Page 81 of Untamed

Mila smiles, a look of satisfaction flickering in her eyes. “That was…” she trails off searching for the right word. “Intense.”

I nod, gently pulling out of her, before shifting us so that my back rests against the headboard with Mila wrapped up in my arms. I kiss her hair, holding her tighter, unwilling to let her go, even though I know, in just a few short hours we’ll be separated.

In the quiet of our place, I listen as Mila’s breathing evens out, her body relaxing as she drifts off to sleep, but not before she speaks five words.

Five words, that just like the first time she uttered them, make my heart beat erratically in my chest. But unlike last time,I don’t lock up in panic. Selfishly, I let them soak into every fiber of my being and allow them to make a home in my heart.

“I love you, Colter Grady.”

Chapter Forty-Nine

MILA

It’s been three weeks since Colter left, and though I don’t want to bethatgirl—the one that pines over a man—I miss him. I’m not sure where we stand, our relationship has not been defined as such, but we have kept in touch through messages. I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s not enough. I hate not being able to touch him, not feeling his hands on my body. I miss our talks. Our time in the loft. I. Just. Miss. Him.

Our last night together, though unforgettable, was overshadowed by the fear of his departure and the uncertainty that followed. Colter was a free man, bound by nothing or no one. He owes me nothing, but deep in my heart, or perhaps it’s just my naivety, I don’t believe he would ever choose to hurt me.

The things Brandon and Garrett had filled my dad’s head with weren’t just brushed over. I know without a doubt my father took their words seriously. Not only did he call me into his office to ask me questions, but now he watches me more closely. I don’t know why, after all Colter isn’t here to confirm his suspicions. It’s made it harder to talk to Colter, especially when my dad is always looking over my shoulder.

Colter is so close to achieving his dream, the one that might finally let us be together, and there’s no way I am going torisk that. Not now, as he’s taking the rodeo circuit by storm, making a name for himself again. I always had faith in him—more than he ever believed in himself—even when everyone else had written him off as a washed-up cowboy. He’s proven them all wrong, reclaiming his title of rodeo king and becoming unstoppable.

“Hey, what’s up?” My head snaps up at the sound of Brandon’s voice, and I feel my teeth grind together.

Once, I thought Brandon was a real friend, someone I could trust, but he allowed the feelings he has for me to ruin that. In hindsight, I should have never kissed him. I knew he saw me as more than a friend and instead of shutting it down, I let him believe he had a chance. That was my mistake, and I fully own it. But his behavior this summer? It’s gone too far.

“Hey,” I reply, tightening the cinch on my saddle.

“You going for a ride out in the pasture? I’ll come with,” he says.

I should say no, but this might be my only chance to get him alone and figure out what his deal is.

“Whatever,” I mutter, grabbing Clover’s reins and leading him out of the stall.

As I step outside the barn, I stop when I spot my father walking toward me. He flashes me a grin. “Hey, Sweetheart, when you get back from your ride, I want to talk to you.”

My body tenses with his last words. The last thing I want to do right now is have another talk with my father, but I know there’s no way out of it. I force a smile. “Sure. I’m just waiting for Brandon. We’ll probably be out for about an hour. Clover needs a good stretch of his legs.”

Turning to leave, he throws over his shoulder. “Meet me at the house when you get done.”

A breath rushes out of me, but I push the anxiety down, focusing on Clover instead. Lifting my leg, I jam my foot intothe stirrup and pull myself up, onto the horse. My eyes flick to Brandon who is now saddled up and leading Gypsy, one of the ranch horses, out of the barn. With ease, he mounts the black and white horse, settling into the saddle and throwing me an easy smile. “Lead the way, Mila.”

Despite my anger toward him, I smile. It’s times like this, when he is being normal Brandon, I forget about the shit things he’s done. “Did you want to go out toward pasture six and follow the river?”

He smirks, kicking Gypsy forward to stand beside me. “Sure. I have good memories down by the river. We could create some more?” his voice is gravelly, as he waggles his brows, and it hits me—he’s flirting.

Sobering, I clear my throat. “Come on. We better get going. I have to see my dad when I get back and you know he hates waiting.”

Brandon’s face falls and hurt clouds his expression. I look away from him, and he clears his throat. “What does he want?

I shrug. “Not sure. Just said he wanted to speak with me.”

Brandon stays quiet as we pass through the gate and head into the pasture, but after a moment he sighs loudly, breaking the silence. “I hate this, Mila. This distance between us. You’re my friend, I love you. How did things go so wrong?” He looks so crestfallen, but I can’t stop the irritation that builds inside me.

I narrow my eyes at him. “You made it this way, Brandon. You and your obsession with Colter. I–” He cuts me off, anger flashing in his eyes.

“It’s not an obsession. He knew the fucking rules, and yet he crossed every single one. You were supposed to be mine.Youkissed me. Then he came along and it’s like I never even existed. Like we never even happened.” His control snaps; anger evident on his face.

My blood boils, my teeth grinding together as I grate out the words. “I already told you the kiss was a mistake. It should’ve never happened. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but it was never anything more.” I shake my head. “I was never yours, Brandon. I’m not anyone’s.” I lie. “And Colter has nothing to do with this, so quit shit stirring.”

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