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‘You could be right. To be honest, I have no idea what’s in his past. My stud groom rescued him from somewhere or other. Thought he had potential. I’m not so sure. I think he needs to be taught who’s boss.’
A bubble of laughter rose in Faith’s throat. ‘In my experience a display of macho domination rarely achieves the desired effect. I’ve always found that people respond better when you aim for a partnership of trust and respect.’
‘People?’ Pedro looked at her quizzically. ‘I thought we were talking about horses.’
‘Horses, people.’ Faith shrugged. ‘The principles are the same. The foundation of a good relationship is trust and respect.’ She emphasised both words and Raul shot her a warning glance, which she interpreted as meaning: be careful. This deal is important to me.
And suddenly she wondered if he really did care about anything other than the acquisition of wealth.
Why else would he have chosen to flaunt his previous relationships in front of his wife?
Still apparently oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around them, Pedro drained his champagne. ‘You’re letting a woman dictate how your horses are handled, Vásquez?’
‘I employ the best.’
Pedro frowned. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever met a female vet before.’
Faith took a sip of orange juice. ‘Well, we’re pretty much the same as the male variety, only we’re usually a little smaller because our bodies don’t have to make room for the ego.’
Sofia laughed with delight. ‘I absolutely adore the English sense of humour.’
Pedro reached for a handkerchief and mopped his brow. ‘I know it isn’t considered politically correct to say so, but I still don’t believe that a woman can do everything a man can do.’
‘I completely agree.’ Faith took another sip of her orange juice. ‘No matter how hard I try I simply can’t behave in a callous, insensitive fashion. Fortunately that major defect in my character hasn’t affected my ability as a vet. Generally animals respond very well to a woman’s touch.’
Finally alerted to the fact that the atmosphere wasn’t all it should be, Pedro glanced at Raul who displayed a characteristic lack of concern.
‘As you can see, my wife is as spirited as the horses she loves so much. Faith is extremely well qualified.’
Pedro’s eyebrows shot upwards. ‘If she’s that well qualified, why doesn’t she have her own practice?’
‘She met me,’ Raul murmured. ‘And I derailed her career.’
‘Postponed,’ Faith corrected him sharply. ‘I can return to my career any time I choose to do so.’
Sofia smiled. ‘So you fell in love.’
‘Who wouldn’t love Argentina?’ Faith deliberately chose to misunderstand her. ‘It’s a fascinating and beautiful country. And the perfect place to practise equine medicine.’
‘He’s dangerous in the stable.’ Pedro was back to the subject of his horse. ‘We can’t let him out, he’ll create havoc.’
‘But horses are herd animals,’ Faith said. ‘They like social contact. Especially the stallions. They are naturally dominant and assertive.’
‘Sounds uncannily like Raul,’ Sofia drawled. ‘Dominant, assertive, a challenge to handle…’
Faith looked at her, startled, because actually the description she’d used did sound like Raul.
How many difficult stallions had she handled who’d appeared to give no thought to the effect they had on those around them?
He probably hadn’t invited his ex-mistress here with the express purpose of upsetting her. He’d invited her here because he was thoughtless. But did that really make his actions any more acceptable?
How in a million years could she ever be happy with a man this insensitive to her feelings?
Deep in thought, Pedro didn’t appear to have heard his wife’s comment. ‘I might send him over to you, if that is within your realm of experience? Might be a bit much for you.’
Raul frowned. ‘There’s nothing Faith can’t handle. She’s very clever.’
‘There’s nothing clever about it,’ Faith said. ‘They just need patience and understanding.’
