by C. M. Steele
The sun begins to rise over the beautiful Montana sky as I sit on my favorite rocking chair out on the porch, attempting to savor my first cup of coffee. It’s a cold winter’s morning and the icy chill whips at my face, but I still find this view peaceful. I love living up north, even if winter itself isn’t my favorite.
I take another sip of my coffee, which tastes like total shit so I set it down on the table next to me. After all this time, I still can’t manage to make a suitable cup to my liking. Maybe that’s why I’m a grumpy asshole. Luckily, I’m heading into town in a couple of hours. My first stop will be Drips and Sips for their largest coffee. They have the best in Cunningham Falls.
It’s been three months since I had someone here making me coffee and food every day, but I fired her ass when I came home to no dinner and a scene I clearly didn’t need to see. I shake my head, trying to get that memory out of my mind.
Honestly, I don’t want another woman in my home that isn’t my future wife, but I could really use a cook. It looks like I’ll forever be sneaking off to the bunkhouse for some of Dillon’s cooking. He’s one of the few ranch hands that can make a decent meal. His chili is the best I’ve had in years, but I prefer to eat at home.
After what happened with Nina, I’m a little on edge about bringing another woman in my personal space; it’s not like there’s many men signing up for the job either, so I only have two options: hire another woman, or constantly be at the mercy of my ranch hand cook or Big John’s wife who invites me to dinner often.
Luckily, Big John recommended a company for cleaning that does a good job on the entire house with the exception of my laundry and my bedroom, so I don’t have to worry about that. Those are my own chores that I often forget until my ass has nothing to wear.
The word in town is my former ranch hand Ruiz lined himself up a gig elsewhere, but his mistress split town after trying to make me the bad guy. She spread lies through Cunningham Falls that she got caught cheating on me with a ranch hand because I couldn’t get it up anymore. I never laid a hand on that woman, and it sure felt fucked up to have people eyeing me funny.
Do they make sweet girls anymore? Like ones that don’t have dollar signs in their eyes and who have a moral compass that points north? I know there’s plenty in Cunningham Falls, but most of them are already married. I’m no fucking saint, but I’d never behave like either of those two.
I saw the headache that was Nina coming a mile away, and yet I hired her because a man has gotta eat. A man of my wealth needs to be careful with who I let in, but perhaps I’ve been a little too discerning lately. For all the money in my accounts, I’m eating takeout or at the Morrison home. Louisa’s one hell of a cook. She loves me enough to feed me every day, but I don’t like being in their way. After ten years of marriage, John doesn’t get tired of trying to seduce her. They have two boys, but the way they don’t stay apart, I’m surprised they don’t have a football team already.
Thankfully, it’s almost Christmas and I’m going to visit my sister, Lara. She wants a nice small holiday with her family. She’s been married for a couple of years to Landon Black, a billionaire in Chicago. He adores her, and that’s the only reason I didn’t kill him when I found out that he knocked up my eighteen-year-old sister.
Landon’s been her rock after my father died and then my mother’s death. Poor Lara suffers from Mother’s loss more than I understood. Last month, Landon called to ask if we could do Christmas in Chicago instead of here like we always had. I of course had no problem with it. I can’t stay long because of the ranch, but I’m not the one with kids so I don’t mind making the trip, which starts in the morning.
My brother-in-law bought me a first-class seat since he felt guilty that he lent out his private plane to a friend. They are next-level rich compared to me. I’m just a retired NFL tight end running my family ranch with millions, not billions, and I haven’t met a woman who can’t stop to look past the celebrity I once was. He was blessed to find Lara because it’s hard for people to see past your wealth. She loves the bastard for himself.
I’m only going to check up on a couple of things before I head into town to shop for some Christmas presents. I’m terrible at these things because I used to just ask my mother to do it for me. She’d smile and run into town to get everyone’s gifts. My eyes tear up. Fuck. I miss her too. She was the glue that kept our family together. I always came home around the holidays even if it meant that I was flying out right after a game.
