The windows barely shut.
The kitchen had one cracked counter and a refrigerator that sounded like it was dying every time it kicked on.
But it was hidden.
That was all that mattered.
Nobody came this far down the old logging road.
Nobody except hunters.
And hunting season was months away.
I stood on top of the roof with the binoculars pressed to my eyes.
The ranch sat in the distance.
Small from here.
Peaceful.
Like nothing was wrong.
Like Sadie hadn’t ruined everything.
I watched her walk out of the house carrying a basket.
Her hair was pulled up.
She wore jeans and one of those soft shirts she always wore around the ranch.
The sight of her made my chest ache.
She looked normal.
Happy.
Like she belonged there.
Then Beast stepped out behind her.
My grip tightened on the binoculars.
He was too close.
Always too close.
He took the basket from her hands.
Sadie smiled at him.
Smiled.
At him.
Like he had earned it.
Like he had done anything except push himself into her life.
