Page 69 of Untamed

My head snaps up, and I glance over my shoulder to find the brunette Colter had been talking to earlier, a smug grin plastered across her face. Her eyes are locked onmycowboy the longing in them unmistakable. But there’s something more beneath that gaze. A hint of something dangerous, something…calculating?

She finally looks at me, a devilish smirk curving her lips as she her gaze tracks over me in a way that can only be described as assessing the competition. My eyes narrow. Her smirk widens like she knows exactly what she’s doing.

“Do I know you?” I ask, and I can’t help the bite in my tone.

“Annabeth,” she purrs, leaning in closer. “Colter’s ex and only girlfriend.” She lowers her voice conspiratorially as if we’re old friends. “Just a little advice. I plan on being more than his girlfriend. And I will not let some young piece of pussy get in my way. So why don’t you do us both a favor and walk away now.”

Her poisonous words hit their intended spot and I’m raging inside, but I refuse to let her see she’s affected me in any way, so I force my expression to remain neutral.

With a smile that is sugary sweet and completely fake, I say. “I would say it’s nice to meet you Annabeth, but that’d make me a liar.” The smirk falls from her lips, and I grin loving the fact I’ve caught her off guard. I rise, feeling Nova follow suit beside me. I catch a glimpse of her face and see the fire in her eyes—she’s ready to tear into this woman for me. Annabeth isn’t worth causing a scene for though. With one last fake smile in her direction, I address her one last time. “Now if you’ll excuse us. We have some celebrating to do.”

Without another word, I take Nova’s hand, leading the way down the stands toward my father, who’s in deep conversation with Colter and a few other members of the Oakridge crew. The excitement in the air is so electric, it’s hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere. I want nothing more than to throw myself into Colter’s arms, to celebrate his win with him, but I know it’s not the time or place for that.

“You did great,” I say, offering Colter a wide genuine smile as I congratulate him.

Colter glances over at me, and for just a moment his eyes soften, a flicker of something warm passing between us. But before I can even register the connection, it’s gone, replaced by his usual guarded expression. He nods, a grunt of acknowledgment passing his lips. “Thanks.”

Hurt twists in my stomach, sharp and sudden, as my heart pounds in my chest. I quickly shove it down, reminding myselfit’s the only reaction Colter is allowed to have, especially when we’re surrounded by all these people. He’s playing his part, keeping his distance, and even if it stings, I understand. Nova gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. I take a steadying breath, forcing my smile to stay in place.

“Well done, cowboy. You did good out there.” Nova congratulates Colter, trying to ease the tension, before turning to me with a mischievous grin. “Come on birthday girl, let’s go get a drink.”

We turn, ready to make our way to the bar when my father’s stern voice halts us. “No drinking, girls.”

Nova snickers under her breath, before we both turn to face him. Nova’s voice is filled with amusement when she drawls. “Mr. Becker, it’s Mila’s birthday, surely we can have one beer to celebrate her turning nineteen?”

He shakes his head, throwing us a pointed look that could freeze anyone in their tracks “Exactly. My daughter is nineteen. Last I checked the legal age for drinking in the United States of America was twenty-one. But good luck getting served,” he drawls smugly, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I look at Nova, waiting for her comeback. She doesn’t disappoint. My best friend’s grin widens, as she shoots my dad a dramatic wink. “What do you think fake IDs are for?”

Before my father has a chance to respond, Nova’s already pulling me toward the makeshift bar. I can’t help the laugh that bubbles up from my chest and the tension in my body from Annabeth’s words eases slightly.

Despite everything being so complicated, I wouldn’t change a single thing about Colter and me. Being with him makes me feel alive.

I feel a strange sense of freedom, and for once in my life I’m making my own choices, for better or worse.

I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite me later

The celebrations are in full swing, the atmosphere electric as the band plays and people get caught up in the festivities. Despite the excitement of Colter’s victory, he remains his usual stoic self, even when he’s the center of attention. I watch him from across the lot, as women approach him, their efforts desperate and obvious. I search for any sign he’s interested in what they’re offering, but come up empty. If anything, he looks uncomfortable and it’s only when Colter ignores their attempts that the tension eases inside me.

I can’t help but wonder if this is how he’s always been, or if it’s a recent development, something born out of all the trials and pain he’s endured. I’ve only ever known him as this person. Grumpy, reserved and guarded. Was he different before his fall? Or was he… the thought trails off when I spot Annabeth. She sidles up to Colter, her hand on his arm like it belongs there. My jaw clenches, eyes narrowing in on them.

I know I shouldn’t keep watching. It’s only making me angrier, the rage inside me making my blood hotter. But despite myself, I can’t seem to tear my gaze away. Every time I look at Colter, I expect him to push her away, but he doesn’t. It’s a like a dagger to my heart, and I know I should stop before I make a scene. Not only is it reckless to be so obvious but my father, brother and Brandon are standing not two feet away.

Nova’s voice breaks through the fog of frustration. Her whispered words confirm what I already know. “You need to stop,”

I tear my gaze away from Colter and the women surrounding him and look at Nova. “It’s just so hard to stand here and see him like that. To watch all those women paw all over him...” I mutter,my voice strained. “I’ve heard the stories of the buckle bunnies, but I didn’t realize it would be this bad…” I trail off, my stomach churning with nausea.

I’ve heard the stories. The buckle bunnies chasing after the cowboys, hungry for their attention, their affection. Truthfully, I thought the stories were exaggerated. Now, staring it straight in the face, I realize how naïve I’ve been. It’s worse than I ever imagined.

Nova’s pitying look lands on me, and I hate the way it makes me feel. She glances over at Colter, watching him for a moment before turning back to me. “Yeah, they can be aggressive in their chase. But I honestly don’t think you have anything to worry about. Colter doesn’t look interested.” She perks up, clearly trying to distract me. “Do you wanna get out of here? Go somewhere else?” Her eyes light up and she bounces on the balls of her feet. “Oh, I know! The Timbre Tavern has karaoke tonight. Let’s go there. It’ll be fun, you’ll forget about this whole rodeo drama, and we’ll have a good time. Just you and me and some bad birthday singing.”

I hesitate for a moment, the pull to stay and be near Colter battling with the need to get the hell away from here and salvage what’s left of my birthday. But Nova’s already tugging me away, making the decision for me. And anyway, maybe some distance will help me clear my head.

Laughing, I let her pull me toward her jeep, but not without one last look in Colter’s direction. My heart cracks when I see him laughing with the group of women and I struggle to keep the tears at bay. Colter isn’t exactly encouraging them, but he isn’t pushing them away either. It fucking hurts that he hasn’t even acknowledged me in the past couple of hours and though he left me the sunflowers, he hasn’t wished me a happy birthday.

I force my gaze away, not wanting to see any more, and swallow down the lump in my throat as I turn to my best friend.

“Yeah. Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

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