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I saw the pain in his eyes. I could tell how much he hated that Grant had carried that burden for him. He was right about how things worked. My father gave orders, and I followed them—except on the rare occasions when I didn’t. “I’ve killed plenty, and I’ve killed without remorse, but those men were in the business just like I am. They knew the score, and many of them… Let’s just say no one was mourning their deaths.”
“Fine. I hate what you do, but there are worse men than you out there.”
“Aww, Angel, that’s almost sweet.”
Rhys flipped me off.
“Why are you here if you hate my kind so much? It really can’t be healthy to despise all your customers.”
Rhys blew out a long breath. “I’m here for Grant and the horses. Running a breeding program like this is what I’ve dreamed of doing since I was sixteen.”
I grinned. “I could make so many dirty jokes about that, but I won’t.”
“No, you won’t.”
I smiled for the first time since my aunt had called. “After last night, you still think I’ll take orders from you?”
Rhys scowled. “Forget last night ever happened.”
“Can you do that?”
“I already have.” He was lying. He was breathing hard, and it had nothing to do with the work he was doing. I was well aware he was in peak physical condition, but he was susceptible as hell to the chemistry between us.
I jumped down from the fence so I was standing right in front of him. The horse eyed me like she was considering the best angle of attack.
Rhys glanced back at her. “This isn’t the time, TJ. I can’t predict how she’ll behave with you this close to her.”
“I told you. I’m not fucking afraid of horses.”
“Right. That’s why you’re eyeing her like she’s a grizzly bear who thinks you’re after her cubs.”
“I am not.”
Rhys turned to the animal and petted her muzzle. “You’re going to be a sweet girl one day, aren’t you?”
“But are you ever going to be a sweet boy?”
“There. That’s the kind of shit I expect you to say.”
I shrugged. “I can’t spend all my time entertaining you.”
“I don’t need your entertainment. I’ve told you to stay away from the barn. I have work to do.”
“I worked you hard last night.”
“Stop talking about it. I don’t want to think about it.”
I glanced around. “Are you afraid someone’s going to see us together? Are you afraid they might get the wrong impression if you stopped long enough to talk to me?”
“No. Everyone’s used to you hanging around and making a nuisance of yourself.”
“So give me some work to do. Or tell me another way I can help you.”
Rhys dropped his gaze, pretending to inspect the mare’s hoof. “Last night was a one-off. I was drunk, and it was stupid.”
“Do you really regret it? Because I seem to remember you enjoying yourself very much.”
“You can regret things you enjoyed. I have the sense to know when I made a bad decision.”
