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But I asked for it. Asked to be owned. And he gave me exactly what I needed. Even if I don’t fully understand why I needed it.

I never could’ve imagined this. Being bought at auction, married to a man who owns me, counting down days while trying to build something tangible from something rotten.

My phone buzzes. Sebastian.

Sebastian

Thank you for coming to me. For trusting me with what you needed.

I stare at the text for a long time before responding.

Me

Thank you for giving me what I asked for. And for not making it more than it was.

Sebastian

What was it?

Good question. What had that been? Escape? Connection? Physical need? All of the above?

Me

I don’t know, but I needed it. I needed you.

Sebastian

Then I’m glad I could give it to you. Goodnight, Len.

Me

Goodnight.

I put down my phone and stare at the ceiling, listening to the quiet, and wonder what the hell I’m doing.

32

SEBASTIAN

The alarm on my phone goes off at five thirty. I roll out of bed and pull on jeans, a thermal shirt, a flannel over that and the boots I wore yesterday. Ranch work clothes, nothing fancy. The kind of outfit that says I know what I’m doing, even if Warren’s about to test that assumption.

I head downstairs to find the kitchen already lit, coffee brewing, and Warren at the table drinking from a mug that says World’s Best Dad in faded letters.

“Morning,” I say.

“Drake.” He gestures to the coffee pot. “Help yourself. You’ll need it.”

I pour a cup and lean against the counter. “What’s the plan for today?”

“Morning chores start at six. Feeding, checking water lines, moving some cattle to fresh pasture. Cole’s got you for that. Around nine, Cage takes over, mending fence line, fixing gates, general maintenance. I’ve got you after lunch for the hard stuff.” Warren’s smile is grim. “We’ll see how much California has softened you.”

“I’m ready.”

“We’ll see.” He stands, draining his coffee. “Fair warning, my kids have been working on this ranch since they could walk. They know every inch of it, know how things are done here. You keep up, you earn respect.”

The back door opens, and Cole appears, dressed for work, his expression neutral. “Is he ready?”

“Says he is,” Warren replies. “Take him through the full rotation. Don’t go easy just because he’s family.”