Page 62 of Savage Obsession

“No. They’re valuable animals, and temperamental. And you can’t ride.”

“I can learn. I want to learn. I told Mom that…”

“Okay, okay, you can learn if you want to. But you only ride the horses that I own, and then only with permission. It’s dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.”

“Which ones are yours?”

“I own three.” I signal Aleksy to pull up. “Four if you count that colt over there.” I point to the paddock closest to the ranch house where one of my favourite mares, Midnight Dancer, ambles leisurely, her two-month-old foal close behind her.

“Oh, you have a baby horse…” Lily is in raptures. “What’s he called?”

“He hasn’t been named yet. Do you want to come and say hello?”

“Oh, yes.” She’s already grabbing at the door handle. “Can I think of a name for him?”

“If you like.”

She can give him his pet name. The Jockey Club will have something to say about his official title, eventually. That gangly baby is destined to be a great racehorse in a year or so. I expect him to earn me a fortune.

Lily and I approach the fence, while Julia watches from the car. We lean on the rail, and I whistle for Dancer to come over.

She trots towards us, head up, and nuzzles my hand. “Sorry, darling, I don’t have any today.”

“What does she want?” Lily asks me.

“Polo mints. I usually have some in my pocket when I come to see her.”

“Boss.”

I turn in time to catch the tube of mints tossed my way by Aleksy. “Cheers. Do you want to give her one?”

Lily nods eagerly. “Can I?”

I show her how to present the sweet, on the flat of her hand. “She won’t bite you on purpose, but if your fingers are fluttering about, she could make a mistake. Keep your hand flat and let her take it. Feel how soft her mouth is?”

“Oh, she’s beautiful,” Lily coos. “Can I stroke her?”

“Yes, but gently. And talk to her, while she gets to know you. She’s sweet, and gentle, but easily scared.”

Lily whispers softly to the mare as she strokes her nose, even clambering up onto the fence to reach better. “Oh, you’re so gorgeous. I’m going to bring you mints every day…”

“She enjoys apples, too. And carrots.”

“What about the baby? Can I stroke him, too?”

“Let him come to you. He will, eventually. If you keep still and chat to him. He’s very nervous.”

“How do you know so much about horses?”

I shrug. “I suppose I just like them.”

“Oh, so do I. I love them. When can I start riding lessons?”

“As soon as you like, provided José has no objections.”

“José? Who’s José?”

I tip my head in the direction of my head groom who is strolling towards us, leading another of my horses. The time it’s my pride and joy, a stallion called Dreams Come True, or True for short. Seventeen hands of exquisitely muscled bay, he’s a magnificent animal who has already notched up several wins and is the sire of the little colt.

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