Riding the Thunder - Deborah MacGillivray [69]
“She has the power to hurt me—maybe more.” Jago’s response was both truthful and evasive.
“Fair enough.” Liam stared at him in assessment. After a moment he seemed satisfied and returned the topic to the horse. “I’m not sure Thor’s Thunder is for sale. He’s special.”
“Name your price. I won’t quibble.” Jago set his jaw, resolute in wanting to own the animal.
Liam smiled. “I haven’t decided he’s for sale. I’m thinking of him being the foundation of a new breeding line for the farm—”
“Provided you have a farm. If Trident buys it then I can get the horse anyway,” Jago teased.
“If Trident buys it. I’m still determined to hold on to Valinor. I’ve a few aces left up my sleeve. Also, even if your firm gets the horse farm, Thor’s Thunder won’t be a part of it. He’s mine. I bought him with my own money. He doesn’t go with Valinor. Besides, if I put him on the market, his price tag would be pretty steep.”
“I can believe it. And he’d be worth every penny. Again, name your price. Whatever it is, I’ll meet it,” Jago said determinedly. “Consider—if you sell him for his pretty price tag—that would be a nice drop in the bucket to fight Trident.”
“You do play hardball, don’t you?” Liam arched a brow. “For a man just passing through you are collecting a lot of ‘toys.’ Now you want my horse.”
Jago placed both of his arms on the upper rail of the fence and settled his chin on his hands, watching the stud. His glance flicked to Asha and Netta coming out the front door of the house. “A man is only passing through when he doesn’t know where he’s headed.”
“And do you know where you’re headed?” Liam pressed.
Jago hesitated. He’d only known Asha for a few days, and he never acted rashly. He was the cautious Mershan, the quiet twin, the one who was content to watch his two nearly overpowering brothers—men who thought they could remake the world according to their wishes. It was sitting hard on his conscience that their plans would cause a backlash on Asha, Liam and their siblings. At times, the pain of the past overwhelmed Jago, so he could only imagine how deeply it had scarred Des who’d suffered most, and understood what drove him. He loved his brother. Yet, none of that would stop him from claiming Asha.
“I know where I’ve been. I’m not happy there,” Jago admitted with resolve, with sadness. “And only a fool doesn’t see what is before his face.”
Asha came up and patted What’s His Name, and then glanced to the horse. “Isn’t the stallion gorgeous?”
“He is indeed. That’s why I’m buying him.”
Surprise lit her face. “His sire is one from the line of hunters bred on Falgannon Isle by the Mackenzie twins. I hadn’t realized Liam was selling him. Thor’s Thunder is his pride and joy.”
“My pride and joy now.” Jago flashed a devilish smile. “I’m buying him.”
Asha glanced to her brother. “I didn’t know you were putting him on the market.” It was more of a question than a statement.
Liam shrugged, and gave her a secretive smirk. “I haven’t said I would.”
Jago’s smile spread wider. “You will.”
Asha took off in a jog, calling over her shoulder, “Wait ’til you see my baby. He’s all mine. And you can’t buy him.”
Jago watched that cute little derrière bounce in her snug jeans as she trotted to the barn to fetch her horse. He grinned and petted the cat. “I won’t have to,” he said under his breath. “He’ll be mine, too, when I marry you.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Asha glanced over at Jago by the edge of the barn’s hayloft. The tall, double doors were wide open, permitting him to stare out at the gentle, late-afternoon rain. His elbow was propped against the doorframe, as his eyes skimmed over the rolling scenery of the countryside. One of the most beautiful times of the year for the state, vivid autumnal hues kissed the panoramic view of Valinor’s perfection, breathtaking in the falling mist. When the sun punched holes through the clouds, a rainbow magically arched over the barn. Kentucky certainly was putting on an awe-inspiring show for Jago Fitzgerald.
Even so, Asha wasn’t sure he truly