Page 1 of My Queendom for a Horse

1

I have a history of making rash decisions. You know, the kind of move that saves the day in fairy tales. Only, when I climb the beanstalk, the giant smashes me into jelly. When I ride to a ball in a carriage made of pumpkin, my gown that was sewn by rats splits up the back, and I wind up covered with pumpkin innards.

Big, bold decisions just don’t end well in real life. At least, not for me.

I know this.

Which is why I ought to turn around and walk away, but I don’t have much choice. It’s all or nothing today, thanks to my dad and his idiot rivalry with an old university nemesis.

Well, that and his lifelong gambling problem.

And yes, it’s a little hypocritical that I’m planning to fix his mistake. . .by placing a risky bet and hoping it pays out.

But I worked hard and I have faith in myself. Today’s race may be a Hail Mary, in American football terms, but there are only seven horses, and Five Times Fast is the best one. I know it. Plus, the only person my gamble might hurt is me.

If this works, I’ll save the family farm we’ve had for ten generations. I can’t even think about what happens if I lose today. If I take time to think about it, I’ll start crying again. That won’t help anyone.

I squeeze the wad of fifty-euro bills in my fist and force myself to take a step forward. Every step feels harder than the last. I’ve saved for forever for the down payment on my own horse hospital, but losing our farm would be even worse than delaying my dream yet again.

Finally, I reach the front of the line, but before I can say anything, someone grabs my arm and spins me around. It’s the very last person in the entire world that I ever thought I’d see standing in front of me.

Sean bloody McDermott.

I haven’t seen his face in person in more than ten years. It feels surreal to have his hand on my arm. He’s wearing an impeccably tailored suit, like he was the day we broke up. His blonde hair looks exactly the same as it did. It’s like time hasn’t touched Sean. His face is unlined. His eyes are just as bright as ever. And his shoulders might even be broader.

Why am I even surprised? The aristocracy never changes. Eventually he’ll gain a few grey hairs that make him look dignified, but everything else is a constant.

I hate that his appearance affects me this much, even after ten years. He dumped me, but that doesn’t mean I’m still the pathetic girl I was back then. I’m a confident, capable business owner now. I need to remember that.

I wrench away and back up with so much force that I run into the window. The employee inside clears her throat.

“We have some business to handle first,” Sean says smoothly, with a practiced smile on his face. “She’ll come back.”

He turns and starts to walk, just assuming that I’ll follow after him like a good little baby duck.

Too bad, Sean. I’m not a baby duck anymore. I’m in my mid-thirties, and no one tows me around behind them.

I turn back to face the Totes employee. “I’d like to put fifty thousand euros on Five Times Fast. To win.”

The Totes employee blinks. “There’s a €250,000 winning limit per day in Ireland.”

I shrug. “With the odds on Five, that’ll be just about right.”

“Kristiana.” Sean’s tone is terse. I wonder how far he went before he realized I wasn’t following him and circled back.

“I don’t have much time before I need to report for the race,” I snap. “Go away and leave me alone.” I start to hand the money through the window.

Sean snatches it from my hand.

“This is new,” I say. “Is work not going well? You’re stealing now?”

He grits his teeth, his gorgeous blue eyes flashing. “I’m trying to help you.”

“Kris.” My dad’s voice floats toward me from several paces away.

Something in my stomach twists. “Dad?” I turn around.

“Miss, if you aren’t betting. . .”

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