Read Online More Than Scars by Sarah Brocious - Free Book Online Page B

hear him breathing, and tried to keep my breathing steady.
    “See me out?”
    I followed him to the door. He stood at the doorway, his back to the light of the hall. His face was in shadows. I stared straight forward, where I knew his chest would be. I also knew he had the benefit of seeing me. I worked hard to control the emotion on my face.
    “Maybe I will be able to provide you a little fun outside of the child’s play.”
    I blushed.
    “I heard you like to ride?”
    I blushed again, and nodded.
    ”My groomsman is amazing at matching up rider and horse. Tomorrow, Mary will care for the girl’s breakfast. I want you to go to the stable and meet with Jack.”
    I leaned toward him without thought, waiting for his next words.
    “Jack said you were able to win Zosimo over?”
    I smiled. “Yes, he took to me.”
    Liam laughed. “That is amazing!”
    I gave a shrug.
    “Do you wish to ride him?”
    My mouth dropped open. “I would love that!”
    I sensed his smile. “Only one person has been able to do so….me. In fact, I feed him, exercise him, clean him…Jack can only get within feet! “He rested a hand on my shoulder. “I trust he will allow you the same,” he whispered. “He knows.”
    I bit the inside of my cheek. “Knows what?”
    His hand squeezed gently. “That we have been through much of the same. He can trust you…as he trusts me.”
    My heart pounded harder.
    He chuckled again. “Yes, I will give Jack permission to allow you with him. You can saddle a horse?”
    “Most definitely,” I breathed.
    “You will have to…Jack won’t be able too.”
    I smiled. “ Zosimo will be putty in my hands.”
    The warm hand on my shoulder trailed the length of my arm, and as it reached my hand, he squeezed my fingers. “You will do well. Goodnight Miss Meadows.”
    I nodded. “Goodnight Mr Byrne.”
    I felt him near me. His warm breath brushed my hair. “Thank you for caring for me tonight. Forgive my slip of the tongue.” His fingers tensed over mine again, and then were lifted to his lips. “I will not make that mistake again.” His warm mouth pressed to the back of my fingers, and he was gone. He left me thoughtless, breathless, and wanting.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 5 Brotherly Love
     
     
    The next morning I nearly skipped to the stables. I was truly excited about getting up on a horse again. It was chilly, but the warm coat about me kept out most of it.
    I offered Jack a smile, when I entered, and he returned one.
                  “First time it’s not the Boss I’m greeting straight away in the morning!”
                  I beamed. “And I get to ride Zosimo?”
                  Jack hesitated. “Well, there has been a change in the plans.”
                  I frowned.
                  “Yes, you will ride today, just not Zosimo.”
                  My brow furrowed. “But Mr Byrne said…”
                  “I changed his mind for him.”
                  I spun about at the unfamiliar voice.
                  “I’ll excuse myself,” Jack muttered, backing away.
                  “Hello Miss Meadows. It’s nice we finally meet! I’ve heard much about you.”
                  I tilted my head at the new comer. He was dressed in riding gear. He was tall, not nearly as tall as Liam, but definitely imposing. He had dark hair, stunning blue eyes, and a face that should be in a magazine. I knew in an instant who this was when he smiled. It was a smile I’d seen before, on an un-marred Liam Byrne. This would be Ian.
                  “Hello Ian.”
                  His eyes registered shock. “How did you…”
                  “Same way you knew me. I’ve heard about you too. It’s nice to meet you.” I stepped