“You need to keep that one. Megan’s is smaller.” She slid the feather back into the palm of Riley’s hand and then stepped to the side. Riley slid down beside Megan, kissing her cheek.
“Megan. Wake up sweetie.” Riley whispered in her ear. “Please wake up.”
Utah stroked Megan’s hair. “She’s been sleeping a long time.” She said.
“I’ll check on you later.” Jack peeked in from outside. “Ryan needs my help.”
Riley nodded.
The bunkhouse was quiet with the exceptions of voices coming in from the other section of the cabin. Birds chirped in the sunlight and from somewhere on the ranch a vehicle came and then left. What she heard was Megan’s silence. Riley picked up Harry Potter, reading where Utah left off. She’d read for some time when she realized Utah had drifted to sleep.
Then Riley closed her eyes and followed her.
She began to dream…..She was dressed in a black cocktail dress that should’ve made her feel sexy. Mark sat across from her in a dark grey suit. His hand rested on the table. A cool confident smile played on his lips. Suits and dresses filled the room. The soft chatter of conversations combined with the aroma of good food played with her senses, but she felt empty inside. Riley tried to look interested, letting her fingers cross over the wine glass. She stared at the delicate fluid trapped inside.
“I am the wine, trapped. We are two worlds apart Mark and I.”
Three attractive women a couple of tables down laughed. The blonde woman of the three is most beautiful, her dress most flattering. She tossed a few looks their way intended for Mark who takes notice. Riley felt out of place uncomfortable in her body and in the dress. She wanted it to be over quick, so she could go home.
“How’s your salad?” He asked.
“Good”.
Small talk is cheap and goes fast. “More wine?”
“Please.” Riley said robotic like. She thinks, “Give me the entire bottle.”
The waiter, a beautiful red haired woman brought their food to the table. We smiled at each other. She sat Mark’s plate down giving him very little attention. However, she turned to Riley. She felt like they knew each other.
She turned her eyes to another table as if telling Riley to look. When Riley did, she saw Lucas dressed in a sleek pale grey suite with a black silk tie. Immediately, Riley felt a wash of relief. His hair was jelled back making it appear darker, longer. His face was clean-shaven exposing every ounce of his striking good looks. Lucas glanced over at her and raised his glass just a touch. Riley tried not to smile.
“Finish your dinner Riley,” Mark commanded. Riley was already wearing his anger tonight, some concealed under makeup and some unfixable. “This is an expensive dinner and it shouldn’t be wasted.”
He reached over, putting his fingers around her wrist. For those watching it looked like a loving moment, but it was far from that. The only time he touched her was to satisfy him, or to inflict pain. His fingers dug into her wrist. She winced under the pressure.
“Do we have a problem Riley?” He asked.
“Let her go.” Lucas said suddenly behind them.
“I’m sorry. Do I know you?” Mark asked. His chin jutted forward, his jaws clenched down hard.
“No, but you’re about to if you don’t let go of her wrist.” Lucas said. His voice sent tiny bolts of electricity through her.
“Get the fuck away from my table.” Mark hissed. He yanked Riley’s arm, digging his fingers into her flesh even deeper.
“Let go of me.” Riley said, so calm it made her shiver. Her skin under his fingers burned with a hot sensation.
As Lucas stepped forward, Mark released his hold on her wrist. Riley scrambled to her feet, pushing the chair off to the side.
“Listen to her.”
“She’s my wife asshole. So back off.” Mark shouted.
The restaurant grew silent. Lucas reached up and moved her hair to the side. Riley knew he could see the bruising of handprints painted on the sides of her neck. She looked at Lucas and his eyes softened for a heartbeat. He let her curls fall, covering the brutal marks made by her husband. His fingers brushed her skin. An electric shock bolted through her.
“Get your hands off of her.” Mark stood and then stepped forward. “You know him Riley.” He screamed out. “You little hore!”
Lucas moved like lightning, his right fist smashing into Marks left jaw, sending him backward…….
