The Unwanted Runaway

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Denton’s POV.

As I trudge back to my house, my heart feels heavy and burdened. The anger that consumed me just moments ago has now been replaced with a deep sense of disappointment and heartbreak. I can't help but wonder if my feelings for Anna were merely driven by lust, clouding my judgment and blinding me to the truth.

For two and a half years, I was with Sarah, every moment of every day. But slowly, like a toxic poison seeping into our relationship, the cracks started to appear. Her insatiable hunger for my wealth, her greedy desires that knew no bounds. And the worst part? She didn't want any more children. It was as if our once passionate love had been reduced to mere business transactions.

But that wasn't all. Sarah showed no interest in my family, leaving me to deal with her son whenever she wanted to hang out with her friends. At first, I thought she just wanted me to bond with him, to become a great stepfather. But it soon became clear that she was just using me as a babysitter, so she could have her fun.

Anna, on the other hand, showed no red flags. From the very beginning, she was open and honest about her troubled past with her ex. And then there was the incident with the cartel, where she stole something that put my family in danger. We chose to protect her, and now we're all caught up in this dangerous game. And let's not forget how clumsy Anna can be, it's almost endearing.

Maybe that's why I was drawn to her. She needed help, and I wanted to be the one to give it to her. But the more I got to know her, the more I realized just how different she was from Sarah. Not just in personality, but in appearance as well.

I even killed one of my ranch hands in a fit of rage when he tried to sexually assault Anna. But I can't say I regret it. That man deserved what he got for the way he used to torment my little sister, Nikki. But a part of me does feel guilty, because deep down, I know I did it mostly for Anna, not Nikki. And that realization breaks my heart even more.

But Anna, she possesses a rare and genuine compassion for others, always going above and beyond to lend a helping hand. Her kind and nurturing nature shines through when she interacts with children, and her willingness to indulge my every desire is just an added bonus.

However, her actions have cost me dearly. Two prized horses, a precious family heirloom, and a significant portion of our property have all been destroyed. I can't help but feel heartbroken as I think about the damage she has caused. She should consider herself lucky that she didn't also harm my other horses.

As I storm into the house, slamming the door and breaking the hinges, I am filled with anger and frustration. Grabbing a beer from the fridge, I collapse onto the couch, trying to process everything that has happened. Just a few hours ago, I was happy and enjoying a family dinner cooked by Anna and my mother. And before that, I had passionately ravished Anna's body in my office in the now-destroyed barn. I have always been drawn to her, whether it was the intense lust or the fact that she seemed so vulnerable and in need of comfort. I couldn't resist giving in to my desires for her.

But now, everything has changed. I care for Anna deeply, but the damage she has caused is just too much to handle. I need time to assess the extent of the destruction, both physically and emotionally. The drama she has brought into our lives has taken its toll. I just need some time to process it all.

I called out to Buster, he remained still, I reached out to him. By tapping the bed next to me, hoping he would join me. But he wouldn't budge. I knew then that I had to pick him up, for he was not himself.

"What's the matter, boy?" I asked, my voice full of concern. But before I could even finish my sentence, he let out a deep growl and almost nipped at me. Shocked and hurt, I gently placed him on the bed, but he quickly jumped down and went back to the shirt lying on the floor. It was one of Anna's shirts, and I could see Buster snuggling into it, seeking comfort from her scent.

I reached for the shirt, but Buster growled at me again. Frustrated, I grabbed it and then threw it back on the bed, but he grabbed it with his mouth and took it back to the floor, letting out a small whimper. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his stubbornness. But then, it hit me. Buster missed Anna, just like I did. His actions spoke louder than words.

"Sorry, buddy," I sighed, kneeling down to his level. "I just need some time away from her. I know you like her, but ever since she showed up at the ranch, things have been tough."

Buster looked up at me with his big, brown eyes, and I could see the sadness reflecting in them. I knew then that he understood, in his own way. We were both broken-hearted, missing the woman who had brought us so much joy and love. But for now, we needed to heal in our own way, and I hoped that Buster would forgive me for needing some space.

As I lay in bed, my mind races and my body twists and turns, desperate for some semblance of comfort. The night seemed never-ending, and I found myself in the kitchen, reaching for another beer. But as I held it in my hand, I knew it wouldn't be enough to drown out the pain I was feeling.

