You and Russell are in a toxic relationship. You are trying to make it work, but after a fight changes everything, you find yourself caught between the man you love and his brother
Pairing: Russell Shaw x fem reader x Colter Shaw
Warnings: language
Word Count: 2760
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
The next day you wake up alone in a hotel room you got at the last minute. The sun is shining deceivingly bright. You groan and cover your face with the pillow. Your phone starts buzzing. You groan again looking at it. Russell’s name flashes across the screen. He hadn’t stopped calling since last night. He had left a dozen voicemails. You hadn’t listened to any of them. He had texted you multiple times as well. You ignore the call and groan again, pulling yourself upright in bed. Your phone starts buzzing again. You are ready to scream when you notice Colter’s name on the screen. You answer it. “Hello” Colter’s voice comes through. “Y/n, hey sorry to wake you. Just wanted to know if Russell and you wanted to get some breakfast? I already called Reenie and she is coming too.” Your chest tightens at the mention of Russell’s name. “Uh…ya Colter I’ll join you, but ummm” Colter sighs “What is it?” You draw in a deep breath “I broke up with Russell last night” You could hear a pin drop. The dead air on the other line makes you wonder if Colter is still on the phone. “Colter, you there” you ask. Colter clears his throat “Yeah I’m here. I’m so sorry y/n. How are you?” You let out a breath “I’m ok”
The diner was cold. You walked in and instantly were hit with the aroma of bacon and eggs. You saw Colter and Reenie. You made your way towards them. Reenie stood up and gave you a huge hug. “Are you ok honey? Colter told me” You nod and just smile. You sit down in the booth. Colter looks at you with those sympathetic eyes. “I’m ok guys really, it was a long time coming.” Colter sighs and looks at the menu. The waitress comes over and takes your order.
After you are all finished eating you look at Colter. “Can I get a ride back to town with you” Colter nods “Of course you can”
The ride back is quiet. Reenie offered you the front and you had declined, you just wanted to curl up and go to sleep. You caught Colter stealing a few glances of you from the review mirror. Colter pulled up to Reenie’s apartment. He climbed out. You could hear their muffled voices. You sit up and open your door, climbing out. You hug Reenie and say goodbye. You both watch as she goes inside. Colter looks over at you. “So where you want me to take you?” You shift your weight and lean on the truck. “Can I go to your place?” Colter leans against the truck as well. “Of course you can” You smile at him. “Thank you” He wraps an arm gently around your neck. “Come on lets go”
You arrive at Colter’s. You walk into the familiar surroundings. You put your bag down and sit on the couch. He sits down next to you, close enough you can feel the heat of him. He looks over at you. “So you wanna tell me what happened?” Your heart pounds as you turn towards him “I was just done with all of it. It was too much. The cheating and lying. I couldn't take it anymore. I told Russell it was over. He’s been trying to contact me.” Colter takes in a deep breath. “ I’m so sorry y/n, you deserve so much better.” He puts his arm around you and brings you closer to him. You allow him to embrace you and break down in his arms. Your shoulders shake as you sob. Colter rubs your back as you cry. Trying to comfort you. “Shhhh, it’s gonna be alright” He whispers in your ear. You look up into his eyes. He takes his thumbs and wipes your tears away. You smile and pull back away from the hug slowly. “Ugh I’m such a mess” Colter lets out a small chuckle. “That’s ok I like messes” Your breath hitches and you stare at him. Colter shifts nervously on the couch. “ I just mean…I..” He stumbles over his words. You laugh. “Colter your so silly”
Two hours later…
He looks over at you asleep on his shoulder. His heart is so full. He knew your heart still belonged to Russell, even though that jerk didn’t deserve you. It killed him every time you showed up at his doorstep because of his brother's mistakes, Russell had hurt you more times than he could count and every time made him want to punch his brother in the face. So when he saw your black eye he had lost it in that hotel room and did what he had been wanting to do for months. He leaned back just slightly. His arm was falling asleep, but he would never move. He just sat there and watched you sleeping peacefully on his shoulder. He had loved you for years. Even before you had gotten involved with Russell. It had broken his heart, but you had been so happy he couldn’t be upset. He had just been happy you were happy. Then you weren’t. You shifted in your sleep and moved off his should to his lap. He put his hand on your shoulder. Just watching you sleep. He didn’t want to disturb you. He eventually dozed off as well.
