Cowboy's Little Darling - Besotted Hero

"She seemed so sincere. She said she was sorry and that she didn't understand why you couldn't forgive her and take her back..."

Bryan's words seemed to reverberate through the dining room like a cold wind. It felt discomforting and chilling and embarrassing. Carol put down her fork in surprise, her face reddening with aggravation and Spencer, her fiancé, shift in his chair like he was uncomfortably. It was clear they hadn't expected such a topic to come up during dinner. The atmosphere felt awkward, and I suddenly wanted to escape to my room. Who was this lady? Samantha? Why would Bryan bring her up like this?

Mrs. Ana was having dinner with my aunt in another room. They enjoyed each other's company and often watched soap operas together. So, at the table, it was just the five of us: the brothers, Spencer, and me.

Cole leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his hands clasped in front of him. He wore a serious, stern expression, looking grim and solemn.

"Are you trying to stir me up, Bryan?" he asked politely, though his eyes showed he was not pleased. The tension was clear.

"Why? Did I say something wrong? She was your girlfriend, right? She spent more nights here than at her own place..." Bryan's voice dripped with malice, making my face flush as I looked down at my plate, unsure if leaving would be rude. A loud noise startled me, and I looked up just in time to see Cole striding toward Bryan, grabbing him by the collar.

"Feeling bold today, are you? Do you think you can challenge me in my own home? Let's see how brave you really are." With that, he yanked Bryan toward the door, prompting Spencer to jump up and follow them. The scene was shocking and violent: Cole dragging a struggling Bryan outside, with Spencer trailing behind.

I couldn't tell if my racing heart was due to Bryan's words or Cole's reaction. I felt embarrassed to hear about that woman, though I couldn't explain why. It left me feeling extremely distressed.

"I'm so sorry, Hailey." Carol seemed upset. She was wriggling her hands in turmoil. "They don't usually act this way. Bryan has been trying to rebel lately. He really struggled when our parents passed away. The doctors said it was just a phase—shock, anger, grief, I guess? He's 22 now, but I've never seen him so cocky... I don't know. Like he wants to show off! They might end up hurting each other!" Carol quickly stood up and rushed toward the back door. It looked like they went to a more private area behind the house, away from the worker's sight.

I sat there, feeling anxious. Should I go check on them? Try to stop whatever was happening? I had never witnessed a fight before. I mean, Cole defended me one time. Apart from that, maybe on TV. That might be why Mom warned me that men could be dangerous—they could get angry and hurt somebody.

I felt overwhelmed by the tension. I jumped up and ran outside too, not able to control my curiosity. The air was a bit chilly, and the stars were shining brightly. Carol was hanging onto Spencer's back, tugging at his shirt. Bryan was on the ground, one hand on his nose, blood dripping down his face. Cole stood there, legs apart, staring at his brother with a blank expression. He looked tall and intimidating.

"Are you upset with me just because I brought up Samantha? You really need to think about her feelings! She and her dad like us and want to unite the farms! Sure, she can be a bit... challenging, but you should let it go! Now some random woman shows up, and you just bring her home? Have you considered that this Hailey might just be after your money?" His words were so odd that I couldn't grasp them at first. Was it about... me? Was Bryan upset because of me?

I felt completely embarrassed and ashamed. I wanted to hide away and disappear. Should I run to my room? Oh no... "Be quiet, you idiot. You have no idea what you're saying. You don't even know Samantha and what she is capable of. You should be learning to be a man, but instead, you're acting like a spoiled brat. Don't you dare talk bad about Hailey, you little shit." I was at a loss... should I go to my room? Hide? Oh no... what did I do wrong? Did I upset Bryan somehow?