The next day, we went to Ashford Equestrian Club together. Gerald chose the black stallion, broad and gleaming, and patted its flank with undisguised excitement. "Good wide back," he said. "Plenty of room to work with."
I changed into the outfit he'd picked out for me, a schoolgirl-style outfit, nothing underneath, two acupuncture needles tucked out of sight. When Gerald saw me, his eyes lit up. He swallowed, his large hands closing around my waist, and lifted me onto the horse with barely restrained eagerness.
Luca stood a short distance away, watching me. I gave a small nod. His eyes reddened. He raised one hand in a brief gesture, turned, and walked away.
Gerald swung up behind me, pressing close, his whole body radiating heat, his breath already coming fast and shallow. I could feel
