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Then she’ll be mine. Then I can sink with her into the type of intimacy that I understand.
One with structure. Rules to keep her safe.
But without the safety of those rules, that contract, I can’t do anything but hold her body against mine.
The barn burns on and fills the dark sky with smoke. Sparks shower like fireworks over the yard. I step back and lift her chin, wiping her sticky face. Her eyes are glassy like she’s slowly checking out. I hope she’s not going into shock.
“You’re cold as ice, redbird,” I say hoarsely. “I’m taking you home.”
CHAPTER TEN
KEIRA
My cheek presses against his chest and the wind stings cold on my back. My eyes sting so badly I can’t open them. The front of my body is warm where he burns through his shirt and my back is numb. He had a coat when he arrived. It must have fallen in the barn.
In my curled hand, pressed against my chest, is the painted mare. She was the only thing I took when I ran down the stairs.
His hand is on the back of my head and his arm is locked over my spine. Keeping me tight to his body. Beneath us, his enormous bay gelding runs like he’s never been allowed to. I feel the sleek rhythm of his gallop, four beats like a drum through my body, and it lulls me like the rocking of a cradle.
Inside, I’m empty.
No fear, no sadness.
Just a void that hurts worse than anything.
Sometimes Garrison Ranch felt like a prison, but when I inherited it, it became my home. I know the name of every horse that’s now wandering through the darkness. I can ride that property line with my eyes shut.
Now my home is gone after only seven months of being mine. Washed away in my scream of terror and black smoke billowing up to the sky. I doubt there will be anything left when the sun rises.
We don’t stop until we’re in the barn at Sovereign Mountain. Gerard hits a buzzer just inside the door and a moment later, I see a light flick on in the gatehouse on the other side of the driveway. I lift my head just as he dismounts, taking me with him and setting me on my feet. I sway and his arm slides around my waist.
Am I in shock?
I lean into him, seeking his heat and he curls me into his chest. A dusty blanket is wrapped around my body and I hide the painted mare deep inside. It feels childish to be holding a toy. Footsteps sound. Around the corner comes a tall, fit man with chestnut hair. His belt isn’t done and he’s fastening a flannel with the buttons lopsided. I can tell by his messy hair and red eyes that he was fast asleep.
“Is that the Garrison girl?” he asks.
Gerard nods. “I need you to cool down Shadow and put him away. He’s breathing hard and he’s soaked.”
“What happened?”
He lifts me in his arms and I flail, grabbing onto his shoulders. “Someone, and I have a pretty good idea who, burned the house and barn. I got her out and released the horses.”
“Garrisons?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.”
I hear them, but dimly. The idea that my brothers-in-law would try to kill me and my horses sounds far-fetched.
The man doesn’t stay for introductions. He takes Shadow’s reins and heads to the back of the barn. Gerard carries me across the driveway and around the back entrance of the house. I hear the dwindling clip clop of Shadow’s hooves. My eyes flutter shut.
“Who is that?” I whisper.
“Westin Quinn, my property manager,” he says.
“Is Shadow hurt?” I murmur.
He shakes his head and gives a short laugh. I can hear the rumble deep in his barrel chest. Warmth blossoms inside and starts to melt the numbness.
