Page 77 of Taking Denver

But it’s too late. I saw the deliberation in his eyes because he’d never swear on our son’s grave unless he had to. That moment of contemplation ended his life.

“Do it,” I say, backing away. Two words. Two words that will change everything.

“Good girl.” Ranger kisses the side of my head.

Cal raises the gun, and Wyatt lets out a strangled sob, telling me over and over it isn’t true. I’m weighted to the ground—the stupid stone floor.

Wyatt lied. He’d planned on killing me.

My breathing evens out. My heart starts to slow. A warm, welcome wave of calm washes over me.

Maybe I’ve always known he’s a liar because something crosses over within me. I feel free. Like I understand myself more than I ever have. I stare at him weeping, desperate, sweating,disgusting.

He’s weak. He’s always been weak. He fell victim to his vices and broke me along the way. He’d left me, he’d left Theo, and he’d lied.

Ranger is right. Wyatt humiliated me.

“Wait,” I say.

Wyatt sobs. “Yes, please, Deluxe. Just let me explain.”

“I want to do it.”

Ranger’s eyes are piercing, dark pits of promise, of heat, and I see something burning so brightly that it tips me over from fear into need.

I’m making him proud.

Ranger hands me his gun.

It feels heavy in my hands. It’s been so long since I’ve shot one, and I’ve never used one outside of the range before.

“Play the recording again,” I say. Wyatt’s flirtations and his seductions overpower his sobs.

Ranger once again takes his place behind me, arm around my waist, his touch comforting like always. I point the gun at Wyatt. I don’t shake. I feel no pain. I edge toward relief, toward freedom from this man.

“I didn’t do this, Deluxe!” Wyatt cries.

He’s a liar. A weak man. Not the man I should be with. Not a man who deserves me.

“That’s my girl,” Ranger whispers in my ear. “I’m right here.”

I pull the trigger.

Chapter 26

Denver

NOW

“What did you say?”

My breath is quick. “I didn’t mean that.”

Ethan stares at me, eyes wide. “You just said you killed Wyatt. Did you?”

I cover my mouth but can’t speak. I can’t keep lying when the truth hangs between us, fogging the air and choking us both.

Ethan is frozen in place as he waits for my denials.

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