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Maggie smiles softly. “If the Reckless Souls could accept me after all the shit I was mixed up in with my old crew, these folks will forgive you because you’re family. That’s what they do.”
Her words aren’t all that comforting because I know better than most that not even family sticks around. Not always. “I’m not willing to take that chance.”
“Sacrifice,” she says again while pretending to cough.
Ten minutes later, I rush into the building where a lot of administrative tasks are taken care of for the ranch. Racing past two desks, I hang a left until I’m at the addition that was added a few years ago. I stop outside the door I know so well and push it open, hitting a solid wall of muscle face-first.
“Shit. Sorry about that, Gunnar.” I look around his shoulder at Gray and then at Stone. “He’s okay?”
“He’s okay,” Stone assures me.
Relief pulses through me, and I step away from Gunnar, trying to not notice how connected the two men look together. Stone and Gray. It’s like they’re brothers in every sense of the word. Gray lies there, eyes closed, with a lightweight blue blanket covering him, Stone watching over him like a big brother.
I go to Gray, and Stone stands, offering me his chair next to the bed. “Gray,” I whisper, feeling guilty as hell.
I stare at him until his eyes flutter open, and a sleepy, lopsided smile greets me. “Hey,” I whisper close to his ear.
“Hey,” he replies softly, wincing as he tries to readjust his position.
“You’re okay,” I murmur. “I’m glad.”
“Me, too.” I ignore the weight of Stone’s gaze on me or maybe on us because I can’t deal with that right now. I just can’t.
I lean forward to kiss his mouth, but Gray turns, and I get his cheek instead. “What?”
“Don’t, Ivy. Don’t rush in here acting like you want me, like this is what you want, just because I was shot.”
“That’s not what I’m doing, Gray.”
“Bullshit.” He turns to me with a look that’s somehow icy and fiery. “Make your choice.”
What? Is this really what he’s asking me to do right now? I’ve made up my mind, but I’m just as certain that this isn’t the right time. I look away, hoping for more time.
“I see.”
Those two words catch my attention. What does he see? Or rather, what does he think he sees?
Before I can ask any of those questions, the door swings open, and there stands my sister with wide, terrified eyes. They connect with Gray, and she goes to him. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Thanks to Stone.” Gray looks at Stone. He stares back at him with pain in his eyes. Stone nods before he turns and walks away.
“You’re really fine?” Sage asks. “You’re not trying to be tough, are you?”
“Hurts too much to do that shit.”
They share a smile, and I feel completely left out. I’m not upset or jealous about it. I feel like I’m unnecessary here, so I stand and go to the door. When it’s clear that no one notices, I leave and make my way back to the bunkhouse.
Where I find Stone waiting for me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Stone
It’s been one hell of a goddamn day. Dealing with Gray getting shot has my blood boiling in a way that isn’t about the heat. And as if that isn’t enough to chew on Ivy’s face when she saw him? Damn, if that didn’t shoot right through me. The worry lighting up her eyes that damn caring gaze meant for him, not me.
Am I the asshole for coming between them, even if it wasn’t my intention? Yes, I am an asshole. But Gray willing to accept it so easily is fucking with me.
Doesn’t he love her? Does she love him? Does she even love me? All these questions are burning a hole in my gut. Where do I stand with Ivy? I know she’s attracted to me, but is she ready to forgive me for ghosting her while I was in California?
