Page 63 of Untamed

MILA

By the time we reach the barn, nearly two hours later, I’m exhausted. Not just from the fall but from the intense orgasm Colter wrenched out of me in the saddle. It was so dirty and whether it was the thrill of the risk—knowing Skylar could catch us at any moment—or simply where we were, the climax that wracked through my body was beyond anything I’ve ever felt.

I’m so spent; all I want to do is sleep.

Colter pulls to a stop just in front of the barn, the weary sigh that leaves him matching the exhaustion I feel. Like me, he’s reluctant to end this ride. Being so close to him, without the fear of someone calling him out, it was nice. Without saying a word, he climbs off Jasper slowly, reverently, his eyes meeting mine.

“Are you okay to swing your leg over? Or do you need me to help you down?”

I roll my eyes, a small smile curving my lips at his concern. “I’ve got it. If you could just help lower me to the ground, that would help. I’m feeling a little stiff now. I don’t want to make it worst by jumping down.”

He nods. “Put your left foot in the stirrup and bring your right leg over. I’ll do the rest.”

I follow Colter’s instructions, my body lighting up with desire when his large hands grip my hips, gently lowering me down. I turn to face him, ready to offer him my thanks, but a masculine voice cuts through the moment.

“Mila? Are you okay?” My father’s tone is laced with fear and Colter steps back immediately, grabbing Jasper’s reins and leading him inside the barn.

My father rushes toward me, his eyes scanning my body, searching for any signs of injury. I can see the worry in his gaze, so I put him out of his misery.

“I’m fine, Dad. Just a little sore, but I’ll be okay,” I reassure him.

His hands land gently on my shoulders, eyes bouncing between mine as if searching for the truth. “Are you sure? Maverick said you hit the ground hard enough to knock the wind right out of you?”

I nod, offering him a reassuring smile. “Yeah. But apart from some tender spots, that’ll likely bruise tomorrow, I’m good. I promise.”

The breath whooshes out of him, his body relaxing slightly. His gaze darts to something—or someone—behind me, a look crossing his face that I can’t quite decipher. I glance over my shoulder, spotting Skylar standing just inside the barn, her eyes locked on my father. A silent exchange passes between them, and I frown, confusion settling in.

What’s going on between them?

Surely, Lincoln Becker isn’t messing around with the staff?

Not that there is anything wrong with that, but he’s always insisted on keeping things professional on the ranch.

After a long moment, his attention shifts back to me.

“Come on. Let’s get you inside.”

After a relaxing hot Epsom salts bath, in the big claw foot tub in my adjoining bathroom, I head to the kitchen, hoping to find Dad. As I step through the door, I pause, noticing the tense look on his face as he speaks on the phone with someone. With a heavy sigh, he ends the call and scrubs a hand across his mouth, a clear sign of frustration.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, closing the distance between us and sitting down beside him at the table.

He glances up at me briefly, his face hardening. “Garrett had a fall. Sounds like he’s cracked a couple of ribs. I’m going to take Skylar to the coordinates your brother gave me on the ATV and bring him back. Maverick insisted on EMS flying in, but Garrett stubbornly refused to consider it.” His jaw clenches, lips pressing together in a hard line, clearly disappointed. “Maverick suspects Garrett’s been drinking, which is why he didn’t stay in the saddle when Radnor got spooked.”

I grimace at his words. Garrett out of commission could spell trouble for the performance horse side of Oakridge business.

“Let’s just hope he’s okay. Seems like it’s a day for falling off horses.” I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah,” he responds drily. “Speaking of, how are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, Dad. Just go do what you need to. I’m planning to rest up in bed anyway.”

He exhales a weary breath, frustration evident in his tone. “The idiot’s gonna be out of action for at least a couple weeks. He was supposed to be competing at the Bigfork Rodeo this weekend. I already paid the entry fees.”

My lips purse, as a thought forms in my mind and before I can stop myself, it slips out. “Why don’t you let Colter take his place? From what I’ve heard, he was the best of the best on the circuit, before his accident.”

Dad glances at me, his eyes narrowing as he searches my face. My heart beats in my chest, the weight of his scrutiny making my body tense. Not that he could tell. From the outside, my expression is neutral, giving nothing away.

“You Colter’s cheerleader or something?” His tone is laced with suspicion.

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