Page 26 of Beneath the Flames
Rosita then moved to the last horse, a chestnut beauty with a white rump speckled with spots. “SeñoraDavis, you will be riding Wildflower. Of course, all of our horses are special, but Wildflower is especially unique.”
“How so?” Brie asked, holding Antony up so he could touch the horse’s soft coat.
“Wildflower was found abandoned and starving in a field, along with four other horses. Of the five, Wildflower was the most emaciated—all skin and bones and barely able to walk.” Rosita looked at the horse with sympathy, shaking her head. “When they brought all ofthe horses to our ranch, I decided to keep them together to help them assimilate easier.”
Stroking Wildflower’s nose, she said, “Unfortunately, Wildflower was not interested in eating, and I was afraid she wouldn’t survive more than a couple of days. But after watching her more closely, I noticed something unusual about her. It seemed as if Wildflower wasn’t avoiding eating but saving the food for the other four mares. She wouldn’t go near it until the others had eaten all of their feed. To test my theory, I separated Wildflower from her herd and fed her in a stall. When she was alone, Wildflower gobbled up all of her feed.” Shaking her head, Rosita told Brie, “She even tried to eat the bucket once it was all gone.”
“Poor thing!” Brie cried, petting the horse’s neck.
Rosita nodded sadly. “It wasn’t until then that I realized Wildflower had set aside her own needs to help the other horses in her herd to survive.”
“Wow,” Brie exclaimed, looking at Wildflower with new respect.
“Sadder still, we discovered that the horses hadn’t been abandoned as we’d assumed. Their owner, a solitary woman who lived in the backcountry, was found dead out in her field. Based on the condition of the body, the police believe the horses had been on their own for months scavenging for food in the desert.”
“It’s a miracle they survived!” Brie exclaimed.
Rosita nodded. “They all survived because of Wildflower.”
Brie was touched by the compassion and strength she saw in Wildflower’s big brown eyes. “Thank you forchoosing her for me.”
Rosita smiled warmly. “My pleasure,SeñoraDavis.”
“Shall we mount up?” Mateo called out.
Brie kissed Antony on the cheek before handing him over. “If he gets fussy, he likes to be rocked. He also likes to be sung to, but if that doesn’t work, you can try…”
Rosita chuckled. “I have three grown sons. I’m sure I can keep Antony entertained while you’re gone.”
Brie smiled. “I’m sure you can.”
“Let me help you on your horse,radost moya,” Rytsar told her.
Giving Antony one more kiss, Brie took Rytsar’s hand and let him guide her up and onto Wildflower. Brie smirked when she felt Rytsar’s hand press against her pussy as he “helped” her onto the horse. Handing her the reins, he gave her a private wink.
Turning to pick up Hope, Rytsar tweaked her nose “You are riding with yourdyadya.”
“Yay!” Hope squealed.
Brie glanced at Sir and watched in astonishment as he mounted the stallion in one fluid motion. “I didn’t know you knew how to ride, Sir.”
Sir tipped his hat. “I have Anderson to thank for that.”
Mateo led the way as they headed out and onto the trail. Brie looked back, waving at Antony, who took no notice of her. He was too captivated by the flock of chickens that had gathered around Rosita.
Brie turned to face the trail, excited about their adventure ahead.
Mateo took them on a leisurely trail that wound through the desert hills.
It was a perfect day to ride, Brie thought as she looked up at the blue sky dotted with wispy clouds. The temperature was warm, but not overly hot.
Brie patted Wildflower in appreciation. The appaloosa was a beautiful horse, but Brie had completely fallen in love with her after hearing her story. She admired Wildflower’s inner strength and willingness to sacrifice herself for the good of her herd. Seeing how healthy she was now, no one would ever have suspected the suffering she had endured or the physical and emotional scars she must carry.
Wildflower had the look of a prized champion but had the temperament of a gentle and compassionate soul.
Brie glanced at Sir. He looked sexy as hell riding the stallion. The horse walked with his head held high and his ears twitching constantly. It was as if Pepper was observing everything around him. Watching Sir ride with such confidence on the stallion was a definite turn-on.
Wanting to capture the moment, Brie pulled out her phone and took several pictures.
