Chapter 112

Sebastian couldn’t take his eyes off Reese. There was something wild in the way she sat tall in the saddle, something he’d never seen before. It’s like she’d just cut every last string holding her down. The determination in her face was almost reckless, like she was ready to risk it all.
He gripped the reins so tightly his knuckles turned pale. His throat worked, but whatever he wanted to say got stuck somewhere he couldn’t reach.
Reese rode a slow lap around the arena, rain soaking her through, but she didn’t seem to notice or care. When she finally stopped near them, she looked up at Sebastian. Gone was the hope he’d always seen in her eyes-in its place was something cold and final.
She dismounted with a quick, sure movement, boots splashing into a shallow puddle. Mud clung to her heels, but she just tucked a wet strand of hair behind her ear and glanced past the three of them, stopping only when her eyes landed on Sebastian. His gaze, those eyes she’d drowned in so many times before, was a storm she couldn’t read, but inside, she felt nothing but numb. The source of thɪs content is
She turned away, not even bothering to look again. The manager jogged over to take her horse. Reese handed him the crop and managed a polite, “Thanks.”
Footsteps sounded behind her. She turned to see Matthew, stepping out from the shadows by the rest area. He held a dry towel in one hand and her jacket slung over his arm.
“You feeling any better?” His voice was soft, and he frowned a little when he saw how soaked she was.
Reese took the towel and rubbed her hair, her shoulders finally relaxing a little. A small smile flickered on her lips. “Yeah. A lot better.”
“I had no idea you could ride like that,” Matthew said, draping the jacket over her shoulders. “Here, wear this.”
“Thanks.” Reese blinked, her thoughts drifting back to when she’d first learned to ride. It was after she’d heard Zach was hurt overseas and nearly lost his life. Because of that whole mess with Sebastian and the drugging, Dylon had taken her passport away, terrified the Ratcliff family would come for revenge. She hadn’t been able to leave the country.
She’d never believed in fate or luck, but back then, all she could do was travel from church to church, praying for Zach’s safety and dodging Dylon’s constant pressure to marry Sebastian. When she got to the mountains, someone told her about a sacred peak. There were no roads, just a trail you could only travel on foot or horseback. So she learned to ride, and somewhere along the way, she fell in love with the freedom of galloping across open land.
“Let’s go home,” she said, shrugging into her jacket as she and Matthew headed for the exit.
Now that BlackOak and Big X had decided to work together, it didn’t really matter what she thought about Leslie. Matthew would be careful enough. And she doubted Mr. Sanchez would trust Big X just because Sebastian vouched for them.
Back in the arena, Sebastian watched her and Matthew walk away, their figures fading into the drizzle. He narrowed his eyes.
Neal came over, scratching his head. “That guy looks familiar. Have we seen him before?”
Sebastian swallowed hard. “That’s my brother, Matthew Ratcliff.”
Neal turned to watch Matthew leaving, then smacked his thigh. “You’re right! You’ve been looking everywhere for him, and he’s been here in Bridger Lake this whole time!”
He paused, then leaned closer, dropping his voice. “He disappeared years ago, didn’t contact anyone, and now he pops up just as your dad’s in the hospital. That cant be a coincidence. You better keep an eye on him.”
Sebastian only grunted, his eyes moving from the exit to Leslie. “Let’s go,” he said, voice flat.
Matthew glanced back at the three of them, his expression darkening.
He’d felt Sebastian’s stare and knew it wouldn’t take long for Sebastian to figure out who he really was That meant the Ratcliff family would know about him sooner t
he
planned, but he didn’t regret it.
The moment he saw Reese in the hallway, leaning against the wall, eyes red, he knew he couldn’t hide anymore.
He’d left the Ratcliff family to get away from all their drama, but now, he couldn’t just stand by and watch Sebastian hurt Reese.
Even if stepping out meant trouble with the Ratcliffs, even if it meant getting dragged back into their mess, he’d made up his mind.
From now on, he’d stay by her side. With him there, no one would get to dictate her life.
Matthew and Reese picked up Annie from school and headed back to their apartment together.