Page 15 of Rescued Hearts

“We both know your talents go beyond both of those things.”

Gray shifted his jaw, lightly biting down on the inside of his cheek to keep from saying things he wanted to avoid. Like anything about why he’d left the military and flat-out refused to discuss the matter with any of his siblings.

Carson smirked but didn’t waver from his objective. “I’ve seen you putting in the work on the ranch, caring for animals and fixing things up during the winter months. It’s good work. But you seem a little…aimless.”

Sharp claws raked at the inside of his stomach.Aimless.That was one way to describe it.Fucked upwas another.

“Look, Gray, I know you. You’re not happy picking up feed for the chickens every Wednesday afternoon or splitting wood from the tree that fell in the last storm. You need something more, something with purpose. Have you ever considered working security with us?”

He stiffened. “You mean beyond flying Colt around in the private jet to rescue his woman? Not really.”

Carson picked up a dossier on the desk. “We got a new contract coming in. Celebrities will be traveling to a local ranch for a reality TV show. We could use someone with your skills.”

“You’re making me an official member of the security team?”

“Maybe it’s time.”

He eyed his brother. “Am I a pity hire?”

His brother barked out a laugh that made Oaks look up from his tablet and pause in his phone conversation. “Hell no. I’d never insult you like that. You’ve got experience, Gray. Tactical knowledge we need. You’d be an asset.”

He considered the idea. It wasn’t a bad one. And Carson was right about it giving him a new purpose, a reason to get up every day and flex his mental muscles as well as his physical ones doing something he was naturally good at.

The ranch might keep his hands busy, but his mind still drifted places he did not want to go.

A bigger mission…a real purpose…was tempting.

Before he could respond, a muffled cry filtered through the closed door. All three of them stiffened. Without a word, Gray jumped up and strode to the door. Oaks and Carson launched to their feet at the familiar sound that had them both ready to use their fists.

He yanked open the door to reveal their sister passing by the office, a wad of tissues crushed against her nose.

Gray stepped up to the door. “Carson. Get your shovel.”

Oaks’s voice boomed from behind him. “Who do we have to kill?”

Willow stopped in her tracks, turning her tear-streaked face toward them. “You guys are ridiculous.”

Gray exchanged a look with Carson, then Oaks. “What happened?” He pitched his voice lower into the gentler tone he used with his sister.

She sniffled. “My ex is getting married.”

“Which ex?”

“Johnny.”

Gray snorted. “The douchebag?”

Carson elbowed him in the ribs, and he sobered as he focused on Willow’s distress.

“Getting married to who?” Gray asked.

“Not me!”

“Thank Christ,” Oaks muttered.

She shot him a scowl.

“Then he’s an idiot,” Gray told her.

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