Page 53 of Hunted Hearts
“I’m going to take care of you, Juliette.” His tone was gruff.
A low cough barked from behind them. Juliette stepped out of his arms and they both swung from the stall to see Willow standing there.
He inwardly groaned. Of course his nosy sister had seen him holding the woman he was getting far too close to.
Under her breath, Willow quoted, “‘My bounty is as boundless as the sea. My love as deep; the more I give to thee.’”
“Willow,” he said with a warning.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Willow sounded anything but sorry.
“Sure you are.” He shot a look at the loops of rope hanging on the wall. “I wonder,” he drawled, “if my speed at hog-tying is still as fast as I remember. Might have to test it out. On you.”
Unfazed by his threat, Willow walked over to the stall and peered in at the new mare.
“Ohhh. She’s beautiful. Great choice, Theo.”
He grunted.
She turned to Juliette. “Does she have a name?”
“Serenity.”
“It suits her, doesn’t it? She’s so calm for being the new kid on the block.”
The ladies chatted about the horse for a minute.
Theo touched her arm. “Juliette, I need to head back to the conference room.”
She stared up at him, and he saw something in her eyes that wasn’t fear at all. It was something that made his gut grip hard.
For once, he was thankful when Willow broke in. “Gray’s fiancée Honor is our resident art therapy director. She’s giving a class in a few minutes.” She nudged Juliette’s shoulder gently. “Come on. Let’s make a sign for Serenity’s stall. A horse like this deserves her name inbig, boldletters, just like her owner.”
Juliette’s attention shifted, her gaze drifting toward the mare in her new stall. Serenity stood calm, head lowered as she chewed her hay like she’d been here for years.
Theo watched Juliette’s shoulders relax, some of the tightness that had been clinging to her finally sliding away.
Bringing her here had been the right call. His family, Serenity, the quiet of the ranch—it was the first time he’d seen her without that hunted look in her eyes since California.
As Willow led Juliette away, his gaze tracked her until she disappeared into the lodge, knowing beyond a doubt that he’d do whatever it took to keep that light in her eyes.
* * * * *
As Juliette approached the huge, rustic lodge, a muscular man wearing jeans and a thick coat walked out. He caught sight of them and held the door.
Willow lengthened her strides to grab it. “Thanks, Gabe. How’s it going today?”
“Been busy.”
“Getting ready for the big day?”
He offered Willow a smile. “It comes with mixed feelings.”
“I’m sure. We’ll miss you.”
Juliette listened to the exchange but could only assume that Gabe was leaving the program. When his gaze drifted to her, she smiled. “Hi. I’m Juliette.”
“Heard we had a famous musician on the ranch. Didn’t quite believe the rumors.” The smile he wore—both dangerous and disarming—created pleasing creases around the corners of his eyes. He carried himself with confidence, as if he didn’t have anyone to impress, but if he walked into a room, all eyes would be on him.
