More than Scars

by Brocious, Sarah

  “Maybe I will be able to provide you a little fun outside of the child’s play.”

  I blushed.

  “I heard you like to ride?”

  I blushed again, and nodded.

  ”My groomsman is amazing at matching up rider and horse. Tomorrow, Mary will care for the girl’s breakfast. I want you to go to the stable and meet with Jack.”

  I leaned toward him without thought, waiting for his next words.

  “Jack said you were able to win Zosimo over?”

  I smiled. “Yes, he took to me.”

  Liam laughed. “That is amazing!”

  I gave a shrug.

  “Do you wish to ride him?”

  My mouth dropped open. “I would love that!”

  I sensed his smile. “Only one person has been able to do so….me. In fact, I feed him, exercise him, clean him…Jack can only get within feet! “He rested a hand on my shoulder. “I trust he will allow you the same,” he whispered. “He knows.”

  I bit the inside of my cheek. “Knows what?”

  His hand squeezed gently. “That we have been through much of the same. He can trust you…as he trusts me.”

  My heart pounded harder.

  He chuckled again. “Yes, I will give Jack permission to allow you with him. You can saddle a horse?”

  “Most definitely,” I breathed.

  “You will have to…Jack won’t be able too.”

  I smiled. “Zosimo will be putty in my hands.”

  The warm hand on my shoulder trailed the length of my arm, and as it reached my hand, he squeezed my fingers. “You will do well. Goodnight Miss Meadows.”

  I nodded. “Goodnight Mr Byrne.”

  I felt him near me. His warm breath brushed my hair. “Thank you for caring for me tonight. Forgive my slip of the tongue.” His fingers tensed over mine again, and then were lifted to his lips. “I will not make that mistake again.” His warm mouth pressed to the back of my fingers, and he was gone. He left me thoughtless, breathless, and wanting.

  Chapter 5 Brotherly Love

  The next morning I nearly skipped to the stables. I was truly excited about getting up on a horse again. It was chilly, but the warm coat about me kept out most of it.

  I offered Jack a smile, when I entered, and he returned one.

  “First time it’s not the Boss I’m greeting straight away in the morning!”

  I beamed. “And I get to ride Zosimo?”

  Jack hesitated. “Well, there has been a change in the plans.”

  I frowned.

  “Yes, you will ride today, just not Zosimo.”

  My brow furrowed. “But Mr Byrne said…”

  “I changed his mind for him.”

  I spun about at the unfamiliar voice.

  “I’ll excuse myself,” Jack muttered, backing away.

  “Hello Miss Meadows. It’s nice we finally meet! I’ve heard much about you.”

  I tilted my head at the new comer. He was dressed in riding gear. He was tall, not nearly as tall as Liam, but definitely imposing. He had dark hair, stunning blue eyes, and a face that should be in a magazine. I knew in an instant who this was when he smiled. It was a smile I’d seen before, on an un-marred Liam Byrne. This would be Ian.

  “Hello Ian.”

  His eyes registered shock. “How did you…”

  “Same way you knew me. I’ve heard about you too. It’s nice to meet you.” I stepped forward, offering my hand.

  He took it in his in a warm squeeze. The beautiful smile reappeared. It was quite a smile.

  “No wonder my brother has kept you from me!” His voice dipped low with appreciation.

  I blushed, and turned about, deciding to ignore the compliment. I began walking toward where I knew Zosimo to be. I felt acute disappointment that I would not be riding him. “What did you mean when you said you changed his mind for him?” I threw this over my shoulder when I sensed Ian was following.

  “We spoke last night. I may have said a few things that gave him second thoughts.”

  “Such as?”

  “Well, like, Zosimo is a man’s horse! Just look at you…all of five foot naught, and you expect to handle a horse over sixteen hands tall?”

  I rolled my eyes. “It’s not the size of the rider, it’s the trust between man and beast,” I argued.

  Ian chuckled, shaking his head. “Yes, Ian said much the same. So I may have said something else to sway him.”