“Riley”, a soft voice took her away from Lucas out of her dream. Riley blinked several times before the voice had a face.
“Jack.”
SIXTY-FOUR
Life continues to be a vicious circle of vicissitudes. Good things happened followed by bad things. The world was minus three quarters of the population, but that didn’t stop the roulette wheel of life from spinning. What they didn’t realize then was that things were about to get uglier. None of them had forgotten about Ringo, but as time went by and the quiet remained constant, they may have let their guard down just a bit too much.
Christmas Eve brought sunny skies and a sense that a new year was around the corner. The first lesson Riley learned was she didn’t have to cover everything up with makeup anymore. If she did, it was more for her than anyone else. Her wrist remained in a cast decorated with graffiti by everyone and though her ribs remained tender, she was on the mend. Megan however, was still asleep. They all took turns watching over her, reading to her and even singing to her. If Nick had to leave the ranch, they were the first ones he checked on when he returned. Utah remained vigilant. Oh and Eric proposed to Shay. There was going to be a wedding.
It was a sunny cold afternoon when Riley heard a knock on the door. Max had bounded up on the chair, purring indicating Jack was on the other side of the door.
“Sucker.” Riley said to Max.
Max met Jack with a swat of his paw and Jack returned the gesture with a scratch behind the cat’s ears.
“Traitor.” Riley said.
Jack grinned; slipping a pink bag onto the couch Max attempted to jump in.
She swatted him away. “No!” she said. “What is this?” Riley asked Jack.
“I thought we could ride over to Scott and Kate’s together?” He said. Strong handsome Jack Colton was having a hard time looking at her.
She’d forgotten about the Scott and Kate’s Christmas party. A panic rose in her stomach. She wasn’t so sure she was ready to face a group of people let alone Jack’s closest friends.
“I don’t…..” she started.
“You’re going Riley.” He said. “Sherry is already here for Megan. It’ll be good for you.”
“Really,” Riley surmised. The last time she’d socialized her husband had almost killed her because she’d put on the wrong dress. “I thought I was pretty okay.”
“You are….okay.” He said in a softer tone, but this time looking at her. “Everyone would miss you.”
“I don’t have any gifts.” She said digging for any excuse, she could find.
“They don’t need presents. You’re going.”
“I can’t.” Riley said glancing down at the faded jeans and t-shirt. She was about to say something about the scars, clothing and cast, but he wasn’t about to give her a chance.
“Four then,” he said tapping the bag.
Riley nodded in a cold panic. “What’s in the bag?”
“Lynn thought you might like it.”
She peeked in the bag and saw something very silky and very sexy. “Where did she get this?”
“Lynn is very resourceful.” He murmured. “Like my mother was.”
Riley was surprised. After all, the main house had burned to ground with exceptions of the safe room and Jack’s man cave filled with an armory.
“You have a few minutes. I want to show you something.” He said, pushing her boots towards her.
Riley pulled them on and followed him outside. Every time she stepped out the door and gazed upon the sky, she felt a breathtaking sense of p
eace. Then there were the horses all of which she had a fond attachment too. For the past few weeks, she’d taken on cleaning stalls and grooming the horses. She felt bad taking up residence in their barn apartment especially after their house burned down. Nevertheless, Jack wanted her to stay.
They stood in front of the barn in silence. Jack looked over at her and grinned like a little boy. “Have you ever seen a Friesian?”
“Not in person. I’ve drawn a few of them.” She said. “Beautiful horses, why?”
“You draw?” He covered his forehead with his hand and looked off down the road. He looked at his watch and then at her.
“A little.” She said feeling silly for having said that.
In the distance a cloud of dust rose. Riley shielded her eyes from the sun and watched a truck and trailer approach.
“I bought a mare and stallion from a man in Flagstaff. He rescues horses.” He said as a silver truck and trailer pulled up to the barn. A tall lean man with thinning hair and gaunt features got out.
“Your about the only man I know these days that could adequately care for these giants. They eat you out of house and home.” His skin was pale in contrast to even her. Riley followed curious as he and Jack stepped to the back of the trailer.
