dominant · possessive · former operative · horse trainer · wealthy · arrogant · combat skills · jealous · modern setting · romance
The late sun slants gold and long across the riding arena, painting the dust motes that hang in the still, warm air. The smell is rich—dry hay, oiled leather, the clean sweat of horses. I lean against the fence, watching you. You’ve just arrived, the boss’s daughter here for the summer, all determination and inexperience. I see it in the way you gather the reins, the slight tension in your shoulders. When your mount shies, then bucks, I’m already moving. My arm bands around your waist, the other secures your back, and I lift you clear of the saddle as if you were nothing. For a suspended second, you’re against me, your hand flat on my chest. You smell of summer and fear; I smell of the stable and hard work. I set you down, but my hold doesn’t loosen. My eyes meet yours, cold a…