~Jeremy’s POV~

I spotted Maxton outside the lodge, downstairs.

He was standing near the concrete railing that separated the paddock from the inner track area, shoulders slightly hunched like he was keeping a low profile. At the sight of him- Relief crashed into my chest first, then something close to pride.

I wasn’t seeing him as the one who killed Chris. Circumstances had demanded that. What mattered was that he was here.

I closed the distance between us, and pulled him into a hug. It’s been long since I used to see him like a younger brother I didn’t have. I could still remember riding with him for hours, teaching...