And perhaps a sugar cube.” Liam led the lathered mare away to her stall, calling behind him, “Tell His Grace I’ll look after Lucifer when I’m done with this lovely. Winners first!”

Jessie laughed, startled when she heard a soft laugh behind her. She whirled around to see Gabriel leading Lucifer into the stable.

“Well won, Your Ladyship.”

Jessie frowned. “Why did you let me win?” She kept her voice low so Liam didn’t hear her. He didn’t like when she and Gabriel argued, and she couldn’t imagine how difficult it made his job, handling both of them when they sniped at one another.

“I thought that’s obvious, love. Ladies finish first.”

Jessie fled, Gabriel’s taunt ringing in her ears as her face flamed. She could hear him laughing as she ran toward the house, intending to have a quick shower before supper. At the very least, she figured, she could do something with her hair. Jessie refused to consider why she suddenly wanted to look pretty, instead anticipating whatever delight Liam had cooked.

Chapter 6

Gabriel was still laughing softly as he guided Lucifer into a stall. Lady Jessamy was a real pleasure to tease, and his mind wandered as he thought of all the ways he wanted to tease her. His thoughts were brought up short, however, by the heavy fall of a boot behind him. Gabriel turned to see Liam and smiled as he greeted his handler.

“How are you, Liam?”

“Well, Your Grace.” Liam looked unhappy. “Why did she run away from you?”

Gabriel turned back to Lucifer, pouring him oats before giving him a sugar cube. “Lady Jessamy doesn’t seem to appreciate my sense of humor.”

“I will’na let you hurt her.” Liam’s voice had hardened, his accent thickening in his seriousness, and Gabriel turned to him in surprise. Liam hadn’t ever spoken to him like that before. Interesting.

Gabriel waited, his dark eyes going glacial and his eyebrow arching as he stared Liam down. Liam looked back at him, and Gabriel was impressed. Few could hold his gaze for that long. He was obviously serious about protecting Lady Jessamy, and Gabriel could respect that.

“I will’na let it happen.” Liam was glaring now, his jaw set and his fists clenched. Very interesting.

Gabriel stilled, curious to see where this would go. “My silence didn’t indicate an intention to hurt Lady Jessamy, Liam. I was simply waiting for you to finish your sentence.”

Liam flushed. “Your Grace.” Liam’s eyes slid away from his as he added the respectful title, and Gabriel felt his cock respond.

How lucky could I be? Two submissives, both within my reach? How haven’t I noticed Liam’s nature before? He walked to Liam, wanting to test his theory. He cupped the back of the blond man’s neck, forcing his gaze up once more. “I have no intentions to hurt her. But tell me, why are you so protective of your employer?”

Liam smiled timidly, making Gabriel’s breath catch. Those dimples were deadly. “Technically, Your Grace, she’s not my employer. And I’m protective because she’s...special to me.”

None of what Liam said was lost on Gabriel. “That’s right, Liam, I’m your boss. Don’t you forget that. And she’s special to me as well.” He released his hold on Liam, dangerously close to doing something that could backfire on him in a million ways.