AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Dominating.
Exciting.
I was suddenly drifted into a heavy fog, uncertain about anything I’d heard, read, or seen about the man. He’d managed to sweep me off my feet so to speak, the roar of ecstasy still racing through my blood. But overhearing him talking about killing people left another bitter taste in my mouth. How could he be so cavalier about eliminating lives?
“You seem confused.” His deep voice managed to penetrate my whacked brain after a few seconds.
“What?”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “I said you seem confused.”
Daniel had no idea just how confused I was. I’d been led to believe he was a terrible person through and through. Then I’d seen an entirely different side of him. Then I’d overheard his longing for savagery. I wasn’t certain what to believe any longer.
Certainly what I’d found on the internet could corroborate his wretchedness and would have if it hadn’t been for the philanthropic aspects of his business. I hadn’t wanted to believe he’d donated thousands of dollars to animal shelters, but watching the way he loved on the two horses he’d selected for our ride had allowed me to see another layer under his thick armor of steel.
This man I could like.
The other I wanted to hate.
Together, the need was explosive and something I couldn’t ignore or deny.
That scared me to death.
“Not confused. Just… surprised.”
He laughed as he headed toward the wall of saddles, grabbing one for the larger of the two horses. He’d taken my comment about the ranch to heart, determined to show me that he wasn’t just a pretty boy underneath his masculine physique. I had to admit, I found him sexier than ever with his slightly tousled hair and the fact he’d yet to shave.
There was such a ruggedness about him that maybe I hadn’t really paid enough attention to.
“Well, it’s good I can still surprise someone,” he answered, easily tossing the saddle on the horse’s back. The gorgeous steed whinnied seconds later, tossing his head up and down. “There could always be more since things aren’t always as they seem.”
He had no idea how truthful that statement was.
“Are we going to have your men following us? Their weapons fully drawn in case of a random attack?” I truly wanted to know.
“I assure you I can handle anyone who dares step foot on my property. I make it my point to keep my whereabouts as secret as possible.”
“You aren’t exactly hiding, you know. You’re larger than life, a big man on campus, a powerful entrepreneurial spirit.”
“Why, lovely Maria. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were starting to like being married to an asshole like me. Truly American expressions. Interesting.”
I shrugged, glaring at the man who seemed to wear a constant expression of amusement around me. “I do watch American television and don’t fool yourself. We still aren’t friends. I don’t think you know how to be friends with anyone, except maybe your brother.”
“You have an excellent point. However, it’s more about not wanting to risk anyone’s life who gets close to me.”
“Except your wife.”
He exhaled slowly. “A man does have needs. And as I said before, I can handle almost any altercation.”
“That sounds like you’ve been attacked several times. Is that why your body is riddled with scars?”
“I’m flattered you noticed. Yes, that’s partially why, although there were a couple incidents where the scars and wounds were inflicted by roughhousing. Constantine and I were always scrapping about something.”
“Scrapping. That’s a word.”
He laughed, the sound sending another wave of butterflies into my system. “I can be verbose. Come on. No one is going to hurt you. We can enjoy a ride.”
“Does that mean you’re carrying a weapon with you?” I watched how he gently tightened the straps, patting the horse on the flanks before grabbing a pair of work gloves from the back pocket of his jeans. He was entirely different today, even the way he sauntered toward me as if the mafia man had faded away, a cowboy appearing in his place while I’d slept.