You wake up, blinking the sleep out of your eyes. It took you a few seconds to remember where you were. You sat up causing Colter to wake up. “Hey sleepyhead,” he says, scratching his head. You smile at him “Sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you” Colter smiles. “No problem, so what do you wanna do today?” You look at Colter. “I should probably go to my house…I mean Russell’s and get my stuff” Colter sighs running his hand down his face. “Alright, give me a minute and I’ll take you” You put a hand on Colter’s arm. “No, I should probably go by myself” Colter looks at you. “I don’t think that's a good idea” You smile at him reassuringly. “I will be ok, Colter” He reluctantly agrees and you grab your bag and head to Russell’s.
Your ride pulls up to the curb and you see Russell’s truck in the drive. Your heart pounds at the thought of having to see him again. You walk up to the door and knock. The door opens and there he is. Russell Shaw in nothing but a pair of sweat pants. He looks at you like you are something he can’t touch. “Hi, Russell I came to get my stuff” Russell’s shoulders slump. “Oh, yeah sure” he steps aside so you can walk through the doorway. You walk towards the stairs when Russell reaches out and grabs your wrist, not rough but firm “Please y/n can we talk?” You pull away, “ There is nothing left to talk about” you turn and walk up the stairs. Russell follows you. You go to the closet and pull out your suitcase and toss it on to the bed. You walk over to the closet and take your clothes out and toss them onto the bed. Carefully you start removing the hangers and putting the clothes in the suitcase. “Come on baby, please just listen. You don’t have to say anything” Russell pleads. You don’t answer and just keep putting the clothes into the suitcase. “I am so sorry. I was an ass. I had no right to accuse you of sleeping with Colter. I’m the one who messed up. I know I can never make that up to you, but please if you give me another chance I will make it my lifes mission to. I will make sure you know just how much I love you” You are still quiet. You don’t say anything. You continue to fold the clothes and put them into the suitcase. ‘Come on baby, please I’m trying here you have to meet me half way” You stop your eyes darting to him. “Russell, I did meet you halfway, I did give you chance after chance. You broke them, every chance you promised me you would change you promised me you would stay away from Sara. I’m tired of all the broken promises.” Russell walks over taking your hands. “Y/n I am so sorry I will never break another promise to you. Please just give me another chance” You look at the floor, your heart breaking. “Russell…” he lifts your chin to meet his eyes. “I love you y/n” You look away down at the pile of clothes and notice something. A hoodie. Not yours. You pull away. You grab the hoodie. You read the logo on it. Red Saloon Inn. Sara’s bar. Sara’s hoodie. “Russell, why is this in the closet?” Russell looks at you. “Because it is yours” You feel the anger rising inside of you. “No, Russell, this is not mine!” you throw it at him. He catches it. “Y/n! What the hell!” You can’t contain your anger anymore. “Russell, I am going to ask you this one time and one time only. Did you sleep with Sara when I left?” Russell eyes grow wide. “What?” You give him a look and he knows this is done. He gives you a defeated look.
