The sound of hooves pounded against the muddy streets of Valentine as the townsfolk scrambled out of the way, cursing under their breath while you and Javier tore through the narrow main road at full gallop. The two of you shot past the train tracks, leaving behind the little houses and storefronts in the dust.

But even as Valentine faded into the distance, the sheriff and his deputies were still hot on your trail, their voices carrying threats of harsh consequences if you didn’t stop and return what you stole.

Like hell that was going to happen.

"You alright over there?" Javier called over the thunder of hooves and the fabric of his black bandana muffling his voice. When he caught sight of you still riding strong, a laugh slipped from his lips. "These bastards just don't give up, huh?"

By all accounts, you should have been scared —terrified. The law was right on your heels, one wrong move away from putting a bullet in your back. But instead, the rush of adrenaline, the sheer thrill of the chase, only made it all the more exciting.

Beside you, even through the chaos, you could hear the breathless, exhilarated laughter spilling from Javier’s lips. He rarely laughed like that — not so freely, not so carelessly. And if you were being honest, it was a damn good sound.

"Come on, try—!" he taunted, his voice brimming with amusement as he turned to glance at you. The playful glint in his eyes said it all — faster. Digging his heels into his horse’s sides, he surged ahead, knowing well you would follow him. "Try to catch us, hijo'e putas!"