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He looks up at me then, not bothering to hide the way his eyes move over my body. “Feeling better, I hope?”
“Much better, thanks to you.”
“I was happy to be of service to a lady in distress,” he muses. “Feel free to find yourself in peril often. I will gladly come to your aid as I’m certain most men do.”
I laugh for what feels like the first time in months. “Does that line actually work for you?”
“You’d be surprised.” His eyes sparkle with mischief.
It’s so strange, seeing such a stark difference between him and Judge. They share some of the same features. Some of the same traits and mannerisms, even. But where Judge is always serious, always brooding, Theron is too charming for his own good.
“I’m sure you maintain a very busy schedule rescuing distressed maidens,” I reply. “Or perhaps, on occasion, you even do a little more to encourage their fall from grace.”
His eyes flare at my bold comment, but he doesn’t deny it.
“Guilty as charged. I’d be happy to provide the same service to you, should you wish it. Just say the word.”
“What makes you think I haven’t fallen from grace already?” I tease.
“You’re a De La Rosa.” He smirks. “A fine Society daughter who will go on to marry a fine Society man and breed fine Society children. That’s how this works, right?”
“In theory,” I agree. “But it doesn’t appear it’s worked out that way for you, exhibit A, a fine Society man.”
Something dark flashes in his eyes then, but it happens so fast that I can’t even be certain I saw it.
“What can I say?” He shrugs. “We can’t all be the Lawson Montgomerys of the world.”
“Thank God for that. I don’t think the world could handle more than one of him.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. It only proves that there is definitely some lingering tension between the two brothers, but regardless, Theron has done nothing to me. So whatever feud Judge has with him won’t be one I take on myself without proof it’s actually warranted.
“Are you coming or going?” Theron asks, eyeing the saddle beside me.
“Going. Although it will be a slow ride today. I’m still pretty sore.”
“It sounds like you need a gentleman at your side.” He walks over to help me lift the saddle. “You know, in case of emergency.”
“But of course.” My eyes widen in false horror. “I wouldn’t dream of going out there alone, being such a fine Society daughter. Imagine what could happen to me. I hear there are rogues about.”
“Indeed.” Theron winks at me as he secures the saddle in place. “I hear the same.”
“In that case, you’re welcome to join me.” I extend the invitation, fully aware Judge will probably lose his shit when he finds out. But until he can learn to consider my feelings, I have no desire to consider his.
“Just give me a moment, and I’ll happily be at your service.” He walks to the closet to grab some tack and then heads straight for Kentucky Lightning’s stall.
Clearly, he and his brother like to fight over their toys. I don’t imagine it will go over well with Judge when he finds out Theron has been on his horse, but it sends a small thrill through me to know it.
True to his word, it only takes Theron a few moments to saddle up. He helps me onto Temperance before swinging his large, muscular body up onto the stallion. Then just like Judge, he clicks his tongue, and we’re off.
We head out into the open field at an easy gait, and I’m surprised at how well Theron handles Kentucky Lightning, though I don’t know why. I suppose he often rode, too, growing up.
We fall into an effortless conversation, and I find myself answering his questions about my interests and hobbies without being guarded. He seems to take an eager interest in me, but I’m not naïve enough to believe it’s not just for sport. I think Theron very much enjoys my attention and company, knowing how much it will displease Judge. On that, we are both of the same mind.
“What brought you back here?” I ask him as we return to the stables. “You must have been gone for quite some time. I haven’t seen you at any IVI functions since I’ve been of age to attend.”
His back stiffens ever so slightly at my question, and I want to know why. But just like Judge, he chooses to remain vague.
“I thought it was time,” he says. “I want to settle down. Find a beautiful wife. Get married.”
