Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
His brother smirks, but I can see the disgust in Stephen’s eyes. He means every word of it, and I hate to see what might happen if his brother continues to test him. They stare at each other for an uncomfortably long time then Stephen steps in front of me. Samuel is the first to break eye contact. He scratches his head and lets out an anxious laugh.
“Change? Fuck that. I’m gonna strip naked and lie in my bed. I haven’t slept on a real mattress in four goddamn years.”
“Even better,” Stephen growls.
“Call me when dinner’s ready,” Samuel says and walks to the stairs.
I feel his eyes on me until he disappears from view. Stephen looks at me, and the anger washes from his face. He lifts me off the floor and kisses me. I feel like I’ve been waiting a lifetime to kiss him again.
“They let him out early,” he says. “This is the last thing I expected.”
“Is that where you went?”
“Yes, my attorney called to tell me they had a hearing about giving him an early release. It seems the prison is overcrowded, and they’re commuting sentences for non-violent offenders. That’s a joke. My brother is one of the most violent people I know. Unfortunately, that’s not what he was sent to prison for so…here he is, three years ahead of schedule.”
“You don’t sound happy. I’m sorry if this is upsetting for you.”
“I’m not happy. This is all just like a big game to him. I hoped they would send him to a halfway house somewhere to acclimate him to the outside world. Instead, he’s here feeling even more invincible than he did before. I just didn’t expect them to make him my problem now.”
“So he is a problem.” I didn’t like the way he talked to me or the fact that Stephen felt the need to put distance between us. I need to know what his presence in the house means for me.
“Let’s take a walk so I can clear my head. Have you been to the stables?”
I shrug. “I’ve spent a lot of time there while you’ve been away. There wasn’t much else to do, and I missed you.”
“I missed you too. You can spend as much time down there as you want. I want you to feel like this is your home and you can go anywhere you please.”
We walk hand in hand through the gardens and pasture to the stables. His touch is so new, yet I feel like it’s been withheld from me for ages.
“I need you to know that I would never allow my brother to come home if I thought he’d be a danger to you. He’s rude and short-tempered, but he isn’t cruel by nature and he isn’t stupid. The problem is that wherever he goes, trouble seems to follow.”
“I’m sorry. That must be very hard for you.”
“I can handle anything. I’ve worked hard to make my business legitimate, and I’ll make sure he doesn’t have anything to do with it. I just don’t want him bringing trouble around you.”
I stop dead in my tracks as a sudden panic sets in. “You aren’t going to send me away, are you?”
“Baby girl, if it comes to that, I’ll send him away. You aren’t going anywhere.”
“But he’s your brother.”
“Look at me. I said you’re not going anywhere.”
He pulls me closer and kisses my forehead. I know without a single doubt that he means it. I hope it never comes to that, but he would choose me over his own flesh and blood. To be cared for like that is something I’ve only dreamed of.
We arrive at the stable and the big red mare comes out to greet us. I’ve been sneaking her apples and carrots from the kitchen so she’s become quite fond of me. Stephen leans on the gate and watches our exchange.
“She likes you.” Stephen smiles.
“I cheated. I brought her treats. She’s a big fan of apples.”
“You know, I have buyers lined up for her two foals, and I was thinking about retiring her. She’s got lots of life left in her, but she’s going to need to be ridden. I think she should be your horse. Do you want her?”
“But…I’ve been reading up on them and she’s a thoroughbred, right? Aren’t they worth a lot of money?” I’ve grown to love her, but I could never ask for a gift like this.
“Her name is Crystal Blue Persuasion. She was sired by a very famous racehorse named Persuasion. She is a valuable horse, and that’s exactly why I want to give her to you. You deserve nothing but the best. I’ll teach you to ride her. In fact, we can start tomorrow.”
“That’s amazing. She’s really mine?”
“She’s all yours, sweetheart.”
I throw my arms around him and practically squeal with excitement.
“I’m glad you’re happy, but there’s something else.”