Page 85 of She Belongs to Me

I glanced at Nico, who seemed rather embarrassed. Another hero moment in my mind.

The endorsement was certainly glowing given the sparring the two of them had done before. “If you can walk through lava, I’ll try, but don’t say it’s going to be easy or that I didn’t warn you I’m clueless.”

There was way too much amusement in Nico’s eyes. He was having a good time with my discomfort.

Romeo seemed pleased, removing the big bow. “I’ll save this for you. Just a hint. Sassy adores scratches behind her ears.”

“I’ll keep that in mind when I’m falling off her back during the ride.”

“Let Romeo help you onto the horse while I grab our late lunch.” Nico winked at his employee. Did that man really think I was going to be hungry after my stomach and entire body clenching in fear through the entire ride? He was nuts.

“Fine.” My jaw was so tight my gums ached, which meant my words were clipped. I was about ready to toss my cookies, but sucked in my breath instead. It wouldn’t be very ladylike. Would it?

I was fidgeting, enough so my body was shaking. Romeo reached over, placing his hand on my arm. “You got this. Sassy knows you’re nervous. Just look into her eyes. Bond with her. I promise you that you’ll be shocked how she responds.”

“If you say so.” I did as he suggested, touching her muzzle as I looked into her eyes. Remembering the tip he’d given me, I started scratching behind her ear. She instantly responded, her eyes getting heavy. It was crazy how excited I was, almost instantly calming down to some degree. “She’s beautiful.”

“She is.” He allowed me the time to bond, enjoying the moment with her more than I thought I would.

“Let’s get you on her back. The saddle is also designed for a beginner. You won’t fall off.”

He didn’t know how clumsy I could be. But there was nothing I could do at this point. I allowed him to help me onto the horse. I felt like dead weight, trying to remain limber when everything felt stiff.

But I did it. I was sitting on her back. She wasn’t quite as large as the horse I’d been on before, but I was still petrified at first. Sassy moved her head, offering a strange little noise as if acknowledging I was scared.

“Be good to her, Sassy. You’re going to become best friends.” He walked away, leaving me alone briefly.

I almost had a heart attack, but Nico was suddenly right there, a huge smile on his face. In his hand was an odd-looking picnic basket, more like a saddlebag than anything. He seemed to notice I’d wrinkled my nose.

“I’ll have you know this carries more goodies than you think it does.”

Another horse flanked my side, brought closer by Romeo. In comparison to Sassy, the horse was huge, all black and gorgeous. “Jesus.”

“Ember. She’s a beaut.” Romeo stroked her mane. “I think you’re ready, Mr. Marciano. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, Romeo. I think we’re good. We’ll be gone two or three hours.” Nico attached the bag to the saddle, hopping on in a showing he’d grown up around horses. He grabbed Sassy’s reins, his expression one of pride.

Which was ridiculous. I was going to fall right on my butt. He’d see. We wouldn’t make it to the clump of trees and I’d make a fool of myself.

“Nice and easy. We’re just going to walk, talk, and enjoy the countryside,” he told me.

“You talk? I mean chitchat like friends?”

At least he was thoroughly amused by my statement. Meanwhile, I was still shaking like a leaf.

I held my breath as he guided us from the corral, Romeo opening the gate for us.

And we were off.

He was either going to be completely disappointed with me or we might have a good time. The might was huge.

And I knew better.

I was toast.

CHAPTER 25

Nico

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