Page 23 of Cowboy's Sinful Bargain

I was mesmerized.

"It's calledTai Chi, a Chinese martial artthat was initially developed for combat and self-defense, but later turned into a form of exercise and balancing of theqiin one's body," Wade stated. "It's often referred to meditation in motion."

Every man standing there turned to look at Wade, who just shrugged and said, "I read it somewhere."

Like I believed that.

I walked over to the door and pushed it open, stepping out onto the porch. I took a couple of steps, crossed my arms, and leaned against the porch post.

Watching Miko move really was like watching a living piece of art. His movements were fluid, but exact. Each stretch of his arm, each bend of his leg, all of it was motion, but beautiful in its simplicity.

My brow flickered when Miko stopped, faced east, and then pressed his hands together, and bowed his head. He murmured something, but I was too far away to hear what it was.

When he turned around, he took a step as he glanced up, and then froze when he spotted me. He stared for a moment withhooded eyes before lowering them and continuing toward the house.

When he climbed the steps and started past me without a word, I asked, "Aren't you going to say good morning to me, Miko?"

I didn't like feeling as if I was being ignored.

"Apologies." Miko turned to face me, his eyes still lowered, and gave another bow. "Good morning."

Yeah, that wasn't much better.

When I sighed, Miko took a hasty step back and angled his body away from me as if he was afraid I was going to hit him. I frowned, not liking this more subdued Miko. He was acting like he had when he first arrived.

Granted, that had been less than twenty-four hours ago, but I had seen snippets of his real personality during that time. Now, they all seem to be hidden behind this timid facade.

"Breakfast is going to be served soon," I stated. "You should go get cleaned up."

"Yes, thank you."

I had no idea what he was thanking me for.

I followed him back into the house and then watched as he hurried up the stairs and disappeared from sight.

"Who is he, Boss?" Declan asked.

"That's Miko, my husband." I wanted that made very clear in case any of these hound dogs had any ideas.

"You got married?"

I nodded, still not taking my eyes off the staircase. "Miko is also Monty's kid, so be nice to him. He knows nothing about the ranch. It's up to us to teach him."

"Sure thing, Boss," Axel said.

"Above all else, you must be respectful of him. His life back in Japan wasn't very good." I didn't want to give too much away because it wasn't my place, but I could share a little. "It was veryregimented and controlled by others. He's never had the chance to experience life and find things that he likes."

All the men nodded.

"Axel, I want you to find the gentlest horse we have, one for someone who has never ridden before."

"That'd be Sally, Boss. She's got the softest touch."

"After breakfast, can you get her saddled up? Miko expressed an interest in learning to ride and having a horse of his own, but he's going to need a few lessons first."

"Sure thing, Boss," Axel replied.

I crossed my arms before nodding my head toward the dining room. "Mrs. Gibbons should have breakfast about ready. Go head in to the dining room but make sure you leave the seat between me and Monty for Miko."

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