“I have no friends. Just people who admire me and wish they could be like me.” He added cynically, “Like my partner Masenak here. It appears his finances are in shambles. Even if Chaos wins and my money is in his pocket, he’ll still have problems making Chaos the asset he could be. He’s a criminal on the run, and he wouldn’t be able to handle either the racing or the breeding possibilities. But if he lets the world believe Chaos is mine, then all that hassle goes away. I’m a respectable businessman and no one knows any different. Masenak will split any future profits with me in return for me providing him with a front he couldn’t get anywhere else. So Nightshade will run in our race, but I’ll hedge my bet with Chaos. No matter what the outcome at the end of the race, the next day you and that horse will be coming home with me. Now get on that stallion and show me what he can do.”

She glanced at Masenak.

He nodded. “Not unreasonable considering our new arrangement. And Reardon wants you to come to dinner tonight in my suite. