The Biker's Fate Chapter 211

Kim

TWO WEEKS LATER, I arrived at the barn ready to meet the rest of the Olympic team. I was beyond nervous. These were some of the best riders in the world and I only knew one of them personally.

Knight and I had driven separately, close to an hour apart, and I found him leading Apollo to the arena, tacked up and ready to go. "You're late, Kim. Get Fozzie tacked up and meet us in the arena asap."

I scoffed. "Are you serious right now?"

He glanced at me and nodded. "You were supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago."

"I would have been, but you—"

"Kim."

I gave him an irritated grunt, but let it go. I'd annihilate him at home.

Knight walked off with his horse and I rushed through my process with Fozzie. After grabbing my helmet and crop, I led him into the arena where four other riders stood with their horses waiting for me to arrive. A tall, blond man stood with Apollo, so I deduced he was using him for this training session.

"And here's Kim now," Knight said.

"Sorry I'm late," I said, keeping my glare internal, although it was difficult.

"Kimberly Church, meet Courtney Lewis, Jack Martin, Marcus Simons, and Morgan Flay."

I knew Jack Martin and not just from the show circuit. He was from a wealthy Connecticut family and we'd met once when skiing in Switzerland. I was seventeen, he was eighteen, and I think my mother had hoped we might end up together. However, he was too busy with his equestrian career and I... well, I liked straight men.

"Hi Jack," I said with a smile.

"Hey, Kim."

I smiled at the group. "Nice to meet the rest of you."

"Right, now that we're all introduced, let's get started," Knight said. "Everyone mount up and we'll begin."

Training was a nightmare. It was a good session because I learned a shit ton about my technique and how Fozzie moved, but it was also horrific. At least ten times during the session I hated riding and wanted to quit... partly because it was harder than I could have imagined and partly because Knight was a total, complete, and utter asshole.

I was almost in tears by the time he called an end to the torture and I dismounted without a sound and led Fozzie back to his stall. After brushing him down and making sure he was settled, I headed toward my car. Knight was still talking with Morgan when I walked past the arena, so I took off for home without saying goodbye.

I called Dani on the way, stowing my anger in an effort not to stress the new mom out.

"Hey!" she answered, excitedly. "How was the first team session?"

"It was good," I lied.

"Yeah?"

"Yep. How's baby Cash?"

"He's perfect. He's sleeping right now."

"Which is what you're supposed to be doing right now," Booker called in the background.

"I will," she promised. "I'm just catching up with Kim."

"I'll let you go," I said. "I just wanted to check in."

"That's sweet, honey, but why don't you go ahead and tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong," I insisted.

She giggled. "I can almost hear the steam coming out of your ears, dearheart. So, tell me, what's wrong?"

"Knight's an asshole."

"Is he?"

"Yes," I insisted. "He snapped at me for being late, after he was the one who made me late, and then he was a dick throughout the whole session."

"Only to you?" she asked.

"Well, no, he was a dick to everyone, but that's not the point."

"No, you're right," she placated. "Are we talking Captain Johnson level dickdom or something worse?"

Referencing International Velvet was an interesting way to go on her part and I was partly impressed and partly annoyed because she sounded like she was trying to calm a feral cat.

"Well, obviously something way worse, because at least Captain Johnson promised Sarah she'd ride for him and he admitted he was wrong and put her in the Olympics!"

"Is now a bad time to mention Knight's putting you in the Olympics?"

"Um, yes, it's a very bad time."

Dani giggled. "Wow, you're fired up."

I took a deep breath. "You're right. I am. I really should leave you to rest, Dani."

"Oh, this is the most entertainment I've had all day," she countered. "But when Knight comes to your place, try not to kill him, okay? I still want to watch my bestie on television."

"I won't kill him, Dani, but there's no way in hell he's getting anywhere near my hooha for a very long time."

"Oh, like you'll be able to hold out."

"Just watch me," I vowed.

Dani laughed just as I heard Booker growl, "Danielle Carver, get off the fucking phone and sleep." He was obviously sitting right next to her because I could tell his tone was sweet even if his words weren't.

"Mr. Bossy Pants is making me go to bed, so I'll let you go. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"Please do, honey. I won't have another break to see you in person for a week, so I'll be over on Sunday before you go to your parents for dinner."

"Oh, they're coming here," she said. "Why don't you and Knight come too?"

"I'll ask him."

"Sounds good," she said. "And try to give Knight a break."

"Like break his leg?" I asked, hopefully.

"Nice try. Love you."

"Love you, too. Kiss Cash for me."

"Will do."

She hung up and I opened the gate to my garage and pulled into my space. As I stepped into the elevator and rode up to my floor, I debated on just how far I was willing to take this. Dani made a good point that he treated me exactly the same as everyone else, which is what we discussed, but if I was being honest, it still hurt... particularly the accusation of being late. It was his damn fault I was late, we weren't with anyone else when he said it, ergo, there was no reason for his assholery in that moment.