Aaliyah's Redemption: Bound by Fate ***DISCONTINUED, READ DESCRIPTION***

Chapter XXII

The sun hung high over camp, casting a warm glow through the pine trees, painting the clearing in hues of gold. A gentle breeze swept past, and Aaliyah closed her eyes, savouring the warmth against her skin. She was seated with Tilly, Karen, and Mary-Beth, their laughter echoing as they shared idle chatter. But something felt different afternoon—a quiet tension, unspoken but undeniable.

She sensed a gaze on her and glanced up to see Arthur watching from across the camp, his expression unreadable. Standing by two saddled horses, his blue eyes held a flicker of something that stirred her curiosity. He'd been out with Sadie earlier, and since their return, Sadie had barely met her eyes.

"Excuse me, ladies," Aaliyah murmured, standing up. Tilly and the others exchanged knowing looks, stifling giggles, and Aaliyah rolled her eyes before making her way toward Arthur.

"A picture lasts longer, you know," she teased, stopping in front of him, her tone light.

Arthur's cheeks flushed slightly, and he cleared his throat. "Was just thinkin'... you mind takin' a ride? Got somethin' on my mind, and I could use your company," he replied, voice steady but with an edge of unease.

"Sure," Aaliyah said, giving the mare's neck a familiar pat. "Where we headin'?"

"Emerald Ranch," he answered, moving to her side and gesturing to the saddle. "Hop up."

She raised an eyebrow. "Thought I was ridin' Maverick today?"

"Nope." Arthur avoided her gaze, his hands slipping around her waist to lift her into the saddle. The touch sent a spark through her, her pulse quickening.

Arthur mounted his own horse with ease, nodding toward the trail. "Let's go."

They rode in silence, the rhythm of hooves filling the space between them as they left camp behind. Aaliyah let herself relax, settling into the mare's smooth gait, but the quiet couldn't last forever.

"What's on your mind, Arthur?" she asked, breaking the silence with gentle insistence.

"Oh, nothin'," he muttered, eyes fixed on the path ahead.

"Arthur." Her tone was firmer this time, drawing his gaze to her. The way she said his name stirred something in him he hadn't expected, making it impossible to brush her off.

He hesitated, then spoke, his voice low. "I guess I just... wanted to know more 'bout you. If you're willing to share."

Aaliyah reined in her mare, turning to face him. "What did Sadie tell you?"

Arthur shifted uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. "What do you mean?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Sadie's been avoidin' me since ya'll got back. What did you ask her?"

Arthur sighed, dropping his gaze. "I asked her about you. She told me you were quick with a gun, so I... asked why."

Aaliyah's jaw tightened, her eyes sparking with frustration. "And what else did she say?"

He felt her stare, unshakeable. "Sadie mentioned your father," he said quietly. "And that your real name's... Georgina."

Her expression hardened, voice clipped. "And why'd you go pryin' like that, Arthur?" Did you think it'd make me trust you more?"

Arthur swallowed, regret weighing his words. "It wasn't about trustin' or not trustin'. I just... I wanted to understand you better."

Aaliyah's expression shifted, unreadable. She dismounted, tossing the mare's reins back to him. "Take her yourself, Arthur. I'll walk back."

She turned sharply, but the crunch of his boots behind her made her quicken her steps.

"Aaliyah, you're not walkin' back alone," he insisted, falling into step beside her.