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“We’re going to get better, Preziosa. I promise,” I whisper. I let the tears fall freely now. I’m done battling my emotions and pretending that everything is okay. I’m allowed to feel. Nothing bad will happen if I cry.

I am not weak.

A few minutes later, when Colten’s footsteps sound, I open my eyes. Of course he knew I needed some time alone with her, because I’m sure he knows how to help me process my feelings better than I do.

“I was having a breakdown to a sheep, nothing to see here.”

He chuckles. “Animals are good listeners, G. Nothing wrong with that.”

It does feel good letting some of it out. And maybe Colt deserves a little bit more from me.

“My dad used to lock me up in underground prisons and have the guards beat the shit out of me,” I tell him, without looking at him.

The gate to the pen opens, and he drops to the ground beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I rest my head against him.

“I’m so fucking sorry, sweetheart.”

I suck in a breath so sharp it sends a twang to my ribs. “Me too.”

“Can we go back out and ride? It really does work like you said; it clears my head.”

He presses a kiss into my hair. “Anything you want, baby.”

CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR

Colten

I was obsessed with Gianna already. But seeing her riding Penny, on my land, with a bright smile on her beautiful face? I’ve gone way beyond obsession. Into something far deeper that I’m not sure I can even name.

She gave me another piece of herself in that pen. A horrible, disgusting snippet of her past, which takes every power I possess not to rage over. But that ain’t what she needs. She doesn’t need my anger.

It’s also pissing me off that we have to cut this short to head to Hunter’s before Enzo arrives. I’d rather be out here, with Gianna, ridin’ horses all day than sitting in a meeting discussing who holds what power. That sounds fuckin’ boring in comparison.

I bring Bowie to a stop outside the barn and watch as Gianna successfully does the same with Penny, and pride swells in my chest.

Gianna can do just about anything she puts her mind to. Whether that’s killing a man for disrespecting her or riding a horse owned by a seven-year-old.

And she looks fuckin’ perfect doing it all too. I’m going to buy her a horse, best one I can damn well find.

After I dismount Bowie, I grab the reins and stand beside G, holding out my arm.

“Let’s try this again, but better,” I tell her.

The attempt outside the animal sanctuary was atrocious.

“What do I do, fall into your arms?” she jokes.

I shrug. “Basically. I’ll catch you.”

She considers her options for a few seconds, and then, next thing I know, she’s literally falling from Penny. I dive forward and grab her as she erupts into a fit of laughter.

“You really enjoy keeping a man on his toes, don’t you?”

“Just you, cowboy.”

I set her down on her feet and adjust her hat. My cock aches in my boxers; it’s starting to become a problem.

Before, it was when I thought about her. Now, it’s every time she damn well glances in my direction.