“No!” I call out, trying to keep the situation from escalating. “Lewis, please, just let me handle this. Go on and get back to work.”
He turns to face me and tilts his head. “River, I don’t know what’s going on here, but if this man is a problem, you’d better tell us now.”
Christian lets out a dry laugh. “What, are you the girl’s bodyguard? She can’t speak for herself?”
“Shut your mouth, asshole,” I snap.
“Now, you know I don’t like to hear that kind of language coming out of your pretty little mouth, River. It doesn’t suit you.”
Linux whinnies, and his hooves beat against the ground. “Whoa, boy. Easy.” I stroke his neck and try to soothe him, but it’s not working. He’s getting more agitated by the second, so I decide to lead him into the barn.
“Don’t run off, River,” Christian calls after me. “We’re just getting started.”
Ignoring him, I head into the barn and secure him in his stall. “Relax, boy,” I murmur, running my fingers through his mane. “I’ll be right back.”
By the time I make it back outside, Colby is storming toward the scene, looking furious. He marches right up to Christian, stopping a few feet away from him, and points a finger at him.
“You have exactly thirty seconds to explain what the fuck you’re doing here This is private property, and you’re trespassing. The police have already been notified. In case you forgot, Ms. Thurston has a restraining order against you. You’re not supposed to be anywhere near her.”
“I wanted to talk to River, not you,” Christian replies. “So back the hell off.”
“Not a chance. I don’t give a shit who you’re here to talk to. I made it clear as day last night what would happen if you ever came near River again. I can’t believe I have to spell it out for you.”
“Is that a threat, Mr. Burke? Are you threatening me?”
“Damn right, I am. If you’re smart, you’ll leave. Right now.”
“I’m not leaving without talking to River. You don’t own her. You’re not her husband. And she can speak for herself. She’s a grown woman, and she doesn’t need you acting like her keeper.”
Colby’s jaw clenches, and his shoulders bunch. For a second, I’m sure he’s going to punch Christian right in his smug face.
“Colby, no. Please,” I say, stepping forward. “It’s fine. We’ll talk. Just give us a minute.”
“I’m not leaving,” Colby replies, and his tone is so final, it’s clear there’s no point arguing.
“Fine,” I agree. “Stay. But can you at least step away? Let me talk to him. I can handle this. I need to handle this.”
Colby looks at me, and after a long pause, he nods.
“Thank you,” I reply, turning to face Christian.
Colby kicks the dirt as he retreats a whole twenty feet away and posts himself near the porch.
“What are you doing here, Christian?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even.
“You’ve been avoiding my calls,” he replies. “After the way that guy manhandled me last night, the least you could do is answer the phone.”
“He was protecting me,” I reply. “You were breaking the terms of the restraining order, and you were harassing me. So yeah, he had every right to protect me.”
“Protect you? Who the hell is he to protect you? Are you... Are you screwing this guy, River? Is that it?”
“That’s none of your business, Christian.”
“Oh, I see how it is. You’re fucking him. Is that why you’ve been blowing me off? You’re too busy playing house with this old fuck to answer my calls?”
“Stop,” I snap, taking a step forward. “You need to listen to me very carefully. I am not your girlfriend. I’m not even your friend. Not anymore. You and I are over, and that’s not going to change. And honestly, Christian, if you had a lick of common sense, you’d stop while you’re ahead. I have no interest in getting back together with you, and the more you push, the less I’m inclined to take your calls. Do you understand?”
“I don’t understand. At all. I thought we were happy, River. What happened? Why are you doing this to me?”
