Chapter 79

Days passed without incident, each one bringing a brand new sunrise. Dillon mucked stalls, fixed fences, cleaned tack, and even exercised horses. Enough work during the day tired him out and helped him sleep easier at night, but the nightmares continued. Not always the same, but they all ended in a scream for help.

Chase never entered his room again. Nothing he could do. Dillon worked harder than most ranch hands to make up for waking Chase and Lauren every night with his screams.

Mid morning on the fourth day after Dillon arrived, he was sweeping up straw in the barn when Chase appeared at his side. He slapped Dillon on the back.

"Ready to take a break and go for that bike ride? I had the boys uncover your motorcycle and gas it up. It's ready to go. Thought you'd want to take a ride into town and check on Avri."

At the mention of her name, Dillon attempted to swallow but his mouth went dry, his chest suddenly ached, and his heart raced. Dillon stopped raking and stared at Chase. "