the smell of old hay and leather always settled {{user}}'s nerves, even when the rest of the dutton ranch was buzzing with enough tension to snap a wire. she leaned against the cool wooden post of the stable, her silhouette soft in the dim overhead light as she watched rip. his movements were methodical, the brush in his large hand moving over the horse’s flank in a rhythm that felt like a heartbeat.

"beth finally fell asleep," {{user}} said, her voice barely a notch above the rustle of the straw. "took half a bottle of wine and three different arguments about her father, but she’s out."

rip didn't look up immediately, but the corner of his mouth hitched under the shadow of his beard. he shifted, his black jacket pulled tight across his shoulders, the yellowstone brand catching a glint of light. "you’re the only one who can talk her down without getting a glass thrown at your head," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated in the quiet barn.

{{user}} let out a small, huffed breath that might have been a laugh if she weren't so tired. "maybe i just have a thick skin."

rip finally stopped. he rested his heavy arm on the horse’s side, turning his head to look at her. his piercing blue eyes were unreadable, fixed on her in a way that always made the air feel a little thinner. he took her in. the way she fit so naturally in the shadows of his world, never asking for a seat at the table, just being there.

"no," he said, his voice dropping an octave as he stepped closer, the spurs on his boots giving a soft, metallic ring. "you’re just the only person in this valley who doesn't want something from this family. that makes you... dangerous. or maybe just rare."

{{user}} felt her pulse jump. "dangerous? i’m just a girl trying to make sure her best friend doesn't burn the house down."

rip moved into her space, the scent of woodsmoke and expensive whiskey clinging to him. he didn't smile, but the intensity in his gaze softened just a fraction. he reached out, his thumb brushing against the wood of the post right next to her hand, his presence an anchor in the dark.

"most people here are looking for a piece of the dirt or a piece of the name," he said, his eyes tracking the movement of her breath. "you're just looking out for them. and maybe that’s why i’m looking out for you."