Page 48 of Twisted

I look at her with sympathetic eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Her eyes fill with tears and almost for a moment I think she’ll brush it aside. But then she sighs heavily and speaks in a shaky voice.

“Beau was always a strong character. He has a stubborn streak and always appeared restless with the life we lead. He wanted to experience a life we have no understanding of. He was always in some scrape or another, and we put it down to growing up. When he joined the military, I think we both breathed a sigh of relief. Despite now having another kind of fear, we thought he was on the right path. The trouble is, he couldn’t hack it. He stuck it out for a year and then one day left and moved to the city. He loves the bright lights and the excitement that goes with them.”

She stands up and starts gathering the dishes and looks wistful. “We hoped he would settle down and find a nice girl. The trouble is, he found his calling and went from strength to strength. Much like Sam really when he discovered his talent. But Beau’s business is very different to Sam’s and takes some getting used to.”

I’m intrigued and can’t help asking. “Why, what’s his business?”

She shrugs, “He owns a club in the city. It’s quite popular, I believe and attracts all sorts. I’m not sure how successful it is, but he appears to want for nothing. We rarely see him these days, but when we do, he looks even more successful than the last time.”

I look at her with a reassuring smile. “Well, that’s good, isn’t it? I mean, he’s obviously doing well for himself.”

Missy just smiles weakly and says with a bravery I can she doesn’t feel. “Yes, of course, it’s good to see him succeed.”

She laughs and waves me away. “Anyway, you head off for your ride. You don’t wanna waste such a beautiful day talking about matters that shouldn’t interest you. Take care out there, it can be quite unforgiving if you don’t know your way around.”

Impulsively, I jump up and hug her - hard. She laughs self-consciously and I whisper, “Beau and Vanity are lucky to have such fine parents. I wish I could say the same.”

I head outside before she can see the tears in my eyes. If they were my folks, I would never want to be the one responsible for casting the shadow I saw in her eyes.

The freedom I feel in this place is worth more than Sam’s billions. As I ride through the fields on the back of my new best friend, I feel at peace with myself. I love this place almost as much as I loved the beach. Never having either before makes them even more precious.

Willie directed me toward the place he calls the creek. It takes me a while to reach it, but when I do it was worth the effort.

Nestling in the trees lies a sparkling creek. It glows like the rarest jewel and is every bit as magnificent. I gasp in delight as I see the light filter through the trees and paint a masterpiece before my eyes. This place is like a piece of heaven on earth.

I lead Stardust to the water’s edge and tether her loosely to a nearby tree. Despite having just learned to ride, I feel an old hand as it came as naturally to me as walking. It helps that she’s such a sweet little thing and is docile and accommodating.

While she drinks, I lie on my back and study the clouds in the sky. All around me is silence except for the sound of nature. I’m as far removed from civilization as I could be, and it feels good.

However, it soon becomes apparent that I’m not alone. Stardust throws her head back and whinnies softly. She looks toward the trees on the far side and I watch as she flicks her tail and shifts on the spot. Looking over with interest I see another horse being led through the clearing by a man.

I half sit and strain to see who it can be. Whoever he is he’s a cowboy for sure. He’s wearing a brown Stetson and matching cowboy boots. His jeans hug his legs and I can tell he works hard because his body is straining against the denim shirt he wears.

As he draws nearer my heart races and I blink in disbelief. Then I am up and running.

Running toward the only man I ever want to hold in my life. Toward the beat of my heart and the air in my lungs.

Sam.

Chapter 28

Sam

When I left Washington in the same jet I hired for Katherine, it was no pleasure trip. I made use of the time to bring my work up to date and set things in place for a few days away. Cody agreed to take over the helm while I went to get my girl. I know I can’t take long, but nothing is more important than this.

The car waiting for me is in direct contrast to the ones I usually drive.

I smile as I see Willie waiting patiently and he nods his greeting.

Flinging my bag into his pickup, I jump in beside him. He starts the engine and growls. “Good to see you, boy.”

I laugh to myself. Samuel Carrington, ex-navy SEAL, and self-made billionaire will always be a boy to him.

I grin. “Good to see you too, Willie. Now tell me, how’s that gorgeous wife of yours?”

I detect a slight softening of his features as he nods. “She’s fine.”

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