He hesitates on the line, then: “Fair enough. Oh, I almost forgot one other thing.”
I wait for him to speak up, but when he doesn’t I add testily: “What?”
“There’s a problem with our prize race horse, Primo,” Stefano replies.
“What sort of problem?” I ask warily.
“He’s got another hoof crack that needs repairing immediately. Since Luigi is on vacation, could you take care of it? Look, I wouldn’t ask this, but apparently the animal is in a lot of pain.”
I sigh. I haven’t done farrier work on a race horse in a long time. I apprenticed with Luigi years ago when I thought my life was going in a different direction. I’ve kept up my skills, mostly as a hobby, by practicing on the farm horses some of our neighbors keep on their land, along with the occasional race horse in need.
I want to say no, because I’d hoped to spend most of my time with Angela today, but I can’t let an animal suffer. Especially not one of our prized race horses.
“Fine,” I tell him. “I’ll do it.”
Besides, it will be a good distraction. Otherwise I’ll probably just end up fucking Angela all day, and I’d rather try to get to know her more before I give her up.
“Good,” Stefano says. “Because Primo is already on the way. Should be there in five minutes or so.”
I shake my head. “Great.”
“Your current villa has a stable doesn’t it?” Stefano asks.
“It does,” I answer. “But it’s not equipped at the moment to handle an animal.”
“Don’t worry, my delivery boy is bringing the essentials,” Stefano replies. “Hay, you name it.”
“In that case I’m sending your delivery boy away as soon as he arrives. The horse stays here overnight, and you can have it picked up once we’ve gotten rid of our hostage.”
“Sounds like a plan. Thanks a bunch Massimo. Take care.” Stefano hangs up.
I head downstairs and find Angela still lying on the piano. At least she’s pulled up her panties and jeans so I don’t have to be tempted by that tantalizing pussy. She’s still rocking my shirt as well and looking sexy as hell in it.
She has her head turned toward the window. Outside, a pair of robins search for snacks on the grass.
“Stay here,” I tell her. I don’t want the delivery boy to see her. “I’ll be right back.”
She looks at me and smiles. “Yes, boss.”
I quickly go before that smile can arouse me, and wait outside near the kennels. When the “delivery boy” arrives with the horse trailer, I help him spread the fresh hay throughout the stall I’ve set aside in the stables, and then guide Primo inside. It’s obvious the four-year-old colt is in pain from the way he favors his left front leg.
When I’ve got the injured animal secured in the stall, I head back out and watch the horse trailer leave. When the main gate to the villa closes, I head back inside the mansion.
I’m half expecting to find that Angela has run away—she would have had ample time by now, but she apparently hasn’t moved from the piano. My heart swells in my chest. I’m so pleased with her, I really want to reward her for her behavior. That will involve sex at some point, of course. But also what I’m about to do.
When she sees me she sighs contentedly. “You’re back, finally.”
“I need your help,” I tell her.
Her big green eyes shine with curiosity, then she offers me a hand.
I accept it and help her off the piano. I start getting a boner just from touching her, so I let go of her and lead the way outside, quickly walking it off. She follows me, not once trying to escape. I consider holding her hand, but I know that’ll just arouse me, so decide against it.
“I never realized you had so many fruit trees,” she tells me, running her gaze across the field.
“Yes,” I agree. “It looks a bit different when you’re actually on the field, rather than viewing it from the driveway, doesn’t it?”
I lead her toward the stable.
