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“Hmm… I guess I can do that.”

“I might be dangerous, but I turned off the killer mode when I agreed to have dinner with you.”

His comment made me laugh. And snort. I hadn’t snorted when I’d laughed in a long time. Instantly embarrassed, I slapped my hand over my mouth.

He lifted an eyebrow, but grinned. “Come on. Get your coat. It’s a little chilly.”

“Can I bring my camera?”

“Why not.”

Wow, a breakthrough. I scampered to get my things, meeting him on the front porch a few seconds later.

“Let’s go to the barn.”

“Okay.” Now he had me curious. While making dinner, the letter he’d received from his uncle had remained out in the open. I hadn’t shared with him I’d been unable to ignore it. It felt like there was a hidden message in between the lines, something only Kage would understand. Whether or not that was true I’d likely never know. Kage certainly had no intention of sharing what had been written with me.

Even if he’d left it out as if tempting me to see how treacherous I could become.

I’d ignored the temptation of mentioning it even though I had a feeling his uncle Henry’s letter continued to trouble him.

When he took me into the barn, Sadie immediately lifted her head.

“Hi, girl. How are you?” My steps were livelier as I headed toward her, laughing as she dropped her head so I could stroke her mane. “She’s so beautiful. Is she eating?”

“Yes, she’s eating. You can come check on her anytime you’d like. I know I was harsh with the rules, but I can’t keep you cooped up in the house all the time.”

“The big he-man is offering a reprieve.” I immediately snapped a few pictures, taunting him by pivoting around and taking a few of him as well.

He threw his hand up, growling. “You’re a goddamn brat. Maybe you need another spanking.”

“That will never happen again.”

“Don’t push your luck with me and don’t think you’re getting out of following the rules,” he said and moved closer, unfastening the gate. “Just remember, I am a soldier, which technically means I’m a hunter.” He grabbed Sadie’s reins, pulling her from the stall.

“Oh, do you hunt big game?”

“Just wayward women with caustic mouths, but I hear I’m pretty good at it.”

Hearing his playful side surprised me. I was wondering if he had a little Jekyll and Hyde in him. When he grabbed the horse blanket, I narrowed my eyes. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” When he grabbed the saddle Tom had brought, I stepped in between him and Sadie.

“You can’t ride her.”

His brow furrowed. “Yes, I can. The saddle won’t hurt her.”

“What if it does? What if you cause her tremendous pain and she never allows you to touch her again?”

“You really don’t trust me, do you?”

“It’s not like you’ve acted in a way that would allow me to, but I do trust you. It’s just… I don’t want her hurt.”

He moved around me, gingerly placing the saddle on Sadie’s back. “If it makes you feel any better, I gave Tom a call to make certain she could be ridden.”

“You did?”

“Don’t look so shocked.” He patted her neck before fastening the saddle.