Read Online My Stallion Heart (The Stallions Book 7) by Deborah Fletcher Mello - Free Book Online Page B

driveway of Noah Stallion’s Arlington Drive home, people moving into and out of the residence. The brick home offered a timeless design and modern touches. Tinjin was impressed as he made his way inside. The interior design had been well planned, the floor plan offering effortless entertaining and main floor living options. From where he stood in the front foyer he could see bold French doors that led to a shady patio area. As he moved farther into the house he took note of the marble surfaces, custom cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. Vaulted twenty-foot ceilings gave the space an inviting openness.
    Mourners mingled in close clusters, friends and acquaintances coming to support the family and offer their condolences. The mood was somber, voices echoing in hushed whispers. The repast was well attended and as Tinjin moved from room to room he was hard-pressed to recognize a familiar face. When he walked into the family room he finally found his sister and her husband seated on the leather couch, in conversation with an elderly couple.
    Tierra waved him over, her face brightening at the sight of him. She politely excused herself from the conversation and jumped to her feet. She moved in his direction, throwing her arms around his neck.
    “Hey, sorry I’m late,” he said, his voice low. He hugged her tightly, sensing her distress.
    Tierra nodded her head against his shoulder.
    “Are you okay?” Tinjin asked.
    She nodded. “The funeral, it was just so sad.”
    Tinjin met his sister’s gaze. “It was a funeral, Tea. Funerals are always sad.”
    Tierra rolled her eyes. “Don’t be snarky, please.”
    “I wasn’t trying to be snarky, Tierra. You know how much I hate funerals. This is not how I wanted to be spending my holiday.”
    Tierra narrowed her gaze on her brother. “I know and I appreciate you coming. I just needed to spend some time with you. And I wanted you to spend time with your niece and nephew.”
    He nodded. “Well, the baby was sound asleep when I left. And one of the nannies was entertaining Lorenzo and Gabrielle. All the kids were good.”
    Tierra suddenly gestured to someone behind him. “Let me introduce you to Travis’s cousin,” she said as he turned to see where she stared.
    The man approaching them was clearly a Stallion. He stood as tall as Tinjin’s brother-in-law, and his features were much like those of the Texas family. He kept pulling at the neckline of his dress shirt, looking uncomfortable in the double-breasted suit he wore. He smiled politely as he joined them, his fingers passing one more time from ear to ear across his neck.
    Tierra rested a comforting hand against the man’s arm. “Noah, let me introduce you to my brother Tinjin,” she said softly. “Tinjin, this is Noah Stallion, Travis’s first cousin.”
    Noah nodded as he extended his hand in greeting. “Thank you for coming,” he said by rote, the comment having been repeated over and over again.
    Tinjin shook his hand. “I wish it were under different circumstances. I was very sorry to hear about your loss.”
    Noah smiled as he took a deep breath. “Thank you. Your sister has been a godsend. I really appreciate everything she and your family have been doing for us today.”
    Tinjin smiled back. “We’re all your family now, too, brother.”
    Noah paused for a moment, Tinjin’s words blowing warmly through his spirit. He nodded, his smile smoothing the worry lines that had creased his forehead. He extended an arm and the two men bumped shoulders in that one-armed hug men were renowned for. “Thank you. I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know.”
    Tierra smiled brightly. “Noah, can I get you anything? Have you eaten?”
    He shook his head. “I’m good, Tierra. I appreciate you asking. But I am worried about my baby sister. She’s been on edge and I’m afraid she might break.”
    “I saw her a moment ago and tried to get her to eat something but she refused,” Tierra said. She stole a