Page 52 of Waiting for Ru
“Accident.”
“A horse?”
“No.”
“Then explain.”
He heard Ru’s slight intake of air.You’re going to lie to me. Don’t.
“I’m accident-prone.” Ru said. “Just like horses.”
“Due to small hooves carrying a heavy weight?” He looked at Ru’s feet and Ru chuckled. “Slender legs?” Jasim raised his eyebrows. “If you tell me you have a sensitive digestive system and a strong flight-or-fight response, then I might wonder if you really are a horse.”
Ru laughed and Jasim hoped he was feeling more settled, because he wanted the truth about those bruises.
“What sort of horse would I be?” Ru asked.
Jasim didn’t hesitate. “A Haflinger.”
“Oh. Why?”
“They have a unique golden colouring with an ivory mane and tail. Plus they’re very willing and have a forgiving temperament.”
“You know my hair is dyed, right?”
Jasim smiled. “They’re strong and athletic, easy to train with a desire to please and they have a good heart. Where did those bruises come from?”
“My forgiving temperament prevents me from saying.”
“Overriding your desire to please?”
“Yes.” Ru’s voice was small.
Jasim tightened his jaw. “Maybe I should rephrase the question. Who hit you?”
“I won’t tell you.”
“So someone did?”
Ru pressed his lips together.
“You really don’t have the desire to please me then?”
“Not about that.”
Oh God.He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a mint. “Not even for a mint?”
Ru’s face lit up as he laughed and Jasim’s heart raced.
“Not even for a mint because it looks as though it’s been in your pocket for donkey’s years.”
“Picky.”
“I’m not a snitch,” Ru whispered. “I can handle it.”
Jasim would find out who’d hit him, but he wasn’t going to press now. “Get into bed.”
“That was a bit bossy. But then you’re definitely a purebred Arabian.”