My cell phone rings, surprising me because it’s too early unless there’s a problem. It’s Lara, which concerns me even more since it’s too early for her to be up and she’s not a morning person. “What’s wrong?” I answer.
“Nothing’s wrong. I woke up sick this morning, and I thought I’d call you to talk.” She’s barely speaking above a whisper. I step back into the house where it’s warm so the wind isn’t blowing on the phone.
“Sick? Are you okay?” I ask nervously. Losing my mother to cancer scares the piss out of me when it comes to my sister.
“Yes, calm down. I’m just working on your next niece or nephew,” Lara explains as I catch my breath.
“Really? Again? You two don’t waste time.” I chuckle.
“If you ask my husband, he’ll say we have. Landon would prefer an assembly line of little ones.”
“I don’t put it past him. The man loves you to the point of obsession.” It’s hard to understand how much he loves her, but it’s unmistakable.
“Yeah, it’s cute. So are you ready to come see us?” I can hear the excitement in her voice. I bet that’s what woke her up early. She’ll have all my favorites ready, even though I’ll be arriving around noon tomorrow.
“I will be. Are you picking me up?” I ask, hoping she isn’t.
“No, but he’s sending a car for you. He doesn’t want me driving in this weather, like I haven’t lived around snow all my life.” She’s pouting on the other end of the line, and I don’t even need to see her to know. Nothing’s changed. She hates that he’s right, so she’s complaining.
“But it’s different. A spinout here and you could hit nothing. Over there, you could crash into anything and kill yourself. You’ve seen it a hundred times,” I remind her.
“You’re right. There was a ten-car pile-up on the fifty-five yesterday. Luckily, everyone survived, but black ice got them,” she says, her voice animated and filled with concern.
“See? I’m going to be finishing up a few minor things today, and then I’ll be making my way to the airport tomorrow morning.”
“Good. I can’t wait to see you, big brother.”
“Take care, little one.” I end the call and take a fresh cup of sludge back out onto the front porch. For the next ten minutes, it’s pure silence and beauty. Even the wind has settled down.
Big John’s truck pulls up to the driveway. Things are a little easier at this time of the year, so I can afford to take a few days off to visit my family, but there’s no one else I trust to keep this place running smoothly than John. Hell, he took care of almost everything when my father died because it had been a long time since I’d lived on the ranch. When he pops out, I set my coffee down on the table and stand. “How’s it going?” he asks, arching his brow with a smile as he carries a small sack like he’s Santa Claus.
“Good. I’m about to get my day going. Anything I need to know about?” I question. Not that he’d tell me if it was something important because he knows I’d push back my plans to leave if there were problems.
“No. I’m just coming to drop these off for the boys. My wife said to make sure you didn’t forget them.”
“Thanks. My flight leaves first thing in the morning.”
“I’ll be here to drive you. You better get a move on, though. There’s a lot of people around town to shop. Remember, the place is swamped with tourists.”
“As soon as they open. You know it’s too damn early.”
“But don’t wait too long. The ranch will keep while you’re go
ne,” he reassures me. It’s not that I don’t trust his handling of things, but it’s been ingrained in me that this is my family’s legacy.
“Okay. I’m going to check on the feeders this morning and then with the guys before heading into town.”
Two hours later, I’m standing in the middle of Cunningham Falls. I might not like people, but the ones in this town make me feel normal.
I stop into Drip and Sips, needing a cup of coffee. Haven’t had good coffee in a long time.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning. I’d like a large cup of coffee with sugar only.” I pay for my drink and wait off to the side for it. Once I have it, I wave goodbye to the young lady.
“Merry Christmas,” she calls out. I nod and make my way through Cunningham Falls. The incident with my former cook has made it hard for me to be barely civil to women these days. I don’t want to give the wrong impression.
I stop by Dress It Up and find some cute accessories I think my sister will like, then I head over to a toy shop for the boys. I almost forget my brother-in-law, but then I scoop up a new watch for him before heading back to the ranch.
