Page 83 of Tainted Ties

My mouth gaped open as he strode toward Knight and lifted himself gracefully on the horse before putting on his helmet.

He winked at me, jerking his head to the side, signaling for me to go.

Beautiful bastard.

I grasped the reins, tapping Winter gently on her side with the heel of my shoe to get her moving.

The sun beamed on my face along with the slight breeze skating across my skin, creating the perfect moment.

I pulled on the reins, signaling to the precious horse to pick up speed. There was a vast field before me, and I’d use it to my advantage.

Leaning forward, I savored the adrenaline coursing through my veins from the thrill.

Roman caught up fast, calling out to me. “Take it easy, beautiful!”

Giggling at his command, I pulled on the reins a few more times, riding through the greenery and loving every moment of it.

I glanced sideways, amused by his struggle to keep up with me. “You’re not fast enough!”

He smirked, eyes ablaze with challenge. “I’ll have to rectify that when we get home.”

The adrenaline erupted into a fiery buzz, pumping in my bloodstream. “You’ll have to catch me first.”

I pulled the left side of the reins, heading toward the lake.

The wind whipped across my face; the feeling of freedom was so foreign that I forgot what it felt like.

Tilting my head back, I laughed aloud.Thiswas freedom.Thiswas the reality I yearned for.

Roman caught up to me when I hopped off Winter.

I waited for him with my hands on my hips, grinning because I outran him.

“I hadn’t done that in a while,” he grumbled, grabbing the back of his neck.

“Mhm, neither have I.”

He reached for my hand and pulled me to him. “Are you teasing me,anima mia?”

Splaying my hands across his broad chest, I felt the heat of his body radiate through my palms. “Maybe.”

His eyes narrowed in on me, gleaming with amusement before his fingers dug into my sides, tickling the sensitive flesh.

I laughed, trying to swat his hands away, but it was useless. I fell to the ground, flat on my back as I cried for mercy.

When Roman stopped torturing me with his fingers, I relaxed, catching my breath. “I’ll refrain from calling you profanities because today was perfect, so I’ll thank you instead.”

He stared at me intensely, with a vivid emotion that could have made me burst into flames.

Before I could decipher it, he lowered his head, capturing my lips in a long and deliberate pull.

Instantly, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down on me. I melted against him, savoring the taste of his mouth against mine.

This kiss was different. It was overwhelming in the best way possible, the feel of him sending my brain to short circuit from drug-induced pleasure.

When he pulled back, I saw that same emotion reflected in his features and this time, it was clear, glowing in his black eyes.

He opened his mouth, but before he could utter the first word, I cut him off, “Don’t say it.”

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