Page 89 of Untamed

She lets out a sigh, turning toward the SUV. Over her shoulder she calls back. “You’re doing the right thing, Colter. I’ll call you later.”

Chapter Fifty-Three

MILA

Squirming and flailing in my brother’s arms, I continue to struggle, trying to break free, but it’s no use. His grip on me tightens, his hold firm, ensuring I can’t escape.

“Stop, Mila. You’re in enough shit as it is. If you don’t listen to Dad, he will only make things harder on Colter.” Maverick grunts, as he tosses me in the SUV.

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach and all the fight drains from my body. I sag against the leather seat knowing he’s right. Though my father will have a stern talk with me, I’ll get off easier. But Colter, well, I’m not sure how he’s going to get through this.

A choked sob escapes me just as Maverick climbs into the passenger seat. Nova slides in beside me, the pity on her face almost too much to bear. Without a word, she wraps an arm around me, and I break down. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispers into my hair.

Maverick snorts, turning in his seat to face us. “What part of this is going to be okay? Hmm? And let me guess, the little troublemaker knew all about my sister fucking the washed-up cowboy and probably told her it was a good idea.”

I stiffen at his words, but it’s Nova who fires back. “Fuck you, Mav. You don’t know anything.”

He laughs, the sound humorless as he narrows his eyes. “No. I didn’t. But you did—and you still let her go down this road, knowing exactly how it would end.”

Nova doesn’t miss a beat. “Maybe you should point your anger at your best friend? After all, he knew and instead of doing the right thing, he blackmailed your sister.” Maverick glares, before twisting around in his seat. “Thought so,” she mutters under her breath.

“Stop,” I whisper, and Nova looks down at me, her expression softening.

“Why didn’t you come to me about Brandon?” Maverick grits out, shaking his head.

My brows jump, shocked at his question. I sigh, my voice a whisper when I speak. “Because then I would’ve had to tell you about Colter.”

He snorts. “Out of all the men who work for us, you had to pick that old grumpy bastard. Jesus Christ, Mila, do you even know who he is? Sure, Brandon’s got his faults but at least he doesn’t have a criminal record.”

I feel heat rising in my chest. How dare he say that after what Brandon did. “For your information,” I snap, “I know Colter better than anyone else. He’s a good, kind man and the best person I know. He would never blackmail me. So don’t you make him the bad guy here,” I seethe.

Maverick throws me a pointed look, as he cocks a sardonic brow. I brace myself knowing whatever he says next, I won’t like. “You’re right. Brandon shouldn’t have done what he did, and he’ll be dealt with. But you, Mila, are naïve if you really think you know Colter. I saw the shock on your face when Dad called him a felon. You didn’t know, did you?” He exhales, shaking his head in disappointment. “You didn’t know that in a drunken state, hebeat someone so badly he went to prison. Why do you think no one else would give him a job? He’s a liability. No one wants to employ someone who can fly off the handle and has a record for assault. He was lucky Dad gave him a chance. And how did that asshole repay him? By fucking his daughter.” He spits with disgust, and I flinch at his harsh words as I let what he said replay in my mind.

Before I can respond, Brandon climbs into the third row seat behind us. My body tenses, waiting for the inevitable explosion. It doesn’t take long.

Maverick’s head spins around so fast, I’m surprised he doesn’t get whiplash. “What the fuck were you thinking? You’re my best fucking friend and instead of coming to me, you were blackmailing my sister?” he snaps, anger and betrayal evident in his tone.

Brandon exhales heavily, running a palm down his face. He looks defeated. If I wasn’t so furious, I might even feel guilty. “I’m sorry man. I let my feelings for Mila turn into something poisonous. I realize that now.” He looks at me, but I turn away, unable to meet his gaze. “For what it’s worth… I’m sorry Mila.”

“Sorry doesn’t cut it asshole,” Nova snarls, but he ignores her.

His voice drops to a whisper, likely to keep from humiliating me. “I lied. I never had a video, though I did see you with him. I’m sorry. I think I lost my mind for a while. For so long, you were all I’ve wanted. And to see you with him… it destroyed me. Made me angry. I know it’s not enough, but it’s all I’ve got. I hope you can forgive me one day.”

I nod, acknowledging his words, though relief is the only emotion I can process right now. The thought of him having physical evidence of that moment made me feel sick. But whether I’ll ever be able to forgive him—that’s another story. Idon’t want to carry hate for someone I’ve known my whole life, but it’s not as simple as letting go.

The driver’s door opens, cutting through the tension. My dad climbs in, his gaze finding mine instantly. The disgust in his eyes makes my stomach somersault with nausea.

“Take that fucking hat off,” he barks, and I jump. My father has never spoken to me in this way.

I shake my head, my words rushing from my mouth before I can stop them. “Is Colter okay?”

It’s the wrong thing to say. My dad stiffens, his jaw tightening. “I don’t want to hear that name out of your goddamn mouth, Mila.”

Being lashed by a whip would hurt less, I’m sure. I shrink back, my jaw trembling.

Dad glares at me, his eyes squeezing shut as he takes a deep breath. My chest tightens painfully, knowing I’m responsible for his anguish. But I can’t regret loving Colter. He is my other half, no matter how much my father despises it.

“How long has this been going on with him?” my father grates out, his voice strained.

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