My flight departs soon, so I need to get my ass moving to wrap the presents and pack. Since the ranch is just on the outskirts of Cunningham Falls, I make it back in time for a busy night.
With my bags packed, I hop into John’s truck before the sun breaks through the trees. “Thanks for taking me to the airport.”
“No problem. Getting you away from the ranch will do us all some good. Your mood has been shit lately.” I flip him off and check my ticket.
“Well, can you blame me?” I say while double checking the information on it. I suppose I should have done that before, but I’ve had so much other shit to do. Luckily, everything on it is good to go.
“No, we just need to find you a wife.”
He’s got jokes this morning, it seems. “A wife? Please. I’d actually have to meet someone who didn’t see my wealth as my best feature,” I grumble.
“That’s because you’re such a treasure to be around.” His sardonic tone actually makes me laugh.
“You’re lucky we’re friends, or I’d fire your ass,” I inform him.
“It’s cool. It’s a six-mile hike to the airport from here.” He chuckles, stopping on the main road.
“Fuck off and drive.” I pop him in the shoulder.
“See, that’s that winning spirit. Maybe you’ll meet someone in Chicago.” He continues on the road to the airport.
“It’s probably the only way I’ll meet a woman, but I’m a little more popular there.” As a former Chicago Bears player, my face has been plastered over their news and the special events I had to attend there.
“True, but it’s been years. They probably think you blew all your money on drugs and women.”
That’s fine with me. I don’t want a gold digger. “I have almost every damn penny considering all the interest I accrued, but that’s not the kind of woman I want as a wife anyway.”
We pull into the drop-off line. “Good luck, Tobias.”
“Thank you. Have a great Christmas.”
“You too, and give the boys hugs from me and kisses from the wife.”
“Will do.” We shake hands, and I take my luggage and enter the airport. A week. I swallow hard. It’s going to be a trial to break out of my routine, but at least her husband will give me an endless supply of coffee.
As soon as I take my seat in first class, I get comfortable and go through the security feed at the ranch. I don’t have many cameras up, but after the incident in the summer, I installed a motion-activated camera in my bedroom that turns on when I’m not home. It has yet to be activated except when we initially tested out.
Once we’re in the air, I get a bottle of water. I’d learned years ago to fall asleep on a plane. I traveled so much, it was necessary. It’s a six-hour flight, and that means I’ll get some rest. After finishing my water, I sit back in my seat, close my eyes, and fall asleep.
It seems like a short time later when the flight attendant taps on my shoulder. “Sir, we are about to descend.”
“Damn, I slept the whole way. Thanks, ma’am.” She smiles and blushes before walking away. I’m not sure why I have that effect on women, but at least she leaves me alone. I buckle myself back in and think about Big John’s words. Maybe I will see if my sister’s hosting any parties. I need a wife. If not, what’s the point of keeping the ranch? It’s been in my family for a century, and I want that to continue on.
We began exiting the plane and there’s a sign that says, “Big Brother Montana.” My brother-in-law has a sense of humor. I walk up to the driver, who I recognize. He gives me the slightest smile. “Are you ready?”
“I am. Let’s get out of this place. I’m starving.”
“Your sister is preparing lunch.” He opens the passenger door and I hop in back, closing it behind me. He puts my luggage into the back of the Escalade and then climbs inside. The drive to their home isn’t too far from the airport, but I’m so anxious to see my family that it feels like forever.
The second the driver pulls into their long driveway, my sister comes running out of the house and my nephews are clinging to her side running as well. “Uncle!” They run ahead, and I scoop both of them into my arms, giving them bear hugs. I drag my sister in there too, kissing her cheek.
“What are you doing out here without a coat?” my brother-in-law calls out, bringing her shawl and sliding it over her shoulders. It’s cold, but the sun is keeping it above freezing today. I set the boys down, who immediately run to their daddy.
“I took it off because I got hot and then forgot to put it on when I saw them pull into the driveway.”