“I’m sorry y/n I thought if I told you, you would never come back” Tears run down your face. “You had her in our bed?! How could you do that to me? To us? Russell it's over. I am done.” He grabs your arms in a desperate attempt to get you to stay. “No baby, don't say that. You don’t mean it” He pleads with you frantically. You rip away from him. “No, Russell!” you shout. “ Stop! It's over, I'm done.” You turn and walked to the door, when Russell grabs you harder than he ever has before. You try to get away, but it’s no use, he has a vice grip hold on your arm. “Ow! Russell let go!. You are hurting me.” Your eyes meet Russell’s and there is nothing in them. His eyes are dark, hollow, and unfeeling. A chill runs up your spin. “Russell please” you beg, but he isn’t listening anymore. He calmly uses his other hand to close the door and lock it. Finally he speaks and you wish he hadn’t “If I can’t have no one can” Fear rises inside of you. “Russell, please let me go. What are you doing?” He finally lets go of your arm. Roughly sitting you onto the bed. “I just want to talk, this isn’t over” You rub your arm which already has bruises forming. Tears fall down your cheeks. “Russell, there is nothing to talk about-” Something loud crashing to the ground stops you. You look over and see the lamp broken on the ground. You let out a small yelp. “Stop saying that!” He shouts. “This isn’t over!” You feel your phone buzz in your pocket. He hears it. “Don’t answer that” you look at the screen. It’s Colter. You don't answer it, but slide to send an automatic s.o.s message. “Put it down!” Russell demands. You put the phone on the nightstand. “Ok” your voice shaky. “Now let's talk,” he says. You swallow hard, your throat dry. Russell starts. “Look, baby I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I have a problem. I know it, but I swear to you right here and now. I have not been with Sara since the night you came home.” You let out a shaky breath. “No Russell, nothing you say will make this right. You cheated on me more times than I can count, you have hurt me, betrayed me, and broke me too many times.” Russell’s rage rises again and he punches a hole in the wall. Plaster dust clouding the room. You let out a scream and run for the door. He runs toward you, grabbing you by your waist and throws you back on the bed. You scramble to get away, but he grabs ahold of your arms pinning you to the bed. “Russell!” you scream. “Please let go, get off of me!” Before Russell can say anything, a loud crash echoes through the room as the door gets busted off the hinges. Colter stands there. “Get the fuck away from her!” He growls. He lunges, grabbing Russell and throwing him to the ground. “Y/n are you ok?” Colter asks you. You nod. Colter walks over to you and helps you off the bed. Russell groans on the floor. “Thank you Colter” you say, wiping your face, trying to calm your nerves. You look down at Russell lying on the floor. You can’t believe that the man you loved could do that. Colter walks over and embraces you.
—-----------------
One year later…
You sat at the bar counter in your new apartment sipping your morning coffee. Colter say next to you. It had been a year since that day with Russell. He has been arrested, but you didn’t want him punished, so against Colter’s wishes you didn’t press charges and only asked Russell for one thing. To leave town and not to come back. To your surprise he agreed. He had been really remorseful for what he had done to you. You knew he would never forgive himself and that torture was enough for you. He had left that week and you hadn’t seen him since. Colter and you had stayed friends. You still helped him on cases. You still felt something for him, but never told him. One night a few months back after a few drinks you ended up spilling the beans to Reenie. The next day you had sworn her to secrecy. She promised not to say anything. You had been grateful, now you sat in your new apartment finishing your coffee and sitting next to Colter. He had come over cause he needed your help on a new case. A man had disappeared while hiking. He knew you knew a lot about the area and where some hidden trails might be. “Y/n?” Colter pulled you from your thoughts. “Uh…sorry, yeah that would be a good place to start” You tell him. He smiles at you. “Alright, well let's get going” You grab your bag and hop off the stool following him to the door.
Two hours later you stand in the parking lot of the park. Colter had made his save, the man had fallen down a ravine. Colter and you worked together to get him out and called emergency services. You watched as the man was loaded into the ambulance. “That was really great,” you tell Colter. He smiles at you. “Couldn’t have done it without you” You start walking and pain shoots through your ankle. You had twisted it in the Ravine, but with all the adrenaline you hadn’t really felt the pain. You lose your balance and start to fall. Colter catches you. Looking into your eyes. “Thanks” you say breathlessly staring back into his eyes. “Yeah no problem,” he says , helping you back up. “Guess I twisted it” you say not looking away. “You should really have that looked at” Colter helps you to his truck. You shake your head. “I’ll be fine.” He laughs and shakes his head. “You are so stubborn” You smirk. “Just something you love about me” the words were meant as a joke, but both of you felt it, the sudden shift in the air. Suddenly the air felt really warm and thick. “I just meant-” Colter puts a finger to your lips, silencing you. “You’re right,” he whispers, smiling at you. Suddenly you felt all of your resolve wash away. You feel yourself leaning in towards Colter, who is leaning in towards you as well. Before you know it, your lips crash into his. The kiss is soft and small. Like he is testing the waters. Then slowly he parts his lips teasing his tongue to your lips. You part of your lips allowing him access. His tongue slips into your mouth and your tongue into his. You continue the kiss until one of you comes up for air. When you finally part breathless. “You have no idea how long I have wanted to do that.” Colter says. You smile looking into his eyes. “What took you so long?” You smirked.