With a heavy sigh, I set the beer back in the fridge and reached for something stronger - a bottle of Jack Daniels. Sitting at the kitchen table, I took swigs straight from the bottle, feeling the burning liquid slide down my throat. My gaze fell upon a small Christmas box on the table next to me. I couldn't remember when it arrived, but I picked it up and turned it around, finding a note taped to the side.

I hesitated before opening it, my heart heavy with emotion. The note was from Anna, thanking me for being her knight in shining armor and for helping to heal her broken heart. I took a deep breath, my anger boiling over as I tossed the box against the wall, watching it crash to the floor. I knew I couldn't open it, couldn't bear to see what was inside.

But as I looked at the box, I noticed it was surprisingly intact. I picked it up, shaking it to make sure nothing was broken. Then, with a heavy heart, I placed it on the kitchen counter, unable to bring myself to open it. But I could tell whatever was inside was sturdy and well-made.

Feeling overwhelmed, I turned to my phone and texted Brooke, asking if her and Anna made it okay at her cousin's apartment. Her reply was simply a thumbs up emoji, and I knew she pissed at me not having to say anything.

My heart aches as I recount the past few days since I reluctantly sent my dear Anna away to stay with Brooke's cousins. Brooke had reassured me that she would keep me informed of Anna's well-being through her cousin Eillie's updates. The thought of Anna being alone for the next two weeks, during the most festive time of the year, fills me with a sense of sadness.

As much as I long to see her, there is just too much work to be done here on the ranch. We are still in the process of rebuilding all the damage, and I cannot afford to leave even for a day. My priorities must remain here, even though it breaks my heart to be away from Anna during this special time.

My heart was heavy and my mind was racing as I stood in the spare room, now transformed back into my office with the help ,Evan. It had temporarily served as a kids' room for my ex-girlfriend Sarah's son, Seth, while we were together. But now, with the office in the Horse barn burned down, I needed the space back.

As we were finishing up on Christmas day, Evan picked up a piece of paper and asked why I had bought a new phone. I took the paper from his hand and replied, "It's just a return receipt confirmation. I was planning on getting it for Anna."

Evan looked at me with concern and asked, "Have you talked to her lately?"

I shook my head and replied, "No, I let myself get deceived by one woman's beauty and let another hold my heart strings. But now, I realize that both of them are full of drama and I don't need that in my life."

Evan sighed, "Yeah, well even though you were only with Anna for a short time, you could see the happiness in her. And the fact that she did the same to you, man, you're a mess."

I couldn't deny it. "I'm a mess because of the whole situation and how it has affected our family. Despite my attraction to her, I never should have picked her up on the side of the road. I never should have helped her up after knocking her to the ground with my truck door. I was just intrigued by her, that's all," I explained to Evan.

"Yeah, well either way, you still care about her. And the hardest part of seeing you like this is that Brooke and Mia are furious with you for how you treated her, especially knowing what we know about her," Evan replied.

I sighed, "Well, Carter took the USB drive to the FBI. They're handling the situation. And Joey and Sam are still looking for Anna, but they have no clue she's in the next town and safe."

Evan nodded, "Besides, Dad's pissed about the whole situation. He's not going to want Anna back on this property. You know that as well as I do Evan.”

As we were talking, my mother walked into the room with my sister, Christine. My heart sank as I knew what was coming.

"I don't know the whole situation or what's going on here, Denton. I haven't been here. But that poor girl is alone on Christmas while our family is all together. You're a true asshole, Denton. That girl needs you and you pushed her away," Christine said angrily, as my mother gave me a stern look.

"Denton," she began, "you know Sarah was here the day of the fire, just hours before it happened. She threatened Brooke, and I know you don't want to hear it, just like your father. But Anna already has so much going on, causing our family stress. And that fire, I agree with Brooke and Mia. Sarah has something to do with it. It's time you guys check the trail cams. They're the closest to the barn and may have captured something with their aerial view."

I hadn't thought of that, but I promised my mom I would check them when I had the chance. Right now, I needed to focus on getting everything else done, and I didn't want to think about Anna because that's all I had been doing.