Page 21 of Riding Into Love
What the fuck? How does he know where I am?
My knees wobble, and I have to lean against a nearby post to stay upright. “I’m not your darlin’. You lost the right to call me that a long time ago.”
“Now, River. Don’t be like that. I just wanted to see how you’re doing. Catch up. It’s been a long time.”
“Funny, because I have a piece of paper that says you’re not supposed to call me. Or text me. Or be anywhere near me.”
He chuckles, and the sound makes me cringe. “You can’t stay away from me forever, baby.”
“Watch me.”
“Come on, now. There’s no reason for the hostility.”
“No reason?” The question comes out more like a screech than actual words. “You hit me. You abused me. You—”
“And I apologized. Come on, baby. It’s been a long time. Let’s just meet for coffee. I’ve been going to therapy. Remember how you used to beg me to see a shrink? Well, I did. And it’s working. I’m a changed man.”
“You’re full of shit, and I’m not falling for it again. Stay the fuck away from me.”
“You don’t mean that. You’re just mad. You’ll forgive me. Eventually.”
“No, I won’t. Goodbye, Christian.”
“I’ll give you a day or two to cool off, and then maybe I’ll take a drive up there and see if you’ve changed your tune.”
“You do that, and I’ll call the police and have you arrested. I mean it, Christian. Don’t contact me again.”
Before he can respond, I hang up the phone.
It takes a few seconds for the shock to wear off. My entire body is shaking. It’s not from fear. No, it’s pure, unfiltered rage. How dare he call me? How dare he threaten to come here? After everything he did, how dare he have the balls to try to weasel his way back into my life?
The bastard has some nerve.
I pace a few circles around the fence line, trying to get my emotions in check. Somehow, that asshole found out where I am, but how? I’ve stayed off social media and cut off almost all ties with my old life. And no one here would ever tell him. So how did he find me?
My first instinct is to call my father, but I know exactly how that conversation will go. He’ll find Christian and beat the hell out of him, and probably wind up in jail for assault. That’s the last thing I want. So I’m going to have to figure this out on my own.
With a deep breath, I square my shoulders and start walking toward the barn. If nothing else, I can focus on something else for a little while. Work is a perfect distraction.
As soon as I step inside the barn, the smell of leather, hay, and horses envelopes me, and the tension in my shoulders eases. This is exactly where I need to be. Linux neighs nearby, and I smile as I walk over and rub his nose.
“Hey, handsome,” I greet him. “How are you today?”
Linux bumps his head against my chest, and I wrap my arms around him and scratch his neck. He’s such a beautiful animal. Strong and smart. Life hasn’t worn him down yet, and I hope it never does. I know Colby wants him trained and compliant, but he’s got so much heart and passion.
I know what it’s like to have your spirit broken by the world. It’s a dark and lonely place.
But he’s a fighter. And he deserves better.
Just like me.
We’re stronger than our circumstances. And no matter what happens, I won’t let the darkness break him.
The sun is starting to set out beyond the mountains. The sky is lit up in bright shades of pink and orange. It’s breathtaking. But when I hear the sound of Colby’s footsteps coming from the barn, the beauty is quickly forgotten.
I’ve been avoiding him since the incident in the barn a few nights ago. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because I’m worried if I spend too much time alone with him, I’ll give in. And I can’t do that. No matter how much I want him, I have to stay focused on my job and getting my life together.
I can’t fall back into bad habits.
