Chapter 62

Chapter 62 Aden

We spend the rest of the day at the stables. I leave her alone, going around to visit the other horses under my care, checking in with the grooms and the manager to ensure that everything is running smoothly. When the trainer arrives, I point him in Brooklyn's direction.

Half an hour later, I'm pleased to see Brooklyn leading her saddled horse to the riding area.

I lean against the door of the barn, watching at a distance as the trainer runs Brooklyn through the basics

of riding, showing her the horse's gaits on a long lead while Brooklyn is still on the ground.

It's a special thrill, though, when I watch Brooklyn put on her velvet helmet and lead her horse over to the mounting block.

The joy on her face when she sits astride Heathcliff's back for the first time—a little chill runs down my spine, and a strange sensation, a feeling comes over me.

I realize, uncomfortably, that I'm happy.

Last night, in the car, seeing Brooklyn shake like that-the shock, the trauma in every muscle-it was one of the worst feelings of my life.

I frown, thinking of it now, of my extreme reaction to Brooklyn's physical danger.

I'm the Mafia King, for heaven's sake, and furthermore, I have Alpha blood.

I lead powerful humans and wolves...I shouldn't be this torn up over a little girl.

It's not like I haven't lost people to this business before, haven't put loved ones on the line on an almost- daily basis.

So what is it about this girl that makes me absolutely terrified at the thought of her in danger, or in pain?

with the

her on a physical level. God, every

this other feeling,

head, unwilling to delve into whatever

stand up straight from his spot at the stall

to a close, the instructor talking eagerly to Brooklyn, who smiles down at him from

I lean against the ring's fence,

natural!" he says, resting a comfortable hand on Brooklyn's

grimacing a little, quickly removes his hand. Brooklyn doesn't seem to

she says to me, instead. "I told you

a minute," I say simply, giving the trainer

how I am, the trainer says a gracious goodbye to Brooklyn, promising to see her again next time, and then heads back

nudging Heathcliff so that he walks

who gives you compliments," I joke, reaching out a

met with silence, I raise my gaze to Brooklyn, who is

joke!" Brooklyn laughs. "Aden Kenwood made a

her, perhaps a little surprised myself. "Don't get used to it," I mutter. "It's not

says in response,

to change the subject

she says. "Can

I say gesturing towards

her lip, suddenly concerned. "He didn't...teach me...how to

under the rail of the fence, coming close to Brooklyn's

out of the stirrups," I

I put up

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