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We lead the horses back into the stables, and I lean on the post, watching as Gianna says goodbye to Penny. The way her face lights up when she’s here, she looks lighter. The same way she does when she’s with her sheep. Like the world isn’t weighing on her shoulders, trying to sink her into the ground.

She turns to face me. “Can we do this again tomorrow?”

I’d do this every day if she asked. “Yep. Can put you to work on the ranch if you want?”

She grins. “Why do I sense some doubt in your voice? You think I can’t handle ranch work?”

I take a step towards her. “Oh, viper. I know you can handle a day here.”

She tips her chin up. “So…”

“We gotta handle other business first, remember? Before we start planning any kinda future, we have to wait and see what Enzo decides our fate to be first.”

I’m hoping and praying there’s room for me in Gianna’s plans for LA domination.

She blows out a breath. “We’ve got this, Colt.”

I give her a half grin, trying to stay positive. I’ve been in this world long enough to know it ain’t going to be easy. “You have to go in there and demand what you want, G.”

Her hand grazes over mine. “And what if I don’t exactly know what I want?”

I frown. “What do you mean? You want LA? You want to be the head of the family.”

Should I be getting my hopes up that she wants to stay on Sterling Ranch with me?

“I do. But can’t a girl do both? I don’t want to be locked up in a mansion in LA. I’ve got another life to live.”

I entwine my fingers through hers. “In this life, I ain’t sure that’s possible, sweetheart.”

That defiant glint in her eye returns. “Then watch me make it possible, Colt.”

And in that moment, I believe her.

Gianna can do whatever she wants, and I know she’s gonna fight for it.

CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE

Gianna

Being in a room full of intimidating men is second nature to me now. It doesn’t scare me. But walking into a room filled with men while holding my husband's hand?

Now that is the most powerful thing I’ve ever encountered. Every single pair of eyes lands on us, and silence fills the room. I nod to my brother, who has traitorously decided to sit beside Romeo.

I meet Romeo’s dark eyes; his face remains vacant as he shoves a hand through his black hair. I give him a smug smile in return as Colten pulls out my chair. I sit, and he takes his seat beside me. The second his ass hits the chair, his rough hand is on my thigh, making my breath hitch.

Next to Romeo is Enzo. The mighty Enzo that I’m here to bow down to. His blue eyes land on me, flick to Colten, and then to his watch. Shit, are we late?

“I’m going to be straight with you. I don’t have time; I have to catch my flight back in an hour,” Enzo starts.

I rest my hand over Colten’s and stroke his fingers. “I appreciate you taking the time to see me,” I say.

He nods. “You killed your father; that earns you my time.”

I shift uncomfortably in my seat, and Colt’s grip tightens on my thigh in response.

“I did what I had to do to save my family.”

And to save myself. Even if I should have done it a long time ago.