Torn

Chapter 19

Harry...

There are times that Gemma can be too much of a rowdy sister when it comes to pestering me. But there are times that trait of hers can be put to a good use. From the moment I 'accidentally' let her see the rumors about me and Selena; I knew my peace and quiet will not last long. But it was a price I was willing to pay just to see her again.

As much as it hurts my pride to admit it, out of Gemma and me, she's the one who Selena has a hard time of saying no to. But come to think of it, it seems I'm the only one who she can say no to nowadays.

She could even tolerate that fucking Bieber.

A neigh of irritation comes from Margot, telling me that my grasp on the brush I'm using on her mane hardened significantly, undoubtedly causing her discomfort.

"M'sorry, I guess I shouldn't be thinking of that twat, yeah?" I say, carefully patting her with my free hand.

A sound comes off from her again, but different from before it's much calmer, as if she's actually agreeing with me. I know I seem like a dick, ditching our guests to tend to our horses. I do have a soft spot for the magnificent creatures, but spending time at the stables was my last attempt to at least appear calm before she came - mum probably guessing my dour mood as she fended off Gemma's efforts to make me stay inside the house.

I don't even feel guilty that I used Gemma's methods of persuasion on her - desperate times call for desperate measures as they say. The only downside was my plan seemed to have backfired as I can't even come up with anything decent so say to her.

A whine of alarm suddenly sounds through the whole stables but it is the familiar shriek that follows that catches my interest. My head whips instantly and might have even caused a vein to snap, but I don't give a damn as I try to discern the cause of her distress.

But when I do so, I feel my eyebrows jump to my hairline. Of course, how could I forget? She's afraid of horses.

I know I should try to ease her already, both for her benefit and mine - since she is wreaking havoc already with the peaceful animals. But even so, I can't help but to just stay still and admire the comical sight - even at her panicked state, she's still so damn beautiful. I bite my lip in an attempt to contain my raging thoughts at the sight of her outfit - her tiny shorts gifting me with so much of her soft, inviting skin.

Thank God for the rare warm weather.

My appreciation however is cut short as I realize the effect of said weather on me, causing me to regret my initial decision to head here at the sheds. Here she is looking flawless as usual and here I am sweaty, filthy and definitely in need of a shower as I most likely smell like a thoroughbred too. Fuck.

But when I catch a glimpse of her pallid complexion before turning back to face the way she came from, all thoughts of hygiene vanish. I close the distance between us so my hands can wrap on her small arms and I resist the urge to moan as she relaxes on me, though that is short lived as the usually quiet steed frightens her once more, causing her to twist and tighten her hold on me.

I know I should take pity in her terrified state, but fuck I can't help but to think of ways to spoil these animals instead. But when her eyes dart to my tongue, add the heat of her touch and all logic is forgotten as I pull her closer to me. To my satisfaction, she complies, but just as I'm about to diminish the gap, Gracie disrupts us.

Well so much for the treats.

We bicker for quite a while and even though I know Gracie would quiet down eventually without me needing to dote on her, I think I like the way it makes Selena worry for my safety. So naturally, I grab the opportunity, relishing in her complete attention. I decide to tease her some more afterwards, trying my best to hide the smug smirk, but I know I am failing massively. I can't help it, it's so rare to receive any kind of affection from her anymore, and I'd be the liar of the century if I say I don't enjoy the way her eyes trail over my chest appreciatively. "So mind telling me the purpose of your visit, love?" I finally ask.