You both laugh as Colter pulls you into a tight embrace.
What would happen if Colter and Reenie met in a different way - before anything messy happened. What if it started with professional respect first, and the feelings took their sweet time in a true slow burn? The one-night stand of my nightmares never happened.
Oh...and did I mention Reenie’s a single mom here? Because she is, and it changes everything: her time, her limits, her stakes. Colter doesn’t get to be a storm that blows through her life. He has to earn his place in it. Jump over to AO3 and read Chapter 1 of Commitment and let me know what you think.
You and Russell are in a toxic relationship. You are trying to make it work, but after a fight changes everything, you find yourself caught between the man you love and his brother
Pairing: Russell Shaw x fem reader x Colter Shaw
Warnings: language
Word Count: 2114
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
Russell and Colter broke apart at the sound of your voice. Dust particles floated in the golden beam of light that the sun was projecting through the window. Your annoyance flared in every muscle. You drew in a deep breath. “What is going on?” Your voice hoarse from the yelling. Colter pulled himself up dusting himself off, putting the back of his hand up to his split eyebrow. He winced slightly at the pain. “I'm sorry y/n” Russell cringed in disgust. He placed his large hand on the dresser for leverage and pulled himself up off the floor. He ran his hand through his hair. “Suck up” He muttered under his breath. Your eyes were sharp darting in his direction. “Russell, really grow up!” You snap. You turn on your heel and walk away before he can say anything else. Reenie follows you. You kept walking fast. When you finally reached the car you lost it. You leaned against the trunk. Sobbing. You felt Reenie's hand on your shoulder. You sat up wiping your face. You placed a hand on Reenie's. “I can't do this anymore, Reenie.” You confessed. “The constant fighting, lying, cheating…I” the hurt was so much you couldn't finish. Reenie grabbed you, embracing you tightly. She hugged you so tightly like she was trying to take all the pain away with one hug. “Oh honey, I'm so sorry” she backed away just enough to wipe your tears. The sound of boots on gravel makes you look up. Your eyes lock on Russell. You could see the guilt tormenting him. “Can we talk?” You look at him, your eyes still puffy from crying and nod. Reenie opened her mouth to speak, but you stopped her. Just a slight shake of your head. Russell and you walk over to the corner of the building. “Look I'm sorry” He starts.
“I know I've been an ass. I know I hurt you.” His voice cracks on the last part. You look into his eyes. Looking for some fraction of dishonesty. You didn't see any. This wasn't the same type of apology as the one in the kitchen. You could see that. This was different. He seemed honestly guilty for his actions. “Its ok. Im ok ... .we're ok” He breathed a sigh of relief. “I love you so damn much, the last thing I would want to do is hurt you” Your eyes lowered to the ground. He hooked his finger under your chin and lifted your head until your eyes met his. “I love you too” You rasped as fresh tears fell. “You know I didn't mean to hit you with the phone, right?” You nod as he wipes a tear away with his thumb. He wraps his arms around you. After a few more moments you walk back over to Reenie, Colter has joined her now. She is tending to his split eyebrow. Colter looks at you. You catch his glance then look away. Reenie stands up straight and clears her throat “Are we all good now? Can we get back to the case?” Colter raises an eyebrow looking towards Russell. “Yeah, let's go talk to the clerk again and see if they remember anything.” He walks away towards the hotel office. All of you follow Colter. You walk inside. Colter walks up to the clerk. “When did she leave?” The clerk looks at Colter then the rest of you. “Didn't know she left. She must've skipped out on us” He smirked. Russell lunges past Colter grabbing the clerk by his shirt collar. “Listen you little fucker. Im not in the fucking mood. There is a missing woman, now how about you give us whatever information you have, before I break your face.” The clerk trembled “Right ok” Russell released him. He looked through the papers on the desk. “This is everything I have on her, but I’m serious I don't know where she is” Russell grabs the papers. Colter looks at the clerk. “Did she have anybody with her?” The clerk shakes his head. “Alright, thank you.” The four of you all walk out.
