Chapter 500

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the equestrian grounds as Olivia Sinclair adjusted her riding gloves. Though everyone knew Liam Blackwood was a powerful man, Alexander Montgomery saw no reason to show him courtesy when he approached with such arrogant strides. Alexander moved instinctively to shield Olivia, fearing she might be trapped in an awkward situation.

To his astonishment, Liam stepped directly in front of Olivia, his masked face tilting slightly. "Did I startle you?" His voice carried an unexpected gentleness that made Alexander's protective instincts flare.

Though the mask concealed Liam's expression, the tension in his posture and the careful modulation of his voice betrayed his feelings. Alexander's initial shock quickly turned to alarm.

Olivia understood Liam's game immediately. Annoyance warred with reluctant amusement as she snapped, "Mr. Blackwood, must you ask such obvious questions? Of course you frightened me."

Gasps rippled through the spectators. No one had ever dared speak to the infamous Mr. Blackwood with such impertinence. Yet instead of anger, his response was almost... tender.

"I noticed your discomfort earlier," Liam murmured, ignoring the audience. "That docile pony you were riding isn't worthy of you. Try my stallion instead." He gestured to the magnificent black thoroughbred pawing the ground behind him.

Despite her irritation, Olivia couldn't help admiring the powerful animal. As she hesitated, Alexander stepped forward with a diplomat's smile.

"Mr. Blackwood, Miss Sinclair isn't an experienced rider. Such a spirited mount might prove too challenging."

The subtle barb in Alexander's words wasn't lost on anyone. Liam's eyes crinkled with amusement behind his mask.

"Precisely why she should try. What's the fun in conquering creatures already broken to saddle?" He turned to Olivia with a conspiratorial wink. "Your choice - ride with me, or stay with him."

Olivia clenched her jaw. Liam had an uncanny ability to back her into corners.

Alexander moved closer, his whisper urgent. "I don't know how you know him, but he's dangerous. He clearly has—"

Liam didn't let him finish. With one smooth motion, he swept Olivia away. The usually composed Alexander flushed with rare anger, yet could do nothing - he and Olivia were merely friends after all.

Throwing Alexander an apologetic glance, Olivia found herself lifted effortlessly onto the massive stallion. Her irritation flared anew as the restless animal shifted beneath her.

Then warm arms encircled her, that familiar cedar-and-spice scent enveloping her senses. Against her will, some of the tension left her shoulders.

"You promised not to embarrass me," she hissed over her shoulder. "Breaking your word already?"

Liam's chuckle vibrated against her back. "On the contrary, darling. I'm keeping my hospital promise by checking on you. I wouldn't have intervened if Montgomery hadn't been pressuring you."

Olivia pursed her lips. "I'm not interested in Alexander. Don't flatter yourself. Men like him are too absorbed in their jeweled world to understand romance."

The stallion shifted impatiently as Liam tightened his grip on the reins, his breath warm against Olivia's ear. "Then prove it," he challenged. "Let's show them what real riding looks like."

Before she could protest, Liam urged the stallion forward, leaving Alexander staring after them, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The spectators' murmurs faded behind them as horse and riders disappeared down the wooded trail, swallowed by the golden afternoon light.