Page 109 of Cruelest Contract
I can only laugh.
23
CECILIA
“Wait, not yet.” I tuck my Gemini necklace inside my shirt and then tighten my fingers on the reins.
There’s now a tiny scar on my right forefinger, courtesy of a pocketknife on my wedding day. My newest habit is to rub it with the pad of my thumb. As I do this, I think of Julian and summon a sense of calm.
I’d forgotten the intimidating height factor of being on horseback. This is like being precariously seated at the top of a step ladder.
Tye hangs his arms over the rail fence and wears a rascally grin. Getty stands beside his brother and casually waits to be entertained by the spectacle.
Luna stands perfectly still while Miguel keeps a firm grip on the lead rope. The jeans I’m wearing today feel too new and stiff but my long skirts aren’t really saddle-worthy. I resist the urge to squeeze my knees around the horse’s flanks in fear or clutch too tightly.
“I’m ready.” My heart is pounding but beneath a surge of anxiety, the muscle memory returns. I’ve done this before andI can do it again. Getting on a horse is just an ordinary part of ranch life and I live on a ranch now.
Luna is calm and dependable. Miguel promised he wouldn’t let go of the rope. All we’re going to do is one lap around the big corral.
The ranch foreman gives me a nod and starts slowly leading Luna. I hold my breath for the first few steps and then slowly exhale. Tye waves his phone in the air to record the moment for posterity. He whoops out some very loud encouragement. Getty rolls his eyes.
The shadowy shape of a tall man grabs my attention and I see Cass has emerged from the house. He stands on the front porch, the brim of his hat shadowing his expression.
“You’re doing great, Cecilia,” Miguel assures me.
Luna, accustomed to leisurely walks to accommodate jumpy children, has no problem with the pace. She is sure-footed and serene. I send her some telepathic gratitude.
We’re halfway around the corral now. The house is behind me and all the land in sight is part of Storm’s Eye Ranch. I’ve learned my way around and I recognize the worn trail that leads to the creek. I can see the peak of the cabin where I spent my honeymoon. Beyond the hill to my left is the sacred place where Teresa is buried.
As I gaze at the sights that are now familiar, the stirring in my chest is somewhere between affection and pride. Julian promised the ranch would become my home. He was right. I wish he was here to see me sitting tall in a saddle. I want him to know that I found this courage because of him.
I’m so distracted by the scenery that I lose track of the audience. I’m startled to turn my head and see Fort hanging out at the fence beside Tye.
When in the hell did he get here?
But if he’s back, then maybe…
“Julian.” I breathe out his name and an invisible tremor unspools through every limb.
My husband waits at the corral gate. Unreasonably gorgeous, as always. His muscled arms are crossed over his formidable chest and he’s grinning as he watches me come closer.
Delight blends with desire. The way this man wreaks havoc on my mind and body has no precedent. All logic evaporates and I don’t even want it back. It’s a miracle I can remain in the saddle instead of jumping off and running into his arms.
Julian steps forward when we get close to the gate. His eyes remain fastened to my face and his hands reach for my waist. I slide down with eagerness, desperate to be close to him.
He hasn’t shaved in days. His hair is tousled and sexy. I’m not shy about seeking his mouth and he’s not shy about answering with his tongue.
I’m always in awe of his strength. He holds me easily with one arm and I circle my legs around his waist.
If this is obsession, I don’t care.
If it’s love, I want it.
Too much of my life has been wasted being cautious. Restrained. Orderly. I began changing the week I arrived here. Little by little, I’m starting to belong to this place. To this family. To Julian. And he belongs to me.
With reluctance, I unwind my legs before I do something reckless, like dry hump my husband in plain sight of the whole Tempesta family.
When my feet touch the ground, I wrap my arms around him and press my cheek to his chest. A desperate ache is already throbbing between my legs.
