Page 3 of Taming Mika

“Mr. Bonetti, Millie and I have been waiting for your call. How did you like our Cosmic Fate? Quite the young athlete, isn’t she?” Mr. Carver’s voice, though cracked and warbling with age, carries an enthusiasm that makes him sound young at heart. Though I haven’t yet met the Carvers in person, I’m glad to be doing business with them—it’s a refreshing change from my usual dealings.

“Please, call me Alfie. And your filly is exactly what I was looking for.”

“Oh, wonderful,” Mr. Carver replies.

“In fact, your entire property has captured my interest. I’d like to buy it.”

A feminine gasp from the other end confirms I’m on speakerphone. I picture the older couple huddled together, processing my unexpected proposal.

“You want to buy the stable?” Mr. Carver asks after a long pause.

“Yes.”

“I… I don’t know what to say. Millie and I hadn’t discussed selling more than a few horses this year.”

“I understand, Mr. Carver, but I assure you my offer is serious, and I’m willing to discuss whatever price you deem fair.” The property is likely worth around thirty million, horses included. But Iintend to leave today with the deed to the entire estate—and I’m prepared to pay whatever it takes.

Mika raises her eyebrows, her expression a silent,I told you so.I wink at her, entertained by the daring defiance in her gaze. It matches the wild, golden curls pinned atop her head, the proud tilt of her chin, and the fierce glint in her blue-green eyes—a goddess commanding her domain.

“I imagine your offer would be more than fair, Mr. Bonetti. I’ll consult our estate lawyer and have him run the numbers,” Mr. Carver says, his tone more amenable now than Mika’s earlier protests.

“There’s no need. I’ll have my team draft a formal offer. You’re welcome to involve your lawyer, of course, but I’d like to finalize the agreement today.”

Mika’s expression shifts from disapproval to shock. Her arms fall from their crossed stance, planting her hands firmly on her hips as her defiance falters.

“Oh, well… we’re in Westport. I’m not sure we can make the trip today,” Mr. Carver replies, a hint of anxiety creeping into his voice.

“If you’re willing, I can send my pilot to pick you up. He’ll be there within the hour.”

I’ve never actually witnessed a jaw drop before, but when Mika’s does, I can’t help but to think what it would be like to have her lips stretched around my cock. I’m thoroughly enjoying myself—getting under her skin might be my new favorite pastime.

“That would be lovely,” Mrs. Carver chimes in for the first time, once again confirming my suspicion about the speakerphone.

“Great. I’ll see you soon.”

As I hang up, I glance over my shoulder at Marco, who gives a curt nod before pulling out his phone to contact my pilot, Salvatore. Turning back to Mika, I catch the tense set of her jaw as she watches the red filly return to the barn. Though her gaze is focused on the horse, I know her attention remains on me.

“Well, Miss Harper, it seems I have a few hours to kill before my meeting,” I say, flashing her a grin. Her sharp skepticism returns asshe snaps her eyes to mine. “Maybe you can show me around while I wait. I’d like a closer look at what I’m buying.”

“I’m not a tour guide,” Mika snaps. Then, realizing she might have crossed a line, she adds more evenly, “I’m atrainer. I have responsibilities to attend to.”

Her frustration is obvious, and her fiery resistance is entertaining. Still, I’m not accustomed to disrespect—even from a beautiful woman. Closing the space between us, I loom over her, making sure she feels our height difference. A thrill runs through me as she stands her ground, her chin lifting in defiance.

“Well then, Miss Harper, you can show me the rest of the horses I’ll be buying,” I insist, leaving no room for refusal.

“Fine.” She turns on her heel without another word, her long strides eating up the distance as she heads for the barn.

Amused, I follow.I think I’m going to like this arrangement.Winning over this impetuous horsewoman might be the most fun I’ve had in years—and Nina is going to love the surprise. Owning a racehorse was exciting enough.A whole stable?She’ll be ecstatic.

Marco and Vincent fall into step behind me.

Mika glances over her shoulder, her face tight. “What’s with the Men in Black?”

“They’re here for my protection.”

“Protection from what?” Her brows arch.

“My enemies,” I reply smoothly, enjoying the subtle shiver that ripples through her. “And the overly ambitious fangirls desperate to fuck me.”

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