The horses, each in individual stalls, greeted her with nods. Making her way down the alleyway, she said hello to each one. A large snort caused her to spin around, but the horse remained unseen. The dimly lit arena stood in the background, and a magnificent black horse stepped from the shadows, tossing his head back and forth. He reared up on his powerful hind legs and pawed at the air.
Her heart raced watching the animal’s unbridled passion. He tore at the ground with his front feet, then bolted off to the left out of sight.
Mesmerized by the beautiful creature pacing at the far corner, she moved closer to the arena. Her mouth hung open, and before she could blink, he took off heading straight for her. Transfixed by his magnificence, fear bottled up inside her and she slammed her eyes shut just as she was sure he would leap over the edge and trample her to death. Instead, he stopped just before the wall, flinging his head up and down still snorting. She swallowed the giant lump that had formed in her throat. Step by tiny step she moved forward. It seemed insane; the animal was crazy, and yet she moved closer.
Within her arms’ reach, they stared at each other, then like her, he stepped forward, putting his large head over the edge. Ever so slowly, she lifted her hand toward his muzzle. Air rushed from his nose, warming her fingertips. Closing her eyes and taking a leap of faith, her feet moved her to stand just before him, and the back of her hand touched his face.
Her eyes opened to find he’d dropped his head. Words refused to flow, and she lost track of how long she stood there with the giant. He seemed to be calmed by her touch. The warmth she felt in her heart for the crazed animal rendered her speechless. A flurry of questions came to mind. Whose was he? Did he belong to Cade?
The thunder stopped and she stifled a yawn. She missed his warmth the moment she removed her hand, but as if he sensed her exhaustion, he calmly turned his head and continued to stand quietly.
Words weren’t necessary. She smiled at him and turned back toward Cade’s room. She was drained and the thought of returning to the house without Cade didn’t appeal to her.
Closing the bedroom door, she wandered over to his giant bed, removed her clothing, and climbed under the covers. Cade would be back soon, she hoped. She wished she could stay awake, but her eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Ten
Cade peeled off his rain slicker and hung it in the doorway. They hadn’t discussed it, but he hoped to find Sophia curled up in his bed. He liked having her here.
A rumble of thunder broke his thoughts, and he heard Mystic’s frantic whinny. He shook his head, wondering what he was going to do with the crazy stallion nobody wanted.
Water dripped from his black cowboy hat. Removing it, he also hung it on the coat rack and ran a hand through his hair. Checking on the cattle had taken a lot longer than expected, but they also rescued a calf that had gotten stuck in the mud down by the waterhole.
Mystic’s desperate cry caused him to stop. It was an unusual sound, one he hadn’t heard from the horse before. For whatever reason, he thought of Sophia. He tore off down the hall and shoved his bedroom door open. Her clothes were set neatly on the chair beside the bed. He turned to the bathroom.
“Sophia?” No answer came, but he could tell she had been in his bed. “Shit!” He tore out the door heading to the arena.
Quickly he flicked on a set of lights that partially lit up the space.
Sophia stood at the far end of the arena, buck-naked, desperately clawing at the boards. Mystic stood behind her snorting and pawing the ground. Damnit, she must be sleepwalking again, and she couldn’t be in a worse spot with that crazy horse standing mere feet away from her.
Cade entered the arena and grabbed the large whip. Mystic reared up on his hind legs, barreled toward him, and then with a snort, skidded to a halt.
“Whoa, fella!” He lifted his hands high over his head warding the animal off.
How had she managed to make her way through the arena without the horse trampling her? Even though it was the only place where the horse stayed somewhat sane, nobody had been able to approach the creature without being in danger, especially when a storm came through. He shook his head, angry with himself for not having dealt with the creature before now.
He knew if he lassoed the stallion, it would do no good. His best bet was to try and keep himself between Sophia and the horse.
In the distance, he heard some of the stable hands coming his way. The door opened.
“Stay where you are,” Cade shouted to them. The three men stood unmoving, staring at the scene playing out before them.