“How you been Andy?” Jack asked as he reached his hand out and shook the man’s hand.
“Oh you know, day by day.” He replied. “You have yourself a nice set here.”
“I appreciate the delivery.” Jack said. “Things have been a little crazy around here.”
“You know me Jack always down for a little time away from the misses. She had my thermos and lunch packed the night before.” He laughed and then sputtered out a small cough. “What happened to the house?”
“We had a little trouble. Hey Andy, this is Riley Collins,” Jack said. “Riley this is Any McCain. Seventy five percent of the horses on this property came from Andy’s place.”
Riley stepped forward and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you Andy.”
“About time you got yourself a pretty little lady.” Andy teased. “This must be your Christmas present.”
“No I…” she started.
“Yes,” Jack said. “You said the mare has a big heart and an adventuress character so I thought they’d be a perfect match.”
Riley moved beside Jack not sure, if she’d heard him right. She stood on tippy toes trying to see the apple shaped butt of one of the big black horses. Andy opened the door, patting a hind end. He stepped aside allowing the horse to back down. The horse stepped onto the sand as if it owned it. He stopped and stood with his long thick black mane and tail gently blowing in the breeze. Holding his head high into the air he smelled the other horses. His coat was of satin black velvet shining with shades of violet and blue. The mare came out second and stood not far from the stallion. Her mane and tail just as long and her coat just as black. Her large eyes peeked through the long forelock. She was happily wider, but not taller than the stallion.
“Like I told you the mare was shot by some markers, but she fully recovered and is doing just fine. Lucky for us that long mane covers the scar.” He laughed aloud rubbing the mare’s forehead. She lowered her head wanting more. “She’s lucky to be alive.”
Jack looked over at me, “Sounds like someone I’m getting to know.”
“What’s her name?” Riley asked stepping forward and reaching for her withers. She slid her fingers down the black velvet coat.
“You name her.” He said. “Every man, woman should name their own horse. Well I got to get going,” Andy said, taking a long sip out of his thermos cup. “I got one to pick up over in Prescott Valley and another in Chino Valley. There are a lot of abandoned horses out there that need rescuing.”
“Ah, I was hoping you’d stay and go home tomorrow.” Jack said, taking the lead ropes from Andy. He turned to her and handed her the mares. Riley was speechless.
“You don’t have a house Jack. Anyway I got a feeling the one in Prescott valley might be a little rough around the edges, so it may take time to get him loaded.” He climbed up into the truck and looked back at her. “There’s a little surprise that goes along with this package.” He chuckled, shutting his door and starting the truck. “Nice to meet you Miss Riley.” He hollered as he pulled away.
Riley stood there looking at Jack. This is exactly what she meant about when things start going good and you have a warm fuzzy feeling. Riley lived for these moments striving to keep the momentum going. She wondered if taking certain elements out of the equation, would it remain the same. Riley wanted this moment to last forever though it scared the hell right out of her.
They got the horses settled into their stalls. Jack and Riley stood in the breezeway. Jack smiled all the while, watching her talk and touch the horses. She told him several times that she couldn’t accept such a gift, but he quietly walked her back to the apartment and instructed her to get ready for the party. Riley couldn’t say no.
Jack was at the door at 3:50 PM, ten minutes early. When Riley opened the door, he was leaning into the doorframe. He wore a cool relaxed look on his face and as handsome as a rogue paramilitary man could be. Jack, in a tuxedo, was dressed to kill. She tried to be cool, but he left her speechless. He stood there silent and stared at her.
Then the tall, handsome, and witty man he was, said coolly “Is Riley here?”
“No?” She said and started to close the door.
Riley grinned as his foot caught the door and she let him in. He smelled good, that scent of spice she remembered during the rescue from the cabin. The aroma was so perfect and alluring that she wanted to embrace it in her senses forever. Refined and elegantly polished, he stood looking at her, through her. Lucas flashed through her head and she saw the resemblance between them. It was a combination of handsome and outlaw, drawing her in, holding her attention. Jack had been careful in regards to his emotions so far, but hers were on fire. He stepped closer to Riley. She trembled, stepping back letting the space between them cool.
