Page 63 of The Bad Boy Prince in Love

“We don’t make them too tight,” Ken assured him, “We’re only practicing.The straps are just there to make the horse kick at a straighter angle.But we don’t have to use them if it bothers you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.Have a go.”

It was a rare chance to try his skill at riding a bucking horse, and he couldn’t resist.

Johnny was on the far side of the yard chatting with some ladies, and Luke decided to take on the challenge before anyone could talk him out of it.

Yet, as he was preparing to go into the chute, Johnny rushed over to him.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Don’t worry,” Luke said, “I’m an expert rider.”

“Yeah, maybe in Europe, not with these half-wild horses!”Johnny protested.

“Relax, I’m going to be fine.”

As Luke got onto the horse, a restless black mare, he leaned back like he had seen the cowboys do and thought that he was either about to die or have the best adventure of his life.

He nodded his head, signaling for the gate to be opened, and the horse jolted out.If Luke had been the slightest bit drunk, he suddenly felt very sober.This didn’t seem the same as what the other horses had done.The horse was completely ferocious, veering and twisting in different directions as it tried to throw him off.

The men around the enclosure were shouting, though he couldn’t tell if it was excitement or apprehension.He could barely stay in the saddle.Each time the horse changed direction, he had to try to predict its move and counter-balance with his body.

“Get off the horse!”Johnny was yelling.

But Luke didn’t want to jump off either because he had a feeling the horse would trample him.

Suddenly, with a backward kick the animal broke one of the wooden planks of the enclosure.This was some kind of raging beast!Had the guys done this on purpose to get revenge for the fight with Travis?

Luke didn’t have time to think about it.The horse swerved around the enclosure, whipping him around wildly as if he was practically weightless.Then the beast saw the broken plank and made a leap for freedom.

Luke braced for the landing...they cleared the fence, and the horse galloped forward, taking him past the ranch buildings and into the wild pasture.

Luke had ridden many horses, but never one that ran this fast.It was clearly terrified; maybe it had never experienced being ridden before.He leaned forward, adjusting to its pace, and the landscape sped by while the horse’s mane whipped at his cheeks.

He didn’t dare to glance back, fearing it would unbalance him, but it didn’t look like anyone was in a hurry to follow and help him.At least with the horse streaking forward at high speed, he didn’t have to deal with the crazy bucking.

He was on his own.He had to stay in the saddle until the horse was tired out or die trying...literally.