Page 84 of Cruelest Contract
“Take care of her,” Matthias says and turns away with a troubled frown.
I would have hugged him. I would have told him I’m truly glad to see him again. And I understand how watching a wedding, any wedding, must be excruciating for him, given his past. But Matthias kicks at a rock and stares at the horizon with his arms rigid, looking as huggable as a prickly pear cactus.
Julian peers down at me with sympathy in his dark eyes. “Are you ready?”
I swallow and try to work my face into a smile. “I just need to get my bag.”
But he starts steering me away. “Your bag is already waiting for you at the cabin.”
This man. He thinks of everything. I’ve never even seen Julian make a list and yet somehow he keeps track of a hundred tasks at once, missing nothing.
“Wait, where are we going?” I ask, holding up the skirt of my dress so it doesn’t trail in the dust.
He slips his arm around my waist. “You’ll see.”
Seconds later, Fort reappears and he’s leading a horse. It seems unlikely he’s planning to go for a ride. The horse isn’t even saddled. Fort stops a few feet away and waits for Julian to explain.
“This is Luna.” Julian reaches over and takes the lead rope from his brother.
The sky isn’t completely dark yet and the floodlights in the yard show me that Luna is an older brown mare. Her huge brown eyes are full of patience.
“She was a therapy horse for years,” Fort adds. “Now she’s retired. As gentle as can be.”
“And she’s yours,” Julian says. “You don’t have to ride her, Cecilia. But I didn’t want you to feel left out of ranch life and thought you might enjoy having a horse of your own. You can visit her anytime. Feed her, brush her, whatever.”
Luna is motionless and her soulful eyes are tranquil as she gazes at me. Julian has a firm hold on her lead and she gives no sign that she’s agitated in any way. Tentatively, I offer my palm, pausing inches from her nose to give her an option whether or not she wants to be greeted. She eagerly extends her neck and grazes her soft nose across my hand.
“Hi, Luna,” I say in a hushed voice, careful not to move too quickly. She takes half a step forward, angling for more petting. She lowers her head and closes her eyes when I run my palm over her neck.
I’d forgotten this, the simple unrivaled joy of being chosen and trusted by a horse.
“What a sweet girl,” I murmur, petting her with both hands now.
Luna nuzzles my shoulder. A dormant emotion lights up. It’s the purest kind of happiness. The kind that I knew the first time I climbed into a saddle. The same one that drove me to race to the stables after school and spend all my free time there. I’ve missed being with horses. And even if I never gather the courage to climb into a saddle again, I can still have their company.
Julian knew that I would feel this way. I’m floored by his powers of perception. I’ve never known a man who can see me this clearly. It’s almost daunting.
“Thank you,” I say to him. “She’s wonderful.”
Julian grins. “You’re welcome.” He gives the lead rope back to Fort so Luna can be returned to her stall.
A short distance away at the main house, a shadowy figure lurks at the edge of the wraparound porch. His dark clothing blends into the night and his facial features are obscured. Still, the intensity of Cassio Tempesta’s gaze stabs right through the darkness as he watches us.
I don’t always know what to make of Julian’s father. I don’t fear him, not exactly, but I understand why most people do. The tip of my finger is still sore from the prick of a blade. It stopped bleeding quickly and I removed the bandage before the ceremony. Cass was delighted to walk me down the aisle. He was very considerate and there was unmistakable pride written on his face as he handed me off to his son.
But then he played that old song.Hissong. His and Teresa’s…
This shook Julian up. For a second he looked positively stricken. Julian doesn’t rattle easily so I can only assume his father’s move came as a complete shock, and not a welcome one.
A light breeze chills my skin and I wish I’d brought a sweater. But no sooner has this thought crossed my mind than Julian shrugs out of his tux jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. He’s such a constant gentleman.
Well,mostlya gentleman.
After all, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the rainy afternoon when he broke my bra, cut off my panties and then used his fingers to fuck me against the shower wall until I couldn’t stand.
Julian’s jacket is warm and covered with his scent. The level of sex appeal he radiates should be considered a health hazard. His tie is gone and his shirt sleeves are rolled up.
I want to kiss him again. I want to doeverythingwith him.
