Fractured Sky (Tattered & Torn #5)(41)

My cheeks heated at the reminder. If Hayes knew that Ramsey was staying in there with me, he’d lose it.

“You don’t have to wait with me. I’ll be fine.”

Ramsey didn’t say a word; he simply whistled for Kai, who came running. As much as the dog loved me, he’d become even more partial to Elliott. He sulked every day after the little boy left.

I bent down, pressing my head to Kai’s and scratching behind his ears. I soaked in his warmth and reassurance. “If anyone gets out of line, you can bite ‘em.”

Ramsey snorted with derision.

My stomach churned as Hayes’ sheriff’s department SUV came into view. He pulled to a stop in front of the cabin and climbed out of the vehicle. His gaze narrowed on the dog.

I patted Kai’s head and rolled my eyes at my brother. “Don’t be dramatic.”

“It’s part wolf. I don’t think it’s dramatic to be wary.”

“You live at an animal sanctuary. I would think you would have a little more understanding and trust of animal behavior.”

“Domesticated and farm animals.”

I let out a sigh. “Don’t make me call Everly on you.”

His lips twitched. “Fine. How are you?”

“Good.”

Hayes’ gaze swung to Ramsey. “Can I have a minute alone with my sister?”

Ramsey met his stare dead-on. “Depends on what she wants.”

I let loose a million mental curses.

“Hayes, this is my friend, Ramsey.”

If I hadn’t studied Ramsey for years, I would’ve missed the slight flinch at the word friend. I tried not to let that sting. Ramsey might not want more with me, but I at least considered us friends. He’d promised to be there for me whenever I needed him. What was that, if not friendship?

My stomach churned at the thought that he might see me as an obligation more than anything else—one that he had an unfortunate attraction to.

Hayes nodded at Ramsey. “Bishop.”

A muscle in Ramsey’s cheek ticked, but he said nothing.

Hayes turned back to me. “This is where you’re staying?”

I nodded. “I have a lot more space than at the loft.”

“You know Beckett and Addie won’t be using my place in town much longer. You can move in there and have even more space.”

I felt the shift in Ramsey’s energy before I saw it, a crackling in the air as tension radiated through him. “You don’t get to force Shiloh into moving.”

Hayes’ head snapped in Ramsey’s direction. “I’m not forcing her into anything. I’m giving her options. A place where she’s not living on someone else’s property.”

“You mean she’ll be on your property. Somewhere you’ll have more control over her.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Enough!” I barked. “I’m not going anywhere, so both of you can stop acting like I’m a tree stump to pee on.”

They both scowled at me. Great.

“Hayes, I’m fine. More than fine. I’m happy here. The work I’m doing with Ramsey means something to me. It’s fulfilling in a way I never felt at the ranch. I’m helping horses that need it the most. I’m making a difference. And I’m spreading my wings in the process. This is good for me.”

Hayes’ jaw fell open, and he stared at me in total silence.

I tried to remember the last time I’d uttered that many words to my brother. Years ago, most likely. And never with that much passion. And maybe that was the problem. In holding all my secrets close, I’d held myself back from my family, too. I hadn’t let them see what I wanted or who I truly was.

Hayes cleared his throat. “I’m glad you’re happy and that it’s working here.” He eyed Ramsey carefully. “I’ve heard about the work you do. Know it’s good.”

It was an olive branch. Ramsey could take it or crush it beneath his boots.

“I try,” Ramsey gritted out.

It wasn’t exactly an offer of friendship, but it was better than a punch in the face.

I turned to Hayes. “I’ll see you at family dinner this weekend. We can talk more then.”

Something flashed in Hayes’ eyes—something that looked a lot like hope. It shoved a blade of guilt right into my stomach. I’d shut them out for so long. I’d hurt them. It seemed all I was capable of doing.

He nodded. “That will be good. Call me if you need anything. I’m glad…” He struggled to find the words he wanted. “I’m glad you’ve found a place here.”

“I am, too.” I toyed with the zipper on my fleece. “Thanks for checking on me.”

“Always.”

Hayes’ words burned my skin as he walked back to his truck and climbed behind the wheel. I didn’t look away even after he’d disappeared between the trees. I’m glad you’ve found a place here.

“You okay?”

Ramsey’s rough voice broke the spell, and I turned in his direction. “Yeah. But you’re not.”

It wasn’t a question. The tension radiating off Ramsey was enough to power all the electrical outlets in the house behind us.

“I’m fine.”