He’d spent most of the flight thinking of what he’d say when he confronted her, that he knew she’d never given a damn for him, that she’d only stayed with him so she could get what she wanted…and trying to work around the fact that he’d basically suggested marriage on precisely the same terms.
When he didn’t respond, she eyed him coldly. “I’m not returning the deed.”
“I do not want the deed.”
“Then what do you want? Quickly, please. I have work to do.”
“I heard. You’re boarding and training horses.”
“George has a big mouth.”
The prince smiled. She hated that smile. So knowing. So self-righteous.
“Yes, I am boarding and training horses. Not Andalusians like yours but then, some of us are interested in more than what’s written in a stud book.”
It was a low blow and she knew it. The Spanish prince’s horses were all magnificent; she had ridden them with him.
“You have Bebé.”
“According to you, he’s a tyrannosaurus.”
Lucas smiled again. “A brontosaurus, but perhaps I made a hasty judgment. He’s a fine animal, now that I take a second look.”
“Don’t patronize me!”
“I’m not patronizing you, I’m being honest. Beauty. Courage. Heart and intelligence. Those are the qualities a man—”
Lucas frowned and fell silent. Were they still talking about horses? And what had happened to the little speech in which he’d tell her what he thought of a woman who’d use a man to get what she wanted?
True, the argument was flawed. He was the one who’d suggested marriage on pragmatic terms. They cared for each other, he’d said. And, if they married, the contract terms would be met and she would get her land.
Why blame her for leaving him once she knew there no longer was a contract?
Why blame her for leaving him after finding out he’d lied?
Why blame her for anything except breaking his heart? Didn’t she know he loved her? Adored her? That his life had no meaning without her?
Didn’t she feel the same way?
He knew that she did. All the times they’d made love…she’d given herself to him in ways he’d never before known, ways that surely involved the heart and not just the body.
The stallion snorted impatiently. His Lyssa was impatient, too. He could see she’d had just about enough of this foolishness.
So h
ad he.
“Goodbye, Your Highness.”
Her heels touched the stallion’s sides. Lucas lunged forward and grabbed the bridle.
“Get off that horse!”
She laughed. Laughed, damn it! He had not come all this distance for her to laugh at him.
“I said—”
“I heard what you said. I suggest you let go of that bridle or I’ll ride straight through—”