and have a safe trip home.” He looks surprised. I climb in the car and the driver pulls out of the hotel. I have held the tears all I can and I begin crying. “Are you ok Ms. Foster?” I sniffle. “Yes, I’m fine.” I make it home run straight up to my room change into some sleep wear and I cry myself to sleep. I wake up the next morning and head into the bathroom. I look in my mirror my face looks awful from my smeared makeup and dried tears. I wash my face and brush my teeth. I throw on some gym clothes and get in a quick workout. After my shower I get dressed and make my way downstairs. Uncle Rex and Billy are sitting at the kitchen table. Uncle Rex is reading the newspaper and Buddy is finishing his breakfast. “Morning darling how are you?” “I have been better.” “What is the matter Avery?” Buddy asked. I decide to tell them the problem but I will spare them the details. “I have some serious concerns about the Walker’s.” Uncle Rex puts the newspaper down and Buddy stops eating. “I think we need to take more precautions around the ranch.” “Darlin what has brought this on?” “Uncle Rex I don’t want to get into the nitty gritty of it but they are after the ranch and the racing team.” Buddy chimes in “Avery, Reese Walker has wanted this ranch for years but he never has tried anything.” “I saw them last night at dinner. They think because Daddy is gone, the ranch is theirs for the taking. I know they can never take the ranch and the racing team away from us. We have everything in place to protect us but I am afraid something bad could happen. You just have to trust me.” “Ok Darlin. We will do whatever you want. Buddy and I are behind you one hundred percent. I better get out there. We are going to run Saphire today. You should come check her out.” “I will see you out there shortly Uncle Rex.” I get up to grab a cup of coffee and Buddy walks over to me. “Coy threatened you didn’t he?” “Buddy don’t worry about it. I just would rather be safe than sorry.” Anger fills his eyes. “I won’t push but I swear to you if he even thinks about hurting you I will make him pay.” “Relax Buddy it is fine.” “Avery, I am off to talk to Cliff about additional security. I will see you in a little while.” I walk out to my stables to see Blue. I pull my phone out to check the time. Shit! I forgot I put it on silent on the way to dinner with Grant last night. I have three missed calls and four text messages. Grant tried calling me twice and Coy called once. I check my text messages. The first one is from Coy. I meant what I said. I will own you. You are my possession and no one will stand in my way. What are you going to do when your billionaire boyfriend is not around to protect you? That text sent shivers down my spine and now I know I’m not overreacting to what he said last night. I check the other text messages. They are all from Grant. The first one is from last night. I just wanted to make sure that you were ok and I am truly sorry about tonight. The other two are from this morning. The first he sent early this morning. My plane doesn’t leave for a couple of hours. I would like to see you before I leave. He sent another text about an hour ago. Avery, I feel as if have upset you and if so that was never my intention. I would really like to speak to you. Please call me. I put my phone in my pocket and I get Blue saddled up. I take Tilly and Beau for a walk. The morning goes by fast. Sapphire had a great run this morning. She is definitely a contender. I let Blue roam in the pasture and head to the main house for some lunch. I decide I should call Grant. I’m not sure what I should say to him. Hopefully he will do the talking. I dial his number. “Avery?” “Gant is this a bad time?” “No Avery, not