“Daddy…”
“I promise, Cupcake, it’s fine.”
“All right, if you say so.”
I smile as best as I can. “I do. Now be good, and I’ll be home by dinner so we can talk about all the ways we want to punish your uncle.”
She grins at that. “Deal.”
I turn, look at Jimmy, and nod as I go to spend my time in jail.
I always knew my downfall would be a Gatlin.
Chapter 32
Lark
Today has been a weird day. My brothers are nowhere to be found, and I’m off with the horses.
Usually I see them at least a few times, but today—not once.
However, it’s probably a good thing I’m not around anyone. It’s as though my heart is not in sync with my body.
I was trying to work with a client’s horse, but the horse wasn’t responding, and I wasn’t into it.
Maybe it’s because my head is filled with his words about how I’m worthy and I shouldn’t let my family trample me.
Maybe it’s because I closed my eyes and dreamed of a world where I could be with him. Not in secret. Not where we’re lying to people, but where we could get on our horses together and ride to the ridge in broad daylight.
I need a break from my mind.
I want to see Tristan, which is a bad idea, because I shouldn’t want that.
But I do.
So, adding to my infinite stream of bad decisions as of late, I saddle my horse and head to the property line in hopes that maybe he’s feeling the same and is magically waiting for me.
Like a dumbass.
I start to get close, and my heart is racing as regret sets in. What am I doing?
Honestly, what the hell am I doing?
I’m going to the property line to maybe see him? Yes. Yes, I am.
No.
No, I will not.
Just as I start to pull my horse around to the right to head back home, I hear my name.
“Lark!” Sadie pops up before I can turn.
Shit.
“Sadie,” I reply with a wave and nudge my horse toward her.
Her smile is bright. “I’m back!”
