Page 58 of Untamed

She nods, exhaling deeply. “Nova and I, we tell each other everything. I was always going to talk to her about it, eventually. I just… I wanted to keep it between us for now. I mean, I’ve told her little things, just not everything.”

Pulling on my shirt, I take her hand, and give it a gentle squeeze, trying to ease her worry. “Don’t feel guilty for keepingthis, us, to yourself. It’s nobody else’s business what we do in private, Mila.” My voice is firm, no trace of doubt in it.

Sure, I’m pissed she told Nova about us, and didn’t tell me, but it is what it is. I’m not going to hold it against her even if her recklessness could cost me everything. I made the choice to get involved with Mila, so I need to accept the responsibility of my actions.

Mila relaxes, her eyes softening. “I know. But she shouldn’t have found out likethat. She sawyounaked.”

I bark out a laugh, tugging her gently out of her bedroom. “Is that what you’re worried about? Your best friend seeing my cock?”

Before Mila can respond, Nova steps into the hallway, her fingers covering her eyes in an over-exaggerated way. Jesus, she’s just being dramatic now.

“Is it safe to look?” she teases, humor lacing her tone.

Mila tugs out of my hold, grabbing her friend’s hands and pulling them away from her face. “It’s fine. We’re dressed.” Her voice is thick with humiliation, and I watch as a flush creeps up her neck to her face, staining her cheeks red.

Nova’s gaze bounces between us, amusement dancing in her eyes. “So, things have progressed from a kiss then.” Her brows wiggle playfully as she stares at Mila.

“Yeah,” Mila murmurs quietly, shifting awkwardly on her feet, her eyes flicking to me as if checking for approval.

“Lucky girl,” Nova giggles, her gaze now shifting to me. “You’re packing underneath all the denim and chaps, cowboy.”

“Nova,” Mila hisses, grabbing her friend’s arm and hauling her through a door.

I follow behind them into a large open lounge, pausing as I take in the space. High wooden beams, leather couches and an open brick fireplace. It’s stunning. Exactly the kind of home I’d want in the future.You won’t have a future if you continuedown this road with Mila,my subconscious reminds, but I quickly shove it aside. Despite the voice’s warnings, I’ve finally come to the painful realization that it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

“I can’t believe you kept this from me.” Nova’s shrill voice slices through my thoughts, snapping me back to reality.

I glance at her, my patience already unravelling as I growl out, “It’s got nothing to do with you or anyone else.”

I won’t have Nova, or anyone else, make Mila feel guilty about our situation.

Nova flashes me a sugary sweet smile, that does nothing to hide the challenge in her eyes. I grit my teeth. Damn woman is always trying to get a rise out of people. Usually, I wouldn’t bite to her antics but the fact she thinks she has any say in Mila and I… well it’s a line she doesn’t want to cross. I found my limit and it’s Mila.

“You’re right. It isn’t,” she agrees. “But I doubt her dad or brother will see it that way if they find out. I seem to recall Lincoln giving you and everyone else a very clear warning to stay away.”

My eyes narrow, voice low and filled with warning as I bark, “Is that a threat?”

Nova chuckles, shaking her head, though the hint of hesitation is evident in her expression. She’s trying to look confident, but I see through it. “No. I’m just shocked is all. It’s not every day you catch what you thought was your very innocent,veryvirginal friend, naked, with an equally naked hot cowboy with his very hard, very big dick in his hand.” She winks. The cheeky little fucker actually winks.

“Nova,” Mila blurts, her cheeks turning bright red with embarrassment.

Annoyance slithers through me, and I can feel the protective instinct when it comes to Mila kicking in. No one, not even Mila’s best friend will make her feel humiliated for somethingthat is as natural as breathing. I open my mouth to tell her just that, to put an end to whatever Nova thinks she’s doing, but Mila speaks up first.

“What’re you doing here anyway? We didn’t make any plans.”

Nova grins at her knowingly. “I know. Brandon called. Said you were alone and could use some company.”

Mila’s head whips up to me, her face filled with alarm. I run a hand across my mouth, shaking my head. Of course, that asshole did. He was so concerned about me being with Mila, that he sent in back up just to make sure. While he was right with his suspicions, it doesn’t dull my anger one bit.

The interfering fuck needs to focus on his own damn life instead of mine.

“Brandon did it on purpose,” Mila says, in frustration. “He’s suspicions of me and Colter, but he’s got no evidence to take to my father.” Mila sighs, her face weary as she rubs at her temples.

I grip her hips, my fingers tightening as I drop down onto the couch and pull her onto my lap. “It’s okay, Sunshine. He doesn’t know shit. The guy’s just an interfering son of a bitch who needs to mind his own business.” Stroking her hair back from her face, I press a kiss to her head. She relaxes into me, finding comfort in my touch. My chest tightens. I should be the last person she finds reassurance in.

“You’re right. But knowing Brandon, he won’t stop until he finds that proof. It’s no secret he wants you gone, Colter. He’s obsessed, and has been in love with Mila, forever.” Nova’s words hit me like a punch to the gut and I stiffen, the possessiveness I feel for this woman flaring inside me.

Sure, I already knew this, but hearing it from someone else’s mouth, out loud, when I’ve already claimed her makes me crazy with jealousy. My arms tighten around her automatically, andI pull her closer to my chest. Mila glances at me, her brows furrowed in confusion, but I ignore her.

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