Burning Desire

Chapter Six

{ A/N - Please vote, comment and enjoy }

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By the end of Callum's first week at Belmont Equestrian Centre, we'd settled into a routine of him knocking on my apartment door at precisely 7:55am every morning and driving me to the yard in his precious Land Rover. I was grateful for the uncharacteristic act of generosity, even though most journeys were endured in awkward silence or tense small talk. Once we reached Belmont, we'd wordlessly part ways.

Usually, I headed straight to Milo's field to take the gelding out for a schooling session or a hack. But today, Callum led me towards the furthest stable from the barn entrance, where his mare was stationed.

Anticipation churned within me at the prospect of training this new horse, though Donna's warning lingered at the back of my mind. Callum revealed nothing as he guided me towards her stable, smiling cheerfully at other riders that we passed. It seemed that the bitter nature I saw in him was reserved only for me.

Cowering in the corner of the stable was a stunning liver chestnut mare with a classic conformation and a blaze on her face the shape of a lightning bolt. She snorted at Callum and I as we peered over her stable door, a glare swarming behind her dark orbs. I chuckled, sticking my hand over the door to offer her a polo.

"I've had her for several months," Callum informed me as the mare staggered over. She sniffed my hand inquisitively before taking the treat and snorting loudly again. "But I haven't had much luck with her. She's unpredictable and strong-willed."

"She sounds like a challenge," I said, admiring the handsome horse.

"To put it generously," Callum replied, his tone steely with an underlying warning. I met his gaze, but there was intensity in his cobalt irises that made it hard to stare at him for too long.

"Any tips for dealing with her?"

"I wish," Callum said bitterly. "All I can say is good luck, Madison."

I couldn't decide if he was being cynically honest or if he was once again exposing his obvious intolerance for me. I sighed, sarcastically responding, "Thanks so much for your wonderful, enlightening advice. I really appreciate it."

The corner of his irises creased in what could've been a smile but also had the potential to be a scowl. "You're very welcome."

He dropped the grooming kit he had been carrying on the floor by my feet and then, without another word, he stalked off and left me to deal with his troublesome mare unaided.

"Alright, Brenna," I said softly. The mare's ears twitched in my direction, though she had her body angled away from me. "Let's get this show on the road."

Slowly, I unbolted the stable door. The mare snorted and retreated to the far corner as I entered. Tension radiated off her sleek coat, and I kept my body energy low and my actions unhurried as I approached her so as not to intimidate her. I'd already found an enemy in Callum; I didn't need one in his horse, too.

Placing a delicate hand on the mare's withers, I murmured sweet words of reassurance. The mare regarded me with wariness, her breathing heavy as she reached out to sniff my hand. Her soft muzzle grazed my outstretched arm and she snorted once more, attitude laced in the exhalation.

"I can already tell you're going to be a bit of a diva, huh?" I chuckled. Tentatively, I stroked one hand down her delicate, defined face. The mare tossed her head and grunted deeply again to express her displeasure at my presence.