“What? He told her he’s trying to find out where Wrax is. He’s the one who sold him?” I asked, keeping my voice low.
“He sure as fuck was. I’m sure Charles tasked him with the job, but he’s clearly lying to his sister when he says he doesn’t know where he is.”
“For fuck’s sake. Who the fuck does that? And why didn’t Charles do it himself?”
“My guess is that it wasn’t about the money, so he really didn’t care. He wanted Wrax gone, so she’d be forced to ride a different horse. He’s clearly a controlling prick.”
“Didn’t we hear he was having financial issues?” I asked, because I remembered being surprised when Bridger had shared what he’d heard.
“Turns out the rumor stemmed from the fact that Sylvie Waterstone was seeing one of the most well-known divorce attorneys in the country. She’s going to take it to him, and he’ll be forced to liquidate his investments. However, they are still rich as fuck, and this horse transaction was definitely not about the money, because he could have gotten way more for him.”
I glanced up at the kitchen to make sure she was still in there, and I watched while her hands flailed around as she told them a story, all three of them completely entranced by her. She was smiling and laughing, and it was good to see Wren acting like herself again.
Even in just small little glimpses.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. He’s also the trustee on her trust that funds her training, so he’s definitely trying to control the situation.”
“Yeah, sounds like it. But Wren doesn’t strike me as a girl who’ll be controlled for very long without pushing back.”
He was right. And up until now, they probably hadn’t had any issues, since she was winning and her father was happy.
“All right. How much to get the horse back?”
“Twenty grand.”
“Twenty grand? He just won the fucking world championship a few months ago. He’s one of the most decorated horses in the sport. Even if he’s considered a senior horse, he’s still competing at an elite level with Wren. I assume they could have gotten six figures for him?”
“They didn’t spend any time shopping him around, or make an attempt to sell him to someone in the horse world. Maybe they knew anyone in the equestrian world would feel bad about purchasing her horse? I don’t have a fucking clue. But it’s clear that they wanted him gone fast, and this was the quickest route.”
“And this guy will sell him to me for what he bought him for, when he knows he can get ten times the amount for him?”
“He’s an investor in my company, and this isn’t big money to him, so he’s willing to do me a favor. Do you want the horse?”
“Yes. I can wire the money to him right away.”
“I’ll have Brenner handle the sale. Where do you want him delivered?”
“To my barn,” I said, relief flooding me. “Thanks, B.”
“You don’t need to thank me. You’re the one buying an old horse, buddy.” He laughed loudly.
I nodded, knowing this was the right thing to do. Wren needed a break, and I was in a position to give her one.
Regardless of where we stood today, this girl had been my best friend my entire life. And this horse meant everything to her.
Hell, I was attached to Wrax, too.
He belonged to her, and that was where he should be.
To be honest, I was prepared to spend a hell of a lot more to bring him home.
“I appreciate it.” I ended the call just as Wren walked out, carrying a plate and walking toward me. Her lips were in a straight line, giving nothing away, her long legs on full display. She wore cutoff denim shorts, a white tee, and cowboy boots, with a long braid hanging over one shoulder. She set the plate down on the table beside the trailer.
“You know you’re out here with your stomach growling because you love lasagna. Just eat the damn meal and don’t read into it. It’s not a friendship bracelet—it’s some pasta with meat sauce.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “You gave me a place to live, and I’m giving you a warm meal.”
“Well, there’s salad and garlic bread on there, too,” I said, a slight chuckle escaping me. “Seems like more than just pasta with meat sauce.”
“There’s plenty, and I know you want it,” she said.
