Watching Adilynn try pulling that horse out of the trailer, seeing the tension in its body, I knew it was going to strike out at her. When she went down, I swear I lost ten years off my life. I’ve never been so terrified before.

As she stood, relief followed quickly by white-hot rage flowed through every cell in my body, and I wanted someone to pay. When Eric had laughed at her, he quickly stole every ounce of my attention, and I’d driven my fist through his face after making sure Adilynn was alright. Claiming her hadn’t been in the plan.

But I’d done it, and I won’t take it back. It’s out there for the world to know, for her to know, get used to. Adilynn brings out the caveman in me, and I want to wrap her in my essence as she learns I’m in this for the long haul. I’m not backing down.

I had to fight her to come out to the ranch with me. Luke had been quiet the entire time, watching me like a hawk. A protector. I respected him for it. I actually hope today wins him over more than Ady because I need an ally with her.

After getting Windbreaker in my trailer, she’d finally relented. I think that had more to do with the fact her mother had invited Eric to stay for dinner than anything else. I’m going to do my best to convince them to stay the night, I’m not too keen on either of them going back to her house with that guy there.

“Holy shit,” Luke whispers from the back seat.

“Luke!” Adilynn scolds the boy.

He blows her off. “This is yours?” I watch him from the rearview mirror as his eyes dart from one building to the next. Never staying too long in one place.

“For six generations,” I tell him with pride.

“What’s that like?”

“What do you mean?”

“Six generations. Your family must be close right? You guys know everything about everyone, now, then.” There’s a tinge of sadness in his voice.

“I guess. I haven’t thought too much about it. I know we’ve got journals, pictures, artifacts. All kinds of stuff from when the ranch was first built.”

“Really?” His whole face lights up at the mention of it.

“You could see it if you like, I’m sure Pops would love to show you. Tell you all about the ranch.” In fact, I know the old grouch would. Pops may be getting up there in years, but he’s young at heart.

“That’d be cool.” I laugh at the way he plays it off.

My gaze slides over to Adilynn as I park the truck and hop out. She looks terrified and hopeful. Walking around to her side, I open the door and unbuckle her belt. When she still doesn’t look at me, I lean into her, crowd her space with mine. I bury my face in her neck, breathing her soft essence.

“Relax Ady, I’ll take care of you.” She doesn’t shift so I kiss her neck, just below her ear and I can feel the shudder work through her body. I keep my smile to myself as I pull away.

“You two done with the mushy crap?” Luke asks from behind me.

“Yeah, it’s disgusting!” Blaine chimes in as he, Mason, and Brock come up from the barn.

“Shut the hell up, Blaine.”

“Crap,” Ady mutters from her seat. Luke is at her side in a flash as he sees my friends. Seems he’s every bit as skittish as his sister when it comes to new men in their lives.

Grasping the boys shoulder, I introduce him first, wanting to ease the slight panic I see in his cool blue gaze. “Luke, these are two of my ranch hands, Mason and Brock, and this big lug is my best friend, Blaine. They’ve got a gelding for you to meet in the barn.”

He looks excited but hesitates, and it fucking kills me that he thinks he can’t just book it in there. When he looks to Adilynn, who seems just as nervous, she tells him–with a huge grin–“go, have fun”–and he’s gone like a rocket as Mason and Brock go after him.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out she’s a master at faking stuff when that same grin drops as soon as Luke’s out of sight. It’s also how I know I was right in my assessment of needing to win the boy over to gain a place in her life.

“He’ll be alright.” I try to soothe.

“Oh, I know. Brock’s a nice man.” I scowl at her words.

Blaine, the fucker laughs. “Looks like you have your work cut out for you bro.” His words are quiet, so she doesn’t hear. I don’t think she would have anyway, her gaze is glued to Thunder.

“Is that him?” She doesn’t look at either of us as she starts walking towards the beast.

“Now, I’m not sure, but I’m almost positive she’s the one Drew was always bragging on.” Blaine tells me as we follow behind her.

“Drew Collins?” She asks over her shoulder. I didn’t even think she was listening.

“Yeah, you know him?” I ask. I’m not too keen on her being sweet on Brock and Drew. I just might have to do something irrational.