The drive back to the hotel is quiet. Russell has one hand on the steering wheel and one holding your hand. He steals glances of you every now and then. “Colter thinks we should get some rest tonight and regroup tomorrow morning.” Russell's voice comes out in a huff. You look over at him and smile. The two of you don't say anything the rest of the drive back.
The hotel smelled of mildew and mothballs. You set your bag on the bed. Russell followed after you. Tossing his bag on the table. “Im gonna hit the shower” He muttered. He disappeared into the bathroom. You laid back on the bed, closing your eyes. The events of the day flashed through your memory. The fight with Colter and Russell.
Your break down with Reenie. Had you given in too fast? Had Russell fooled you like he always did? Colter had thought Russell hit you. He was concerned for you. He cared about you. Wait–why were sitting here thinking about Colter when you were with Russell? Sure Russell had been unfaithful, but things were different and he hadn't been with Sara for months. At least that's what Russell told you when you came home. You believed him. Right? You didn't have time to answer your own thoughts. Russell came out of the bathroom. The towel wrapped around his waist. The water dripped down his chest, the light making his body glisten. “Water pressure is great” He beamed as if the shower had renewed his energy. “Great” you smiled. You got up and headed for the shower. You turned the water on. The steam instantly fills the area. You step under the water and it let the water run down your body. You close your eyes. You mind drifts to Colter again. You imagine his arms around you. Holding you. Kissing you. “Colter” you whisper. You come too when you feel the arms around you that you thought were imagining freeze. Russell's arms. You freeze not knowing what to do.
“What did you say?” Russell's voice cracks with pain and anger. You turn slowly in the shower to face him. You look up, meeting his eyes. You bite your lower lip. Averting your gaze. “I didn't say anything” The lie tasted like ash in your mouth. Russell didn't say anything. He just turned and left the shower. You heard pounded. What did you just do? You finished your shower quickly and got out. You opened the bathroom door. The hotel room is empty. Russell is gone. You crumble to the bed with your head in your hands.
The next morning you wake up in the bed alone. Russell never came back. You pulled yourself up still wrapped in the towel. You grabbed your phone on the nightstand calling Russell. It goes straight to voicemail. You sigh loudly and hang up. You grab some clothes from your bag. You pull on some jeans and a t-shirt. You grab your phone and call Reenie. She answers on the first ring. “Hey hun, you alright?” You sigh and draw in a deep breath. “Have you seen Russell?” Reenie's voice comes through the phone softly. “No I haven't” You close your eyes. “Ok thanks.” You pull the phone away from your ear when you hear Reenie's voice. “What happened?” You bite your lip forcing back tears. “Nothing, everything is fine” you tell her hanging up.
An hour later you are standing outside the diner you were supposed to meet Colter and Reenie. You scanned the parking lot and didn't see them. You walked into the diner and that's when you saw him. Russell. He was sitting at a booth. His chestnut hair falling in his eyes as he stared down at his phone. You rushed over to him. “Russell! Where have you been?” He doesn't answer you. He just keeps scrolling through his phone. You slide into the booth across ross from him. “Russell, please talk to me. I'm sorry please” you reach out for his hand and he pulls away. Your shoulders sag, sorrow tore through your body like jagged razors. “Please Ru-” you stop talking when you hear the bells for the diner door. You turn to see Colter and Reenie. They are walking towards you. You stand up to greet them. Reenie looks at Russell then at you. “Well I see you found him” she laughs. You look at her. “Uh yeah guess I did.” Colter looks at you, he can tell that something isn't right. “Everything alright?” He asks, his voice full of concern. “Yeah everything is fine” Russell mumbles, but it almost sounds like a growl. You all sit in the booth with Russell. Colter is talking, but you can only think of Russell. He won't even look at you.
