Page 68 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“To get a well-deserved stiff drink,” he replied over his shoulder.

“See you tomorrow.”

Goran waited until we were alone before speaking.

“Can we talk?”

I studied him for a moment, then nodded.

“Yeah. Come on.”

He followed me past the barns and onto the hacking trail that looped through the property. It was wide enough for four people, shaded by trees, quiet in a way that felt romantic. This was where I rode when I needed to breathe, when I wanted Atlas to stretch without expectations.

And mostly when I wanted space to pretend I could ride away and disappear into the sunset.

Goran walked beside me without crowding, matching my pace instead of setting it. That mattered more than he probably realized.

“You didn’t respond to my text last night.”

I glanced at him. “I didn’t need to respond. You always know where to find me.”

“Maybe I was just hoping to hear from you.”

“I needed to think,” I said, with a sigh. “I’m sorry if I worried you though.”

We wandered in silence for a few moments, the crunch of gravel underfoot grounding me.

“I couldn’t stay away, even if I wanted to,” he admitted. He glanced at me like he expected anger.

“How you feel isn’t what I question, Goran. I know you love me.” I stopped and turned to face him. “It’s whether you will stand up for us when the time comes. Because it is coming. And right now, I don’t know what you’ll do. That’s what bothers me.”

He reached for my hand. “You know I will fight for you. Always. I’d rather things not turn into a bloodbath, though.”

“I know. That’s why I’m going home,” I said, getting ahead of the conversation. “To speak to my father.”

His jaw tightened. “Do you want me to come with you?”

I shook my head. “No. I need to do this alone.”

He didn’t argue, but his eyes hardened.

“If he hurts you…”

I squeezed his hand. “He won’t. There is no one to perform for this time. I’ll be fine.”

But I wasn’t sure I believed the words myself.

“I’m packing up here first,” I said, continuing. “We leave for Florida in two days. I want to be ready.”

He smirked. “For the show, or your father?”

“For everything.”

He chuckled.

We walked on, holding hands and enjoying the quiet.

“I have to ask. How do you handle wearing a suit in this heat? I’d be stripped down naked by now.”