Muse in Lingerie (Lingerie 1)

“But I want to.”

The idea of her falling for some guy immediately ticked me off. “Now you never will—as long as you’re mine.”

Her eyes moved up again, this time with disappointment.

I didn’t feel bad for what I said. For one hundred million dollars and her life, she would give up her romantic freedom.

She suddenly set her napkin on the table, her food only half eaten. Then she stood up and walked away, leaving me to enjoy my lunch alone.

“Sit.”

She halted in her tracks but didn’t move back to the chair. She slowly turned to me, her blue eyes bright like the ocean. “If you want me to feel connected to you, you need to stop bossing me around—and treat me with respect.”

She was asking for too much. “I’ve already given you respect. You said no—and I listened. Choose your battles wisely, Muse. You can’t win them all.” She might be able to get bits and pieces from me, but not everything. I wasn’t a pushover.

She rested her hand on the back of the chair and then changed her mind. She sat down again, lowering herself with perfect grace as well as a slight purse of her lips. She obeyed when she didn’t want to, but it was a wise decision.

She couldn’t have everything.

16

Sapphire

I was beginning to understand Conway a lot more.

He really wasn’t that complicated—but layered.

He possessed a dark shadow that followed him everywhere he went, even in the pitch darkness. For someone so wealthy and successful, he seemed perpetually somber. Nothing made him happy—even a kiss from a woman.

He spoke of his family fondly, so he had people that cared for him.

Then why was he like this?

Was this all because of work?

Money was important—but not that important.

Or maybe I just thought that because I didn’t have any.

I spent my day in the stables, grooming the horses, feeding them, and even learning to saddle them. Marco was a nice man, and he never asked about my relationship with Conway. He didn’t even ask where I was from. The only thing we talked about was the weather and the horses.

Which was fine by me.

There were six horses altogether, and each one had a very different personality.

The only one I couldn’t get along with was Carbine, the black stallion that had his own section of land. Completely black with a matching mane, he was majestic and terrifying. Sometimes his neighs would erupt out of nowhere, and he possessed a sinister presence that I could sense—even as a human.

Marco was the only one that handled him, and even then, it was difficult.

“If Carbine is so difficult, why does Conway keep him?”

“He’s his horse.”

“Aren’t they all his horses?” I stood at the fence and propped one foot on the bottom strip of wood. Out here in the countryside, I really felt like I was in a different world. I hadn’t even seen a car in a few weeks. It was nothing like New York, which was full of smog, people, and traffic. Out here, it was nothing but fresh air and beauty.

“Yes. But this horse is special to him. It’s the only one he’ll ride.”

“Carbine?” I asked in surprise. “He won’t even come to the fence when I have a carrot.”

“He’s picky. Has a bit of an ego as the only male on the land.”

No wonder why Conway preferred him—they had the same personality. “Makes sense…”

“And his father gave him that horse.”

“Does his father ride?”

“I don’t know much about Mr. Barsetti.” Marco rested his elbows on the fence. “I just know he’s rich, powerful…and a bit intimidating. Doesn’t say much. The times he’s been here, all I’ve gotten is a nod from him.”

“Like father, like son…”

Marco chuckled. “I think you’re right.”

“Thanks for showing me the ropes around here. It’s nice to be outside in the fresh air. And the horses are beautiful…”

“No problem. I get a bit lonely out here with all this peace and quiet.” He stared at Carbine, who nibbled on the grass clear on the other side. The second we approached, he moved away like we were pestering him. “It’s nice to have someone to talk to.”

“Do you live around here?”

“I have a little villa in Verona with my wife. My two sons are out of the house.”

“That’s nice.”

“I worked at the tomato plant outside of Verona my whole life. They got a new owner and let go all the people who were close to retiring as a way of avoiding the pension my previous employer promised. When I tried to fight it, they let me go. I didn’t know what else to do because work is hard to find around here. That’s when Conway offered me the job. And I like it a lot more than working in a plant all day. I get to take care of these beautiful steeds with a gorgeous view. I’m pretty lucky.”