Chapter 6

Bianca’s POV

“This is ridiculous.” I sighed looking at the car parking in front of the front doors.

“Miss these are the boss’s orders.” Clara said and I rolled my eyes.

Dad planned a date for Matteo and me. I hate that he is pressuring me, but Matteo’s father is a well know man in the mafia.

Although I know Rafael Ricci’s true intention in making me marry his son, my dad is adamant on this bond. I talked to him millions of times but he won’t change his mind.

At least I am going horse riding with him. Something I love to do. Dad knew that, the reason why he planned this day.

“Okay I will go down now.” I told her and left my room to greet Matteo.

“You look beautiful.” Matteo said as soon as he saw me. I rolled my eyes at him and nodded.

These are his stunts. Always trying to sweet talk to me. He doesn’t know that I am not that kind of girl. I won’t swoon at his feet.

“Enjoy your day.” Dad said and I tried to smile at him.

“Let’s go.” Matteo extended his hand and I ignored him again.

He won’t take the hint to leave me alone no matter how many times I reject him.

“Isn’t Alessandro coming with us?” I asked dad.

“I thought you hated him following you around.” Dad said.

I do. But I prefer him being with Matteo and me. I don’t trust Matteo to be honest. And we will be alone together which makes me gag.

“I do.” I shrugged because if I showed dad that I want him he will be satisfied.

“Matteo can take care of you.” I nodded and followed him to his car.

We got in and he turned the car on.

“I really don’t know why you hate me.” Matteo said.

“I don’t hate you. I just don’t want to marry you.” I replied looking outside the window.

“I am not that bad.” He winked and smiled.

“I saw you at the banquet flirting with Camilla.” I sneered and he turned red with anger.

“I tried to make you jealous.” He gritted out.

I laughed internally and stopped myself from mocking him. My dad would be furious.

Finally we arrived at our destination. My dad owns a small forest, where we keep our horses and stable.

Christofer greeted us as soon as we parked the car.

“Miss Bianca. It’s been a while.” He smiled at me. I smiled back, as I’ve known Christofer since he was a baby. He was the son of the old couple who takes care of the stable.

“Hello Chris.” I hugged him. He was like a little brother.

“You must be Matteo.” Chris extended his hand towards Matteo, but he ignored him.

“Is my horse ready?” I asked him to break the ice.

“Yes miss.” He replied excitedly.

I followed him, and looked back to see a frown on Matteo’s face. Such a satisfaction to see that look on his face.

We arrived at the stable, where Luna was standing proudly. My beautiful horse.

I bought her with the money I had and surprised dad with her. At first he didn’t like the idea of me having a horse, but he got over it with time.

I made sure the saddle and girth are secured, and I adjusted the stirrups. I mount on the horse and held the reins in my left hand. I put my left leg on the on the stirrup and swung my right foot over Luna’s back. I gently lowered myself into the saddle.

I didn’t look back as Luna took off. The wind rushed past my face, tangling itself in my hair as I pressed my heels lightly against Luna’s sides. She responded instantly, her muscles tensing beneath me before she surged forward. The rhythmic thud of her hooves against the dirt is a steady drumbeat, matching the pounding in my chest.

I laugh, pure unrestrained joy bursting from me. Out here there is no weight of expectation, no boundaries. Just the wild freedom of speed, the deep trust between us. I loosen the reins slightly, giving her the space she craves. She responded with an exhilarating burst of power.

“We flew tonight.” I whispered, my voice lost in the whispering wind. She flicks an ear back as if to answer, and I smile, knowing she felt it too.

“Enjoying yourself?” I heard a gruff voice from next to me and I whipped my head.

“What are you doing here?” I asked Alessandro who was riding a brown horse.

“Turned out your date was too scared to ride a horse.” He sneered.

“Thanks god.” I replied aa I slowed Luna down.

We stopped next to the small lake and I got down to let Luna rest for a bit.

“Bodyguard duties?” I asked him.

“No.” He replied.

I furrowed my brows, and I knew my dad didn’t send him obviously.

“How did you know where I am?”

“It’s not hard to know things, princess.” He got off his horse.

Luna and Alessandro’s horse snuggled and I looked at them in awe.

“I thought you knew that I hate being followed.” I rolled my eyes.

He didn’t reply patting his horse.

He was dressed in full black, with boots. Unlike Matteo he looked handsome. Now I was comparing them which is something bad. I shouldn’t see him like this. He is only my bodyguard, who I am trying to get rid of.

I sat down in front of the lake catching my breath. He stayed standing a couple of meters away, observing our surroundings.

A couple of minutes later, Matteo came running, he was out of breath. He stopped when he saw Alessandro and didn’t hide his disdain.

“What brought you here?” He snapped.

Alessandro didn’t give him attention and that made Matteo angrier.

“Someone has to look after her, and that’s me.” Matteo hissed and walked towards me.