53. Claim
Claim
Silas
The drone of the tires fills the silence between us as the truck rumbles down the dirt road. Eli gives me a sideways glance, his hands steady on the wheel. “Had you ever seen the Everly boys like that before?”
I exhale through my nose, rubbing at the tension in my jaw. “No. Since Lee, it’s always just been Bennett left behind.” The memory of my list flickers in my mind; neatly scrawled names, each crossed out with a single, black line. All but one.
Eli clicks his tongue, shifting in his seat. “Well, you’re not hunting a lone target any longer. They stuck close to him tonight. They’ll be there if you go sniffin’ around his place.”
“I’m aware.” Disappointment eats away at me, a slow-burning frustration that tightens my grip on my thigh. I had my chance. I could have ended this, wiped the last name off the list and walked away without the worry of extra eyes. But I missed it.
Eli lets the silence sit for a beat before his tone shifts, dipping into something smug. “Saw you spoke to Caroline.”
I don’t respond, staring straight ahead.
“Also saw your face when Marcel had her on the dance floor.”
My fingers flex, but I keep my voice even. “I said hello. And who she dances with isn’t any of my concern. ”
Eli snorts. “Oh, so it didn’t bother you? Watchin’ her smile at another man? Laughin’ like that?”
“She can do whatever the hell she wants.” My jaw clenches so tight it aches.
“Hmmm, alright then.” He drums his fingers against the steering wheel. “You know, in these parts, there’s a hell of a lot more men’s spirits hangin’ around than women’s. Pretty thing like Caroline? She’s bound to attract some attention. You sure you won’t mind if she welcomes a few advances?”
“Eli,” I growl in warning. “Drop it.”
“Right, right,” he drawls. “I’ll just make sure she knows she’s free to entertain whoever she wants. Wouldn’t want her endin’ up lonely and bitter like you. She’s far too pretty and good to?—”
“Shut. Your. Fucking. Mouth.” My patience snaps, my blood roaring in my ears. A dangerous heat twist in my gut, something dark and possessive threatening to break loose. If any man tried to lay claim to her, I’d send him to his eternal resting place without a second thought.
Eli gives a low, knowing chuckle. “Won’t make her yours, but you’ll damn well make sure she won’t be anyone else’s. You’re an asshole.”
“Maybe I am.”
My boots finally hit the gravel of the driveway. It’s good to be back on my land; I feel it welcoming me home. A quiet, internal sigh.
“I’m headed to bed. That was enough excitement for one evening.” Eli fumbles for the house key. “I am glad you got off this property for a bit tonight, Silas. Proud of you.”
“Yeah, don’t expect it to become a habit.” I run a hand through my hair. “I’ll be in the stables if you need me.”
He nods, knowing I’m too restless to be cooped up in the house. He turns for the porch and I walk through the yard, the quiet settling in around me. A needed change from the noise and events of the evening.
I lift the metal latch and pull back the door to the stables. As soon as my boots hit the floor, I hear Shadow huff. When I get to his stall, he’s standing, waiting for me. I reach out and run my hand along his neck.
“Want to go for a ride, boy?” His head bobs as he rubs his face against my arm.
The way Bennett walked into Ropers tonight sits uneasy in my mind.
He walks this earth freely. It’s slightly satisfying that he had to send his wife and children away.
I would never touch them; they don’t have any place in what he did.
But knowing he’s separated from the ones he loves is a small victory when I had to live without Caroline for years.
I walk to the tack room and grab my saddle.
When I round the corner, headlights flash through the open space.
Someone pulled up to the house. I drop the saddle by Shadow’s stall and hurry to the yard.
It’s Ruth’s car, and she has Caroline and Marcel with her.
As I walk to the driveway, Eli comes down the steps of the porch while Marcel heads for the barn.
“What is she doing here?” I ask Ruth, but point to my wife.
“Silas, calm the hell down. Lucas saw her. She needs to be here, where you can protect her.”
“Did he say anything?” My blood runs hot.
Caroline shifts, her boots scraping the gravel. “He asked if you were with me. Told him no.” Her back straightens just the slightest. “Then he asked me for a dance, which I told him no again.”
“Just chattin’ up the whole town now, aren’t you, dove?” I use the name purposefully. I want her to be as aggravated as I am right now.
“What would it matter to you, Mr. Hayes? You’ve made your choice quite clear.” Her hand goes to her right hip.
Ruth and Eli are frozen, watching the two of us.
I take a single step toward Caroline, a few feet still separating us. “Doesn’t matter a bit to me, Ms. Monroe.” Her chest heaves at the use of her maiden name .
“Good then. Maybe I should have Ruth drop me back off at the bar. I’m pretty sure I could find somewhere to land for the night.” She pauses, bringing her fingertip to her chin. “But wait, I could stay here. Eli? Marcel’s room is next to yours, right?”
Ruth gasps and I burn red hot. “You fucking keep your hands off my men, Caroline. So help me?—”
“Or what? What will you do, Silas? Haunt me? Fucking go ahead, you beast. Been haunted by worse than you before. You’re just a sad, stubborn soul. Easy to rile and simpleminded.”
“Eli, I think I’d like a cup of coffee.” Ruth loops her arm through his.
“Yeah, I’ll make us a pot.” Eli’s face is almost fearful.
“Make enough for all of us, Eli. Sounds like Ms. Monroe here will need some energy for the night.”
“You are an asshole, Silas Hayes. A sad excuse of a man.” She storms toward the barn, leaving me in her wake.
My feet move to follow her, like a dog tethered to its owner. “You don’t get to say those things to me and just walk away.”
She doesn’t falter, boots crunching the gravel beneath. “Watch me, Silas Hayes.”
I take long strides, catching up to her in just a few steps. Grabbing her arm, I spin her to look at me. “In case you forgot, Caroline, you’re still rightfully my wife.”
She strains to free herself from my grip, but it’s no use. “I don’t need to be reminded, Silas.” She holds her free hand up between us, her wedding band gleaming in the dim light.
“Where did you get that?” But I already know the answer.
“You think I don’t know your hiding places? I know everything about you. I know you better than yourself. I’m your fucking wife.”
“You got into the safe. I changed the code after you…” My words trail off, not wanting to say it.
“After I passed? After we passed?”
“Yes,” I say, still gripping her arm.
“Say it. Say it out loud, Silas.”
I pause, trying to form the words. “After we passed. ”
“I will always be faithful to you, Silas. As stupid as that might be, you have had my soul since the first time I saw you. There’s no changing that.” Her eyes change, filled with defiance. “But what about you? You throw accusations at me, but have you been the one that has strayed?”
“That’s fucking it.” I turn her toward the barn, shoving her against the wooden slats. “I would never stray. How dare you accuse me of it. It’s about time you realize where your place is.”
I press my chest against her shoulders, undoing my belt.
I slide the leather free and bring it around her mouth.
“Fucking open your mouth.” My cock hardens as her jaw accommodates the leather.
I place the strap between her teeth, pulling it taunt.
"I won’t have you forgetting who you belong to.
You are mine . My wife. No one else will ever fucking touch you. "