“Well sort of, I was an intern with him for a couple weeks. I wasn’t really supposed to touch the animals but when I calmed a pissed off bull down while he was trying to assess the damage from another, he sort of adopted me as his animal whisperer.” Her laughter is full of pain.

Adilynn climbs the first two rungs of the paddock, and I step up behind her. Pressing my body into hers, covering her hands on the top post with mine. I ignore Thunder the same way he ignores me as I kiss the side of her neck. Tasting her skin, salty and sweet, as she watches him. She doesn’t tense while I hold her in place this time.

I freeze when I hear the heavy steps of Thunder coming closer. Moving my hands to her hips, I prepare to pull her away if he gets out of hand. Adilynn doesn’t move, just watches as Thunder stops inches from her face.

I’m shocked when he rubs his nose along her cheek, inches from my own face. For the first time since meeting this stubborn son of a bitch, he looks at peace. His eyes are closed and his body is relaxed as he rubs on her.

“Holy fuck.” Blaine’s incredulity echoes my sentiments.

* * *

I didn’t know what to expect when we came out here with Brantley. I don’t understand my feelings for him, what he does to my body. Seeing Luke’s excitement when Mason and Brock took him to the barn, I knew I couldn’t rain on his parade. He’s getting this chance to be a kid, and I won’t take that from him for nothing.

Thunder had caught my attention when his hooves stomped the ground. I felt a calling deep in my gut to go see him. My feet carried me to him without thought on my part. Brantley’s heat at my back relaxed me as the horse inched his way closer to where we stood.

Feeling Brantley’s hand on my waist, I knew he was preparing for the worst. I didn’t get the sense that Thunder wanted to harm me though. When his face touched mine, I could feel his pain. His fear. The animal was hurting for something no one could possibly understand.

But I do.

I have the same hurt etched into my very soul. The need for acceptance and love is palpable from him. Reaching out to Thunder, Brantley’s fingers flex on my hips, but he doesn’t pull me away.

My fingertips lightly graze his neck, I rub him softly. Just a simple light touch. I can feel him shuddering with each stroke as I absorb his feelings of rejection. His need for acceptance mirror’s my own.

“I feel you, big boy.” A lone tear slips free as he pulls away, his feelings plain to see in his sharp gaze. Without turning my head, I speak quietly to Brantley, “He’s hurting too.” Reaching back, I entwine our fingers together, extending our hands out to Thunder’s neck, so my flesh touches him. Together, we soothe the beast. Show him our support.

At first, he’s tense with the added sensation of Brantley’s fingers between mine. Slowly, second by second, he relaxes and leans into the heat of our palms.

“God damn.” Blaine curses behind us.

“You’re a miracle worker, flicka.” Brantley whispers in my ear, kissing the sensitive flesh there. I’m not ashamed to admit, I light up from his praise.

“Ady!” Luke calls from behind us, and Thunder startles, rearing back on his hind legs. Brantley reacts quickly and pulls me back as the horse throws a fit and stomps off.

“Fucking bastard.” He curses as he spins me around to face him. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“No. He was just scared.” I look past his shoulder to see Luke saddled to a dark brown gelding, Mason, and Brock on either side on their own horses. “Looking good, Luke!” I call to him with a genuine smile.

“We’re gonna take him around the property, show him the good spots.” Brock winks at me, and Brantley growls deep in his throat at the light flirtation.

“Get the hell out of here then,” Blaine yells as he walks away from us shaking his head.

“Ady?” Luke’s uncertainty is clear.

“Have fun!” I wave, and his grin says all I need to know. He’s thriving with all the male attention. “You did that on purpose.” I confront Brantley as they ride away.

“Did what?” His innocent look doesn’t fool me. Pulling me along to the house, we’re greeted by an older man, I can only assume is his Pops.

“Well, it’s about time boy.” His smirk belays any censorship he may have had.

“Could have come down Pops.”

“And miss that show?” He points to Thunder. “I don’t think so. Quite amazing young lady. That stubborn old horse hasn’t let a single person near him since he got here.”

“He’s just looking for acceptance,” I tell them. It’s really all anyone–animal or human–want.

