by Marie Medina
“Maggie mentioned that. You only need a little each day, right?”
“For the most part, yes. I’ll be fine.”
Kit brushed his pants off and looked to the door. “Don’t tell Maggie what happened. She worries about me.”
Byron hesitated. He wanted to give Kit whatever he wanted in all things, but he didn’t like the idea of hiding this. “I worry he might come back. I’d like for her to know. And Gregor, if there’s trouble.”
Kit’s pale skin turned bright red. He looked down at the dirt floor. “I’m a guy. Things like that don’t happen to guys.”
“Unfortunately, they do. All the time.” He sighed. “Look, I’m a guest. I won’t say anything if it bothers you. But I still think Maggie should know. And it goes without saying I’m going to be watching for Rowan.”
Kit looked up, his expression wary but opening up a bit. “Thanks. I’ll think about it.” He straightened up. “Maggie had to go deliver a baby early this morning, but she shouldn’t be away too much longer. This lady has had a few before, and they were all easy deliveries.” Kit moved past Byron and started toward the house.
“I need to put my horse away. Any stall that’s open all right?”
Kit turned, his complexion flushing white this time. “Oh, forgive me. I’ll see to that.”
Byron held up his hands. “No. I can do it. You go change and clean up. Drink some water and sit down.”
Kit fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. “Maybe you’re just really nice, but … do you know about me?” He looked up into Byron’s eyes. “Seems most people do.”
“Yes, I know what happened to your family, and I’m very sorry.” He tilted his head. “Have I done something to bother you? I’m sure my eyes probably turned red, but I was angry to see you being treated that way.”
“No. It’s just, like I said, you’re really nice. You haven’t done anything wrong. I only thought you were being extra nice because you knew.”
“It won’t bother me if you’re wary of me at first, as I can’t imagine what your experience was like. But I’d like to be friends.” And more, if you’ll let me. “But go. I can find everything, I’m sure. I’ll be in shortly.”
Kit half turned, but then he said, “Thanks again.” He gave a little nod and rushed away and into the house.
Byron watched him go, battling both the desire to run after him and the urge to jump back on Saint and chase after Rowan. Taking a deep breath, he returned to Saint and led him into the stable, murmuring to the stallion about how complicated his life was becoming.
End of sample chapter
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