Page 4 of Forbidden Rancher's Return
I hate that part of me still recognizes him like he's the only man who ever looked at me like I was worth risking everything for.
I shift my stance. Owner. Woman. Not girl.
"This is Whispering Stream Ranch."
Rowan's mouth twitches. He holds it back.
"I know whose land it is."
His eyes are locked on to mine.
"I'm not here for the land."
My throat tightens. The barn feels smaller. The light feels warmer. Even the horses go quiet, like they understand this is a threshold moment.
I almost say something soft. Something honest. Something the girl I used to be would have let out without thinking.
The woman I am now holds it behind her teeth.
Then a truck door slams outside.
Gravel crunches. Boots cross the yard like they own it.
Beck.
My brother fills the doorway. His gaze moves from me to Rowan and back again.
The look of a man watching a match he swore would never happen again.
His expression hardens.
Rowan doesn't move. Doesn't step away. Just stands there like he always knew this would be the price of coming home.
Beck's eyes cut to me.
"What is he doing here."
My mouth opens. Nothing comes out.
Rowan speaks first. Calm.
"Working."
Beck steps into the barn. The air shifts.
"Not on this mountain."
Rowan's chin lifts a fraction.
"I'm already on it."
Beck's fists tighten. His shoulders set.
The same brother who has carried our daddy's rules like gospel since the funeral. The same brother who never forgave Rowan for leaving. Or for what happened at the stream.
Beck's voice drops low.
"Walk out."
