can’t. The cowardice stops now.

“You’re an asshole, Colter,” I hiss, my voice growing stronger. “You don’t get to do this to me. After your behavior these past couple of weeks, you don’t get to act like you’re doing me a favor by pushing me away. I’m a big girl and I sure as hell have my own mind. Tonight shouldn’t have happened. But I was hurt byyou. You weren’t interested in that girl, you did it to mess with me.” I shout, my voice pitching higher with every word out of my mouth.

A flicker of surprise flashes across Colter’s face as stares at me. His emerald eyes shine with something that looks a lot likepride. Clearly, I’m not the meek, weak girl, he believed I was. A slither of satisfaction snakes through me that I’ve caught him off guard. Maybe now he will see that I can handle whatever shit he throws at me.

Before I can blink, Colter has me pressed against the wall, his big arms caging me in. I suck in a breath, my eyes wide as I search his face. My mouth parts, but before I can speak, the elastic band snaps and his lips smash to mine.

I gasp, all the air knocked from my lungs as his mouth claims mine. The animalistic, masculine rumble that vibrates from his chest, I feel in every part of my body. Arousal tightens my stomach, snaking down and settling between my thighs.

“Colter,” I breathe when he nips at my bottom lip, allowing me a moment to suck in some much-needed air.

Pulling back, liquid lust heats my veins when I see the look in his eyes. Pupils blown, hooded and filled with pure desire. With our gazes locked, we stare at each other in silence, the only sound the beating of our hearts. I lick my lips. Colter’s gaze drops to the movement, his eyes darkening.

Without a word, he grabs my ass, lifting me effortlessly. He turns, and within a couple of strides we are on the couch, Colter beneath me as I straddle his lap.

I swallow, my heart pounding in my chest. Where do we go from here? Will we take the next step? Am I ready to take the next step?

As if he can read my thoughts, he smirks, shaking his head. My pulse spikes, heart lodged in my throat as reality settles over me. This is really happening. I’ve had boyfriends before, but I’ve never felt the urge to take things further than a kiss.

---