Page 136 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

His hand drifted absently to my stomach beneath the water, and the smallest smile touched my lips.

I pictured his face when he found out. The shock, the possessiveness, and how his entire universe would narrow down to protect our child.

No. Not tonight. Tonight, he got peace. Tomorrow…I would tell him just how permanent we were.

Chapter

Thirty-Six

GORAN

The air was excessively hot and dry, carrying the scent of dirt, horses, polished leather, and desperation.

It was the last day of the show, and everyone was leaving everything they had in the arena. I felt Kaylani’s tension. It simmered in her eyes as she waited for the jump-off. Eight horse-and-rider combinations had made it through the first round clear and without a time fault. That was rare. Normally, only three or four made it.

Ehren walked beside Kaylani, pointing out the changes they had made to the course and what he wanted her to do. I couldn’t hear him, but after all the competitions I had attended, I knew their routine. Corey lingered by the in-gate, towel in one hand, Atlas in the other, and excitement written all over her face.

Kaylani walked out of the ring and Ehren threw her up into the saddle. She moved Atlas away from Ehren with a nod, proceeding to warm him up again. She didn’t look like a single nervous bone existed in her body.

I stood at the rail, watching silently, loving how the world revolved around her. A shadow fell over me, and I turned to see who had invaded my peace.

Dylan was on his horse, acting like he owned the view, as if he hadn’t spent the past week circling Kaylani like a vulture.

“So, you’re here again, ever the faithful lap dog.”

“Call it whatever you want, I don’t leave Ms. Mikhailov alone.” I locked eyes with him. “Not for a single moment.”

“Do you really think she needs protecting in the competition ring?”

“She does when you’re around.”

It was a step too far, but Dylan pushed every button I had.

His jaw clenched, and he shifted in the saddle. The leather creaked, making his horse restless beneath him. He rode tense and impatient, as if the world and his horse owed him something.

“I really wanted to like you, Goran. But you make that impossible.”

The corner of my mouth twitched.

“I could say the same about you.”

I shifted over just enough to watch Kaylani again.

Dylan followed my gaze.

“She’s under a lot of pressure to win. I can see it. She’s far more tense than usual. It would be a shame if something threw her off completely and she failed to finish.”

“Planning another sabotage? Should I be checking her girth or reins for a slice?”

My voice was calm, but the weight behind it made my meaning clear. I didn’t need proof to know it had been him who punctured our tire.

“That’s a mighty big claim there, Goran. Maybe I should sue you for slander.”

“Try it.”

I didn’t raise my voice. But my eyes promised that I would come for him. And I wouldn’t let civility stop me from teaching him a lesson.

He laughed softly.