Page 7 of Untamed

“Yeah,” my dad says with frustration. “But I hired him as a ranch hand and wrangler, not so he could go chasing the rodeo trail again. He’s a liability with his past injuries, but he won’t stop until he convinces me to put him on the team.” His eyesnarrow, and I follow his gaze just in time to see Colter outpace Garrett, the lasso tightening around the calf in record time.

Something inside me warms as I watch him. The way he lassoes the calf with minimum effort. It’s as if he was born for this. The way he handles the animal, with ease and confidence, shows pure talent. For a brief moment, the urge to fight for Colter, to convince my father to give him a chance stirs inside me. But I push the thought down, knowing it would only draw suspicion.

“He beat Garrett’s time by over ten seconds,” Maverick muses aloud, breaking my reverie.

“He did. But it will take more than that to convince me,” my father grunts, unimpressed. Without another word, he pushes off the fence and starts back toward the lodge.

Nova grabs my arm, leaning in close, her excitement practically vibrating through me. “That was so fucking hot. I don’t care what anyone says, but the whole moody cowboy thing really does it for me.”

“What?” I reply, feigning confusion even though the truth is, I know exactly what she means.

She smirks up at me, waggling her brows. “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how hot Colter is. Every time I come here, I’m practically drooling and…” She leans in, whispering conspiratorially. “Well, let’s just say, he’s been the star of many of my late-night fantasies lately.” She laughs, light and carefree as if her confession is the most natural thing in the world. I glance at her, taking in her beauty. Long dark hair, pale blue eyes and the kind of hourglass figure that turns heads wherever she goes. Nova is stunning. Undeniably so. She’s the kind of woman men fall over themselves for, the kind of woman who could probably have Colter or anyone else she wanted without even trying.

An irrational slither of jealousy courses through me at her words. Because if Nova wanted to go after Colter, she could do so freely without fear or consequence. But me? If I even dared to consider it, I’d be risking everything. For him. Not for me.

I inwardly scold myself, forcing my thoughts back into line. Getting ahead of myself like this is ridiculous. The man barely even spared me a look earlier, and when he did, it wasn’t with interest. If anything, it was irritation. A clear signal that whatever I am feeling is entirely one sided.

I just need to keep reminding myself of that simple truth. I’m not interested in him, either.

Chapter Six

COLTER

Turning off the shower, I reach through the curtain to grab my towel, wrapping it around my waist. Stepping out, the cool air prickling my skin, I spot Garrett standing in front of the mirror, trimming his stubble.

Meeting my gaze in the mirror, he tilts his head, a smirk playing on his lips. “You did good today,” he says, his tone laced with a hint of challenge and something else I can’t decipher.

“Better than you,” I grunt, stepping up beside him. I reach for my toothbrush and toothpaste, squeezing a line onto the bristles.

Garrett chuckles, shaking his head as he sets down his razor. “Look man, I get it. It’s gotta be frustrating. Hell, if I couldn’t compete on the circuit, I don’t know what I’d do. It’s in your blood, same as it is mine. This is what you’re meant for…” he trails off as I watch him coolly. With a sigh, he continues. “I’m not your competition Colter; we have completely different roles here at Oakridge. Your biggest challenge is convincing Mr. Becker to give you a shot.” He pauses, studying me, waiting for my reaction. I give him nothing. “I saw it in his eyes today. He was impressed. But here’s the thing. He already has a rodeo team and I’m his star rider. I’m winning, making him good money. Right now, he sees you as a liability because of your–”

I cut him off with a glare, my voice low and edged with a growl. “I don’t need a pep talk from some young buck, Garrett. Just because you’re at the top now doesn’t mean you’ll stay there. Remember, shit happens, and it could happen to you, no matter how much your ego thinks it won’t.”

He sighs, shaking his head as if disappointed. “I might be younger than you, but I’ve been on this ranch for a long time, Colter. I know how the boss thinks. Don’t let your pride get in the way of taking a little advice.” I don’t bother answering him. Instead, I shove my toothbrush in my mouth as I start to brush my teeth. Garrett snorts, clearly amused as he sweeps his toiletries off the counter. “Anyway, it’s Malcolm’s birthday. We’re having beers, poker and some… hot pussy joining us tonight.”

I nod in acknowledgement, letting Garrett’s words linger as he walks out. Spitting into the sink, I rinse my mouth and straighten, my reflection staring back at me in the mirror. A night to chill might not be the worst idea. Not my idea of fun anymore, but hell, I could use a distraction. Maybe sinking into a warm pussy might take the edge off. It’s been months since I’ve gotten my dick wet, and I guess my hand could use the night off.

Exhaling, I drag a hand through my damp hair, the weight in my chest pressing harder, making me feel like I can’t breathe as I meet my own tired gaze. That same question creeps up, the one that’s haunted me a thousand times before.

How the hell did I get here?

Grant strums his guitar in the corner, a steady rhythm moving through the room as Garrett, Malcolm, Austin, Wes, Tex, Leroy and I focus on our poker game. Women—I’ve already forgottenmost of their names—hover around the table, competing for our attention with teasing smiles and persistent touches.

One in particular is relentless, wedging herself between me and Tex like she belongs there. Her name is Dulcie. And I know that, because she has said it at least a hundred times in the past hour. Sure, she’s pretty enough with fiery red hair and fuckable lips. If she toned down the desperation that leaks from her pores like perfume, and stopped shoving her tits in my face every five seconds, I might even let her wrap those lips around me.

“Colter,” she purrs, her fingers curling around my t-shirt clad bicep, making it clear her boldness isn’t going anywhere. I glance at her, taking in the way she flutters her lashes shyly. Yet there is nothing coy about her and her next words confirm it. “What do you say we go somewhere… a little more private.”

Tex snorts loudly. “Pretty sure that’s code for ‘she wants your cock,’ Colter,” he quips, wiggling his brows.

Dulcie’s cheeks flush red, but she quickly recovers, laughing off his comment. She turns back to me, her voice dripping with clear intent. “I just thought we could maybe talk. Get to know one another a little better.”

Shaking my head at her relentless flirting, I glance back at the cards in my hand and mutter dismissively, “Maybe later.”

I remove her hand from my arm, but my patience thins as she places it on my thigh, her fingers trailing upward. Gritting my teeth, I stay still as she leans in, her breath warm against my ear. Her hand grazes my dick, and she whispers just for me. “I’ll make it worth your while. I have no gag reflex.” The pride in her voice is evident and I can't help but wonder when being a pro at sucking dick became something to be proud of.

Despite her desperation and my lack of interest in her, my cock stirs with interest at her touch. Dulcie grins, her confidence increasing, but I scowl. I want to tell her that after so longwithout another person’s touch my body would respond to anyone’s hand. She isn’t special, no matter what she thinks.

Reaching down, I grab her hand and shove it away, harder than I probably should. Her smile falters for a second before she covers it with a playful pout. “You don’t touch me without my permission,” I growl.

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