Mystic took off running, and so did Cade, desperately trying to keep himself between the charging animal and Sophia.
The other men leapt over the ledge and into the arena. They obviously knew what he was trying to do. Four of them would be better than one.
Oblivious, Sophia sobbed uncontrollably as she continued to pull at anything that would open. He wondered why with all the commotion she didn’t wake. He could barely make out her words between sobs.
“Mom, I can’t open it! Push! Hurry!”
He was within twenty feet of her when Mystic charged directly through his helpers and barreled toward him and Sophia.
“Stop!”
Crazy, distraught black eyes stared him down. He raised the whip to scare Mystic away, but the horse charged forward without hesitation. Refusing to move, Cade held his ground. Mystic hit him in the arm with his large shoulder, brushing him out of the way. Terrified he would see Sophia trampled into the dirt, he struggled to remain standing.
“Grab the gun!” he shouted over his shoulder to the men who’d already returned with the rifle.
When he spun back to look at Sophia, his mouth fell open and the whip dropped from his hand. Mystic stood right beside her and gently nudged Sophia in the arm, like he was trying to move her away from the boards.
Cade put his hand up to the men, signaling them to hold their fire. Words refused to come as he watched Mystic continue to gently stop her movements. It had always been said that some animals could sense people’s pain and fear. Did Mystic feel the emotional pain Sophia was feeling?
A bigger shove by Mystic’s muzzle sent her falling into the dirt and the black giant stood protectively over her.
The sobs had stopped, and with her bare back facing him, she sat unmoving for a moment.
“Can you hear me, Sophia?” Cade all but whispered.
Her head moved up and down, and then she turned to look over her shoulder. Green eyes stared back at him before glancing up at Mystic.
“Oh God, what have I done?” her voice croaked.
“Sophia, you are just fine, sweetie, and it seems you have a friend in Mystic,” he responded, unbuttoning his shirt. When he stepped slowly forward, Mystic reared his head, obviously in agreement.
“I’m okay,” Sophia declared, trying to push herself up and out of the dirt. She winced, and he could see her hands were bleeding. Mystic continued to throw his head up and down.
“Be careful, Sophia. That horse is crazy.”
In defiance of that statement, Mystic turned to face him and pawed the ground. He heard the click from the men behind him, signaling they’d loaded the gun and were ready to shoot.
Sophia must have also heard the sound, because she turned quickly in the direction of the noise with a frantic look on her face.
Regardless of the fact she was dirty from head to toe, she was magnificent, and the idea of the other men seeing her like this drove him crazy.
She spread her hands out to her sides and backed up toward Mystic, protecting him. “No, don’t hurt him! He’s not a bad horse. He was only trying to help me.” Her sentence was a mix of English and French, but he understood.
The man holding the gun lowered the barrel. Cade removed his shirt and inch by inch moved toward Sophia. “Easy, fella. I’m not going to hurt her either. I’m just going to give her my shirt.”
Sophia snagged his shirt and put it on. Thankfully, it covered her
almost down to her knees.
She turned back to the horse and stroked his cheek. “I could use some help getting out of here,” she said to Mystic. He neighed and bobbed his head. She took a couple of steps and stumbled. The damn horse remained at her side, and Cade watched with absolute disbelief as her hand reached up and wound around his long black mane for support.
“Shall we?” she asked.
Unwaveringly, the beast steadily stayed by her side while crossing the arena to the gate. Cade opened it and waited for her to exit.
“Thank you, Mystic,” she whispered and kissed his nose. “You’re a wonderful horse and I wish I could have you.”
“Come on, Sophia. Come out of there now,” Cade encouraged.
The moment she stepped out of the dirt arena, he scooped her up in his arms and slammed the door.
Mystic whinnied and reared up on his hind legs in distress. Sophia called out to him. “It’s okay, big boy! I’m fine. I really am.”
Shocked again by the stallion’s actions, Cade watched as the horse quieted.
