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But no…

I stared at the camera on the coffee table. The only good news in the last couple of days was that I’d convinced Kage taking photographs didn’t mean our location would automatically be found.

Unless the bad men were mind readers or something.

I’d gotten several incredible shots of the land and scenery out back, the background absolutely gorgeous. Mountains. Trees so green, just the barest hint fall was on the way with a few leaves turning different colors. Even the plot of grass, other than where Tank had trampled it, was plush and so thick, it was like walking on carpet. Plus, Tank was a willing subject, his cocked head and soulful eyes easily gaining me hundreds of new followers on Instagram. If I was ever allowed to post pictures there again.

I’d even been able to sneak around, taking a couple of photographs of the grumpy man. All of them sexy.

What had piqued my interest the most was the barn and fenced area like a riding ring. Had Kage’s uncle owned horses? I’d always wanted to learn to ride, but growing up in New YorkCity didn’t equate to jumping into nature other than walking in Central Park. Not the same.

I grabbed the camera, glancing over my shoulder before grabbing the light jacket I’d purchased and slipping out the door. Instead of Tank, I’d been the one on a leash when going outside. Never without my big, brooding Navy guy either.

Well, what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. I made my way to the fence, climbing on the lower rung and aiming the camera at the barn. With the sun just beginning to lower in the sky, the shimmers created on the surface added another dimension to the bold colors and surrounding trees.

I snapped several photographs before hearing a noise. A vehicle of some kind was rolling up the long driveway. While I doubted my brutal captors would appear in the late afternoon, I raced toward the house, remaining on the side. That allowed me a perfect view of anyone approaching.

When the vehicle came into view, I couldn’t have been more surprised.

A Ford F-350 with a trailer hitched to the back. A horse trailer. What? I shot a look at the barn and almost bit my tongue from the huge smile crossing my face. Had Kage bought a horse?

There was a single man inside the cab, the bed full of bales of hay. When he stepped out, he instantly shielded his eyes from the sun before landing his eyes on me.

Shit. I’d been seen. I wiped my hands on my jeans and headed for him. “Can I help you?”

“Hey there. You must be Mrs. Rollins.”

“Um… What can I do for you?” Maybe news traveled fast.

“I have a delivery for Kage Rollins.”

“A delivery.”

“Yep. You want me to put her in the corral?”

“Her?” I glanced at the trailer.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Something told me the delivery wouldn’t go over well. “Why don’t I get Mister… I mean my husband.”

“Sure thing. I’ll just get everything ready.”

Nodding, I backed onto the porch, trying to figure out how to tell Kage. The element of surprise might tip him over the edge. I all but skipped toward the now closed door, knocking several times before immediately sticking my head in.

Rewarded with a growl, I added a boost to my smile. “Darling husband of mine. You have a gift waiting outside.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ll need to come see.” I winked and he gritted his teeth. At this point, I was surprised he had any left, he’d done it so often.

As soon as I walked back outside, I was in awe of the beautiful horse being led from the back of the trailer. She was huge and reminded me of Black Beauty with her sleek midnight coloration and thick mane. With her long legs and swishing tail, her appearance was magical. But when she was turned to the side, I noticed a horrific burn on her right side, the discoloration mottled gray. A horrible realization entered the back of my mind. The majestic creature had been in a fire.

The man tied the horse’s reins around a small tree. Almost immediately, the horse whinnied and took in her surroundings. As I looked into her eyes, I didn’t see fear, only trust. I couldn’t imagine how that was possible after what she’d been through.

Kage came rumbling outside seconds later. I could tell by his brusque manner he hadn’t purchased the horse. His expression turned sour, angry eyes briefly drifting in my direction.

Tank immediately rushed out and for the first time, I was certain the dog was going to bare his teeth. The fur was raised on the back of his neck. I rushed toward, grabbing his collar. “Tank. It’s okay. Sit.”