"Why's Jamie walking around like someone just killed his dog?" I leaned against Beth's doorframe, watching her prepare to take on the world.

"Well, little sister," Beth began, her voice laced with bitterness, "the brother you think is so fucking perfect just sold our father out."

"What do you mean? Jamie wouldn't do that," I responded quickly, trying to defend him. I knew Jamie was angry with Dad for pushing him out of political office, but this was different.

"You've always had your blinders on for him," Beth snapped, her eyes narrowing. "Jamie did what Jamie always does—he put himself before this family."

"He's Dad's lawyer," I argued, shaking my head. "Anything he could've said would've been protected by what's it called... confidentiality."

"Jamie was smart enough to only share what wouldn't get him disbarred," Beth said, "not enough to start an inferno but he sure as fuck lit the match."

I frowned, crossing my arms. "So what happens now?"

Beth smirked at me through the mirror, swiping on her lipstick like she was preparing for battle. "Now? Now, we make sure Jamie learns that being a turncoat doesn't come without consequences."

I exhaled sharply, glancing toward the hallway where I'd last seen Jamie slinking around like a kicked dog. "Beth, are we sure he really—"

"Yes." She snapped the lipstick cap back on with a decisive click. "Don't start making excuses for him."

I wanted to argue, wanted to believe Jamie wasn't as selfish as Beth made him out to be. But deep down, I knew better.

"Goddamn it," I muttered.

Beth turned to face me fully, one perfectly sculpted brow arched. "Welcome to the party, little sister. Now, you wanna help me burn his world down, or you gonna keep standing in my doorway, looking like a lost puppy?"

"I'm not, I'm just not as eager to destroy him as you are," I responded, "What did Dad say?"

"Dad is gonna let Jamie, Jamie his way out of it, like he always does," she stared at me.

"What are you gonna do?" I asked.

Beth's smirk widened, but there was no humor in it—just sharp, cold calculation. "Oh, don't you worry, little sister. I'll do what needs to be done."

I sighed, shaking my head. "Beth—"

"No." She cut me off, stepping forward until we were nearly toe to toe. "Don't start with the 'but he's our brother' bullshit. I'm fresh out of sympathy for Jamie. He made his bed."

I studied her face, searching for even the smallest crack in her armor. But Beth was a fortress—walls high, gates locked, cannons already aimed.

"What do you want from me?" I asked finally.

Beth leaned in, lowering her voice to a near whisper. "I want you to open your damn eyes. Jamie isn't who you want him to be. He never was."

I swallowed hard, not because I didn't believe her—but because a part of me already knew she was right.

—-

I couldn't face my brother yet, I didn't want to, I knew he would try to convince me he did it because he wanted to save the ranch. But deep down, I knew Jamie did it for Jamie.

Instead, I found myself heading toward the stables, seeking the kind of solace that only came from the steady rhythm of hooves against dirt and the quiet understanding of a horse that didn't ask questions. Denim flicked his ears as I approached, sensing my mood before I even reached him.

"Hey, boy," I murmured, running a hand down his strong neck. "At least I can count on you to be honest."

He huffed softly, nudging at my pocket for treats. I gave a small chuckle, pulling out a sugar cube and letting him take it from my palm.

"You and me both, sweetheart," a voice drawled from behind me.

I turned to find Rip leaning against the stall door, arms crossed, watching me the way he always did—like he could see straight through the walls I put up.

"Let me guess," he said. "You came out here 'cause you didn't wanna hear whatever bullshit Jamie's about to feed you?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I just… I don't have it in me to hear him lie to my face right now."

Rip nodded, stepping inside the stall and resting a hand on Denim's back. "Yeah, well, he's got a talent for that."

Silence settled between us for a moment, the sounds of the barn filling the space where words weren't needed.

"What would you do?" I finally asked, glancing up at him. "If it were you?"

Rip exhaled slowly, considering. "If I were you? I'd stop wastin' energy tryin' to see somethin' in Jamie that ain't there. The man picks himself every time. Always has, always will."

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening at the truth of it. "And if he's really done something that screws us all?"

Rip met my gaze, his voice low and firm. "Then you gotta decide, are you gonna be a Dutton—or are you gonna be Jamie's sister?"

I never thought I'd have to be one or the other. But if I had to choose, one brother over the other, over my sister and our father. There wasn't really a choice to make.

"When did you become so fucking wise?" I asked him. Almost seeing that wild teenage boy who came to the ranch a lifetime ago staring back at me.

"I've always been wise. You haven't been paying attention," he responded.

I huffed a laugh, shaking my head. "Yeah, that's it. I just missed all your pearls of wisdom over the years."

