Page 59 of Untamed

“That doesn’t change shit. He won’t find anything. We’re careful enough.” I snap, but even as I say the words I know they’re a lie. Because if Brandon really wanted to, he could find the evidence he’s so desperately looking for. One look beneath the surface, and my feelings for Mila are easy to see.

Nova shrugs. “Maybe you are. But the suspicions are already there. Nothing stays hidden at Oakridge Ranch. It’s only a matter of time before everything comes to light. You both need to be prepared for that. You need to decide whether this thing between you two is really worth it.”

For the first time tonight, all the humor has been erased from Nova’s face, replaced by something I hate—pity.

My gut twists because deep down, I know she’s right.

But one thing’s for certain.

No matter what happens, Mila is mine.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

MILA

A couple days pass where Colter and I keep our distance, each of us carefully maintaining space. More than anything, I want to be around him. But after everything that happened the other night, this is necessary.

I trust Nova with my life—she would never say anything—but I can’t shake the feeling of unease when it comes to Brandon. He’s got his suspicions and, like a dog with a bone, he’s relentless. It’s clear he won’t stop until he finds out the truth.

Right now, he can’t confirm anything for certain, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stop. It’s frustrating to say the least. But protecting Colter comes first, that’s my priority. And if that means staying away, then as hard as it will be, I’ll do it.

We never did get to have sex in my bed. Not long after talking with Nova, Mamaw came home. All the signs pointed to Colter being in my house as a bad idea, so I took the warning and made the decision for him. He didn’t hesitate, making a quick exit out the back door. As far as everyone was concerned, I spent the evening with my best friend while Colter was off doing whatever they assumed he was doing in town.

I’ve heard the whispers around the ranch. And if the rumors are to be believed, then Colter is seeing some woman. What theydon’t realize is they’re right, just not in the way they think. The woman they’re talking about is me.

“Hey, sis, feel like riding out with us? We’re doing a fence check and looking for any signs of wolves,” my brother drawls, dragging me from my thoughts.

I glance over at him, finding an expectant look in his eyes, as he waits for my answer. Plastering a smile on my face, I nod. “Sure. Anything’s better than being bored sitting around here.”

He snorts, “Don’t know what you expected, Mila. You know the low men and stall cleaners get everything done before sunrise. The only stall they’ve left is Clover’s and only because you insisted. You might want to get out of bed earlier if you’re looking to keep your hands busy.”

I plant my hands on my hips and shoot him a glare. “I’m down at the stalls by seven-thirty most mornings.”

Maverick chuckles, clearly amused. “Yeah, and the staff are up and out by five.”

Rolling my eyes, I stride past him, throwing over my shoulder, “What time are we heading out?”

“Be saddled up and ready to leave in thirty minutes,” he calls back, just as I enter the barn.

My heart stutters in my chest when I spot Colter saddling up Jasper, but I don’t acknowledge him. Not with most of the other cowboys and Brandon around.

I focus on the task, ignoring them all, as I head to the tack room to grab Clover’s bridle and saddle. Though I’ve ridden him nearly every day since I’ve been here, I’ve mostly stayed close to the ranch. Today we will be heading out further and I need to be prepared for that.

I quickly saddle up Clover, and before I know it, around a dozen of us are heading out into the pasture. I keep toward the back with one of the female ranch hands, Skylar. Even though, I’ve been here for nearly a month now, I haven’t spent muchtime with the men and women who work for my father. It’s not that I don’t want to, but I get the sense they’re all wary of me and prefer to keep their distance.

It isn’t until we’re about two hours into the ride that Skylar finally breaks the silence, starting up a conversation with me.

“How are y’all enjoying your summer here in Montana?” Skylar asks in a deep Texan drawl.

I glance over at her, taking her in. She’s probably in her late twenties and gorgeous in that girl-next-door kind of way. With long chestnut brown hair, blue eyes, freckles and a cute little button nose, she’s the kind of beautiful that feels effortless. Still, there’s something in her eyes. Something she tries to hide. If I wasn’t studying her so closely, I’d miss it, but I see it clearly. Pain.

Skylar frowns at me, snapping me out of my thoughts and I remember I haven’t responded to her question.

Clearing my throat, I shoot her a friendly smile. “Iabsolutelylove being here. It’s the only place I consider home, and I wouldn’t leave if the choice was up to me.”

Her brows furrow in confusion beneath her leather hat and her mouth twists up as she considers my response. After a long moment she speaks. “I don’t understand. Why don’t you have a choice?”

I sigh, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. It’s the same question I’ve answered a thousand times before. Because of who my father is, people struggle to understand that he’s the one pushing for this. “My dad wants me to further my education and go to college. I start USC in the fall.”

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