Page 17 of Untamed

My annoyance builds, as I stare at Mila across the table.

It’s obvious she’s been avoiding me since the night in the loft, and even more obvious that her little excuse to leave was a lie. I’m not stupid, I saw the lust written all over her face as she watched me play the guitar.

I know I should stay away, and even spent most that night talking myself into leaving her alone. But no matter how many times I tell myself otherwise, there’s something about Mila that makes me want to forget everything and take what my dick so desperately wants. She isn’t at all what I expected, though to be fair, I didn’t give her much thought before she arrived. But whatever I imagined, she’s just…more.

I glance between her and Brandon, wondering why the hell I even came over here in the first place. But I know why. I was intrigued by what looks to be a double date. Obviously, the talk Lincoln had with us about not touching his daughter clearly doesn’t extend to this fucking prick.

Though as I study Mila more closely, it’s clear that whatever is going on here is unrequited on her part. When Brandon threw his arm around her in that possessive move, she shoved him away. A move that was meant to warn me off no doubt. Andthe way she’s now glued herself against the wooden panel of the booth, well, even a blind man could see she is uncomfortable with his attention.

A throat clears from beside me. I turn to Maverick, and it’s obvious he doesn’t want me here, but tough shit. I’ve never been one to live by anyone’s expectations of me and I’m not about to start now.

“Fancied a night away from the ranch?” he asks casually.

My face remains a blank mask as I look at Maverick. I should think it’s obvious why I’m here. Maverick knows the guys at the bunkhouse are having another party. Though he doesn’t know my usual place of peace, the barn, is off limits. I couldn’t risk running into Mila. I see the way she looks at me and despite having more than a few inappropriate thoughts about her, I can’t afford to encourage that attraction, no matter how hard she makes my cock. At this point I’m a walking contradiction, my mind a jumbled mess whenever I think about her. The devil on my shoulder urges me to say fuck it all, but the angel quietly reminds me it would be a terrible idea.

The only alternative I could come up with, instead of retreating to the loft, was to jump in my truck and come to town for some food. So that’s exactly what I did. I just never anticipated seeing the girl I was running away from when I chose this place to unwind.

“Yeah,” I mutter, my jaw clenching in annoyance.

“Always so serious, Colter. Let loose a little. Have some fun,” Nova teases seductively. My attention shifts to her as she leans against the table, smiling at me with love hearts in her eyes.

Grunting in response, I lift my beer and take a sip, before settling my gaze back on the couple across from me. Despite my head warning me to drop the subject, I jerk my head in their direction, wanting confirmation of what this looks like. “This a date?”

Brandon’s cheeks turn bright red while Mila freezes, her eyes widening in horror. The entire table falls silent, and that’s all the answer I need. Maverick laughs beside me, breaking the awkwardness that just surrounded us.

“Nah, man. Just out for dinner, since Pops is away. You know my sister isn’t allowed to date the staff…” he trails off, lips pulling up in a sly grin. “Or more accurately the staff, including Brandon, were told they aren’t allowed to touch my sister. When it comes to his little princess, my father takes that rule very seriously.”

“Maverick,” Mila hisses, her voice thick with embarrassment.

My gaze bounces between her and Brandon. His jaw is clenched, the look in his eyes telling me that Lincoln’s warning means nothing to him. He is going to pursue her no matter the consequences.

Having gotten the answer I was looking for, I decide it’s time to bail. Something told me that I should’ve walked away ten minutes ago or better yet, never come over here at all.

Nodding, I stand. “Well, this has been… nice and all but I’m gonna go. Have a good night.”

I don’t wait for a response. I just haul ass back to my barstool.

Away from temptation.

Away from drama.

Away fromher.

The girl who’s off limits.

The forbidden fruit.

Back at the ranch, I can’t shake my annoyance when I find the bunkhouse still buzzing with activity. I’d stayed at the bar for hours, long after Mila and her ‘date’ had left. Her goodbye tome was soft, her expression unreadable, something in her eyes I couldn’t quite place. My jaw had ticked with an irrational slither of anger and possessiveness when Brandon had taken her hand, like it was his to take, and led her outside.

It was enough to keep me rooted to that stool, stewing in dark memories long after she’d left. Still, it didn’t stop a few women from trying their luck with me. I should’ve taken them up on their offers, let off some steam by using what they so freely wanted to give me. But I couldn’t bring myself to. Not when every one of my thoughts was clouded by images of Mila.

Knowing sleep will most likely evade me tonight, I change direction, leaving the bunkhouse and heading for the barn, seeking the solitude only its quietness can offer me right now. I haven’t found the right moment to talk to Lincoln about moving into the loft but tonight has made it clear. I need to do it as soon as he gets back from his trip.

Sliding the door open, I step into the darkness, inhaling the familiar scent of the barn. Wood. Horses. Hay. I head toward the wooden steps that lead up to the loft. The stairs creak under my weight, but I don’t stop until I reach the top. There, I push the door open, flick the light on and step into the dimly lit space.

The room smells musty just as expected, but it’s quiet; exactly what I need right now. Shrugging off my jacket, I toss it down on the couch then take a seat. Resting my head against the back, I stare up at the ceiling, scrubbing a hand over my stubble. Once again, my mind drifts to my past. The fame. The money. The accident. Prison… I quickly shove them all away, just wanting to close my eyes and forget.

A heavy sigh escapes me, and I revel in the silence of the small loft. There are so many things I’d change if I could go back. But I can’t. All I can do is move forward. Accept what I have, and what life has given me, and make peace with it.

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