***
She could feel Cade’s relief roll off him as his muscles relaxed. “Please don’t let those men hurt him,” she said softly, hanging her head.
“They won’t.”
“Do you promise?” she begged.
“I promise.” He stopped and turned. “Falcon, would you mind giving our hero a flake of hay and some grain?” he yelled to one of the fellows.
“He almost had his last meal,” the man shouted back. “Maybe he’s not crazy after all.”
She cringed, hanging her head with embarrassment. If they’d killed him, it would have been her fault.
Wishing the world would just open up and swallow her, she shivered and buried her face in his bare chest. What must he think of her?
Inside the bedroom, he carried her straight into the bathroom. Gently he set her on the chaise lounge chair so he could fill the large tub.
“I’m sorry,” she spoke quietly.
Water poured from an elaborate spout. Lifting a bottle, he squirted the liquid into the stream and turned. “Sophia, I’m worried for you.”
She shook her head, heat flooding her face.
“Don’t be.”
“Don’t be! How can I not be? Who looks after you when you’re home?”
Truth of the matter was, the episodes were getting worse. No longer could she believe it was because she was overtired or in a strange place. Unable to hide her grief, tears fell down her cheeks.
He sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, Sophia. It’s just that you scared me to death. Mystic could have killed you.”
She shook her head. “No, he wouldn’t have. He’s a gentle horse.”
“I think you’re the only one he likes.” He laughed softly.
He turned her hands over to inspect them. Shame hurting more than the cuts, she winced and tried to pull them away.
“We’re going to have to clean those up when you’re out of the bath.” He stood and turned the water off.
He looked tired and here he was looking after her. “I’ll be okay. You’re the one who needs rest.”
“In.” He pointed to the water.
“I really am okay.” She nodded her head.
“Get in.” He held his ground.
“Can you come in with me?”
Cocking his head to the side, he responded wearily, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Please.”
He gave in with a sigh. Slowly, he undid his belt, undid his button, pulled down the zipper, and shed his pants, underwear and socks.
A gentle smile crept over her face…one she hoped he hadn’t seen. He was just so beautifully sculpted. Artists in Paris would flock to have the chance to paint or sketch him. Every part of him rippled with muscle. It just didn’t seem fair.
Without a word he bent forward, pulled her arms out of the shirt, picked her up, and then stepped over the edge into the water.
The warmth touched her toes, spread up her legs and then over her bottom as he sat with her.
“Ouch,” she blurted out, pulling her hands from the water.
“Leave them in. You need to get the dirt out of the cuts.”
Biting her tongue, she did as he instructed and soon the sting went away.
“I really am very sorry. I didn’t intend to be so much trouble.”
He grabbed a giant sponge and squeezed the wonderful warm water down her back. She closed her eyes.
“You didn’t answer my question. What happens when you go home?”
The words stung. He wasn’t being mean, but she had to face the fact that she, Sophia Randall, was in love with him…again. More likely she always had been. The thought of leaving him tore her heart out, but it was one-sided. She would leave and he was okay with that. So what would really happen when she went home? Her heart would be his forever, and he’d never know. “I’ll be fine,” she murmured and hung her head.
“How can you say that?” he demanded.
“I’ll talk to a therapist,” she gave in.
The words seemed to appease him. Silence ensued, but he continued to wash her back and each arm with the soapy sponge. The scent of freesia and orchids released all the tension in her muscles as she pressed her back into him.
His arms reached under hers, grasping her around the waist. He caressed her breast with the sponge until she moaned. The sponge fell from his hand, and his fingers retraced the path, stopping at her nipples and pinching them. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity humming through her body. She pressed harder into him, feeling his rigid cock against her backside.
“I told you this wasn’t a good idea,” he whispered in her ear.
“Au contraire. I think this is a great idea.”
His lips left a blazing trail of kisses down the side of her neck. The familiar ache between her thighs pulsed urging satisfaction. His breathing was uneven. She knew he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Her hands slid behind her back, running them up and down the length of his stiff cock.