  I reached Zosimo who whickered out a greeting, and dipped his head at me. I rubbed the great face, buried my own against the muscular neck. “Morning Lamb,” I whispered. I noted that Ian kept his distance. I could not see how anyone could fear this beautiful creature. “So what did you say to ruin my ride?” I turned accusing green eyes to Ian, who was simply staring in amazement, as the horse nuzzled at my coat.

  He smiled. “Simply that Zosimo is a one person horse. If he allows you to ride he will lose him.”

  It was my turn to smile. “You have a point. I’d steal you in an instant, “I whispered, teasingly.

  “It looks like he would go willingly. Honestly, Nerissa Meadows you being near him is nothing short of a miracle.”

  I laughed at this silly comment. “What does that mean? I really can’t believe this gentle giant could harm a soul.”

  Ian’s blues danced a bit. “Oh really?” He took a purposeful step toward me, and to my amazement, Zosimo turned toward him, and barred his teeth, clipping them in his direction.

  The horse turned back to me, swiping his massive head up against me, as if to push me away from the encroacher. I laughed in shock.

  Ian took another step and Zosimo vocalized deep in his throat and stamped a hoof in warning.

  “Okay,” I laughed. “Okay I get it!” I patted the horse’s neck. “So, what are you doing here this morning?”

  Ian leaned against a stall, far enough away to suit Zosimo’s temperament. “Liam never allows anyone to ride alone,” he began. “He called me last night and asked if I would ride with you.”

  “But he said Jack…”

  “Let me rephrase,” Ian murmured softly. “He called me last night and mentioned you and…Zosinstein.” He glared at the beast. “He said Jack would go with you, but I insisted I needed to meet you. After all, they are my nieces you are watching after. And I am jealous over those girls.”

  I smiled. “Well, I would be honored, as long as it’s with his blessing.” I stepped away from Zosimo who protested.

  “It is, I promise, and I’m glad he agreed.” He began leading me with just a tilt of his head. He stopped by a stall and smiled. “I think Jack said Baxter would be a good match for you.”

  Baxter was beautiful with his warm brown eyes, and gentle demeanor.

  “Don’t let his gentleness fool you. He’s a runner. He can really fly.” Jack was at my elbow now.

  I glanced back toward Zosimo. “How will Zosimo get his exercise today?”

  “Boss will be here. He would never leave his horse without care.” He gave a nod. “Better get his saddle ready. “He’ll be in a hurry because of the late start today.”

  I noted the sun was almost over the horizon. I felt bad that I may have caused his changed plans. He probably could have come when I did. Did he wait in hopes I would not be here when he arrived? I shook off the thought.

  “What about his trips?” I shrugged petting Baxter. “What do you do when he’s gone? Obviously no one else can ride him.”

  Ian snickered. “My brother does not take trips. The days he has been unable to see Zosinstein…he’s let out the back. There’s a door to the back of his stall he can be released through. It leads to a fenced in meadow. He can get out and run.”

  I frowned at the first part of his remark. “Never takes trips?”

  Ian nodded. “Not since before.” He gave me a glance to be sure I knew what he meant by before. “Now he keeps to the grounds.”

  “It’s sad,” I whispered.

  “He’s punishing himself,”
Ian said softly. “For things he could not help.”

  I worried my lip, and shook my head. I wondered if it would be okay to ask Ian questions. Could I trust him? To know Liam’s story…the full story was all I wanted.

  “Morning brother,” Ian suddenly called out.

  I ducked my head immediately, focusing on the animal before me.

  “Oh don’t tell me you have Nerissa bowing to you as well?” Ian teased

  “I thought you both would be gone.” Liam’s voice washed over me. It was soft, gruff… the voice of an angel.

  “Such a shame! Never saw such pretty green eyes brother. You are missing out,” Ian continued, unashamed.

  I blushed.

  “I’ll take your word for it,” Liam muttered.

  Zosimo whinnied for his master, and it made me smile. It was definitely a more enthusiastic greeting than I had received.

  Jack greeted his boss, as he brought forth one massive saddle. I heard Liam greet him kindly and thank him.

