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“What if it’s not easy?” Ezra drags a hand through his hair. “What if it’s worse?”
I dip my chin. “That’s what we’re going to find out. Until we do, I keep Delilah safe on the ranch.”
Ezra looks at me. “You trust her? That she’s told you everything?”
“I do.” More than anything, I believe Delilah. I understand her fear. That she didn’t want us to worry. That she thought she could handle it herself. She’s been on her own her entire life. No more.
“I think Cole has more than trust.”
I narrow my eyes at River and the shit-eating grin that’s taken up residence on his face.
“You in deep with this girl?” Warren raises a brow like he’s already expecting me to lie.
“No.” My lungs heave out the words. “We’re casual.”
“I saw your face when that guy said someone was coming for her.” From the pocket of his leather jacket, River pulls a cigarette. “That’s not casual.” His dark gaze dares me to argue with him. Wrenches the hard heart deep in my chest.
I tilt my hat up, squashing the urge to punch my brother in the face.
Ezra swears under his breath. “For fuck’s sake. Admit it, Cole. You care about Delilah.”
Instead of answering, I storm to the cab of my truck. I wrench open the passenger door and toss the powered-off burner phone I pull from my back pocket into the glove box. When I turn around, my brothers stand there.
“No hate if you do, brother.” Warren’s tone softens as he studies me. “In fact, Jack would say it’s about damn time you stopped running. Maybe lying to yourself too.”
I grit my teeth. I hate when he uses Jack against me. Two days ago, I’d deny it. But seeing Delilah chained in the van fractured any remaining resolve I had to stay away. To not consider her mine. To consider this only temporary.
It’s a stroke of luck Delilah landed on our ranch. I’d be a fool to not see the best thing right in front of my face.
“You’re fucked, man,” River adds.
“She’s wearing my shirts and sleeping in my bed,” I say, “so yeah, maybe I am.” The truth comes easily. It’s been a long time since I’ve been honest with my brothers, since I opened up. I won’t deny it feels good.
“Well…” Warren runs a hand over his jaw, staring at the dark sky overhead as he contemplates my words. “I guess we get ready and do what we do best. Buckle in.”
* * *
Delilah is gone when I get back to my place. Panic flares to life in my gut as I check the bedroom and bathroom. As I’m grabbing my keys and setting my hat on my head, the front door opens.
“Hi,” she says, stepping inside. Her hair waves around her shoulders. There’s a smudge of dirt on her jaw, and in her hands, her rat’s cage and a suitcase. “I went and fed the cows. Then I stopped at the Creek House and got Ratson and a few things.”
The sight of her eases the madness of my mind. Has one word cresting over me in a wave of possessiveness. Mine.
I open my mouth to give her a talking-to, but before I can, Delilah sets her things on the floor, rushes toward me, and launches herself into my arms.
The lecture on the tip of my tongue dissipates when she locks her lips to mine. Her kiss is wild and free, just like her, and I drink her in. Her body presses against mine, warm and soft. I grip her hips, pulling her as close as I can.
“I hope it’s still okay.” She stares up at me, her eyes wide and soft. “That I stay here.”
“More than,” I gruff, coming back from that kiss.
“How was it?” Her voice is hopeful. “Did you find anything out about Melly?”
I take her hand and lead her into the kitchen. “It’ll take some time, but we have someone working on it.”
She hangs back against the counter. “Who?”
I pull a bottle of whiskey from the counter and fill a glass. I take a sip, then hand it to Delilah. I tell her about our deal with Syd. How we owe him for protecting River in prison. How we upped our deal to one more year for one more favor.