Over the course of the day you end up getting a lead on the missing girl and her boyfriend. You find her and the boyfriend in a shed. You are able to apprehend the girl's twin. You all head back to the hotel. Russell still hasn't talked to you or looked at you. Russell leaves the area before you can get in the car with him. Reenie walks over to you. “Honey, what's going on?” Colter comes up behind her. “Yeah, he just left without saying anything” You just shake your head. “Nothing, I can't talk about it. Can you guys give me a ride back to the hotel?” Reenie smiles at you. “Of course we can honey” You smile back at her. You climb in the backseat and head back to the hotel.
You pull up to the hotel. You thank Colter and Reenie for the ride. You walk to your room and they walk to theirs. You open the door. You breathe a sigh of relief when you see Russell. You close the door. You sit in the chair across from Russell. “Russell, please can we talk” Russell shifts his weight in the chair not looking at you. “Russell come on, would you look at me?” You plead with him. “How long?” He finally says still not looking at you. “How long for what?” He finally looks at you and you wish he didn't. His green eyes burned through you so sharp you flinched. “How long have you been fucking him?” Your eyes widened, you felt the dread in the pit of your stomach. You knew right then and there this was not going to be a normal argument. “Russell, I'm not. I've never-” you are cut off by him standing with enough force that the chair tipped over. He towered over you. “Save it!” He roared. He leaned down and his lips grazed the shell of your ear. His voice dripped with malice and hatred. “You're nothing but a lying whore” he rasps into your ear. You are overcome with rage, every muscle was tense, you could barely control it. Finally you stood up. “How dare you!” the anger in your voice was undeniable. You pushed him back away from you. “You fuck Sara idk how many times and I accidently mention Colter's name and suddenly im the whore! You have a lot of fucking nerve!” Russell takes another step back, obviously caught off guard.
“Y/n” you cut him off. “No, I'm the one talking now! You are not going to make me feel bad for having thoughts about your brother when you have actually fucked someone else! I never did anything with Colter. I've been completely faithful to you, but yes I have had thoughts of your brother. He treats me better, he actually shows he cares.” Russell tries to say something but you put your hand up to stop him. “No Russell, you have hurt me too many times and I keep coming back. I keep forgiving you.” Your voice cracks on the last part. You feel your legs give out on you as you collapse into the chair. You felt numb all over. “Im done Russell, I can't do it anymore.” Russell looks at you. “No baby, don't say that. Please, I'm sorry. I was angry and hurt. I never meant to accuse you. It just came out. I know you didn't do anything with Colter. Im the fuck up. I'll do better, please just don't leave me.” Tears stream down your face as Russell gets on his knees laying on your lap with his arms around you begging you not to go. “Russell, I'm sorry, it's over.” You push him away and walk through the door letting it close behind you.
You and Russell are in a toxic relationship. You are trying to make it work, but after a fight changes everything, you find yourself caught between the man you love and his brother
Pairing: Russell Shaw x fem reader x Colter Shaw
Word Count: 1645
Warnings: Gaslighting, Manipulation, mentions of infidelity, language
The morning sun filtered through the curtains. Your eyes fluttered open and you stretched. You squinted a few times blinking the sleep from your eyes. You scanned the room and the night before came flooding back. The fight with Russell, the comfort from Colter. You turned over in the bed. Colter's bed. He had insisted you take the bed and he would sleep on the couch. You hadn't told him anything. You just cried in his arms as he held you. You scoot off the bed and walked to the bathroom. You opened the door and see Colter butt naked getting out of the the shower. "Oh my god!" You shriek instantly turning around "I'm so sorry, I should've knocked" You can hear the slight chuckle rumble out of Colter's throat. "Are you laughing?" You say trying to sound annoyed, but he can tell your not serious. "I'm sorry." He says trying not to laugh. He wraps a towel around his waist. "Ok it's safe you can turn around now" He says with slight amusement. You turn around and cant help but look at his chiseled torso. You pull your eyes up to meet his. Your mouth is dry. You stare at him a moment longer before saying anything. "I really should've knocked." You say finally. He puts his hand up "Y/N its fine, really" He says walking out of the bathroom door. His hand slightly brushing yours as he passes by. You heart skips a beat at his touch. You don't know why, it shouldn't. He's Russell's brother. You smile at him and close the door.