Rip smirked, but something was knowing in his gaze. "You always saw what you wanted to see, Alex. Even when we were kids."

Maybe he was right. Maybe I had spent too much time trying to find something redeemable in Jamie when, deep down, I always knew he'd never put us first. That was the difference between him and the rest of us—he was born into this family, but he never really chose it.

I glanced back at Denim, running my hand down his nose, grounding myself in the familiar. "I don't know how Dad lets it slide. How he can keep forgiving him."

Rip's jaw tightened. "Because deep down, your old man still wants to believe Jamie's worth it. Just like you do."

I let out a slow breath, feeling the weight of the truth settle over me. "Not anymore."

Rip gave a small nod, as if he'd been waiting for me to say it. "Good."

It was just one word, but it felt like a shift—like something in me had settled. I wasn't gonna be blind to who Jamie really was anymore. And if it ever came down to it, I knew exactly where I stood.

With my family. With the ones who chose the ranch, chose us, every damn time.

I felt a bit more at ease as I stepped out of the barn, spotting the blacksmith arriving to replace our horses' shoes. I knew better than to stick around—if I did, Denim would put on a show. The process didn't hurt him, but my spoiled, rotten horse had a knack for dramatics, and he'd milk it for all it was worth if he thought it might get me to call it off.

I pulled my jacket tighter around me as the crisp Montana air bit at my skin. Leaning against the arena fence, I watched as Lloyd, Jimmy, and Jake gathered around one of the two-year-olds—one that hadn't quite learned to tolerate a rider yet.

This should be interesting.

"When you do this at the rodeo," Lloyd said, catching my attention. My ears perked up—that was my domain. "There ain't no saddle, just you, your rigging, and the horse."

And just like that, this went from interesting to potentially the worst idea Jimmy had ever had.

I'd been paying attention—Jimmy was strapped for cash. And while I had the means to help him, I knew better. It wasn't my place to bail him out. Some lessons had to be learned the hard way.

Still, I chewed my lip, watching him, torn between letting him make his own mistakes and stepping in before this one left him broken.

Rip exhaled sharply, his expression unreadable as he watched Jimmy bask in his brief triumph.

"Eight seconds," Jimmy repeated, practically beaming. "That's a real score, right?"

"It's something," Rip replied, still unimpressed.

I bit the inside of my cheek, debating whether to be encouraging or realistic. Finally, I settled on, "Awesome. I know you got the brains for bronc riding."

Jimmy, oblivious to the sarcasm, grinned wider.

Rip leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Why is he on that rank bastard?"

"He needs to earn some extra money," Lloyd answered.

Rip sighed, shaking his head. "Jesus Christ."

Jimmy, still high on adrenaline, had no idea he was making a deal with the devil—because rodeo didn't just take your money. It took your time, your pride, and sometimes, the use of your damn legs.

"Hey Jimmy," Rip called, "you know why you never met any old rodeo cowboys?" Jimmy gave him a look, "Cause there ain't any."

Jimmy laughed, but Rip didn't.

That should've been his first clue.

Lloyd chuckled, shaking his head. "Hell, I was young and dumb once too."

"You're still dumb," I teased, nudging his arm.

He smirked. "And you're still mouthy."

"Yeah, well, I ain't the one lettin' Jimmy think he's invincible," I shot back, watching as Jimmy straightened up, still caught in the rush of his eight-second ride.

"I won't die, I promise," Jimmy insisted, full of that dangerous kind of confidence only rookies had.

Rip tilted his head, eyeing him in that way that made most men second-guess their entire life's choices. "I'll hold you to that," he said flatly, then turned and walked off.

Jimmy might've thought he was getting into the rodeo for the money, but he was about to learn the hard way—bronc riding in the rodeo always cost more than it paid.

I couldn't judge Jimmy's newfound passion too harshly—there were dangers in every sport. My father's biggest worry when I was learning was that I'd fall and crack my neck. That fear didn't stop me.

I'd hit the dirt more times than I could count, bruised ribs, twisted ankles, and once, a concussion that had me seeing double for two days. But quitting was never an option.

Jimmy had that same fire in his eyes, that reckless determination that made a person get back on the horse, no matter how many times they got thrown. I understood it. Hell, I respected it.

But rodeo had a way of humbling even the toughest riders. And something told me Jimmy was about to find that out the hard way.

I didn't say anything as Lloyd took Jimmy to the fairground to try in a bucking chute. I stayed behind, watching Rip's expression, which told me everything I needed to know. He wasn't thrilled. He'd learned to live with my decision to rodeo—maybe, with time, he'd be okay with Jimmy's too.