  I know it should seem odd to have a beautifully handsome man before you, and you sense the one across the room from you…who you’ve never technically seen. But it was like that. I listened to Liam’s actions, imagining him hefting the great saddle up with ease. He wouldn’t need a stool as I would have. I heard the stretch of leather, as he buckled the bridle, the firm pats he gave the beast, and the soft whispers of encouragement. My stomach ached to actually witness with my eyes.

  “So,” Ian turned to me, breaking into my thoughts. “You will ride Baxter. I will ride Cocoa Princess.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh at this. “Who?”

  “Yeah, he’s a good horse.”

  My mouth dropped. “He? Let me guess…Amelia named him?”

  Ian laughed. “You guessed it. He’s a beaut though. I’ll go get him, we’ll saddle up.” He paused, noting my fertive glance in Zosimo’s direction. “But first, I think my brother should witness something first hand.” He grasped my hand, and tugged me behind him, crossing the stable.

  I opened my mouth to protest, but we were moving already, his fingers firm about mine. I kept my eyes low, and ran into Ian’s back, as he stopped short. Zosimo snorted a warning.

  “Step back brother, and let me prove my point.”

  I studied Liam’s riding boots, watching him step away slowly.

  “Go on Nerissa. Work your magic.”

  I looked up into Zosimo’s brown eyes and smiled. He in returned bobbed his head in pleasure. Without fear, I approached him. The warm velvet of his muzzle teased my fingers, and I stroked his face. “I really would like to take you out…at least once in my lifetime I murmured to him.” I would have rode you well.”

  “Indeed,” Ian teased, and I blushed.

  I heard a low growl to my right. It was Liam and he seemed to be sending the growl in the direction of his brother.

  “It’s quite a sight, hmm brother? I never thought I’d ever seen Zosinstein respond to anyone but you.”

  “It is amazing,” Liam agreed gently. “And its Zosimo.” There was warning in his voice.

  Ian simply chuckled.

  I ignored them, scratching Zosimo’s ears. “You named him survivor,” I whispered. “Why?”

  Liam moved toward me, I heard him, I sensed him. He was right behind me. His hand touched Zosimo’s neck tenderly. “Because that’s what he is.”

  I too petted the great neck. “Like his master?” I watched the scarred hand softly feather over the black velvet. “That is why he responds to you. He senses the survivor in you.”

  Liam chuckled, and I felt his warmth close to me. I wanted to peek over my shoulder, to see the smile he must have after such a chuckle. “It must be why he accepts you too.”

  I blushed.

  “I helped when his mother was giving birth. He was not coming out easily. His mother Athena barely made it through. We pulled him out…but weren’t certain we were in time. He was so scrawny, and barely moved. I didn’t think he would make it to the morning. I went to check on him, hours after, and even Athena had stepped away from him. She was not acting like a new mom should. I assumed the worse.”

  I bit my lip, pressing my forehead against the horse.

  “I didn’t want Jade to see the dead colt, so I stepped in, ready to dispose of him. He wasn’t moving. I certainly was sad. I knelt down, picked the little still thing up, and he bashed my chin, as his head reared up!” He laughed. I fell back in the hay in shock, and just laid there, holding him, as his breathing grew stronger, and his body started shaking with life. He has been mine ever since, and no one elses.” He drew in a breath. “But I fear I may now have competition.”

  I smiled. “I am still trying to get over the thought of you being able to hold him.” I stared up at the pleased horse, as we both stroked him. “I like that he accepts me. I’m not happy you changed your mind. I would like the chance to one day ride him.”

  “You will,” Liam whispered. “I have seen how he is with you. He would never throw you. I’ve never seen him this gentle…even with me.”

  As if of que, Zosimo nuzzled my coat again.

  Ian, completely forgotten, cleared his throat. “Yeah, about that ride…”

  My cheeks flamed, and I heard Liam clear his throat. He also stepped away from me. “I should set out. I have work to get done today.”

  I turned, with a lowered head. “I’m sorry. I’ve kept you again.” I pulled my eyes up to the front of the brown leather coat he wore, and watched him pull on his riding gloves.

