Dark Splendor by Andrea Parnell Page B

that
brought a fluttering sensation just below her rib cage.
    She had forgotten the horses, and cried out
in surprise when the mare gave her a strong nudge to the shoulder,
nearly knocking her off her feet. Awkwardly Silvia caught her
balance and straightened her cap.
    “Easy, girl,” she cooed, turning back to the
mare.
    Roman laughed. “Like a woman, she insists on
having her way.”
    He stretched out his hand to tangle his
fingers in the mare’s mane and to scratch the animal between her
ears. The little mare docilely lowered her head and snorted her
enjoyment.
    “Her name is Cricket, for the fancy way she
walks.” He drew his hand away and Cricket lifted her head, rolling
her lips back to show rows of broad teeth. “Martha’s trained her to
the sidesaddle, but she’s mine and...”
    “Spoiled,” Silvia said, stroking the mare’s
nose again. She tilted her head to one side and peered at Roman as
she adjusted her cap once more.
    “I suppose it helps sometimes to spoil a
woman,” he drawled. He had taken a wide-legged stance and locked
his hands behind his back, his eyes growing lively with mischief.
“Especially one who can give you as much pleasure as this little
lady.”
    Silvia’s cheeks reddened. Roman Toller was
devastatingly handsome and suddenly she wanted to thrash the
arrogance out of him. Blood pulsing hotly, she clutched at the
riding crop in her hand, her knuckles whitening under the strain.
If only she didn’t blush so easily and give away her emotions, she
could pretend to be as cool as he and act as if he did not disturb
her. But there was no way to conceal her heightened emotions or the
little quiver in her lips that hinted of anger.
    “Shall we ride?” Silvia, at a loss for words
to bring him up short, made a pretense of inspecting the saddle and
checking the stirrup.
    “You do ride, I presume.”
    “Yes, well enough, though not for some
time.”
    He looked at her critically, amusement
showing in his face.
    You need not worry. I am safe enough in the
saddle,” she added, keeping her face composed as the little flutter
again started in her stomach.
    He had come alongside her and stood
extremely close. They were positioned between the horses, and the
smell of the animals coupled with the oiled leather of the tack was
strong but not unpleasant. The roan lifted a rear hoof and stomped
it to the ground impatiently, raising a little gray cloud of dust
at their feet.
    “Easy now, Trader.” Roman turned to stroke
the big gelding’s neck beneath his mane.
    “He’s a fine animal,” Silvia said, noting
Trader’s long legs and powerful flanks. The gelding had a white
star on his forehead and proud flaring nostrils. He looked as if he
could best the wind in a match.
    “He hates being tied up, likes his freedom.
That’s why his stall is always open to the paddock, so he can run
free when he’s ready.” Roman slapped the horse playfully on his
withers, then rubbed his hands clean on his breeches.
    “Like a man,” Silvia said impishly, her
voice crisp and clear. “Free to run and roam where he will, and
always an open door when he’s ready to come home.” She smiled
smugly.
    “And a warm bed,” he added mockingly, facing
her again, a bewitching smile playing at his lips. “A warm bed and
an open door. What more could a man want?”
    He laughed and gave a curt nod. A devilish
light flashed in his eyes. His hands went out to circle Silvia’s
waist and she could feel the heat from his palms penetrating her
clothes. He was toying with her again. Challenging and knowing she
would not match his boldness. She flung her hands out to push at
his chest, but he lifted her quickly, holding her off the ground
with her face dangerously close to his.
    She saw his lips part, saw the little tug at
the corner of his mouth that turned to a satanic smile as it
spread. His eyelids flickered lazily as he drew her closer until
the swell of her breasts touched his chest. Her senses were dancing
to life and