Nelson’s expression was inscrutable as he smirked, “Alright, let’s see if you’ve been slacking off these days.”
Cold sweat broke out on Callie’s back. This was his ranch, and naturally, he wouldn’t be bad at riding. If Jaquan insisted on competing with him, she might not survive.
Jaquan, showing some consideration, didn’t start immediately. He held her and trotted around a few times to let her get used to it. While talking to Nelson, he said, “I heard Nash went to Ylosea. I thought he was upright, but in the end, he chose to compromise.”
Nelson sat straight on his horse, “At this point, if he doesn’t understand the need to bide his time, it’ll mean he’s learned nothing from me over these years.”
Jaquan laughed, “Nelson, what if a wolf emerges from this biding time and bites you back?”
“Let it bite. Some little pups can never become wolves, Jaquan. Don’t you think?” Nelson’s gaze was meaningful as he glanced at Callie and smiled faintly.
Callie focused entirely on the horse, feeling uneasy about the suspended sensation.
Noticing her tension, Jaquan taught her to adjust her grip on the reins, their hands brushing together intimately. “At Scott Group’s high-level meeting yesterday, everyone persuaded me to give up acquiring Vankey. They seem to think Oconnor Group has it in the bag.”
“I didn’t instruct them to do that; don’t misunderstand.”
Seeing Callie’s tension ease a bit, Jaquan looked up. “Of course, I trust my own people. But can you trust Oconnor Group’s people, Nelson?”
Nelson’s smile gradually faded. At that moment, Jaquan tightened his hold on Callie and squeezed the horse’s sides with his legs. “Let’s begin.”
The two horses stood at the same starting line. The trainer beside them shouted a countdown, and the horses shot out like arrows, kicking up dust with the sound of hooves.
Callie closed her eyes tightly, feeling the wind whipping past her. She could only grip the reins with one hand, feeling very insecure and trembling uncontrollably. The speed was too fast; she felt like she would be thrown off any second.
“Callie, adjust your breathing and open your eyes.” Jaquan’s calm voice sounded in her ear.
They were so close that Callie could smell his unique scent-a mix of lilies and roses or perhaps just a man’s pheromones. He held her tightly in his arms, making it impossible for her to move.
Callie tried to relax and opened her eyes to see Nelson riding ahead. His posture was strong and powerful, kicking up dust like a victorious general returning from battle.
His speed left them behind, and he even had time to look back at her, his gaze almost overwhelming.
“You’re already this nervous and still dare to daydream.” Jaquan’s cold laugh brought her back to reality. “It seems you’re not afraid anymore.”
“No…” Callie barely got a word out before he suddenly sped up, closing in on Nelson’s side. He shouted, “Nelson, I’ve caught up!”
Nelson smirked and whipped his horse, which neighed loudly and sped ahead like a mad creature.
Callie was almost stunned. The horse seemed spooked, running wildly around the ranch. Yet Nelson still managed to control it…