She pulled away and turned around to face him. His hands grasped her face and pulled her toward him, crushing her lips to his for a searing kiss that left her breathless, weak, and wanting more. If this were her last night with him, she’d make it the best.
Wrapping her legs around his waist, she pressed into him, grinding her aching pussy on him. She pushed him back into the tub. Now she was on top and latched onto his neck, sucking and nibbling. The building heat and excitement they created caused the water to slosh wildly at the sides of the tub. She knew what she wanted; her body was driving her mad with desire. She could feel his rock-hard penis sliding easily between the lips of her cunt, rubbing on her clit, bringing her closer to climax, but still, she wanted more. Wanted something she knew she shouldn’t want or do. His hips thrust up against hers. She pressed forward and he shoved upward. Over and over the movement continued until finally his pulsing cock sank deep inside her. Grasping his shoulders and closing her eyes, she rode the waves of her first climax. Riding up and down on him, she felt her cunt grabbing his cock, urging him on.
Like a feral animal, he locked eyes with her. His hands grasped her hips roughly as he rammed his cock into her. It built…the passion and fever for release. Never removing his beautiful stare from her face, he continued his assault, and she held back, waiting for his undoing. With a deep groan he whispered her name and held her tightly, filling her with his essence. Her world spun out of control as her muscles involuntarily contracted and tightened around him in one more untamed, mind-blowing orgasm.
She collapsed against him, trying to catch her breath. Emotion struck her hard, and she choked back a sob but couldn’t help the fall of tears.
“Hey.” Cade gently grabbed her arms, pushing her forward. There was concern written all over his face. “Why are you crying?”
She shook her head, turning her face away, and diverting her stare to her hands. The realization as to why she
was crying hit hard. But she couldn’t let him know it was about the fact she was desperately in love with him. Couldn’t let him know what a fool she was to come here, to lose her heart and be stupid enough to think he might care more for her than the fabulous sex they shared. God, what if she ended up pregnant?
The back of her hand wiped away the tears. “I’m just so embarrassed! I seem to cause trouble everywhere I go. I could have gotten Mystic killed today, not to mention those other men now know me with no clothes on. I’m just so sorry,” she lied, hoping he believed her. She was definitely sorry and embarrassed, but it had nothing to do with why she had tears.
His large hands held her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. “You have nothing to be sorry for. And trust me, the guys have seen many buck-naked women…perhaps not as beautiful as you, but…”
She couldn’t help but laugh.
The scratches on her hands didn’t seem so bad once the dirt had been removed. Cade placed a couple Band-Aids on her fingers, and whisking her up in his arms, carried her to bed. “You know I’ve never heard that miserable horse so quiet. What did you do to him?” He yawned.
Lying up against him with her head on his shoulder, she spoke softly, “I’ve had an amazing time.”
Having fallen into an exhausted deep sleep, he only murmured. She knew sleep wouldn’t come for her and it would be for the best. Mrs. Shaffer was leaving really early in the morning, and Sophia would leave with her. Hopefully, she’d be on the plane heading back to Paris before he knew she’d gone.
With her heart shattered at the thought of leaving him, she closed her eyes, kissed his chest, and whispered the unheard words, “I love you.”
Chapter Eleven
Mystic’s loud whinnies slowly roused him from his deep slumber. In the back of his mind, he knew this shouldn’t seem unusual; however, the damn horse seemed to be extremely annoying this time.
It took only a split second for him to recall the events from last night. His eyes flew open and he sat straight up, immediately feeling beside him for Sophia’s body. Fear coursed through his limbs as he sprang from the bed. He should have never fallen asleep. Running for the door, he skidded to a halt when he saw a folded piece of paper with his name on it on the floor. His heart slammed into his chest. For some reason, he didn’t want to pick it up. He didn’t want to read it. Moments passed that seemed like an eternity before he eventually bent over and retrieved the note.
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