Chapter 14 - Vivian

I never considered how much things between me and Ari would improve by simply giving in, by dropping those defensive walls and admitting what we were both thinking.

To my surprise, I was still riding that high of knowing we had sex, and how it changed my perception of almost everything. Not only was he a god physically, but he had changed his tune, too, and everything between us shifted.

As satisfied and relieved as I felt to get that tension behind us, I was still battling the confusion clouding my mind. I couldn't understand why I enjoyed it so much, or how I let it happen in the first place. While he made my heart feel lighter and full of unfamiliar hope, I still didn't know what to think.

My control and willingness to resist him were slipping, and I had no idea how to get it back again.

Worst of all, I didn't know if I even wanted to fight him anymore. It was hard to want to after he had been kinder and more understanding of my feelings.

On top of everything, I had no idea where Ari was taking us as I sat in the passenger seat while he drove. The radio played quietly, and he seemingly knew where he was going without letting me in on that information.

I assumed we were going to see his family until we were somewhere more remote, leaving the city for the countryside. While it wasn't too far, it was a change from what we were used to, and soon enough, long stretches of farmland appeared all around us.

I was somewhat unsettled the farther we went, at a complete loss for where we were until he turned into a long lane.

Ogling out the window, I took in the stretch of pastures, where horses grazed in the gentle winds. Up ahead, there was a huge stable with red siding, along with both an indoor and outdoor riding ring. The property looked immaculate and like any horse lover's dream.

I looked at Ari in complete disbelief as the realization set in.

He took what I said to heart, and surely this was how we were going to spend the day together. That swell of emotions was almost impossible to hold back as he gave me a knowing smile and killed the engine before popping the door open.

"Come on," he said simply, gesturing with his head for me to do the same. "Let's have a look."

As my heart kickstarted again, I undid my seatbelt and followed.

The moment the fresh country air hit me, I felt like I was back at the old stables. Like I was in my favorite comfort place, and I never had to worry about anything while I was there.

"Is this what we're doing?" I asked, falling into step with him as he guided me toward the nearest field. "Going riding?"

Ari could barely hold back his smug grin as he placed a hand against the small of my back and guided me closer to some of the horses. "Sure. Whatever you want."

A bay mare with a white blaze on her face approached us curiously as she chewed on a mouthful of grass, tail swishing the flies away from her.

Holding a hand out, I could've died right there as she blew warm air against my palm before letting me stroke her soft muzzle.

"She's beautiful," I said, in complete awe of her and all the others grazing in the distance. We managed to catch the attention of some in the back, and a few more headed in our direction.

"I'm glad you like her," Ari said, still smirking. "You'll be able to visit as often as you like, so long as you have a driver."

As nice as it sounded, I couldn't help my confusion. "Are you sure? Wouldn't it bother the owners?"

"Not at all," he replied, unable to hold back his smugness as his dimples showed themselves. "We are the owners."

Hardly able to process his words, I blinked back at him in complete shock. "What?"

Chuckling again, Ari nodded. "You heard me. Every horse and building on this property is yours. The farmhands have already been hired to take care of things when you're not here, so you can swing by and ride or just visit with them whenever you want."

As if those words melted what remained of my resistance, a new kind of warmth ran through me. That sheer happiness settled on my shoulders, and every bit of me was singing from how incredibly nice the gesture was.

I didn't take Ari for a thoughtful man before, but he was certainly proving me wrong.

As that joy overtook me, I pressed myself against him and wrapped my arms around his midsection.

"Thank you, Ari," I said, just above a whisper as I fought back the fresh emotions making my nose sting. "This is more than I could've asked for."

"It's my pleasure," he hummed, returning the embrace with more warmth than I expected. When he pulled back, I took in his pleased smile as he kept his arm around my shoulder, surrounding me with that new comfort. "There should be more than enough tack for you in the stable. We can get one of these guys prepped now if you want."

Grinning at him, I nodded. My heart could barely handle the combination of how handsome and at ease he looked doing something so generous for me, and knowing he trusted me enough to let me go without him if I wanted.

Together, we got ready in the stable as I sifted through the brand-new tack like a kid on Christmas morning, then walked the bay mare inside to put everything on her.

Ari watched as I handled it myself since I was used to going through the motions at the stable I used to visit. Once everything was done, I led her to the outdoor riding ring and climbed into the saddle.

