Free More Than Scars by Sarah Brocious

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.