I would live alone. Perhaps I would adopt a child. We could live anywhere. California, perhaps. Or Madrid.
I did like the balmy weather.
I did not need a man. Perhaps occasionally, just for sexual release. Someone like Daniel, before I'd known who he was. His lies hurt far more than I would have thought, given the short time I'd known him. The smug look on his face last night at dinner flashed in front of my eyes. It made me tense up, sending Athena into a wild gallop.
"Ease up."
I forced myself to relax my body by degrees until the mare was cantering at a more sedate pace. It was my fault she had responded to my tension. I was the one who had to remain in control, for both of our wellbeing. Once again, Daniel had disrupted my hard earned peace of mind. I gritted my teeth against the realization.
I needed to get away from the estate.
From him.
I had no chance of resisting him if I stayed here. I would give in, and he would have the upper hand. He would hurt me once he got what he wanted. It was inevitable. They all did that. When they got sex, which was all they ever wanted. When they got you under their thumb… they treated you like you were nothing to them. And you were nothing. They only wanted what they could not have.
But it didn’t matter. I wanted the cowboy. Whether he was rich or poor, I wanted him.
So I had no choice.
I would have to run.
Again.
I cooled Athena down at a leisurely pace. My mind was calm at last. I would find a hotel in the city. I would come back only to ride. I would tell the eldest Delancey brother that I had business to deal with.
I would say nothing to Daniel. I would avoid him. That was the safest course of action.
I slipped an apple to my mare as the stablehand brushed her down. To think I had mistaken a man of Daniel's bearing for one of the servants was laughable in retrospect. But I had. And I paid for it.
With my dignity.
"Have a nice ride?"
Speak of the Devil and he will appear...
Daniel Delancey was standing behind me.
I froze, hating the knowing tone of his voice. He had seen me at my most vulnerable. And now he thought to use that against me. I turned, forcing my chin up.
"Daniel."
He grinned, his eyes raking over my body. I stiffened. How could he be so bluntly sexual? It made my heart race and my cheeks flush. I wanted to hate him. But instead I had to force myself not to reach out and touch him.
"Countess."
I hated that title. It was a reminder of all my so-called obligations to the family name. Obligations I had lost all desire to uphold, much to my family’s despair.
"Excuse me, I must change."
He stepped aside and let me pass. But he was right behind me as I turned the corner to the unoccupied wing of the stables. I felt like I was the prey in a fox hunt.
And yet, that he chased me was appeasing my hurt pride… but I should resist. I had to.
"Francesca."
I didn't stop. Not until he grabbed my arm and spun me to face him. I glared at him, letting my anger show.
"You have a nasty habit of manhandling me."
His handsome face crinkled as he smiled ironically. He didn't look cruel. He looked... bemused. He let go of me, running his hand through his hair.
"Dammit Francesca, why do you keep running away from me?"
He was upset, I realized. I'd upset him. Maybe even hurt his feelings. Or at least his male pride. Perhaps he was one of the good ones... or not as bad as most of the others. But no, I knew he was not soft. He did not have a heart. I tossed my head impatiently.
"I have no time for this, Daniel. What do you want?"
His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to me. I stood my ground. I refused to be intimidated by any man!
Hot golden eyes bored into mine. He radiated heat and virility. I swallowed, feeling my body respond to him despite myself.
"I want you. Now."
I gasped.
"What, here?"
He smiled at me. It was not a nice smile. It was a smile of dominance. He slid his fingertips down my arms, making me shiver.
"I don't think we would make it all the way to your bedroom this time, do you?"
My mouth was open as I struggled to catch my breath. It was overly warm in the stables now. I was hot and sweaty and it wasn't from my morning ride. From the looks of Daniel, so was he.
He stepped forward and I stepped back. He kept coming, smiling at me in that predatory way that made me weak in the knees. Even as it made me angry at the same time.