"Lloyd will take care of him," I said, crossing my arms. "Just hope it's enough."

Rip exhaled through his nose, running a hand down the side of his horse. "Yeah," he muttered.

There was a weight in his voice, something unspoken. He'd seen too many men get hurt, too many good cowboys take one bad fall that changed everything. Jimmy had heart, no doubt, but heart didn't mean a damn thing when a bronc was twisting in midair, determined to put you in the dirt.

Still, I hoped Jimmy would prove him wrong.

I ran my hand down Rip's horse's face, letting him nuzzle into my jacket for the rest of my treats.

"Don't go spoiling my horse too, he's gotta work," Rip chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah," I ignored him.

Jamie walked up, his face twisted. I felt the old me tug wanting to help my brother out of whatever he'd gotten us into.

"What happened?" I asked. Jamie didn't look at me. He stared at Rip.

"Jamie, what happened?" Rip asked. We followed Jamie to his SUV and he slowly opened the back. I blinked in horror at the dead woman who was lying in the back.

"I don't know what happened– it just all went wrong," Jamie was on the verge of tears. "What do we do?"

"We talk to your father," Rip looked at me, I'd seen more than I should have. More than what I was supposed to be responsible for. But it was too late now. I knew the weight of this place, the bodies that were buried to keep it going. But knowing and seeing are two entirely different things.

"No, Rip, no," Jamie pleaded clinging to Rip's jacket.

"I don't work for you," Rip pushed Jamie away.

"Yeah," Jamie held up his hand in surrender, "If you tell him, then he's an accessory to murder."

"What do you think you just made, her?" Rip cut his eyes to me and then back to Jamie.

"Right now, the only accountable person is me," Jamie said, "We need to keep it that way. Rip, please. I've always treated you as a friend."

I knelt on the ground, burying my face in my hands. I wanted to cry, but I didn't have the energy to dedicate my tears to Jamie, not now.

Rip's jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth might crack. He looked at Jamie, then at me, then back at the body in the SUV.

"You don't got friends, Jamie," Rip said, his voice flat. "You got people who tolerate you."

Jamie swallowed hard, his hands shaking as he dragged them through his hair. "I didn't mean for this to happen. I didn't—"

"But it did," I cut him off, finally looking up from where I'd buried my face in my hands. "And now it's our problem."

Rip let out a slow, measured breath. "I'll handle it."

Jamie looked like he might collapse in relief, but I wasn't relieved. I was sick. The weight of this place had never felt heavier.

I pushed to my feet, staring at Jamie like I didn't even know him anymore. "Tell me the truth," I said quietly. "Did you do this?"

His head snapped up, eyes wild. "No! I swear to you, Alex, I didn't mean to... But if we don't do something—"

I shook my head. "You already did something, Jamie. That's why we're standing here."

Rip turned to me. "Go inside."

I hesitated, my stomach twisting, but I nodded. I didn't need to see what came next.

As I walked back toward the house, I couldn't shake the feeling that a line had just been crossed. Not for Jamie—he was already too far gone.

For me.

So, I did what I always did when the weight of this place got too damn heavy—I saddled up.

Denim could sense my mood, shifting beneath me as I led him out of the barn. The cool Montana night wrapped around me like a vice, but I welcomed it. I needed the silence, the space, the distance from the house where my brother was pacing, probably rehearsing his next lie.

I didn't want to be under the same roof as Jamie. If I could arrange it, I didn't want to be in the same fucking state. But that wasn't an option.

Not yet.

So, I rode. Through the open fields, past the tree line where the stars stretched wide and far, into the places where no one could reach me. Denim's hooves pounded against the earth, steady and sure, drowning out the storm in my head.

I didn't know what scared me more—what Jamie had done, or the fact that I wasn't sure if I could keep looking at him without seeing the body in the back of his SUV.

It was late when I got back in the barn. My head a little clearer. I knew Rip took care of it, like he takes care of all the ranch's dirty work.

"What did you do with her?" I asked Rip when I got back to the barn.

"Don't go poking your nose where it don't belong," he told me, "it didn't happen, understand."

I nodded, but I didn't feel better about it.

"You gonna rat me out if I crash here tonight?" I nodded my head toward the bunkhouse.

"You should know by now, Alex," he told me, "I always keep your secrets."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Rip always had a way of making things seem simple, even when they weren't.

The weight in my chest didn't lift, but at least out here, away from the house, away from Jamie, I could breathe.

"I appreciate it," I said, meaning it.

Rip just gave me a look, the kind that said he understood more than I wanted him to. "Get some sleep," he said gruffly, turning back to his horse.

