Page 24 of The Untamed

“Can we trust these people?” the man asks. “I’m not looking to get my family raped and killed by crazy-ass bush people. We have little kids with us, Logan. Will they be safe?”

Sounds like he’s just as paranoid as my dad.

“I think so,” Logan says with a frown.

Ronan nods emphatically beside him. “We have kids here too. They’ll be safe.”

Logan flashes him a bright grin and then assures the man on the other end that it’s okay to bring their people this way. After he gives him directions, he pockets the radio and begins chatting with Ronan.

I avoid my father, grab CJ’s arm, and tug him over to where Ronan is. My heart flutters with excitement. What if these people are really cool? Maybe they could permanently build a camp nearby. It wouldn’t be so boring and prison-like if we had more people to be around. Maybe I could get married and have my own life so I wouldn’t have to follow my parents’ rules.

“This is a pretty sweet setup you have here,” Logan says to Ronan. “I think it’ll give my father some ideas for when we finally settle somewhere.”

Our setupispretty sweet.

I’m certainly proud of our home.

Ronan pushes his glasses up his nose and shifts on his feet, cheeks turning a pretty pink color. I find myself fixating on his flushed skin, wondering what’s up with that.

“I even have my own cabin,” Ronan murmurs. “Over there. I’d be, uh, happy to show you or your dad or whomever.”

I frown at my brother, confused at his awkwardness.

“All the boys around here get their own place,” I grumble to Logan. “If you’re a girl, you just wait to get married off so you’ll become someone else’s problem.”

Dad remains where he’s at but doesn’t miss my snarky words. “Raegan.”

Ignoring his warning tone, I turn to CJ. “I may not have my own cabin, but I could show you my room.”

CJ jerks his head toward my father, eyes wide with terror. “Eh, maybe that’s a bad idea.”

“Just a suggestion,” I say sweetly.

Logan chuckles at our antics. “When CJ’s dad, Owen, gets here, he won’t let him out of his sight. These two knuckleheads are in a world of shit for approaching you guys back there at the creek. Sorry, sweetheart, but your attempt to piss off your father through my cousin won’t be happening.”

Ronan smirks at me. Now it’s my turn to flush with humiliation. I’m used to Ryder driving me insane, but not Ronan. Never Ronan. Ever since he met Logan, it’s like he’s under the guy’s spell, ready to make him his new best friend.

Jealousy prickles under my skin. I have the urge to step between Ronan and Logan but refrain, barely.

“Got any more of that liquor?” I mutter under my breath just loud enough for CJ to hear.

His grin is wolfish. “Jace does. Need a drink, pretty girl?”

I warm under his praise. He thinks I’m pretty. Besides Dad, I don’t think anyone’s ever called me pretty before. Certainly not Wild—my supposed “future husband.”

“Badly,” I say, smiling back. “Want to see our goat?” Then I raise my voice so my father can hear. “I’m going to show them Fleabag. Don’t worry, you can still see me.”

Dad’s eyes narrow, but he gives me a slight nod. A thrill shivers down my spine knowing I finally,finallyhave gotten some freedom. Who knew? All I had to do was blow up and yell at everyone. Good to know for the future.

Ronan remains planted firmly at Logan’s side, much to my annoyance, but as me, CJ, and Jace start toward Fleabag’s pen, Ryder stalks toward us. So much for getting a moment away alone. I glower at my brother, warning him not to be an asshole. He gives me a flat, emotionless stare that boils my blood. Asshole it is.

“You guys really do have an awesome place,” Jace says, gesturing at our fenced-in land. “I bet it sure beats sleeping in tents.”

“Maybe you can stay,” I suggest, ignoring Ryder’s scoff. “Get on Dad’s good side and I bet he would let you build nearby. He and Mom are grooming me to be a wife. Maybe I’ll marry one of you two. Then they’ll have to let you live near us.”

“Dibs,” CJ says, cackling with laughter. “I saw you first.”

Plus, he called me pretty girl.

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