Page 84 of She Belongs to Me
“Romeo meant no harm.”
“I know that and I was confronted with emotions that conflicted with the man I’ve become. I hope this in a small way makes up for my ridiculous behavior. However, you need to keep in mind that you belong to me.”
Why was it that his utter possessiveness gave me goosebumps?
“We’ll see.” I was still teasing him, but as soon as he untied the black strip of material, I held my breath. I found it difficult to focus at first, my eyes covered with shadows.
But someone was walking in our direction. Romeo.
He had reins in his hand attached to the most beautiful horse I’d ever seen. With a bow on its saddle.
“What is this?”
“I couldn’t think of a better celebration present for you finishing your third year of medical school. Her name is Sassy, her personality just like yours.”
Positive emotions were something I’d pushed aside for so long. I hadn’t wanted to succumb to them given my work schedule. Yet over the last week, I’d been more emotional collectively than I had in my entire life. It had been exhausting, living on the edge something I wouldn’t recommend for anyone.
But this was something so unexpected, so outwardly sweet that I was floored completely. There were no words that came to mind, no way of embracing the way I felt. Between being allowed to finish the year at college and being forced to live in another country with an insufferable man, I’d never expected to feel this way.
Romeo was beaming, the two men obviously burying the hatchet. I was happy about that, more so than almost anything. I couldn’t walk around on additional eggshells forever.
I slowly turned my head, studying my godfather, Don of one of the most powerful Cosa Nostras in the world. But I couldn’t see him that way any longer. He was a stranger still yet a man with needs, brutal and ruthless. Seeing the tender, giving side of him wasn’t just about throwing money at a problem either.
He was showing me his softer side, the little bit of creamy marshmallow. I was suddenly overwhelmed, my chest heaving. I could tell I’d scared Romeo to death. He took a step back, pressing his open hand against his chest.
I simply threw my arms around the horse, allowing the tears to fall. Was it silly? Maybe. Was I showing my age? Likely. Who cared? The horse responded, nuzzling against me, whinnying as if with happiness. Even her tail was whapping back and forth like a whirligig.
I heard Nico laugh, the sound more joyful than I’d heard before. He was pleased with my reaction. Of course I couldn’t stop there. In my exuberance, I turned around, not only throwing my arms around his neck but jumping into his arms.
He stiffened, the display of public affection shown in front of his men obviously a huge no-no, but he finally softened. As he slipped his arms around me, holding me tightly against him, the moment was the first time I almost felt as if everything would be okay.
About twenty seconds later, the rational side of me took over and I pulled away, slightly embarrassed. Heat rose on my face as I took a step further away, breaking the connection. “Remember, I can’t ride.” My statement seemed strange perhaps given the gift.
“That’s what both Romeo and I are here for. Sassy is especially bred to be a gentle lead. She will be a perfect companion. Trust me, we’ll have you riding like an expert in no time.” Nico’s words were completely confident.
I remained unsure. “Now I know why you wanted the jeans. My first riding lesson?” I’d shifted into the teasing zone, doing my best to be mindful that we weren’t alone.
He shook his head. “You’re going to need to trust me. Your first lesson will be riding with me to my favorite location on this estate.”
I know my mouth dropped open. “I… I’ll fall off. I can’t do it.”
Both men laughed. Really?
I threw Romeo a rather nasty look and he tossed up his hands, shrugging as if he wasn’t to blame.
“You can do anything you set your mind to, Alexandra,” Nico said. “I’ve seen that in action. We will go very slow and I’ll have ahold of the reins as well. You need to break out of your comfort zone and learn to trust me.”
Trust wasn’t something that came easily for me as I suspected it didn’t for him. There was no getting out of this. I could easily tell that. Fear crawled up and down my spine like a den full of spiders, but I was also excited. Everything with Nico was exciting. I felt more alive than I had in my entire life, even given the horrific circumstances.
I had no idea if I could do this, but he was right. If I set my mind to it, I could do anything. Right?
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Can you trust me?” he asked, and doing so in front of one of his employees meant I honestly couldn’t say no.
But I hesitated. “Yes, I can. I’m just… scared.”
“Mr. Marciano can pick the best horses, perfect for every individual. You can trust him with your life, Alexandra. He saved my family once from a terrible fire all by himself. He will do anything to protect the people around him.”