I made my way to the bunkhouse, slipping inside quietly. A few of the guys were still up, playing cards, laughing like nothing was wrong in the world. Like there wasn't a body buried somewhere on this land.

"Jimmy make it back from the rodeo?" I asked Ethan who was shuffling a deck of cards.

"They just pulled in a bit ago," Ethan never one for many words. Cool and quiet. I guess he'd be more concerned if Jimmy didn't make it back from the rodeo.

Jake rushed through the door, looking like he was about to explode. I guess that was literal.

"Ate too much chili at the rodeo," he shoved past me and rushed into the bathroom. Sending Ryan and Colby rushing out, in their towels.

I wrinkled my nose as the bathroom door slammed shut behind Jake.

"Christ, Jake," Ryan groaned, shaking his head as he ran a towel through his damp hair.

Colby looked downright traumatized. "I think my shower just got cut short."

"You think?" Ryan shot back. "I barely got the soap out of my hair before he came barreling in like the damn rodeo bull."

Ethan chuckled, still shuffling his cards. "That's what he gets for eating fairground chili."

I smirked, shaking my head. "That boy never learns."

Just then, a muffled groan came from the bathroom.

I stayed put, sipping my beer, listening to the chaos unfold.

It was nice, for a moment, to pretend like this was the biggest problem of the night.

Jimmy and Lloyd strode in the door.

"You lived," I gave him a smile, maybe Jimmy's rodeo experience would lighten the dark mood I found myself in.

Jimmy strutted in, his chest puffed out, clearly riding high on the adrenaline of the night. "Hell yeah, I lived. And then some," he said, flashing the gold buckle like it was the most prized possession he'd ever earned. He was practically glowing with pride.

"You won that?" I asked, leaning back in my chair. My voice was a mix of amusement and genuine surprise. He hadn't exactly been the most graceful on that bucking horse earlier, but apparently, he had it in him when it counted.

"You better believe it," Jimmy grinned, his voice laced with confidence.

Ryan gave him an enthusiastic thumbs-up as he tossed his towel onto the nearby bed and started dressing, not even looking up from the task. His approval was casual but genuine. He had a way of making things feel effortless, even when they weren't.

I forced my eyes to stay on Jimmy, and not on my cowboy just feet away from me, wearing nothing but a towel.

"You can look if you want to, baby. Ain't nothing you haven't seen before," Ryan chuckled.

"She ain't seen my junk," Colby said, "otherwise she might pick a whole new cowboy to cuddle up with."

"I am trying to be a gentleman," I called over to them, "your junk notwithstanding, I think I'll take my chances and not be traumatized again tonight."

Ryan shot me a smirk, clearly enjoying the banter. "You sure? Cause I'm more than happy to give you a front-row seat to the show," he teased, leaning against the wall as if it were no big deal. His confidence was almost enough to make me crack a smile.

Colby chimed in, a grin on his face. "Come on, Alex, you know you're curious."

"Curious, sure. Traumatized? Not so much," I shot back, rolling my eyes. "I've got better things to focus on—like not getting distracted by your ridiculousness."

Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. "You're no fun, sweetheart. You can't handle this level of cowboy charm?"

"I can handle plenty, but I've already been around enough to know when to look, and when to save myself the headache," I said with a smirk, narrowing my eyes playfully at the pair.

As if on cue, Jimmy stepped up, showing off that gold buckle again, bringing the focus back to him. "I think I'm gonna need a drink to celebrate this one," he said, oblivious to the ongoing teasing.

"Atta boy," Ryan nodded. "You earned it."

I just shook my head with a smile. Maybe I had a lot on my mind, but a good laugh with these guys was the kind of distraction I needed right now.

"Where's Avery?" Jimmy asked. "I wanna show her."

"She left," Ryan answered.

"Where to?" Jimmy asked again.

"Didn't say," Ryan responded, "Just grabbed her shit and left."

"Guess being around y'all every day is enough to drive any sane woman away," I said. I was disappointed by the news, if I were honest with myself. It was nice to have another woman around that wasn't my sister. That kind of got it. That got me.

"And yet you're still here," Colby responded.

"Who said I was sane?"

Jake emerged from the bathroom, "I wouldn't go in there for 10-15 minutes if I was y'all."

"You're even walking different," Ryan remarked.

"He lost ten pounds," Lloyd said.

I couldn't help but snicker at the exchange, shaking my head as I leaned back in my seat.

"Seems like the chili didn't just settle in your stomach, huh, Jake?" I teased, giving him a playful side-eye.

