Page 26 of She Belongs to Me

He laughed, but the sound was still stilted.

I was amazed. There were horses everywhere, some in their stalls eating or resting. Others were being groomed by at least four or five people. I could tell it was being done on the other side as well. “How many people tend to the horses?”

“We have twelve workers, Romeo in charge. My mother would have my hide if she didn’t believe I was caring for them well enough. She doesn’t need to worry. I adore horses and have since I was a kid.”

“That means you ride.”

“Yes, I ride. It’s relaxing for me.”

I was about ready to ask if he’d teach me when I noticed an extremely handsome young man walking in our direction. He was looking from me back to Nico. When he walked closer, he actually allowed his gaze to fall to my scuffed tennis shoes. Who was this guy?

“Chi è il nostro ospite, Don Nico?”

Don Nico. Now I knew I was right about my godfather’s position. It was strange hearing the term, something I’d only heard onThe Sopranosyears before.

“English, Romeo. This is my goddaughter, Alexandra, here for a long visit from America.”

Romeo’s eyes opened wide and when I offered him a handshake, he took my hand and pulled it to his lips. I didn’t know whether to be put off or if it was a regular greeting. It must not be too odd or Nico would likely showcase that on his face.

“Welcome to Palermo and to my humble abode.” Romeo grinned as he let my hand go. “I hope you enjoy your stay. Can I show you around?”

I hesitated, which was ridiculous. Nico wasn’t my keeper. “Yes, I’d love that.” We walked slowly into the barn and he described just perfectly his job with the horses, making certain they were in top shape both physically and nutritionally. He knew every horse’s name and I could tell he wasn’t reading the plaques on the gates either.

“They are like children with strong emotions. They feel pain and sadness and know when you are. There is nothing like riding a horse into the sunset, knowing the two of you are very sympatico.”

His accent was incredible, thicker than Nico’s, but I could easily understand him. He was also very sexy, more so up close. I started asking questions, engaging more in the conversation. It was wonderful, so much so I had a feeling I’d lost track of time.

He was very animated, laughing loudly when I said something funny or asked an odd question. I felt awkward at first, but was so eager to learn, I was avidly listening to every word he was saying. The moment was special. Priceless.

And of course interrupted by Nico only a few minutes later.

“We need to leave. I have a meeting,” he said way too gruffly.

“I can bring her home, sir, if that’s alright.”

“No!” Nico’s sharp answer shocked both Romeo and me.

The trainer seemed taken back and I turned to glare at Nico. “I won’t be that long.”

“You are coming with me. We can visit the horses later.”

He made the statement as if saying we would only if I was a good girl. What the hell was wrong with him?

“Thank you for the amazing conversation. I hope to learn more,” I told Romeo, offering a huge smile.

Now the guy seemed extremely nervous, unable to look me in the eyes. I was pissed off now. Why would Nico do that kind of thing?

I followed Nico back to the car, but was unable to keep up with the man’s long strides. By the time I slipped into the passenger seat, I was fuming. He immediately started the engine, roaring it to life.

“What the hell was that about?” I demanded.

He said nothing and I was ready to pummel my fists against his arm.

“Talk to me, you big lug. You act like you don’t want anyone else to talk to me. Why? He was just teaching me about the horses.”

“You are not to be alone with him.”

Oh, my God. I figured it out. He was jealous. Really? He was actively doing his best to push me away, but he was suddenly jealous? I burst into laughter. What else could I do?