Ride It

Chapter 5

This is amazing.

Compared to the night Bentley brought me in, the morning after is a sight to see. Everything is much brighter and livelier. As Bentley leads me out of the house, I look around at the many people walking around and doing their jobs.

I look at the way their faces show their enjoyment as they talk and bustle about, tending to the animals and harvesting the crops.

My eyes take in everything with fascination, wondering if I will become like this after I start to officially work here. Will Bentley pay me like he does them?

I can save up money to get myself out of town. I don't expect him to protect me forever, after all. But what if my pay is staying here? How will I leave then?

"I'll show you around the ranch when we get back. You like horses?"

"I've never ridden one before, but I think they're cool," I say.

He smirks and tips his hat. "Well, you're looking at a professional rider. I love horses. I'll show you the stables so you can get acquainted. Every year we host a horse racing event on the ranch and you're just in luck because it'll be held next month."

Will I get to ride the horses too?

"Really?"

"Really, sweetheart. Hey Mitch!" He shouts out to a man dallying around in the sheep pen. "I'm heading into town for a bit. Make sure Betsy gets her shots today."

"I got ya!" Mitch yells back.

"C'mon, let's go," he places a hand on my back and guides me toward the pickup truck parked out front. He opens the door and lets me slide in before closing it shut. Then he runs around to his side and hops in.

Once the car starts, I can't help but fiddle with my fingers that are resting on my lap.

I don't want to run into Jason, or even my parents. But I know it'll be trouble if I don't let everyone know I'm fine. From what I hear, Jason has the town looking for me. I have to let them know that I'm fine so they can stop the search.

Bentley promises that he'll be with me every step of the way, yet I can't help but worry. What if something goes wrong? What if the police tell him I have to go back with Jason? What will I do then?

A hand on my shoulder has me looking over to meet Bentley's warm, reassuring gaze. "It'll be alright, Ms. Beatrice. I've got your back."

The calm look in his eyes reassures me a bit as I allow myself to relax. I nod and mumble. "Thank you."

He nods back and starts up the car to pull onto the dirt path leading down the mountain and into town.

It isn't a long drive, so we spend it in silence as I look out of the window and listen to the radio playing in the background.

Soon enough, we make it to town and Bentley pulls in front of the police station and locks the car off.

He hops out of the car and comes around to open my door. "Let's get your missing person report over with before shopping. You won't have to see your fiancé. We'll let the cops handle breaking the news."

I nod and step out of the car, my hand clutching my shirt tightly. I follow closely behind Bentley and enter the police station.

We approach the front desk and the lady sitting behind it looks up. Her eyes widen when she sees Bentley, and she quickly stands up to greet him.

"Mr. Bentley, hi. What brings you here?" Her tone is polite and respectful.

Bentley steps aside so that I'm visible and explains. "There's a missing report out for Beatrice, right?"