Page 34 of Untamed

She looked so fucking beautiful tonight. Her light is so bright, like a damn angel. Even amongst the crowds, you can’t help but be drawn to her. She just stands out. A beacon of light on a dark night. And I’m just dark, ready to swallow her up. Opposite sides of the same coin, we don’t mix. And yet… she’s the only woman walking this earth that’s managed to burrow her way beneath my skin so deeply I doubt the knife in my pocket could even cut her out. She’s the only woman to make my control slip.

I bang my fist on the steering wheel in frustration, muttering out a curse. “Fuck,”

“Something wrong?” Leroy’s voice cuts into my thoughts. For a minute, I forgot he was even here. I’ve always been aware of my surroundings. It’s another reason I should stay away from Mila. She makes me forget. And I can’t afford to do that.

I glance at him for a brief second before looking away and shaking my head. “Don’t worry about it.”

He tsks, clucking his tongue. “It’s a bad idea, Grady,”

My brows pinch together in confusion, and I throw a glare in his direction. “What’s a bad idea?”

He sighs, shaking his head. “I saw the way you were looking at her.”

I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. I know exactly who he’s talking about but still, I ask. “Who?”

“Mila,” he says, confirming that he’s even more intuitive than I thought. I need to watch myself around him. “You’re playing with fire, boy. And trust me when I say, you’ll be the only one to get burnt.”

I keep my focus on the road, not wanting him to see the truth written over my face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, old man.”

“Bullshit,” he fires back sharply.

Annoyance slithers through me, heat burning my chest. I need to shut this conversation down. “It’s nothing, so quit sticking your nose in my business. I never asked for your advice, Leroy, and I certainly don’t need a father figure,” I grate out through clenched teeth.

He’s quiet for a long moment, the tension in the cab thickening with every second that passes. It would be uncomfortable for most people. But I’m not most people.

“You’re right. You didn’t ask. But I’m telling you now, boss will fire your ass if you so much as look at her in a way he doesn’t like. And then you’ll be right back where you started. Keep focused on what matters. The damn rodeo,” he mutters.

I know Leroy is right, but it doesn’t change anything. This thing crackling between us, it all seems out of my control now. I’m free falling, with no way to stop it.

And even knowing the consequences of crossing that line with Mila.

I want to make her mine.

When we get back to the Ranch, I find myself heading straight to the barn instead of the bunkhouse. Leroy asked me where I wasgoing but I chose to ignore his nosy ass. I’ve had enough of him and his need for imparting wisdom, for one night.

And to think, I was beginning to like him.

Climbing the stairs two at a time, I push the door to the loft open. The quiet hits me first and I exhale, feeling like I can breathe for the first time tonight. Getting settled on the old dusty couch, I rest my head back and stare up at the rafters. It’s become something of a habit since I came to Oakridge Ranch—or more specifically since Mila came into my life.

I like the peace this space gives me as I try to rationalize my thoughts.

I’m not sure how long I stay like this, but it’s not long before I hear the familiar sound of footsteps on the rickety wooden stairs. A smirk curves my lips. I know who it is without even seeing them. Mila must have ditched that asshole Brandon as soon as I left. I feel my cock come to life at the thought.

“Fucking traitor. Not a single movement all night when that brunette was throwing herself at you,” I mutter. I would laugh if the situation wasn’t so serious.

My heart pounds in my chest, body tightening as the anticipation of seeing her builds. I don’t have to wait long.

The door is pushed open, and I’m greeted by the sight of her angry face. I want to smirk but think better of it. The furious look covering her features makes her even more beautiful if that’s possible.

“What’re you playing at?” she bites out, her body vibrating with her anger.

I lift my head lazily, pinning her to the spot with my gaze. My eyes meet her fiery blue-grays, and I can’t help but antagonize her. I want to see more of her fire.

“What’re you playing at?” I throw back.

She stands there for a moment, her face twisting up in confusion before her lips curl up into a sneer. “Don’t get thistwisted, Colter. You’re the one who let that woman fawn all over you all night. I get you don’t owe me anything but at least show me some damn respect. What happened…” she trails off, sucking in a breath. Her chest heaves and I know what’s coming next. “What happened the other night, we need to talk about it.”

I shake my head, holding up a hand and stopping her rant. Like always, my feelings toward this girl are conflicted and contradictory. In this moment, despite wanting her with an intensity I never thought possible, I’m leaning more toward pushing her away. It’s too complicated. Too much drama.

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