------
Across town, Russell is freaking out. You have been gone all night. He has no idea where you are. He has tried calling you multiple times, but you never answered. He paces the living room. He's running his hands through his hair. Trying to keep himself grounded. "Where the fuck is she?" He bellows, throwing his phone across the room. He collapses onto the couch, elbows on knees, head in his hands. His phones rings and he sprints to grab it. The screen is cracked now. He picks it up and sees the name flashing on the screen. Sara. He hesitates a second before answering it. "Sara what do you want?" He says into the phone. He's on the floor now leaning back against the wall. "Hey sexy" Sara purrs. Russell sighs "Sara look last night...." He trails off "Was amazing" she finishes the sentence for him. Russell shakes his head. "No, yes, ugh it was a mistake ok! It should've never happened again. I should've walked away" He says ashamed and full of guilt. There is a long pause then finally Sara speaks "Don't say that." She says obviously hurt. Russell runs his hand over his face "Sara you know I'm with Y/N" Russell says. Sara scoffs on the other end of the phone. "Well it wasn’t her name you were screaming last night." Sara says. Russell snaps "Dammit Sara, just stop! I don't want you! I never did, you were just an easy lay that's it. Don't you get it? You're cheap, easy and nothing but a whore!" The slightest sob escapes Saras throat. Then in the tiniest whisper "Yeah well you are a sadistic bastard" Sara says quietly still fighting back tears. Then the line goes dead. Russell drops the phone on the floor and leans his head back against the wall. He hated being so mean to Sara, but she just wouldn't listen. It was a mistake. He didn't even go to the bar for that. He just wanted a beer something to take the edge off, but Sara had shown up.
He knew he should've left right then and there, but he didn't and now look at where he is. In an empty house with you, God knows where. His phone started buzzing again on the floor. Russell picks it up "Sara please..." Russell pleads. Colters voice comes through the phone. "Really Russell" He says. Russell heart pounds realizing it was Colter and not Sara. "Colter, hey man" Russell says trying to play it off. Colter sighs. " Russell what are you doing man?" Colter says. Russell doesn't speak right away. "Have you seen Y/N?" Russell asks. Colter, tightens his grip on the steering wheel. "She's fine Russell" Russell quickly gets up and starts pacing the living floor. "Where is she, Colt?" He demands. "I said she's fine, that's all you need to know" Colters replies hanging up the phone. "Colter!" Russell yells "Fucking dammit" He screams to himself in the empty house. His voice echoing off the empty walls. Russell feels his anger rise. His blood boiling. He sits on couch. The fabric cool against his heated back. He tries calling you again. Nothing. He drops the phone on the coffee table with a loud clang.
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You sit on Colter's couch, flipping through the channels trying to find something on TV. You finally give up and turn it off. You start playing some music to help you get your mind off things, but every song talks of cheating and heartbreak. You turn it off and grab your phone. 25 missed calls Russell. 20 new voicemails. 50 text messages Russell. Your thumb hovers over the call button. You think of the night before. The way it had felt with his arms around you. Touching you, holding you, making love to you. Then your minds remembers what he called you. Sara. You drop the phone on the couch. You run your hands through your hair. How could he do this to you again? Last time you had found out through text messages. You hadn't been snooping, just trying to find a song and her messages popped up. "Hey lover" "Last night was incredible" "I love you" You had confronted him and he caved instantly. He apologized and told you that it would never happen again. That it was over. That she meant nothing to him. You forgave him, but told him that if he ever went back to her that you guys were over and you meant it. But now as you sit here on Colter's couch you don't know what to do. You love Russell. You know that much. But he hurt you again, something you swore you wouldn't stand for. You pick up your phone, thumb hovering again. You are about to hit send when the door opens and Colter appears. You drop your phone like a teenager hiding a secret. Colter raises an eyebrow. "You good?" He asks lifting up a take out bag. "Yeah why wouldn't I be?" You say grabbing the bag from him.
