Page 11 of Saddle and Bound

At the ripe age of 29, I’ve never had any serious relationships. I never wanted to tie myself down to anyone. After what happened with my parents, it always seemed infinitely sad to get close to someone just to lose them. I saw the devastation in my father after my mother died.

I haven’t had many casual flings either. I’m not a virgin, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve never had an especially active sex life. I never really felt the need, and I never thought much about it.

I’ve always had other priorities.

Priorities I still have now. So why the hell is this happening now, and with him?

I need to forget about his existence. His forearms, his messy hair, his penetrating eyes, his broad shoulders, his rough and seductive voice… damn it, here we go again!

By evening, I decide to distract myself elsewhere. I head downstairs to where the hustle and bustle of everyone usually is and find Dad and Maria preparing dinner. We usually eat together, as a family. I volunteer to set the table, heading into the dining room while Dad and Maria stay in the kitchen.

As I focus on my task, I sense a presence behind me. My instincts already tell me who it might be. I feel the familiar tingling, and then I smell that unmistakable scent of leather and pine.

I turn and find myself face-to-face with Alex, who’s wearing a clean, dry shirt, sleeves rolled up. I fight every urge to look down at his forearms. There’s enough space between us, but suddenly it feels like there’s none at all.

“Hey, princess,” he says with that familiar arrogant smile I resist the impulse to shove right back up his ass. "Did you have fun today?"

He steps closer.

I raise an eyebrow, trying to seem unaffected. “Oh, yeah. It was… refreshing.”

Alex laughs, a low, dangerous sound that sends chills down my spine. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a laugh sexier than that.

Great. As if I needed more material… What the hell is he doing? He’s getting dangerously close. I instinctively take a step back but bump into a chair. He reaches out to steady me, then leans in with the other hand. Now he’s definitely too close. His arm is practically pressed against mine. Then he pulls back.

He was grabbing napkins and silverware.

Nonchalantly and impassively, he starts helping me set the table.

Like he hasn’t just thrown me into complete disarray. Again.

“Well, well. You know, I was thinking… since you’re so interested in horseback riding, how about a private lesson tomorrow morning? At dawn?”

I look at him suspiciously. “At dawn? Are you serious?”

He walks around the table, continuing to set it on the other side.

“Dead serious,” he responds, a glint in his eye. “Unless you’re scared, of course.”

What a son of a...

“Scared? Me?” I shake my head, knowing I’m falling right into his trap but unable to pull back. “I’ll be there.”

“Perfect,” Alex says, moving closer again. His scent invades my nostrils, and I can swear there’s something illegal in it. “Can’t wait.” He winks at me, and I hate when he does that. It’s so irritating and damn sexy. I already feel my panties getting wet.

I hate him. I hate him, I hate him.

With one last enigmatic smile, he walks away, leaving me stunned. What the hell just happened?

Later, during dinner, I can't help but glance at Alex. He's laughing and joking with the others, but every now and then our eyes meet, and I feel a jolt run through me.

[Group Chat: Wild Chicks]

Rosie: Girls, I need advice. Alex invited me to a "private lesson" tomorrow at dawn. What should I expect?

Lexy: Ooh, interesting! ?? Be careful, it could be his revenge.

Aurora: Or it could just be an excuse to be alone with you... ??

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