Page 116 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“Thank you.” I sat, noticing how his hand lingered on the back of my chair longer than necessary.

Goran stiffened behind me, and I gestured to one of the empty seats.

“Goran, please sit and eat with us.” I thought he would refuse, but after a few moments of awkward silence, he finally sat.

“Coffee,” Dylan asked.

“Please.”

He poured it himself for the two of us, but set the pot down for Goran.

Of course he did. Jerk.

“You should see the new foals before you leave. We’ve had exceptional success with our breeding program. The imported warmblood stallion semen has produced our best foals to date. Phenomenal bone structure, attitudes, and spirit.”

My interest flickered despite myself.

“What bloodlines?”

His mouth tilted into a smug grin.

“I thought that might get your attention.”

Goran sat to my right, silent but ever watchful.

“We’ve got a colt out of a Dutch mare and The General, that moves like liquid. Only five months old, and he jumped the paddock fence like it was nothing. You’d appreciate him. There are two fillies from our thoroughbred broodmares that we paired with Ferrero’s Night. I’ve never seen better, anywhere.”

“I’d love to see them.”

A stud farm had always been a part of my dream. I wanted to breed and sell horses while competing full-time. And even though Dylan was an ass, talking to someone who appreciated strong bloodlines and shared the same passion was exciting.

“Good. Perhaps I could take you to a small gathering tonight. A few riders. Some sponsors. Influential people. Nothing formal. We were already planning to get drinks, and I know they would love to meet you.”

A date disguised as networking. At one point, I would have gone. Now I saw it for what it was and had no interest in being trapped at a social engagement as Dylan’s date.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to decline. Maybe another time.”

He gave me a curt nod.

“Yes, of course.”

He leaned back, studying me, before standing.

“Enjoy breakfast. I need to get to the stable. I have five to ride today.” He dangled the appeal of this life in front of me like a carrot. “Once you come down, I’ll show you the foals.”

“Thank you.”

Goran watched Dylan leave while quietly eating.

I took in Goran’s appearance. Faint shadows rested under his eyes, the mark of someone who hadn’t slept. And yet Goran remained sharp and focused.

How did he do that? How did he stand guard all night and still look like he could dismantle a man before breakfast?

Mr. and Mrs. Winterton joined us, and we stayed to finish eating with them. I didn’t want to appear as if I were running from their company. Once I finished, I excused myself.

“Thank you for breakfast, but I need to check on Atlas.”

“Of course, my dear. You’re free to do as you please in our home,” Mr. Winterton said.