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He didn’t like this. Not one bit. Saddled, he was worried for her. But bareback required different skills. He searched for Axel, finding him still in the same spot watching Bailey nonchalantly, no indication he was worried or would stop it. When she pulled the blanket off, turning to hand it to him, he tried warning her again where no one could hear.
“Wild thing, you can prove yourself with the saddle on. This is dangerous if you—”
“Go join the crowd if you doubt me, Nas. Or stand beside me. Your choice. But it would be nice if you trusted my decisions.” She shoved the blanket into his arms and turned back to Ursula, who pawed the ground, prancing around.
“It’s not about doubt or trust. It’s about safety.”
Gently this time, she put one hand on his chest and pushed him away. “Trust me.”
He stiffened, stepping back. The more he pushed, the more stubborn she became. But he didn’t go far, thinking she would need help to get up to Ursula’s taller than average height without the stirrups and horn. But she didn’t hesitate, grabbing Ursula by the mane, and with a hop, slid onto her back. Instinctively, he reached for Ursula to keep her still, but she hadn’t moved. Once Bailey settled onto her back, she was standing stock still, ears forward, waiting for Bailey’s commands.
So far, so good.
In an instant, and with a huge grin, she took off, circling the pen, getting faster and faster, until she pulled her to a quick stop. Instead of bucking, Ursula danced, excited to go again, but waiting patiently.
Confusion froze him in place as everyone else cheered and hollered at her. Slowly, she brought her to a trot, and Bailey mockingly circled him before coming to another stop. Then she had Ursula do a tight circle one way, then a tight circle the other way around him, before whooping loudly. Leaning down, she gave Ursula a quick rub before addressing everyone else.
“I promised you surprise results, but you’re going to have to go to the big pasture for that. Try to keep up.” She smirked at them, and loosening her reins, she gave it a tiny snap. “Let’s go, girl.”
Like a rocket, Ursula took off, and it was a long moment before anyone understood what she was doing. Panic ran through his body.
There was no way she could clear the fence. Ursula had never jumped before. Without hesitation, he took off running, but it was too late. One big leap, and Ursula cleared the fence by a country mile, Bailey encouraging her to speed up as they raced away, circling and waiting as everyone ran after them.
Damn this woman. Damn her. She’s going to give him a fucking heart attack.As he ran, it occurred to him there was no way a beginner could have done any of this. No fucking way. She played him.
When everyone else ran to catch up, he pulled back, letting the crowd of people surge forward. Axel walked by his side, not in a hurry, but didn’t say a word.
“Did you know?”
“She’s an Easton. She’s the best trainer they have in Aisling.” Axel cocked his eyebrow at him, almost mockingly like he should have known her last name. Damned Eastons started the ranching business at Aisling generations ago. They were well-known as the best around for anything that had to do with horses or cattle. And they were Tuisa’s biggest competitor. He hadn’t paid attention to her dad when he was introduced last night.
“She let me think I was teaching a beginner all week.”
At that, Axel cracked a smile. “She’s something.”
By the time they had rounded the building to see the back pasture, they could already hear the cheering.Bailey raced up and down the fence, so far away, he could barely see her, then raced back. Nassau hopped the fence, taking his time moving towards the middle when she started racing Ursula around the barrels.Zhair and Lana stood out farther, different colored flags in their hands, and Ursula raced past them, Bailey grabbing the flags as she went.
Once the initial shock subsided, he was able to study her form, and the ease at which she moved with Ursula, then pride setin.Her hair had come loose from the braid and flew behind her as she raced around. The excitement and happiness on her face stopped him in his tracks, and he didn’t care that every time she looked over at him, she was clearly gloating, the mischievous look in her eyes meant just for him.
When she finally came to a stop, Ursula was panting, but docile, putty in his hands as she bumped her face into his, then swung around, forcing him to rub on her. He obliged, and when Bailey slid down, she discreetly ran her hand down the back of his arm, then squeezed it lightly.
There was so much cheering and so many questions, he could barely hear her murmur. “You have something to say to me?”
His hand drifted to the small of her back as they walked closer to the fence together, and he leaned in. “You played me.”
“No, you played yourself. I showed you how a little conversation, a question or two, helps you learn more about people than all the assumptions you make from the top of your silent roost, especially when it comes to underestimating me.”
She looked up at him, the smirk on her face endearing. But before he could say anything, Axel ducked under the fence and met them a few feet away. The dozens of people standing around talking, exchanging money, and laughing had quieted down with movement from their Alpha.
“I think you have proven your talent. But I’m still waiting on your point.”
“I never said I had a point.” She smiled sweetly at Axel, and he swore her confidence would be the death of her one day. “But you’re right. I absolutely have a point for both of you. By the way, did you know there are only two other people who have ever caught on to my crazy before?”
“I’m going to guess one of them is your current Alpha.”
“And your brother. Two peas in a pod, right?”
“I’m still waiting on your point. Go on. I think you earned my ear today.”
