Page 26 of Tied to You

Mollie reaches up to smooth Blackjack’s head, running her hand in long, soft strokes over her nose.

Blackjack settles just long enough for me to inject her in her neck. I make it quick, removing the syringe as quickly as I put it in. Poor thing looks heavy. Her foal must be ready to arrive any day now.

We all sigh with relief, but it’s short lived.

Blackjack raises her front hooves off the ground, rearing back.

Mollie pulls on the reins, but it’s no use. Before she can move out the way, Blackjack jerks herself forward, and Mollie smacks the ground, landing on her arse in front of us all. With a loud cry, Blackjack’s hoof lands on her foot, the sound of it being crushed, unmistakeable.

I move first, bending down to help her, not wanting her to get squashed.

Mick and Dean manage to push Blackjack back.

Mollie swats my hand away, rolling to her side quickly before she stands. Her cheeks are now flushed red and she dusts her hands against her sides, embarrassed.

“Are you okay?” I ask her.

“I’m fine,” she snaps at me.

I try not to bite. “Your foot. Let me check it for you.”

“No. I’m fine. It’ll be fine.” She turns, and as if trying to convince herself, she takes a step, placing her weight on it. She manages one second before she cripples, hitting the deck once again.

“Fuck’s sake,” I grunt under my breath.

Dean appears as I scoop her up in my arms.

“You okay?” he asks her.

I feel her stiffen in my hold and her head turns away from me. “I’m fine,” she replies to him. Her weight isn’t heavy, but she does nothing to help me. She looks more pained by the fact thatI’mholding her.

“What’s your problem?” I say.

“Put me down.”

Dean doesn’t move, but I sense his awkwardness.

“I’m trying to help you.”

She huffs.

And like a fucking idiot, I drop her to her feet.

She winces instantly. “Ouch, fuck!”

“Travis!” Dean scolds.

“What? It’s what she wanted.”

“You’re a prick,” she says under her breath, hobbling.

I look at Dean, and he nods his head towards her with wide eyes.

I mouth at him to fuck off before Mollie falls to the ground again.

My head snaps her way. “Right, that’s enough.” I come up behind her, taking her in my arms, carrying her like she’s my bride, back to the house.

Not once does she look at me as my feet bang against the hard ground. Ungrateful shit. Every step I take, my frustration with her rises like an inferno. We exchange no words as I plonk her on the sofa, her hair hitting her face as she drops with a yelp.