“It’s good to see you,” I say, shaking his hand.
“Good to see you, Tobias. Come on in.” I take my suitcase from the driver while my brother-in-law grabs the other one. “Inside, my little terrors.” He takes my sister’s hand and leads her inside.
“How was the trip?” my sister asks.
“I slept the entire flight, which was nice.”
“Good. I’m sure you’re hungry, then. I have lunch ready.”
“Starving.”
Chapter 2
Ava
The room spins as I fall against the wall, sliding down to the floor. My face aches painfully, but I don’t have time to process it because he’s looming over me. "Are you going to listen now?" I nod, shaking in the corner and sobbing. Everything that happened in the past ten minutes turns my world upside down.
Lies. The many lies.
I stare at my father, not knowing the man in front of me. His eyes are darker, angry. "I have the power to destroy you. You're my daughter, and that’s the only reason I'm going to let you live. Don't make me regret it. This deal is important to your mother and me. I won’t let you ruin it. You meet with him tomorrow.” He grabs my hand and helps me to my feet like he didn’t just send me to the ground like a prized fighter. “Practice your makeup and behave."
"What time is the lunch?" I ask my stepmother, who is standing there as if nothing’s wrong with my father’s fist meeting my face.
“They will arrive around twelve thirty,” my stepmother says, checking her two-thousand-dollar watch, itching to leave for the gala.
“Okay.”
“Behave, and we’ll be back in a couple of hours,” my stepmother says, kissing my unbruised cheek. I don’t move away because I want them to think that I will submit as I always do, but I’m not the scared, desperate girl aching for their love anymore. This isn’t the first time I’ve been hit like this, but it’s been years. They didn’t want to leave bruises.
I totally am out of here, but they don’t need to know it. My car's outside and full of gas. I made the trip here for Christmas break and filled up just as I pulled into town. My school's an hour from here at Purdue, so I drove down instead of flying.
"Go to your room. We’ll be back tonight." They’re dressed and prepared
for hobnobbing with the wealthy and can't risk being late, which means I have just enough time to get out of here before he sends someone to watch over me.
A few more months and I'm free of their hold on me, but I know that I don't have a few more months. My father owns the cops around here, so he knows I have nowhere to go to tell about the abuse. The moment his car exits the driveway and travels toward the direction of the expressway, I run to my room and grab my things that I can fit into one of my duffle bags. Once it's ready to go, I run into the kitchen and swipe a banana and a bottle of water for the road. For having money, they rarely have any food in the house. They say it will make me fat. I’ll pick up more on the road. I jump in my Lexus and back out of the driveway. My parents gave it to me as a present for my graduation. It’s a princess vehicle, loaded with all the features, and the best part is that it’s in my name so they can’t report it stolen. I don't have more than a few hours before they come home and see that I've fled.
I pull into my university campus lot and park, needing to get everything I can out of my dorm so I can create a fresh start somewhere else. My father has money and power, but his reach isn't that far.
I quickly and quietly enter my dorm. There isn't much I want to grab, but I need some supplies. Pulling my suitcase out from under the bed, I plop it open on the mattress. I look at the time, and I only have fifteen minutes to get in and out. I stuff my clothes and my photo album from when I was a baby along with my bag of toiletries into the suitcase. Zipping it up, I grab my covers and a pillow. Sleeping in my car might be a necessity.
The first step after I leave is to hit the ATM and take the max of the daily allotted money. Luckily there’s an ATM blocks from the school. Tomorrow I’ll go to the bank in Chicago and close my accounts so they can't track my money. All I have saved is ten thousand dollars, but that’s a decent amount to get me started somewhere else.
I rush out to my car, stuffing my bag in the trunk and driving off as fast as I can. As soon as I hit the highway, I only exit when I reach downtown Chicago. It's a big city and hard to find someone trying to hide. It's well after midnight, so I park in an overnight garage next to the hospital and fall asleep in my car. It's getting cold and late, but I don't have a choice.
