Forbidden Temptation My Mafia Fiance's Alpha Father (Brooklyn and Aden) novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61
Aden

The closer we get to the stable, the more Brooklyn seems to cheer up, as if she’s leaving the memories of last night behind.

I can’t hide the smile from my own face when I notice the change.

As much as she needs to get used to this life, needs to harden up, I was worried for her last night—truly worried that some real damage had been done.

Brooklyn is delicate. I knew it the moment I met her. And it’s one of the things I like best about her, too.

She’s a sensitive girl, feels things keenly, more acutely than others.

Given who her father is, the Luna blood clearly runs strong in her.

But beneath that, she has a solidity to her core, a well of strength that I’m pretty sure she’s not even aware of.

She’s going to need that strength, though, if she’s going to make it in this world.

And I’m determined to see that she does.

Because if she doesn’t…

I shake away the thought, not letting it enter my mind. I will see that she does, and I’ll do everything I can to foster that strength in her.

It won’t be easy, but if I do one thing right, I’m going to see that through.

Brooklyn sits up straight in the seat when we pull into the driveway of the stable, the gate swinging open for us.

I can tell that she’s reining in her excitement for my sake, trying to play it cool. But she’s out of the car before I can finish throwing it in park.

I know where to find her, though. She’s in Heathcliff’s stall, cooing to her horse, running her hands over his silky ears and talking to him softly.

I watch her for a few minutes, letting her greet her friend, who nuzzles her warmly.

“Have you ever ridden before, Brooklyn?” I ask after a few minutes.

She turns to me and smiles, biting her lip a little in embarrassment.

I cock an eyebrow. I know her answer before she says it.

“Yes?” she tries, a question rather than a statement. “I’ve…ridden. Before.”