Page 123 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“You stole a horse in the middle of the night. That’s running. So is this.”

My teeth ground together as an icy fear slid down my spine. I’m not sure how he found out what happened, but it didn’t matter. He just proved why I had to leave.

“No. I retrieved what was mine.”

A corner of his mouth twitched.

“Your father doesn’t see it the same way.”

I crossed my arms. “You spoke to my father?”

Dylan snorted. “No, but I hear things. Kaylani, you’re making this harder than it needs to be. You can stay. Train here. Represent Winterton. My father has a good deal of influence.”

I shook my head.

“I told you, I don’t want doors opened for me. I want to open them for myself, and that pertains to all areas of my life.”

He snorted.

“It’s obvious you don’t understand how this world works. But I guess I should be thankful that you’re not just running off in the middle of the night.”

He rolled his eyes, his tone condescending.

I wanted to smack the arrogance right off his face.

“I understand perfectly. I dare say that I understand better than you do, but that doesn’t mean that I will allow anyone to control or own me.”

He stepped closer, crowding me.

“You’re being foolish. I can help you and not just with the sponsorship. We would be good together.”

I swallowed the bile that rose in the back of my throat at the thought of Dylan touching me.

“I don’t need your help. I acknowledge what you and your family brings to the table, professionally and personally, but I want to do this on my own.”

“So childish.”

“Do not insult me. I’m not a clueless child.”

“That’s yet to be determined.”

I sucked in a deep breath, as it took everything not to hit him.

“Well, this is unfortunate,” he drawled, like he was bored.

“For whom?”

“For you.” His tone didn’t shift. “Most people would kill to be in your position. You’re choosing financial instability and emotional ruin over a very lucrative business arrangement. I hadn’t realized your ego was so impressive.”

“No,” I said calmly. “I think it’s your ego that won’t let you see that purchasing my family name was never an option.”

I took a step closer.

“My father and I may be at odds, but make no mistake, I am a Mikhailov. I know my worth. Don’t cheapen me with promises of money and doors you think only you can open. I’m not some desperate rider you can dazzle with influence and expect me to fold.”

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

“You think you’re superior, don’t you? You’re not and you’ll regret not choosing me. No one turns me down.”