Page 52 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"I can still hear his voice, the way he’d twist the truth to fit his narrative, trying to make me feel small and powerless. When the truth is nothing about me fit in his life. He couldn't show up to his ritzy parties with a Black woman on his arm."

He tilts my chin up gently, locking his gaze with mine. “You are not defined by him. You are defined by how you rise from it.” His words settle in the air between us, filled with conviction, wrapping around my heart.

I lean into him, pressing my forehead against his shoulder, feeling the strength of his resolve as I let out a shaky breath.

"Thank you for listening," I whisper, overwhelmed by the release of pent-up emotions.

Shane pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "You're incredible, you know that?"

I don't respond, my mind whirling. I've never told anyone about Jordan's threats or his ultimatums. Not even my mother knows the full extent of it. But here I am, spilling my secrets to Shane in the dark.

But I guess what's done in the dark always comes to the light.

ELEVEN

VEILED INTENTIONS

SHANE

"What the hell?"Krystal leans forward, her eyes wide.

I grip the steering wheel tighter as we approach Silver Creek Ranch. The peaceful weekend with Krystal feels like a distant memory now. My stomach churns as I spot the swarm of reporters and cameras crowding the entrance.

Flashes go off as we pull up. Voices shout over each other, a cacophony of questions I can't make out. I clench my jaw, anger, and fear warring inside me. This isn't how it was supposed to happen.

"Shane! Shane Kennedy!" A reporter shoves a microphone toward the window. "What can we expect from Innoventis Defense Tech under your leadership?"

Krystal's head whips toward me. "What is he talking about?"

I don't answer. Can't answer. My mind races, trying to figure out how they found me. How do they know about Innoventis?

Another voice cuts through the chaos. "Mr. Kennedy! Can you comment on your initiative for veterans at Silver Creek Ranch?"

"Shane?" Krystal's voice is tight. "What are they talking about? What's going on?"

I swallow hard, my throat dry. "I don't know. Let me handle this."

I roll down the window, plastering on a neutral expression. "No comment at this time. Please clear the entrance so we can pass."

They press closer, shouting more questions. I feel Krystal tense beside me.

"Is it true about your impending nuptials?" someone yells.

My blood runs cold. I slam the car into park and jump out, my military training kicking in. "Everyone needs to step back now," I command, my voice low and dangerous. "You're trespassing on private property."

A few of them retreat, but most hold their ground. I scan the crowd, looking for a weak point. That's when I spot Tom, pushing through with a couple other ranch hands.

"You heard the man," Tom bellows. "Clear out before we call the sheriff!"

Between Tom's threat and my glare, the reporters finally start to disperse. I turn back to the truck, my heart pounding. Krystal sits frozen, staring straight ahead.

"Are you okay?" I ask, reaching for her hand.

She flinches away. "Don't. Just... don't touch me right now."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I want to explain, to tell her everything, but now isn't the time or place. I nod and put the truck back in drive, easing through the gates Tom holds open.

I see my father as we round the bend to pass the main house. My father, standing tall and imposing in his tailored suit. And next to him, Courtney, looking as polished and put-together as ever.

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