Free More Than Scars by Sarah Brocious Page A

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