Page 60 of Fueled Fury

“I don’t understand.”

“I do, because he told me. He stayed for you. He feared if he left the ranch, he’d never see you again. The same reason he stayed at the house with that sick little bastard, Eli. Just to be near you. He had the means to leave but chose to endure the pain. And Eli’s made sure he suffered.”

Swiping at my cheek, I brush away a tear avoiding Waylon’s watchful eye. He’s not going to tell me where Austin is. It’s hopeless. He won’t be found until he’s ready. “Thank you for everything you did for him. I should’ve done more.”

“Oh, you did plenty.” Waylon gives me an encouraging nod.

I’m unsure whether to take it as an insult or compliment as I stand from the chair, heading to the door.

“Do you read novels, Ms. McKay?” Waylon calls across his office.

As I turn, I watch him rise from his desk and walk to the bookcase lining the wall.

“Not much outside of school.”

“I knew a kid who loved to read. Escaped into his mind because his world was so harsh.” Waylon turns to me, his lips pressed into a tight line then form a slight smile. “And he made it into a lucrative career, but this was the start of it all.” He holds out a book and I look down at the cover.

Halo by L. A. Harding.

Halo. My eyes shoot up to his uncle’s, and there’s a gleam in his eye when he sees I get the importance of not only the book, but it’s author—Austin.

“It’s a rather fascinating read. The Halo series really took off. More books, including a few spin-offs, are still in the works. Book seven should be completed soon, from what I hear.”

“That’s why he didn’t want my dad’s money.”

“Oh no, dear. He didn’t even need his own dad’s money. He could’ve been free long before he left. Go ahead and keep this copy. I have a few more around here,” he says casually, like he didn’t just drop major information to me. He wants to help but he’s trying to respect Austin’s wishes at the same time.

“If you talk to Austin, please tell him that I lied. I do need him.”

Waylon agrees as I step on the elevator and brace myself for the ride ahead because I have to find him. I need to yell at him. Tell him he’s an idiot for staying at the ranch because of me. We would’ve found each other. Because he was right, our souls were bound long before I kissed him to seal the deal.