The mare had the perfect temperament as I used the reins, giving her commands to test her skills. She did everything I asked of her, and it made me wonder how everything in Ari's impromptu plan managed to work out so well.

I could only imagine that power and influence did a whole lot for him, and it certainly seemed to work in my favor now, too.

Even if my dad had money and tended to flex it whenever he wanted, I knew his wealth paled in comparison to the Levovs. An entire stable with horses, farmhands, and all the fixings likely didn't make a dent.

Overjoyed as I did laps around the riding ring with the mare, getting a taste of that familiar feeling I loved so much, I felt completely at peace. I was comfortable and at home in the saddle, even if the horse was new to me.

Everything about it brought me a sense of security that made everything else feel easier to bear. Like I had been given the tools I needed to feel better about my new life.

Ari watched all the while as he leaned against the wooden fence perimeter, certainly proud of himself for how much of a hit it was. He seemed almost impressed by how quickly I got into the swing of things.

Eventually, I slowed the mare to a stop in front of where he stood. "It feels like it's been ages since I rode last."

"You're a natural," he complimented me, reaching out to give the horse a scratch on the nose. "You look regal up there."

My cheeks warmed as I brushed him off bashfully. "If only you had seen me in my showing uniform."

He cocked a brow at that, clearly interested. "Consider me intrigued."

Smiling, I swung a leg around and slid out of the saddle, noticing that familiar ache in my thighs again. "Want to give it a try?"

As I walked around to face him, Ari shook his head. "That's alright. I don't mind staying on the ground."

I couldn't help but find his sheepishness funny as he obviously wasn't fond of the idea, but at the same time, I wanted to see him out of his element for once.

"Come on, just a lap? She's sound, I promise," I encouraged him, reaching out for his hand.

Ari watched as I twined our fingers together, and I noted how he seemed to relax at the touch. For a moment, he looked like the gentle version of himself again—vulnerable and without that usual cold edge of his.

It was strange seeing him so unlike that man who stormed into my family's home, making his demands and not taking no for an answer.

Instead, nothing other than his size and sheer muscle seemed brutish.

Letting go of a conceding breath, Ari met my gaze again. "Alright, fine. But I'm not wearing that silly helmet."

"Fine," I replied, cracking a smile for him. "Get on and I'll walk her around."

While certainly unsure about the whole thing, Ari let go of my hand to walk around to the mare's side, and he hoisted himself into the saddle.

He sat up there skeptically while he tried to make himself comfortable, flashing me a nervous look. "How do you do this so often? It feels awful."

Snickering, I gently reached for the mare's bridle and started leading her around the ring. "Quit complaining and hold onto the reins. Make sure your feet stay in the stirrups."

Ari grumbled to himself as he did what I told him to, looking completely out of his depth despite moving at a slow pace.

I tried my best to be supportive of him since it was his first time on horseback and very unlike his usual work, but there was something funny about how he looked up there, seeming ready to get down at any moment.

Hiding my laughter as best as I could, I made sure the mare didn't make any sudden turns or movements, and as ridiculous as he looked, it was incredibly endearing.

"See? That wasn't so bad," I said once the mare eventually stopped, and I allowed him to hop down.

The moment he had both feet on the ground again, Ari dusted himself off and narrowed his eyes at me playfully.

"Don't you dare tell anyone about this."

Laughing quietly as I led the horse back to the stable, I found myself feeling grateful for that sense of normalcy. Like the playing field was even for once, and I got to see a less measured and confident side of him.

"Your secret's safe with me."

At least Ari was able to see the humor in it, too, as he chuckled to himself and gently pet the mare's flank. "For such a majestic beast, that is one uncomfortable ride. I'll stick to my cars, thank you."

As we wrapped up our time at the stable, feeling lighthearted and at ease, I couldn't deny that I was seeing Ari in a different light.

He went out of his way to meet my needs in a way I never expected, he didn't complain all the while he let me do as I wanted, and he even gave it a shot for me. As reluctant as he was, at least he tried, and he made me laugh in the process.

Even if he seemed like a brutal, bloodthirsty man before, there was no denying how much he changed, and how willing he was to make things work.

As much as I didn't want to admit it, being his wife didn't seem quite so bad anymore.