You start removing the items. The warm going straight through your fingers, warming them. "Were you about to call him?" Colter asks taking the carton from you and opening it up, the steam rising as he sticks a fork in and grabs a bite. "Colter" you say twirling your fork in your container. You sigh putting the container down and tucking your feet under you. Colter looks at you "Hey, its your decision. Just please be careful and don't rush this, my brother can be difficult, but you..." He trails off putting another fork full in his mouth. "But I what?" You ask your eyes never leaving Colter's. Colter looks at you a serious look in his eyes. "Y/N you deserve better than that." Your heart catches in your throat. You go to say something, but can't. Your throat suddenly dry. You grab the bottle of water on the coffee table and take a drink. The cool water cools down your whole body. You look at Colter. "Thanks Colter" you say finally placing a hand on his forearm. "That means a lot" you say giving him a warm smile. He smiles back at you putting a hand on yours. You can feel his warmth and your heart does a slight flutter. Your eyes meet his and for a minute you feel like you could get lost in them. You heart pounds in your chest. You slowly pull your hand away and grab your food container. "So did Reenie find anything for you?" You say taking a bite of your food. Colter shakes his head clearly thankful for the change of subject. "No she hasn't heard anything. So I guess you're stuck with me" He says with a chuckle. "It could be worse" I joke. My phone goes off again. I look at the screen. It's Russell again. I let out a sigh and grab my phone. "You don't need to answer that." Colter says putting a hand on yours. "I can't keep avoiding him. He won't stop trying, unless I talk to him" Colter removes his hand.
I put the phone up to my ear. "Hi Russell" I say. "Baby, oh thank God finally. I've been worried sick since you stormed out last night" Russell says. You listen, tears forming in the corner of your eyes. "I'm safe Russell. I'm with Colter. I stayed here last night" you can almost hear Russell's jaw clenching through the phone. "Can you come home now? So we can talk and work all of this out? Please" Russell pleads. "Russell what is there to talk about? I told you last time if you ever went to her again we were done." You tell him. "I know baby, I'm so sorry. Please just come home so we can talk" You contemplate your answer. You love him so much, but he keeps hurting you. You sigh running your fingers through your hair. You draw in a deep breath. "Ok Russell. I'll come home." You say finally. You hear Russell release a breath of relief "Thank you baby, I promise you. I'll do better" You hung up the phone. Hoping in your heart that this time he wouldn't break his promise.
63 chapters.
Over 270,000 words.
A little more than six months of writing, posting, editing, overthinking, and coming back to these characters again and again.
When I started this story, it was just a small spark of an idea. I truly had no idea if anyone would read it, let alone enjoy it or keep coming back chapter after chapter. Sometimes the updates came quickly, and sometimes they came slowly because real life happened in between the writing, too. But returning to this story was always one of my favorite things.
This one feels like an accomplishment. A lot of novels are half this length, and I’m really proud of seeing it all the way through.
I only started writing in October of 2025, so I’ve been doing this for less than a year. Having a place to share my stories has been such a gift, and along the way I’ve made some truly wonderful friends. I’m forever grateful to everyone who read, left kudos, commented, encouraged me, screamed with me, and loved this version of Colter and Reenie and the family they built.
Thank you for spending time with Commitment. It means more than I can say.
I’m excited to see what challenge I take on next. 💛
Missing teens. An off-grid community in the Santa Cruz mountains. One man’s race to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
This Sunday (Nov 16, 8:30-9:30 PM ET/PT) on CBS, Tracker brings the suspense with Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) tackling what might be his toughest case yet.
🔍 Dive into the full photo gallery and episode preview here:
https://seat42f.com/tracker-season-3-episode-5-the-old-ways-photos/
