“Can you see if she broke the skin, please?” This time, I can’t help the snort that escapes, the sound threatening to turn into a full laugh when he growls at me. I don't break my staredown with him, trying to show how much I don't care, but my heart beat increases at the thought of seeing an almost naked Oliver. Stupid ass is so freaking sexy.
I push the angry mini back toward her food since she knows better than to try me, and I look to where he’s rubbing his butt cheek.
“I’m going to have to lift your boxers,” I tell him, and he just nods his head. I can see he’s in pain just by the tightness around his eyes, and atinypart of me feels almost 0.5% bad about using DS to hurt him. Pulling aside his boxers, I look at his nicely formed ass and wince at the sight of the damage. Damn, she must have gotten a nice mouthful; the skin is already turning purple, and there are perfectly shaped mini teeth marks.Hmm, karma at its finest.DS might have gotten to him first, but it won't be the last time he gets bitten on his ass. My bite may be a little more permanent. Trying to hide a smile, I let the band of the boxers snap back, earning a yelp that does make me laugh this time.
“Yeah, you’re going to need to ice that, but there’s no broken skin,” I tell him before patting both animals and leaving the stall.
I can hear him hurrying to pull his jeans back on, and by the time he gets them done up and follows me out, I’ve started the Vanquish. With a wave goodbye, I drive away, leaving him to hobble back to the house.Well, it’s not like he could have sat down anyway.He’s going to need a cushion for the next day or two, and I chuckle at the thought all the way to the garage.
Chapter Five
Harlow
Instead of heading straight to my room, I go in search of something to eat, my stomach rumbling so badly I can’t ignore it. I’m sure they were planning on making me too uncomfortable to take meals with them, but I don't plan on giving them the satisfaction. Dumping my bag and things in front of the door to our wing, I head toward the main living areas where I can hear the sounds of a meal taking place.
Murmured voices and theclinkof silverware on china echo down the corridor, and my steps slow.Do I really want to face them all now?I mean, it’s one thing to wave and smile at them as I drive past in one of their cars, but to be within feet of them all? Shaking my head, I take a big breath and continue walking.I can do this. Those assholes have got nothing on what I’ve already been through. My pep talk seems to work, and by the time I arrive to where everyone is sitting around the dining room table, I’m feeling confident and ready to face anything.
The atmosphere is tense, and the small amount of chatter dies instantly the minute I enter the room. Looking around the table, I can see everyone but Oliver is here.
“Harlow, honey, come and sit next to me.” Nana pats the empty chair next to her and smiles encouragingly at me. I hadn't actually planned on staying, but the sour look on Jacinta’s face is reason enough for me to change my plans, and it provides the perfect opportunity to rub a little salt into the wound.
“Thanks, Nana, I think I will. I’m starving,” I tell her, sitting down between her and Kai who shoots me a hopeful smile, which I return briefly.
“Did you have a nice afternoon with Alex and Shane?” Poppy asks as Nana piles some food on my plate and everyone else continues to eat. I can see out of the corner of my eye that they’re all watching me warily, and Jacinta’s scowl gets even deeper at the mention of the two guys.
“Yeah, I really did. They’ve been so great. One of the best parts of my trip was meeting the two of them.”
I’m laying it on a bit thick for Jacinta’s benefit, but I’m not lying. They’re great friends, just not in the way I can see everybody assuming they are.
“How did the horses settle in?” Dad asks, taking a sip of his drink.
“Really well. I’ll start working them tomorrow. I’m not sure how long it will be until they’re needed on set though. I’ll have to give Chuck a call and get him to call the director.”
“It’s one of our films, isn’t it?” Dad asks, and I shrug.
“I’m not sure, actually. I think that’s what Chuck said. I know the one that Maxine is working on at the moment is.” Dad looks from me to Declan who’s scowling down at his plate but obviously listening in. Everyone is. None of the previous conversations have resumed.
“I’m sure Chuck said it was. Do you know, Dec?” Dad asks his oldest son. Declan looks up from his food, putting down his knife and fork and wiping his mouth on his napkin before replying.
“Yes, I’m almost certain it’s for that middle ages epic that Shaun Walsh is working on.” He looks from Dad to me, and I nod my head.God, this is so fucking awkward.
“Yes, that sounds like what Chuck had told me too.” Declan’s eyes narrow, but he doesn't look at me for too long before Dad’s speaking up again.
“Give him a call tomorrow, will you, Dec? See what’s going on. That’s not great for us if he’s running behind; the budget’s going to blow out. When you find out, you can let Harlow know so she has a better idea about when they’ll be needed on the set.”
Declan keeps his face neutral as he nods his agreement to Dad, but I can see the tension in his muscular frame. He doesn't like being told what to do for his own company, and he definitely doesn’t like that his marching orders are in any way for my benefit. That just makes me smile internally. Anything I can do to ruffle this one's feathers is a win-win situation for me.
Before anyone can say anything else, Oliver hobbles into the room, groaning in pain and holding his butt cheek.
Nana jumps to her feet, ready to do whatever he needs. “Oh my goodness, Oliver, are you okay?” she asks as she goes around the table to help him over to the couch. The other siblings are on their feet too, all of them looking between me and Oliver suspiciously.
“What did you do to him?” Jacinta growls at me, but I raise my eyebrows in shock.Wow, didn't think she’d be game enough to blame me so soon.
“Jacinta,” Dad snaps at her, “why would you even think Harlow had anything to do with this?”
I wipe my mouth with my napkin before turning to Dad and wincing dramatically.
“Well, actually, I kind of did... indirectly.” His eyebrows shoot up in surprise at my confession as I turn to Poppy. “Oliver met DS,” I tell him, shrugging, and Poppy starts to chuckle.
