The Unwanted Runaway

Long Day

Dentons POV

Evan and I were sitting at his kitchen table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. We were discussing the latest news that Mia had shared with Evan. She sat across from us, her hands wrapped around a warm mug, her eyes focused on the events of earlier that day.

"I was at the grocery store, just minding my own business, when I saw Joey - Anna's ex," Mia began. "At first, I didn't even realize it was him. But then I heard Sam Thorne, the town lawyer, mention his name. That's when it hit me." Mia paused for a moment, her tone serious.

Evan nodded, his brows furrowed in concern. "Apparently, Joey is in some serious trouble with the Mexican cartel. And he thinks Anna knows something about it," he said, recalling the information they had found on a USB drive.

The mention of Joey made my jaw clench. Anna had recently, confided in me about his manipulative and abusive behavior. He had used her for what little money she made at her small retail and job. Anna also told me how Joey would make her feel inadequate. "He always had a way of making Anna feel like she wasn't good enough," he would get upset with her and raise his hand and physically hurt her. She would cover her roses up, so no one around with them she was working he even snuck other women into their home, and he was always glued to his laptop, I interjected, remembering Anna's words.

Mia’s eyes started to water, and she looked at me with sympathy, saying poor Anna

Evan said what a f*****g little p***y well at least Anna is here now.

Mia continued, her voice shaking slightly. "They had flyers and were questioning the cashiers and customers at the store. I managed to avoid them until I left the parking lot. But Sam saw me and they tried to talk to me. I quickly left before they could question me further."

"But we all know Sam Thorne won't give up that easily. He'll keep looking for Anna," Mia said with a worried tone.

"I'll figure out a way to keep her safe," I reassured Evan and Mia.

Mia then asked if Carter still had the USB drive. "Yes, he turned it into the FBI. But that doesn't mean Joey, or whoever, won't stop looking for Anna. They might see her as a problem and try to eliminate her," I replied, my voice tense.

It had been a few weeks since Anna and I had gotten together. I hoped that everything would stay quiet for a little while so we could enjoy our time together. I told Evan while I cracked my knuckles, and stretched, preparing myself to get up from the table

As I got up from the table to rinse out my coffee cup, I looked back at Evan and Mia. "Thanks for the morning break, guys. But I should probably get back to work," I said, feeling grateful for the moment of calm amidst the chaos.

Evan also got up, yeah Denton “ I have to check on the fences before the predicted windstorm hit.

“I should do the same on the ranch side," I replied, knowing that we needed to prepare for the storm.

Before I left, I turned to Mia and said, "Oh, and Brooke and Anna got a headstart on the herb garden, so you don't have to worry about that." I could see the relief in Mia's eyes as she thanked me for the update.

"Yeah, Anna used Brooke's phone to text me earlier. She wanted to help out your mom and Nikki with the kids," Mia explained.

I smiled, knowing how much Anna loved to be helpful. "She's planning on cooking dinner with my Ma later today so we can all eat together," I added.

Mia then mentioned

“ Anna is totally different from , Sarah, who never wanted to help cook or clean or spend time with our family.

“I know, and I'm grateful for that. Anna is the complete opposite of Sarah," I replied, feeling lucky to have Anna in my life. that’s for sure.

Evan chimed in, hey, I was just wondering if Anna had replaced her broken phone yet. I shook my head.

No” I offered to buy her a new one, but she said she doesn't need it. She talks to everyone she needs to on a regular basis here, face-to-face and can use someone else's phone if she needs to reach someone," I explained.

Evan shook his head, commenting you know other girls would be after the family money.

Mia laughed, agreeing with him.

As I walked out the back door and headed towards the ranch, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the people in my life who cared about me and supported me, especially during these troubling times. Anna and I might have a rocky start but things will get a better I assume soon enough.

As I strolled back to the ranch, I pushed open the heavy wooden door to my office in the barn. The scent of hay and leather filled my senses, reminding me of the life I loved as a rancher. I settled into my worn leather chair, my thoughts wandering to the upcoming holiday season. It was only a week away from Christmas and I still hadn't found the perfect gift for Anna.

She had told me she didn't want anything, content with the simple life we lived on the ranch. But I wanted to spoil her, to show her how much she meant to me. I pulled out my phone and scrolled through websites, searching for the new iPhone that I knew she secretly wanted.

My gaze then fell on my guitar, an heirloom that had been passed down in my family for generations. Anna had played it a few times, her fingers gently strumming the strings with a natural grace. I had considered buying her own guitar, but I didn't want her to think I was trying to buy her love.

I decided to distract myself by checking in with , Jason, about the paperwork for the new Colts. As I waited for his response, I began to clean and polish the saddles hanging on the wall. I had a plan to take Anna out on one of our trails later this evening, leading up to the breathtaking Wyoming mountains.

Suddenly, I heard commotion outside and I got up from my seat, dusted the dirt off the window and saw Ma” screaming and yelling at a car that sped off in a cloud of dust. I recognized it as Sarah's. My Ma” had obviously handled the situation, so I didn't need to intervene. I returned to my task at hand, grateful for the peace and simplicity of ranch life.

A soft knock echoed through the office, stirring me from my relaxed state. I glanced over to see Anna standing in the doorway, her gaze locked onto mine with a sultry intensity. I couldn't help but smirk as she sauntered over to my desk, her curves on full display.

Leaning back in my chair, I let out a low chuckle as she perched herself on the edge of my desk, her long legs crossed seductively. "Come on in, darling," I purred, my eyes tracing every inch of her body.