Jake gave a half-hearted shrug, his face already flushed from the embarrassment. "Tasted good at the time…" he muttered, clearly regretting it. "Should've known better."

"Well, we're all learning something new today," Colby said with a grin, glancing between Jake and Ryan. "Next time, maybe don't challenge the chili at the rodeo."

Walker strode in picking up his saddle bag and guitar case, "Adios, assholes," he said as he headed for the door.

"Jesus boys, looks like leaving this place is getting contagious, huh?" Colby commented.

I glanced up at Walker, I knew what I knew about the brand. "Where you headed?"

"Don't know yet, Rip's dropping me at the train station and I'll figure it out from there. I'd like to say I'll see you around, but I never want to see this place again," he responded.

And just like that my stomach was in knots again.

I watched Walker leave, the sound of his boots fading as he walked out the door. There was a weird kind of finality in the air, a sense that this was it—that was the last time I'd see him, or maybe it just felt that way because I wasn't ready for it. I wasn't sure why it hit me harder than I expected. Maybe it was the way he said it, like he'd finally given up on this place and all the ghosts that came with it.

I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding, the weight of everything that had happened on the ranch pressing down on me. There were things I couldn't share, burdens I couldn't unload, and it was all getting to be too much.

I needed a distraction. My gaze automatically flicked over to Ryan as he slipped on his boxers, and I couldn't help but smirk. "Damn, now that's a show worth watching," I teased, trying to mask the tension inside me with humor.

Ryan glanced over at me with a knowing smile, clearly enjoying my attention. "You're not shy about it, baby," he replied, his voice low and playful. There was always this spark between us, but today, it felt different.

"Maybe I just like what I see," I shot back, my pulse quickening as I met his eyes. He slipped into a pair of old sweatpants, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Why don't you come over here and take a closer look?" he smirked, his voice low, teasing.

I rolled my eyes, laughing softly as I stood up from my seat and started making my way to the corner of the bunkhouse. "Coby, your junk better be covered when I come over there," I called over my shoulder, already anticipating his response.

He didn't disappoint, chuckling under his breath. "I'm always fully covered, sweetheart. But I wouldn't mind showing you a little more."

"Two cowboy fantasy was not on my bingo card today," I teased, my voice low as I stepped closer to Ryan, wrapping my arms around his waist. "But I like my hands full with this one." I let my hands slide a little further down, feeling the warmth of his body under my touch.

Ryan smirked, his grip tightening around me as he leaned in closer. "You always know how to keep things interesting, don't you?" His breath brushed against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

I met his eyes, the playful banter between us fading into something more electric, the tension hanging thick in the air. "I aim to please," I replied, my smile never fading.

Ryan's lips hovered just next to my ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down my spine. "You staying?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.

"If you're offering to share your bunk with me, cowboy," I replied, my breath hitching as he pulled me tighter against him, the heat between us building.

"You've always got an open invitation, baby," he murmured. I bit my lip, trying to lose myself in the feel of his lips on my skin.

I wanted to let Ryan help me forget what happened today with my brother, the body, what was likely happening to Walker now. But the thoughts wouldn't go away.

Ryan felt the shift and locked his eyes with mine, "You ok?"

I shook my head, I was not OK, "Would you be ok if we just slept?"

Ryan's hand gently cupped my cheek as he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. His gaze softened, understanding the turmoil that was swirling in my mind. "We don't have to do anything, Alex. Whatever you need."

"I just need you to hold me," I said. Gently he guided me to the edge of the bunk and leaned down to help me off with my boots. I lifted my hips and slid my jeans off.

"Come here," he said pulling me into his arms. His warmth was a comfort, and for a moment, I allowed myself to forget the chaos. His steady breathing beside me was soothing, and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest reminded me that, for tonight at least, I didn't have to face it all alone.

The quiet of the bunkhouse surrounded us, the weight of the day's events lifting just a little as I drifted into sleep, safe in the presence of the one person who seemed to understand without needing words.

Ryan's arms tightened around me, pulling me closer as if he could shield me from everything I was trying to escape. His steady presence was a balm, calming the storm inside me. The world outside faded, leaving only the quiet comfort of the bunkhouse and the soft rhythm of his breathing.

I nestled into him, my fingers tracing the lines of his chest, grounding myself in the moment. Everything felt a little more bearable with him here, and for once, I allowed myself to relax, even if just for tonight.

"Everything will be okay," Ryan whispered, his voice low and soothing. I didn't respond, but I didn't need to. His words were a promise, one I could hold onto, if only for now.

As sleep finally began to pull me under, I let go of the worries that had gripped me all day. Tomorrow would come with its challenges, but for tonight, I was safe. And that was enough.