Page 70 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
He was right. She’d been so desperate to save the horses, she hadn’t wanted to delay for a second. Of course, she never contemplated anyone would actually carry out the threats. “I was focused on the animals. You said yourself we should pursue other horses.”
“This isn’t about the horses, and you know it,” he retorted. “This is about putting yourself in danger.”
“I didn’t know I was putting myself in danger.”Mostly.“I couldn’t predict they would show up.”
“It was a clear possibility. I told you about the messages, the threats. These people don’t blink an eye at sending animals to a gruesome death. What do you think they would have done to you?” He ran his hands through his hair. “Do you have any idea what could’ve happened?”
His anguish extinguished her anger like a cold splash from Mischief Maker. “You were worried about me.” She averted her gaze for seconds, before he drew it back. “I’m sorry for that.”
“Worried doesn’t begin to describe it. When I imagined what might happen…” He visibly tightened. “They threatened you.” He spoke in raspy tones, exposing a side of himself he never revealed, his mask vanquished, his emotions raw and evident for the world to see. “Do you know what that did to me?”
“I shouldn’t have gone alone,” she admitted. Nothing would have changed if she spent a few extra minutes finding someone to accompany her. “But I’m an adult and make my own decisions. You are not responsible for me.”
“What if I want to be?”
Her breath hitched. The urge to say yes, to accept his claim, in exchange for her own, was nearly more than she could resist. Surrendering would redefine her life, risking the ending that nearly shattered her so long ago – or it could start something new, beautiful and altogether wonderful. No matter what, she must steal time to consider her options, because once she surrendered, there would be no turning back.
Did he sense her uncertainty, the battles she fought? When she didn’t respond, he didn’t press her. Instead, he grasped her shoulders with powerful hands, nudging her closer. She could resist. Should resist. Must resist.Didn’t resist.
They kissed.
The embrace was a catharsis, the opportunity to exchange strength and give reassurance. It was neither slow nor hesitant, neither cautious nor restrained, but filled with pent up passion and blatant emotion. Without words, Rowan comforted her, demanded from her, and yet she took as much as she gave. She mewled in satisfaction when his control slipped, when his emotions blazed and they communicated without words.
Something changed in that moment, a strengthening of their bond, a solidification of tenuous connections. When Ciara drew back minutes later, and only because of a horse’s restless neigh, everything was different.
He grazed her cheek with the pad of his finger. “Even though you’re an adult, you matter to other people. You matter tome.” From Rowan, even that small admission betrayed something far larger, something substantial. “Promise me you’ll be more careful next time.”
The horses whinnied, as if urging her to agree. It was a reasonable request, logical and sensible. She nodded.
“Good.” He gave her one more peck on the lips, pulling back before she could deepen it. Clearly, she failed at hiding her desire when the sides of his lips curled up. “Don’t worry, they’ll be time for that later.”
Her skin tingled with excitement – and anticipation.
There was no more time for talk, or anythingenjoyable, when Mr. Owens ambled up behind them. He surprised them with a homemade lunch of vegetable stew and hot buttered bread, brought at his wife’s insistence. Ciara introduced Rowan, who smiled genuinely as he shook the elderly man’s hand. She had explained the situation while they’d loaded the horses, and he agreed the owners hadn’t intended to harm the animals. Mr. Owens even asked if he could call later to see how the horses were doing.
Not long after lunch, the ranch workers returned with the trailers, and they loaded the remaining animals. The trip back seemed minutes instead of an hour, and they swiftly brought the horses to the paddock, which had already been prepared. The vet evaluated each, confirming they were thin but uninjured. Ciara worked on settling them though the afternoon, and after a brief halt for dinner, into the night, with Rowan right by her side.
Though her focus was on the animals, the man beside her stole her attention again and again. It was Rowan who brought her a late-night snack and, when all the horses were finally comfortable, refused to let her spend another night in the stables.
This time she was perfectly awake as he carried her tohisbedroom.
She was the most beautiful woman in the world. On the outside, most certainly, an ethereal creature sleeping on the silky bed, her gossamer hair spread across the pillow, her skin pinkened from their lovemaking. She wore a simple white cotton nightgown, yet on her it seemed a princess’ gown, showing off luscious curves and a creamy complexion. Her truest beauty sparkled inside, through her kindness, self-sacrifice and benevolence to all living creatures.Enchanting.
Now Rowan sat on a hard chair, because he couldn’t think while he was holding her, and right now he needed to think. Life had changed since Ciara reentered his life, like a brilliant candle illuminating a shadowy room, bringing light, joy,hope. He’d never been as furious – and fearful – as the moment he arrived to three gigantic men looming over her. Ciara was a strong woman, independent and capable, but she couldn’t physically match men twice her size. He wouldn’t even contemplate what would have happened if he hadn’t arrived.
Even considering it made him want to punch something.
He took a deep breath of air scented like roses and Ciara. It wasn’t like him to express such strong emotions. Hell, he didn’t even know he had such strong emotions. He simply couldn’t resist her.
The more time they spent together, the more he wanted her, and not temporarily. His father claimed he couldn’t depend on others, proved it with his cruel nature, and yet Ciara pierced his assumptions and redefined his beliefs. She dedicated her life to helping others, to changing the world. Last night had been pure perfection, simply holding her in his arms. He would do everything in his power to keep her there.
And he had a lot of power.
Yet the past posed untold challenge. How could he continue the family line, when he carried his father’s traits, his inability to show emotion? Protecting the people he cared for was part of who he was. He’d told the others to keep the messages secret, hid the threat he thought he could contain, the threat he almost hadn’t stopped. Ciara might have taken it more seriously if she’d known from the beginning. He had neither been able to relinquish control nor reveal his true emotions. Ciara had called him on both counts.
Perhaps he didn’t need to control so much, in more ways than one. Would it be enough? Could he forge a future and still protect himself? Could Ciara overcome the past, believing this time would be different? Would she give up her world or would he leave his? So many questions, and no certainties save one:
He would not lose her again.
