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I’ve fallen.
I see this side of him that’s sweet and caring. Every interaction—every stolen moment has made me his.
He’s my person, and I truly don’t care about his business or the fighting with my father; I choose him. I know that deep down, it will always be him.
“Good girl.” He kisses the back of my head, tapping the horse’s side with his boot. We’re on the north side of his terrain and riding his prized criollo horse, my back nestled tightly to his front. “We’ll be there soon.”
“Okay.” I’m willing to follow him, no questions asked. However, while he continues to talk, I focus on the feel of his thigh muscles flexing while he directs Azul further into the pasture.
At first, I didn’t understand why he called this ebony criollo blue, but after taking him out of the paddock and giving him a few nose scratches, I saw it. The stallion’s eyes are like two azure gems: pure and clear. Azul holds a commanding presence that’s drowned in protectiveness for its riders, and I can see why Alejandro favors him.
He’s gorgeous, just like the owner.
“We’re almost there, little flower. Are you tired?” His arm around me tightens, pulling me impossibly closer as we reach a large wooden gate. So far, I’ve seen his stables, livestock, and met a few of the ranch hands—noticed the tight security at each stop and the guns in holsters—but there’s still so much more. At least that’s what he said after we left a small creek halfway from the barn and where we are now.
Throughout the tour, it’s been lush greens and vibrant wildflowers.
It’s been birds chirping and the sound of hooves meeting the terrain.
“Not at all. This place is amazing,” I say, leaning my head back against his shoulder. I’m warm and feel safe. Completely enveloped by his earthy scent. “If I lived here, I’d never leave.”
He nuzzles my hair. “That can be arranged.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“One day you just might find yourself kidnapped.” There’s an edge of danger to his tone, and I shrug with complete nonchalance. “Not afraid?”
“Not in the least.” Turning my head, I kiss his jaw and then look forward again. “I’d be more than okay with that.”
“Careful, Solimar. You’re tempting the wrong man.”
“I know.” Azul stops at the gate and pulls on a thick piece of rope attached and tugs, leading us through the opening without Alejandro giving him instruction. He just trots slowly through the known pathway in the grass that’s wide enough for a truck and stops a few feet in. “Wow.”
“Welcome to El Jardin de Sara.”
“You are becoming too perfect in my eyes, Mr. Lucas, and that’s a hazardous thing for my sanity.”
Alejandro chuckles, thumb rubbing circles on my arm. “Why is that?”
“Because I love the fact you dedicated a garden to your mother, and more so, that you’re sharing it with me. You’re different with me, Alejandro. You’re not hiding who you are, and I find myself defenseless in your arms.”
I’m blushing. Can feel the heat as it spreads across my cheeks and then down my throat and across the top of my chest. My confession slams into the forefront once again. How easily I’ve fallen for him. I’m embarrassed, heart almost beating out of my chest, and yet I don’t regret my honest answer.
Not when his lips quirk up and the sight of Alejandro’s boyish grin makes me feel light and free. Foolish and strong. Unafraid and more than willing.
Jesus. I look away for a second, needing a moment to collect myself while his heated stare remains on me. It’s there, burning my flesh while his masculine scent infiltrates and dominates my senses.
This thing between us scares me.
Makes me feel alive.
It’ll break me in the end.
22
SOONER THAN SHE’S ready, I’ll overwhelm her world more than I already have.
There’s no avoiding our future and the sacrifices she’ll have to make. Because while my Preciosa claimed to choose me last night, I’m not sure she understands what life as my queen will entail.
