Page 48 of Forbidden Obsession
“Thank you, but honestly, maybe you should,” he wheezes out, and I let off on the pressure a bit. “I can be dreadfully slow sometimes.”
“You’re perfect as you are.” I kiss his nose, as I used to do all those years ago when we first started kissing.
His response is a damp row of warm kisses planted along my jaw. “And you’re so good to me. I will be just as good to you. We belong together.”
I couldn’t agree more.
ChapterTwenty
Jindal
It’s early evening,and I’m riding pillion behind Rahz, my arms looped around his sturdy waist. Magna’s steady gait rocks us together, and I lean forward against his back, enjoying the closeness.
Could I fly and spare Magna the extra burden? Yes. But my stomach is queasy. I’ve been feeling funny all evening, like I’ve got fluff in my head where my brain should be. It’s a sensation as though remembering the wispy hints of a dream without being able to recall the whole thing.
Maddening, odd, and unsettling.
So I take comfort in Rahz’s proximity, my head resting between his shoulder blades as he guides Magna onward. He assures me my added weight is nothing to her for so short a trip. She’s such a strong horse, surefooted and true.
We’re headed to meet Falen, who’s bringing me a horse of my own for the journey to Irondale, one paid for by the royal princess herself. I don’t know how to feel about accepting such a generous gift from such an important lady, but I can’t help but be a little excited. I love animals, and though I don’t ride often, I do enjoy it when given the chance.
As we crest the little hill overlooking the oval rim of the rock quarry, I peer over Rahz’s shoulder. Falen and Bird are already there. His mare Chestnut grazes on the tall roadside grasses, and next to her is a large spotted gelding with a flowing mane and tail the color of freshly whipped cream.
“Gorgeous,” I murmur into Rahz’s ear. For a moment, I’m so taken with my first look at the horse I forget my muddled brain and queasy belly.
“Yes, very,” Rahz agrees. “And perfect for you. You’ll be taller than me for once.” He chuckles, his stomach vibrating beneath my palms.
“That’ll make a nice change.”
We wave and say hello to our friends, then dismount to meet our new family member. He ambles over to me, eyes bright and clear, a curious expression on his long, speckled face.
I love him already.
“His name’s Briar.” Falen gives Rahz his reins. “He’s a good boy.”
“Hello, handsome.” I stroke the soft nose of the sturdy gray roan. He snuffle-snorts and turns his big face into my hand. “You and I are going to be good friends.”
“He likes you,” says Falen. “Here, give him this. I brought bribes, just in case, but it looks like you don’t need them.”
Falen hands me a big purple carrot, and I hold it out for Briar to take. “Here you are, the first of many.”
While Briar happily chomps on the treat, Magna noses Rahz’s shoulder for one of her own.
“Sorry, girl.” Rahz scratches her neck. “You already like me, so I didn’t bring any bribes.”
Falen ponies up another carrot for Magna and one for Chestnut as well. Briar looks so big next to the others. I admire his dappled coat, hardly believing he’s mine to care for. He will make the long journey so much easier. No way could I fly that far on my own.
We’re gathered by the eastern rim, a good place to be alone, just the four of us, for this meeting. The others can’t know where we’re headed or who we’re planning to help. It’s all very hush-hush.
Our cover story is that Rahz was so enchanted with Lemossin he simply had to bring me there for an extended visit. After securing temporary work for both of us in the capital and extra help for Father on the farm, the deed was done.
I feel guilty over it, but I’m not telling Father until the last possible moment. He’ll try to talk me out of it, and when that fails, he’ll put his foot down and forbid me to go, which will also fail. I’m an adult and free to make my own choices, though I’m sure he’ll feel otherwise. I don’t want to fight, so I’m putting it off as long as possible.
Vander, of all people, is coordinating help for the farm. How Rahz convinced him, I don’t know, but it probably has to do with a bigger share of the harvest for his family. And by going to him for help, we shoot any rumors he might have started otherwise in the foot. Rahz is clever like that.
“When are you leaving?” asks Bird.
“Tomorrow morning,” says Rahz. “I wish it didn’t have to be so soon, but there’s no time to spare.”
