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But when I knew something deep in my gut, I had no problem standing my ground. Hell, I’d dig my heels in and never let up.

And right now, with the way her eyes lingered on mine and the warm churn in my chest, I had a feeling she was going to be one of those things. I should’ve walked away.

Sergei was waiting.

Seven was, too.

But bad idea or not, I couldn’t and wouldn’t pull myself away.

8

TABITHA

“What about you?” Preacher’s dark eyes remained focused solely on me as he spoke. “Do you think you’re bullheaded?”

“To a degree.” I shrugged. “But only because I have to be. I’m the mother of three boys, remember?”

“I get it. I have two of my own and…” His words trailed off, and regret flashed through his eyes as he said, “Well, I had two. I lost one of my boys last year, but they both gave me a hell of a time when they were kids.”

“I’m sorry about your son. I’m sure that was tough for you.”

“It was. Hell, it still is, but the world keeps turning and all that.”

“Yes, it does.”

I went back to brushing Titan, but my focus wasn’t on the horse. It was on him. Preacher had a presence that couldn’t be ignored. I could see him still standing there, looking every bit the man he was—rugged and self-assured, and it was hard not to stare. I pretended not to notice him watching me as he said, “Good looking horse you got there.”

“He is a beauty.” I ran my hand along Titan’s neck. “He’s been fighting a bout of colic, but he’s holding his own.”

“You got a soft spot for him.”

“I do.”

Preacher’s lips quirked. “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“And why’s that?”

“Just seems like you’d appreciate a fighter.”

Something about the way he spoke, low and self-assured, sent a shiver down my spine. It was strange. I’d spent years around a man who made me nervous, but it was a different kind of nervous with Dimitri. That was fear.

This was something else entirely.

I motioned my head towards Titan. “Do you ride?”

“Back when I was a kid,” he admitted. “I wasn’t all that good at it. It took a level of trust I wasn’t used to.”

“I get it. It’s hard to put your faith in an animal, but you should consider giving it another go. It’s great therapy. I’ve never found a better way to clear my head.”

“I feel the same way about my Harley.” He crossed his arms, and his lips curled into a sexy smile. “Have you ever considered straddling a bike?”

“I’d trust myself more on a wild Mustang than one of those things.” I shook my head. “I’m just not built for it.”

“Oh, you’re built for it. No doubt about that. You just haven’t had the right person to ride with.”

“And you think you’re the right one.”

“Won’t know unless you agree to go on a ride with me.”