Page 90 of Untamed

I swallow and admit, “About a month and a half.”

Though deep down, I knew something was there from the moment we met. There was always a connection between us, even if Colter tried to deny it.

“You will not see him again,” he snaps. “He is done at Oakridge. And if I have my way, he’ll be done in the state of Montana.”

“Daddy–” I start, but he cuts me off.

“No, Mila. I fucking mean it. I won’t have my daughter involved with a man like that,” he yells back at me.

My body coils as I go into defense mode. A bitter laugh escapes me. “A man like that? He’s a good man. The best. I love him and there’s nothing you can do to change that,” I shout.

My father and brother recoil in horror. Dad turns to face me; his expression lined with disgust. “No, you don’t. It’s infatuation, nothing more. The man is a criminal, for Christ’s sake.”

“You can’t tell me how I feel,” I shoot back.

“I can and I will. I am your father, and you’ll show me some respect. In a month, you’ll go back to Georgia before you go to school. Until then, I will keep a close eye on you. I’ll glue you to my side if I have to. You will not see that man again, do I make myself clear?”

My head shakes on its own accord as I whisper a resounding, “No.”

Dad lets out a harsh laugh. “Don’t test me on this, Mila. You have no idea of the power I hold. I could ruin him completely. Or worse…” All the blood drains from my face with every word out of his mouth. Who is this man? He looks like my father, but his actions are anything but familiar. “And believe me when I say, no one will even question it. He’s a nobody, with nothing or no one. Understand?”

“Dad…” Maverick speaks up, knowing full well he’s gone too far.

“No, son. Don’t. I’ve warned her—and all the staff—what would happen if anyone so much as touched her. He fucking did more than that,” he growls, revulsion radiating from every inch of him. “I won’t allow that man near my daughter, and that’s final.”

A sob tears from my throat, my heart breaking. I have never been this disappointed in my father. Not only do his words hurt, but it’s the first time I’ve seen him so judgmental. Doesn’t he understand that people make mistakes? Colter is a good man, and no one will convince me otherwise. He may not have shared every detail of his past with me, but no one is above anyone. I get that my dad is shocked, hurt, but him acting this way? It’s disappointing.

I cuddle into Nova. Tears stream down my face as I try to process everything that’s happened. It’s all such a mess. All of it. I need to figure out a way to fix this. My mind might be chaos, but I know one thing for certain. No matter what my father says, I will not give up on Colter. I’m not naïve. I know it won’t be easy, especially with my dad’s very real threats hanging over us.

But I’ve always followed the rules. I’ve always done what I was told.

It’s time for me to fight for what I want.

It’s time for me to be brave for once in my damn life and stand up for myself.

Because I know, without a doubt, Colter and I are meant to be.

Even if the people around us are trying to tear us apart.

Chapter Fifty-Four

COLTER

I pace the motel room like a caged animal, my mind consumed by thoughts of Mila. What is she going through right now? How much trouble is she in with her dad? I know I probably fucked up by revealing our relationship so publicly, but honestly, I believe things would’ve turned out the same no matter how the truth came out. Either way, I’m glad it’s out in the open—now everyone knows Mila Becker is mine. My career might be going up in flames, but I get my woman and that’s what matters most to me.

All I have to my name is a small stash of savings from working at Oakridge and my truck. I might not be able to give Mila everything she deserves, but I love her and that’s all any woman could want, right? To be loved fiercely. Irrevocably. And that’s exactly what I’ll do with everything that I am.

Mila has never made me feel less, never acted like I couldn’t offer her what she needed, or that I’m beneath her. So, despite having nothing, I hope that I’m enough for her. Because it might have taken me a while to realize it, but she’s everything to me and all I’ll ever need. As long as I have my sunshine, I know I’ll be okay. Even though everything is feeling hopeless right now.

“Fuck,” I curse, scrubbing a hand across my stubble. I haven’t felt this helpless since my accident. It’s a sinking feeling, dark and relentless and it sets my nerves on edge. I need to do something, anything, or I’ll never settle.

Fishing my cell from my jeans pocket, I dial Mila’s number. It rings… and rings… and rings but she doesn’t pick up. My chest tightens, my heart rate spikes, as frustration and anxiety begin to flood my body. I run a hand through my hair, pulling hard at the dark strands in a vain attempt to calm my rising panic.

What if Lincoln got through to her, made her believe I’m not worthy of her?

What if he told her about my past, and now she’s disgusted with me, doesn’t want to see me ever again?

I feel distressed, unhinged, like I’m going out of my goddamn mind with all the unanswered questions.

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