  “You’ve grown pretty talented at distracting me Miss Meadows,” he teased gently.

  My stomach flipped pleasingly. I stepped back toward Ian, as Liam pulled the stall open. He lead Zosimo out easily.

  “Have a nice ride brother,” Ian called out.

  “Keep her safe brother,” Liam answered back.

  Ian snickered.

  I leaned against the stall, and watched Liam’s retreat. He was quite the sight, walking along side his stead. My eyes followed him just out the door, where he paused, and then elegantly swung up into his saddle. It was too elegant of a motion for someone so large. He looked like perfection. The great beast balanced out his rider. Both had broad shoulders, great height, beautiful dark manes. I bit my lip, feeling warmth over the sight. “Ian, how tall is Liam?” I blinked, then sputtered over my words. “I mean Mr Byrne!!”

  Ian chuckled. “I don’t know…about six four.”

  I heard the humor in his voice and it made my cheeks warm. I pulled my gaze with great difficulty from my employer’s retreat. Ian Byrne was looking at me with curious blue eyes. One of his dark brows lifted.

  “What kind of question is that?”

  I shrugged. “Curiosity.”

  “Measuring my brother up?”

  “No.” I shook my head and turned quickly to Baxter.

  “Just so you know…Nerissa…my brother and I may not always get along but I am very protective of him and his girls.”

  I felt him lean next to the gate next to me.

  “Then you have nothing to fear from me.” I wondered if my voice sounded shaky? “I happen to be very fond of the girls.”

  “And my brother?”

  “I barely know him.”

  Ian smiled when I looked up into his too handsome face. “You will get to know him. I’m sure of this.” He gave a nod.

  “Maybe you can help me a little with some of the mystery?” I am sure my eyes were full of hope!

  He gave a shrug. “Maybe. But I did just meet you Missy. Give me an hour or so,” he teased and then went to go saddle up his own horse.

  We were soon out on a trail that looked to be well used.

  “I’m taking the easy route,” Ian spoke up. “This is usually the way Liam takes the girls. It’s safer. He’s all about safe with them…as you have probably learned. He would have taken that way.” He nodded toward a road less traveled. “Zosinstein loves a good romp. That horse has more energy than a beast has a right to.” He shook
his head.

  I peeked over at him and had to agree. It was a magnificent trait on the beast. I could still feel the bite of jealousy. I so wanted to be riding that horse right now. My eyes followed the trail that Ian had indicated.

  “You want to go that way don’t you?” he chuckled.

  My gaze snapped back to his and my cheeks warmed.

  “We could.”

  I bit my lip. We would never catch him. And if we did…what then? I wouldn’t even be able to look at him. Being on level like this on a horse…the temptation would be great! “Maybe next time?” I shrugged. “Let’s take the leisurely route this time. It’s easier to talk when we are not worried about breaking our necks!”

  Blue eyes danced and he lifted a shoulder.

  We had ridden a mile or so when he cleared his throat.

  “So what is your first question?”

  My surprised laugh had him smiling. ”What?”

  “I’m sure after your time in my brother’s home you have a list of questions Nerissa…a mile or so long?”

  “You invited yourself on this ride Ian,” I reminded him. “I was not fishing for answers!”

  He gave a nod and sat straighter. “Maybe I’m liking you and I’m taking your hook without the bait.” He rolled his shoulders. “Besides, you seem to be sticking with the girls and knowing about this family can assist you in caring for them. I’m not going to dig into my brother’s business but I will shine a bit of light on the situation…best I can.”

  I chewed on my lip and thought this over.

  “I’ve already heard about your brother the cop…and the background check. I know you know a bit.” His eyes gentled. “But not all. You have a decent protective family from what I hear.” He smiled. “I will respect that and my brother’s privacy.”

  I frowned. “Well, if you know that…then you will know what happened to me?”

  He gave a nod. “I will respect your privacy too. I won’t speak of it unless you want to.”

  I bit back against the argument. I hated that no one wanted to tell me Liam’s side. But I guess it was only right that he tell his own story if that came up. “You will answer my questions then?”