Page 97 of Stables

“Good girl.” I give her hip a soft pat.

I’m not sure how far to push. I could ask to see all of her bills and just pay them.

But I doubt that would alleviate her anxiety.

“The real question is, how long are you going to let him continue to try and control you?” I ask quietly.

That’s my job now.

“He’s going to keep pushing until he’s stopped.” I like my brother’s way of dealing. Matt would fit on the end of a rope behind my horse very nicely.

I’m not sure Char is ready for that though.

She collapses against my chest, her feet dangling over the linoleum. “I don’t know what to do.” Sniffles work through her words as her face buries into my shoulder.

If she needs my help to guide her, I can do that.

“Finish breakfast. Get your paperwork rounded up. We’ll get options from the guys once they get here. Then tonight, I’ll see if we can’t break that personal best of how many times you come for me.” I reach over and gather a few fluffy bits of egg to savor while she mulls my words over.

It doesn’t take long before her palms are pushing her up slowly, her jaw set.

There’s that look that caught my attention in the ER.

Determination.

“You’re right. One step at a time.” A small smile ticks her cheek up. “And you’ve promised a very sweet reward.”

“Only the best for my girl.” I give her a wink, then slide my thumb far enough up her thigh to stroke the snug fabric over the mound of her pussy.

A pink flush works up her neck, and I can feel her ass cheeks tighten on my lap.

I might not wait until tonight.

“What were the other options you mentioned?” She takes a dutiful bite then looks at me.

“There’s time for that later. It mainly revolves around where my duffel is going to sit.” I don’t want to push too hard.

But I also do.

Living out of a bag is inconvenient. My only other pair of jeans are still hanging in the bathtub. One way or another, some decisions will need to be made.

“Yea. I know that’s a thing.” She stares at her fork.

I was right. She isn’t quite ready for that yet.

Soon, though.

When her plate is empty, I slide her back onto her chair, then kiss the top of her head. “Get your stuff, I’ll take care of Paisley. Blue’s always early.”

She nods with her lips thin, and gets up silently.

There’s a part of me that wants to convince her to sell this whole place and come live with me.

My house is paid off, with plenty of room for as many horses as she wants.

Hell, she’d never have to work. Between the clinic and the ranch, I can keep her tied to the bed.

Fuck, that makes my dick throb.

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