In Your Clutches

Part 32: The "F" Word

AMELIA

I walked into the stables to find Asher brushing Maximus' black coat.

He ran his fingers through the stallion's mane and he spoke softly to it. I slowly backed away when both Maximus and Asher's gaze snapped up to mine.

Oh well, too late to make myself scarce now. His eyes rove over my riding outfit, from my black shirt, tucked into the waistband of my tight, brown riding trousers, down to my legs and boots. I ignored the way my stomach fluttered and I stalked over to Ragna.

Over the week, we were courteous with each other. Sure, he still threw in a few insults here and there, because he was Asher Salvatore, after all. He couldn't be a gentleman without also being an asshole. But I knew the only reason he was being 'nice' to me was because Aunt Rufina AKA his Zia wanted him to.

So, we had to play a little game. A pretty lie and a perfect ruse. To show Aunt Rufina that we were finally getting along, slowly falling in love and finally acting like a real married couple.

Except, the truth couldn't be further from that. We were still very much volatile together.

Asher's hatred for me and my Father still simmered underneath his skin, waiting for the right moment to burst through. His rage still flickered in his silver eyes. His smiles were as wicked and as cold as the winter days. There was a darkness in him that called out to me. But there was nothing romantic about it, for I was neither his light nor his peace.

In fact, I was the exact opposite. I was the reason there was darkness in him. His dead heart was my father's doing and I couldn't undo it, not when Asher was still so hellbent on tormenting and exacting his vengeance.

I led Ragna out of her stall by her bridle. Maximus let out a loud breath and he perked up at the sight of Ragna. My mare strutted closer to Maximus and they eyed each other with keen interest. She'd gone for thorough check-up for her leg and now, thankfully, she was fine.

Like the tease she was, Ragna brushed her body against Maximus and the stallion let out a snort in response. But Ragna was already prancing away. My lips pressed together, holding back a laugh when my mare paused a short distance from Maximus and Asher.

Her attention was still on the stallion, but she was playing hard to get.

"You're being difficult on purpose, my love," I whispered to her, running my hand over her white coat.

"If your mare doesn't stop teasing my stallion, I will have to do something about it," Asher warned thickly.

"It's not Ragna's fault that your horse won't take a hint," I said.

Asher scratched his horse behind his ear and his voice had deepened when he spoke again. "Maximus doesn't play games."

"And Ragna just wants some loving," I shot back. "Maybe if your stallion wasn't as grumpy as you..."

"Maximus is fine the way he is," Asher snapped.

I rolled my eyes. I guessed he was protective of his horse. Like I was with Ragna. At least we had something in common. I took in the sight of Maximus. He was almost twice as big as my mare. His black coat was shiny and he was imposingly tall. His mane was long and silky, as was his tail.