“You look amazing.” He said. “You need an entire closet of dresses like those.” He started to move towards her. “Good thing I’m armed.”
Riley smiled. “If you can’t find yours, you can borrow mine.”
“Where is yours?” He asked. “There’s not a curve I can’t see.”
Riley smiled and said nothing. With the help of Lynn, she’d gotten the dress on, fixed her hair, and hid most of the scars by makeup.
He looked at the decorated bags of goodies. Reaching in the bag, he brought out a jar and looked at it. “Oregon Jam?” He looked at her and raised his eyebrows. “Believe it or not, I’ve heard about that place.”
“I was lucky that day. Looters had over looked those.” She said. “I stole them you know. I stole the truck too. I acquired the girls that day too. They stole me.”
“Thieves.” He teased. “A very smart and very beautiful thief.” He set the jam down moving closer to her. She could smell the mint on his breath and soak in how alluring his eyes were. He slid his fingers over her red dress hugging her. Riley felt a rush of heat.
“We’re going to be late,” she said.
He mumbled something and reached out to touch the scar on her face. He stroked her cheek and she had no choice, but to lean into his touch. He was so close to her now, she thought he might kiss her. He didn’t and it forced butterflies to take off inside her stomach, large monarch butterflies that caused a spinning sensation.
“Kate knows I am always fashionably late.” He replied, stepping back. Somehow, he’d sensed her need to move slow though her body said otherwise.
“We’ll finish this later.” He said. Jack hadn’t let her down. She was looking forward to later. He was a methodical man even when it came to his emotions. It would’ve been disappointing if he’d charged in and wisped her off to bed, too fast and not at all thought out.
Riley nodded. Jack picked up the presents and they moved towards the door. Riley followed. He patted Max on the
head. “I’ll take good care of your mama.” He said.
Thanks to Scott and Kate’s festive decorating and the aromas of food floating from every corner of the house, it was nearly a normal Christmas. Holiday music flowed most the night as well as great food, good wine, and lots of storytelling. Riley kept thinking of Megan and Utah, but when Jack saw her ponder, he came to her side. When he wasn’t standing with her, he watched her from afar. Riley knew this because she watched him as well. The conversations reflected certain lightness and by the late evening as the kid’s fell asleep, They gathered in the game room where they danced until one or two in the morning.
SIXTY-FIVE
As the weeks passed and December turned into January and January into February, Riley was fully recovered. Megan remained in a coma. Riley grew increasingly worried about Utah. She loved the horses and Sadie and Tank followed her everywhere, but still her sadness seemed unbreakable. It was as though her spirit was fading. One Sunday night after watching a movie with Utah and Megan, Riley fell asleep and that’s when she came to understand… Swallowing the distance between him and Amy, Steven charged. Riley felt his rage permeate the air, but Amy never saw the blow that ended her life. Utah and Megan did. They saw the last sparkle of life leave their mother’s eyes and watched in horror as her soul left them forever. Filled with rage, Steven slammed the wooden leg into their mother’s head.
The rest unfolded even more quickly as Utah grabbed the gun from Megan. Void of uncertainty, no second-guessing. Just aim and the slight pull of the trigger. Utah shot Steven not once, but three times. The velocity of the bullets pulled Utah backward and the gun exploded again and then fell to the floor. When Utah scrambled to her feet, Steven was laying on his back. The crimson red liquid consumed the once grungy tan t-shirt and the worn out carpet beneath him.
Running past him to her mother Utah knelt down. Amy’s eyes were fixed open, but lifeless. Though she had passed, her feet jerked and then went still. A fatal silence took over the room.
The twelve-year-old girl took her sister and held her tight. Utah moved knowing what she had to do. She grabbed her sister holding her tight as she pulled her towards the front door. Megan sobbed looking down at her mother’s stoic face.
Not Alone: The Beginning (The Fighter Series Book 1) Page 28
