Page 15 of Run, Rabbit, Run

She narrowed her eyes, tracking him as he strode across the room. As he began pulling together his coffee, he broke the silence again. “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, right?”

“Are you seriously trying to make conversation with me?” She snapped.

He sighed heavily. “Look, I know this is… a lot. I get it. I’m not happy about it, either. Demetrius is a real fucking fucker. I know that better than anybody,” He paused and glanced at her before continuing, “Well, except you.”

“Then why do you work for him?” Her exasperation was clear.

“Well, uh, this is going to make me sound like a real piece of shit. And, honestly, I kind of am,” He sighed, “The truth is, I like money. A lot. And Demetrius provides that. I’m not much of a good person, but at least I can admit it.”

Bunny just stared at him, mouth gaping. “Are you serious? How morally bankrupt do you have to be before you’re willing to let somebody do this for some quick cash?” She waved her hands at her naked body.

“I’ve filed at least three times in my life, as it turns out!” He quipped, winking.

Bunny screamed, turning and storming out.

“Hey, wait! What about the tour?” He called after her, and when she didn’t bother to respond he followed it with “At least be ready for the surprise, Barbara! You’re going to love it!”

She didn’t give a shit about the “surprise.” And she was certain she would, in fact, not like it. And she was suddenly fine with him calling her by her full name. The man was just as much of a psycho as Demetrius, and he could get fucked.

Chapter Seven

As stereotypical as it was, Bunny had always felt at home in a barn. Little girls were known for their equine obsessions; most women could recall having at least a phase where they begged their parents for a pony before it petered out as they grew.

For Bunny, that phase grew into a passion. The liberty she felt while astride a horse thrilled her in a way that was all too addictive. There was something magical about the animals. Their ability to understand human emotion and respond to their riders was incredible. She had been working with and riding horses since she was a young child, growing up as a barn rat that her trainers couldn’t get rid of. It taught her discipline, responsibility, and dedication.

These were lessons Bunny took with her through life and had helped her achieve the things she didn’t think were possible.

Besides her freedom, she missed her horse. Her entire life she had dreamed of the day she could own instead of leasing lesson horses. It was another goal she considered a pipe dream.However, the year before she had buckled down and saved money until she could afford to import a Danish Warmblood. He was her pride and joy.

Contrary to popular belief, importing was often cheaper to obtain higher-quality horses. The abundance of prestigious lines and native breeds in Europe provided a better selection for young equestrians looking to move up the levels.

Bunny was one such equestrian.

So, when Demetrius came to her with breeches, tall boots, and a polo, she felt an overwhelming rush of emotion. First of all, she no longer had to be naked. Second of all, what game was he playing now? And how did he know about her affinity for horses?

She imagined he had been watching her for some time before taking her, it wouldn’t make sense for this specific man to kidnap a random woman. No, he was more careful than that, more selective. She couldn’t imagine he did much of anything without a plan of action and copious research to back himself up.

Regardless, she was going to ride, and nobody could take that joy from her.

“You’re really gonna love this, Bar- Bunny, sorry,” Michael threw up his hands at the venomous glance she gave him. “Y’know, you sure do have a lot of demands for somebody in no position to be making them.” He grumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets while his shoulders tilted and hunched against the brisk morning air.

Bunny wasn’t sure as to the exact time, but she could tell it was early morning. Frost still tipped the tall, wild grass framing the walkway the pair strode down. There was a shimmering sheen of mist still clinging to everything in sight.

It happened to be her favorite time of day.

She had countless fond memories of waking up while the sun was still asleep, getting ready for the day, and then driving to the barn while the sky faded from charcoal to dusty purple and soft pink. It was a peaceful time when she kept company only with her thoughts and the beautiful animals she worked with. She was the only one there to break the silence.

But the silence was the reason she loved it, so she left it in tact. Bunny reveled in the peace it provided. So, frankly, she wished Michael would shut the fuck up and stop filling the tense space between them with words.

“We’re taking his favorite car today. Apparently, Demetrius wants you to have the best of the best, isn’t that nice? Thoughtful of the guy. He certainly doesn’t think of me and what I want, so you should feel special-” His voice stopped short as her movement did.

Bunny turned her head to look him in the eyes and said, “Michael? Do me a favor and shut the fuck up, okay?” Before starting forward again.

“Jesus… alright..” The man grumbled. Even so, he acquiesced to her demand.

They turned a corner in the path and a few feet ahead was a small parking lot, Demetrius standing beside a sleek, black car.

Her cheeks burned, the flush burning and uncomfortable. All she could think about was the way he had pulled her effortlessly over his knee… how he had used and abused her just the night before. Desire raged against embarrassment in her mind while she became unbearably hot.

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