My troubles ease when I see Altea and rush to her, patting her mane. “I’ve missed you. Don’t be mad at me. I promise I’ll come visit you weekly.”
Putting the saddle and bridle on, she stands next to me, and I heave myself up, straddling her.
Riding past, I glare at him as he talks to Finn, the one in charge of this place.
I know what this place hides but prefer to focus on Altea.
I make my way to the beach. The breeze kisses my face, the feeling of freedom all-encompassing.
The grump watches me from up the hill, saddled on his black stallion. “What the fuck did I tell you about riding alone?”
I roll my eyes at him. “Altea wouldn’t hurt me.”
“She’s still an animal. And horses get easily spooked.” He arches a sharp brow. “If you get hurt…”
The threat dangles between us like an explosive ready to detonate, causing my insides to vibrate with sheer fury.
“I can’t believe I ended up with an unfeeling, cold killer.”
“Well, fucking believe it,” he snaps. “Let’s return.”
“You ruined my ride anyway,” I shout back.
I flip my hair back, kick Altea’s side and she takes off, making me believe I fly.
Reaching the stables, I’m breathless but beaming.
My good mood plummets when he stops next to me.
He leans against the stable wall. “You’re playing with fire.”
Staring him down, I wish for lasers to shoot out of my eyes and straight into his frozen chest. “You burned me once. I survived.”
“Brat.”
“Bastard. Should we move toCnow?”
He grumbles under his breath, and I pocket my victory.
After I feed and brush her, I place a soft kiss on her muzzle. “See you next weekend. I’ll miss you.”
Suddenly emotional, I go change.
I can ask Evie to come with me next time, and we can spend a girls’ weekend at the beach house. I am barely married, and I already need a break from him.
He’s too much.
I am too weak.
In one of our heated moments, I’ll push him, and he’ll push back only to collide—two bodies clashing, the gravitational pull of our desire forcing us together.
I can pretend all I want, but withstanding his advances long-term is impossible.
In the car, I hum along, thinking about tomorrow. The first day is super important, plus the kids are used to their regular preschool teachers. I need to make a good impression, so they can feel safe with me.
The hours away will also help in distancing myself from him. He is a freaking workaholic, so I shouldn’t worry.
“When are you usually home from work?” I ask just to be sure.
