A throat clears, then my father speaks. “We’ll be making several trips to Europe to watch them compete. You’re all welcome to join us. There are a number of qualifying events coming up and, depending on the results, they’ll know if they’ve been selected for the Olympic team.” He addresses the whole table, a proud smile stretching across his face as he stares at Thalia.
I can’t help grinning. Despite the privilege she was born into, her upbringing, and the wealth my family has accumulated, Thalia is one of the hardest working people I know. She gets involved in all aspects of the equestrian world, from grooming and mucking out stalls, to wrapping legs and cleaning tack. No task is beneath her.
“Where are the Olympics this year?” Anais’s soft voice filters through the warm summer day, and disturbingly, goes straight to my cock.
“Los Angeles.” Thalia supplies, a soft smile on her face. “It’s home turf so we’d love to make the team.”
“I’d love to come and watch you,” Anais responds. “I have no doubt you’ll both make it.” She smiles warmly.
I tilt my head, studying her expression. For so long I considered Anais a silly little spoiled girl. One with an unrequited crush, who acted out when she didn’t get her way. But lately, I’m seeing a softer, more mature side.
But the question is, which version is the real Anais Lauder?
When she’s around me, she’s sarcastic, combative, a giant pain in the ass. But is her behavior just an act? An armor to protect her from the inevitable pain and heartache of wanting someone like me?
Thalia laughs, a blush spreading on her cheeks. “Thank you. But it’s a long road ahead. You can be the best rider, with the best horses, and things can still go wrong. With any sport, unexpected things can happen, circumstances can be out of your control, but it’s no more true than with showjumping. It could be as simple as putting a horse out to pasture and they sustain an injury that ends the season or even their career. But you can’t wrap them in cotton wool,” my sister says solemnly, pointing out the risks involved with her sport. “And that’s not even taking into account how easy it is for a rider to get injured. One wrong fall, and you’re out for as long as it takes you to recover. I’ve been there before, unable to ride for months.” She explains, recounting the time when Theo’s ex-girlfriend drugged Thalia’s horse and the accident that followed. “You’ve got to remember; you’re riding 500-660kg of high-strung muscle. They’re at peak fitness, the top of their sport, athletes, and at times, unpredictable. Anything could happen,” she finishes, shrugging nonchalantly as if she is talking about the weather and not the very real dangers of showjumping.
“Wow,” Anais breathes, alarmed. “I never thought of it like that.” She blushes. “It’s naïve of me, but for some reason I thought you just point and go. You make it look so easy.” She laughs, glancing between Theo and Thalia. “Both of you.”
“It’s anything but.” Thalia chuckles, but there’s no spite to it. “Each horse is different and needs handling accordingly. The work we put into them is extensive, and sometimes exhausting. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
“My daughter is incredible,” Mom murmurs, pride coating her voice.
Aria raises her glass, a soft smile on her face. “To Thalia…” she pauses, frowning. “And Theo.”
We all raise our glasses in cheers before the conversation breaks off into smaller groups. I excuse myself, needing to take a little breather and to get away from all the mushy shit.
I head straight for the entertainment room, pouring myself a scotch from the bar and taking a seat on one of the stools. Fishing my phone from my pocket, I find a message from Celeste, one of my go-to hook-ups. She’s asking if I’m available to meet tonight.
I consider her offer. God knows I could use the release, but something holds me back.
And as if she knows another woman is vying for my attention, and she needs to put a stop to it, that something steps into the room. The innocent gaze from lunch has now been replaced with a predatory glint, the one I’ve more than become accustomed to. My heart pounds in my chest as she sashays toward me. My blood heats, unwelcome arousal shooting straight between my legs as she closes in on me.
“What’re you doing?” she asks sweetly.
I rise from the stool, backing away and putting distance between us.
My irritation spikes and I grit my teeth. Not just because she followed me, but because of the way my body reacts to someone it has no business reacting to.
“Are you following me, Anais?” I snap, my voice laced with annoyance.
She pauses, her head tilting as she studies me. Her tongue darts out, tracing across her plump bottom lip. My traitorous eyes can’t help but follow the movement.
She hums, pulling me from my trance and my gaze snaps to hers.
“I’m not following you,” she breathes. “I was headed to the restroom and saw you sitting in here. Just wanted to check that you’re okay.” It sounds innocent enough, but I know better.
Draining the contents of my glass, I set it down on the bar and pin her with a look that suggests she cut the bullshit. “I’m fine, Brat, but you won’t be if you keep this shit up. Stay away from me.”
Her brows jump, confusion and hurt leaking into her expression. She blinks and then it’s gone. I turn to leave, to get away from her, only to freeze when she speaks.
“That’ll be pretty hard to do, Evan, considering I work for you now.”
Every muscle in my body tenses. I glance over my shoulder at her. She smirks, and for a brief moment of insanity, a vivid image flashes through my mind.
Anais on her knees, that smirk erased as I ram my cock down her throat.
I shake my head.