* * *

When I saw Brantley’s ranch hands come out with a horse for me to ride, telling me Shiloh was going to be mine in secret while we rode, it was hard to contain my excitement.

I thoroughly enjoyed running around the ranch, seeing how the RMR’s breeding operation ran. Watching as Mason and Brock raced around while Shiloh–the horse I’m on–trotted lazily behind, I could see clear fields for miles, and I finally understand the freedom riding gives a man.

Seeing Ady watch Brantley afterward, without him knowing, I see love in her eyes. No matter what happens with mom, I know exactly where my sister belongs.

* * *

I’ve heard it before. Dozens of times, by the same amount of people. But hearing it from her, I think I finally get it. The emotion in her voice and eyes screams of her own needs and feelings. Mimicking Thunders. I hate that she feels like she’s not accepted.

“Hey Pops, watch for them will ya,” I tell the old man as I grab Adilynn’s hand and drag her upstairs to my room. I need to be alone with her. Figure our shit out because I can’t stand another second of her not being mine.

“Brantley?” She questions as I lock the door behind us and lead her to the small sitting area. Picking her up, I sit, so she straddles my lap.

Her gaze is inquisitive as I remain silent. I really don’t have much desire to talk, I want actions to do the speaking for me, but I know she’s not ready for that yet.

“What’s wrong?” She asks as she squirms in my lap. Stirring an intense awakening in my dick.

“The things I want from you Adilynn,” her eyes lower, “I’ve never felt them before.” Rubbing one finger along her jaw, I lift her chin. “You’re not some passing fancy for me. You’re more than I had ever dreamed of.”

“I don’t understand,” she whispers.

“I don’t expect you to. You’re so fucking young it kills me.” She goes to speak again, and I shake my head. I need to get this out. “I’ll wait for you Adilynn, for as long as it takes before you accept that I want you in my life.” Her blush can’t hide the hope in her eyes. “Luke, is part of that, part of you. I know that, want it even.”

“I don’t know what to say.” She murmurs, searching my gaze this time.

“Tell me you feel this too. Tell me your heart is invested in me. Tell me I won’t have to work to spend time with you.”

Her eyes close and I can feel a shiver work through her body as she leans forward. Pressing her cheek to mine, and whispers, “I’m invested, Brantley.”

That’s all I fucking need.

Standing with her in my arms, I lay her flat on my bed. Nestling my hips between her thighs, I rub against her core as I take her mouth in a deep kiss.

Pushing my tongue past her lips I taste her, and she’s every bit addictive as the first time I sampled her. Her hands freely caress my shoulders and back as her legs tighten around my hips. Sliding one hand down the side of her body, I put pressure on her ass, so she feels exactly what she does to me. I want this woman more than my next breath. There isn’t a damn thing I won’t do for her.

“Brantley,” she cries out when my lips trail down her jaw and nip along the column of her throat. Tasting her, marking her perfectly tanned flesh, has my dick throbbing against her hot little pussy.

“Real soon,” I mutter below her ear, “I’m going to be nice and deep in this little cunt of yours Ady, and you’ll be begging me for so much more than relief.”

Christ, I can already picture her nude body splayed on my bed, grasping for me to bring her past the heights of pleasure I want to bring her to now.

“Brantley,” she moans. A sound I’ll never tire of hearing.

“Adilynn,” I hiss out as she bucks her hips up into me. “Careful sugar or I’ll give you something you may not be ready for.” It kills me to give her the warning.

“What if I’m ready now, Brantley?” Her words stop my exploration of her body cold.

Meeting her stare, it kills me to say, “As much as I’d love that, you aren’t. I know you, Ady. For as little time as we’ve known each other, I know you want to be in love before you give yourself to me.” I purposely say me instead of a man. I am her man, the only one she’ll ever have.

Her shy smile says I’m right on the money. I don’t know how this happened but Adilynn owns every inch of me, and I plan to do the same to her. I just need for her to be ready for it. Because once she’s mine, I plan to run her life. If that means moving her and Luke in here with me, turning her mother in for abuse, so be it. There isn’t a damn thing I won’t do for this woman, even when she won’t do it for herself.