Page 95 of Untamed

I take her hand, threading her fingers with mine and giving her a reassuring squeeze. Mila shoots her family, and Nova, a watery smile. “I love you, Dad. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let you guilt trip or blackmail me into doing what you want.” She looks to Nova. “I’ll call you.” Then her gaze shifts to her brother. “Think about what you said to me last night and know if the shoe were on the other foot, I would never judge you.”

Turning, Mila leads the way to my truck, her steps steady but her body stiff. I exhale, relief flooding through me.

I hate the way things have been left, how Mila has been forced into a corner, but as she walks beside me, I can’t shake the feeling of how damn lucky I am to have her.

She is everything to me, more than I ever imagined I deserved.

The woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.

And now with every breath I take, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving I’m worth her love.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

MILA

With my forehead pressed against the cool window of the truck, I watch the world blur by as Colter drives us to the motel. My stomach churns with an unsettling knot, the sinking emptiness inside me making me nauseous.

I know without a doubt that I made the right decision, but it still hurts. How could my father, my own flesh and blood, act this way? How could he issue such an ultimatum? Oakridge is my home, the place I love more than anything. How can he tell me not to come back? How can he be so cruel?

The weight of my thoughts is broken when a large calloused hand slips into mine. I glance over my shoulder and find Colter’s attention shifting between me and the road, his face a mix of sympathy and concern.

“I’m sorry, Sunshine,” he says solemnly, his voice full of guilt.

I squeeze his hand in return, unsure if I’m comforting myself or him. My voice nearly breaks when I whisper, “It’s not your fault.”

It’s clear Colter never wanted things to end up like this. His worry for me is as obvious as his love, and it makes me love him even more.

He exhales deeply, pulling his hand from mine to rub across his stubble, his jaw tightening. “It is. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be fighting with your father. I’m sorry for that.” He pauses, pinning me with his emerald eyes. “But I’ll never apologize for loving you, Mila. You’re everything to me. I just wish I’d told you sooner.”

My heart swells with happiness, a warmth that outshines all the hurt and pain I’ve felt since last night. A small smile curves my lips, as a faint glimmer of hope builds inside me.

“And you’re everything to me, too,” I murmur, my tone filled with emotion. “I should be the one apologizing to you. You’ve lost so much. What will you do for work? My dad will make good on his threats. He’ll blacklist you,” I warn him.

Colter simply shrugs. “You’re worth it. I’d do it all over again, every damn bit, if it means having you. Nothing else matters. I’ll find work. Maybe not the job I want but I’ll figure it out.”

Though one part of his statement fills me with pride, the other leaves me with sadness.

“Who knew you could be such a romantic?” I tease, hoping to lighten the mood.

A smirk curves his lips as he reaches over, taking my hand and lifting it to his lips. He presses soft kisses over my knuckles. “I’m not. I’m still the same asshole, so don’t forget it.” He winks, the playful glint in his eyes making my heart race. “The romance? It’s only for you, Sunshine. Only for you.”

The tension in my body eases slightly as I smile at him. After everything we’ve been through, it’s surreal that we can find even a sliver of happiness within each other.

I try to reassure myself that after some space and time, my father will come around. He has to realize he overreacted—that what he said was just in the heat of the moment—and apologize for his actions. The man I saw today spewing vitriol and judgment is not the loving father I know. Sure, he has his flaws—like the way he’s been pushing me to go to school when I’ve made it clear it’s not what I want—but despite that, he’s always been a great dad, someone I could look up to and be proud of. He’s never hurt me like this before. And it’s the disappointment that cuts the deepest.

The truck comes to a stop, snapping me from my racing thoughts. I glance up, and realize we’ve arrived at the motel. Only then do I remember that I don’t have anything with me. No change of clothes. No toothbrush. No phone. Just the jeans, tank top and cardigan I left in. My wallet, with my ID and a little money was in my pocket, but that was it.

“I don’t have anything with me,” I mutter, feeling hopeless.

Colter turns to me, a reassuring smile on his face. “We can go to the store and grab some essentials. Don’t worry, Sunshine, I’ve got you.”

His words bring some comfort, but it’s the reality of the situation that scares me. I’m stuck in Texas, with only the clothes on my back. Still, as long as I’m with Colter, I know I’ll be okay. But the thought of going anywhere right now is exhausting. I want nothing more than to curl up in bed and let sleep claim me. “I don’t think I have the energy to do anything but go to your room and sleep.”

Colter nods as he opens his door and steps out. He moves around the front of the truck, pulling my door open. He unbuckles my seatbelt and lifts me into his arms.

“I’ll get you settled, Sunshine, then head to the store,” he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my temple.

He kicks the door shut and crosses the parking lot, the gravel crunching under his boots with every step he takes. I snuggle into his chest, my eyes and body heavy with exhaustion. When we reach the room, my mind barely registers the surroundings as fatigue grips me. Colter is gentle as he sets me down on thebed. I barely have the strength to open my eyes and before I know it, I’m already slipping into sleep.

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