Page 1 of Saddle and Bound

Chapter 1

Rosie

"Service announcement: a pair of red panties has been found. The owner can go to the console to retrieve it."

I listen absentmindedly from my lounger under the sun. My groggy brain takes a few seconds to process the announcement. A few more seconds to realize I could be the owner... but you know that annoying sixth sense that tells you something, only for your reason to step in and warn you about your own paranoia? Well, my reason convinces me that I’m just being paranoid.

But still... that nagging feeling refuses to let me relax.

“Rosie, I think these are definitely yours,” Lexy announces, just as irritating as my inner voice. As always, she gives voice to her thoughts without thinking.

I open my eyes to find Lexy standing in front of me, holding up a pair of red lace panties, her mischievous grin making my blood rush to my cheeks. I can’t quite process the absurdity of the situation. “What are they doing there?” I stammer, trying to maintain some composure.

“I got them from the DJ at the console,” Lexy explains, chuckling. “He said they were found on the path leading to the stables. Seems like your style.”

I hear a male laugh behind me and turn around abruptly. Alex, the ranch's riding instructor, approaches with an amused expression. “Ah, so that’s where it ended up,” he says, looking at me with a sly smile. “I found them while checking on the horses and took them to the console.”

I feel like I’m about to explode with a mix of embarrassment and anger. “Yes, it’s mine,” I reply curtly, trying to sound neutral. “Thanks for finding them.”

Alex raises an eyebrow, still amused. “Are you sure they’re yours?” he asks, holding the panties just out of my reach.

“Alex, stop being childish,” Valentina intervenes, trying to suppress a laugh. “Give Rosie her panties.”

Finally, Alex hands them to me with a theatrical flourish, and I snatch them from his hand, stuffing them into my bag with as much dignity as I can muster. Lexy keeps laughing, while I do my best to avoid Alex’s piercing gaze.

“How funny,” I mutter, though my tone is anything but amused.

“You know, Rosie,” Alex says, his voice relaxed in that way that drives me crazy, “you could loosen up a little. We're not in Los Angeles here. No one's judging you.”

I look at him, biting back the sharp response I’m dying to give. “Thanks for the advice,” I reply with a tight smile. “But I think I know how to relax.”

Alex grins again, tilting his head slightly. “We’ll see,” he says simply, before walking away, leaving me with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

Chapter 2

Rosie

One day before

After nearly 24 hours of travel, with intercontinental flights and multiple layovers, I feel as though I’ve crossed not just an ocean, but an entire universe. Los Angeles feels like a distant memory as my dad’s car winds along the twisting road leading to Sunrise Ranch, nestled on the outskirts of a small town in southern Italy.

My eyes, heavy with jet lag, scan the landscape outside the window: rolling hills, centuries-old olive groves, hay bales, and golden wheat fields stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a world completely different from the skyscrapers and constant traffic I’m used to. Occasionally, my dad’s red Fiat passes people on horseback, tractors, and the typical Ape motorcycles on the road.

It feels like I’ve not only changed world... but also era. Everything seems so absurd and strange...

I absentmindedly run a hand through my hair, trying to tame the red locks that the journey has tousled. I try not to think about how disastrous I must look. The anxiety, which I tried to suppress during the long flight, now returns with force. Three months. Three whole months in this remote village. How will I survive? My job at the marketing agency, my routine, my life... everything put on hold for my father’s wedding. Thankfully, I managed to take a little time off from work, using up some vacation days I’d accumulated but never taken, along with a bit of remote work. At least my career is safe, for now.

“We’re almost there,” Dad announces, his voice betraying a mixture of fatigue and excitement. “Val and Lexy can’t wait to finally meet you in person.”

I nod, trying to appear casual and happy while struggling to smooth out the wrinkles in my crumpled suit. I suddenly feel out of place dressed like this. I hadn’t even considered that my office attire and sky-high heels might make me feel even more self-conscious. Usually, I like to dress well. I like being impeccable and elegant. I don’t mind other types of clothing... but I simply never find myself in situations that call for more casual attire. What I do dislike is feeling sticky, not having perfectly styled hair, and not having flawless makeup.

“How much longer?” I ask, my voice hoarse from fatigue.

“Just about ten minutes,” Dad replies. “You’ll see, the ranch is beautiful. You’ll like it.”

I sigh, resting my head against the window. The humid heat of southern Italy seeps into the car despite the air conditioning, making me long for California’s dry climate.

When the car finally stops in front of an imposing gate with the wordsSUNRISE RANCH, I realize we’ve arrived.

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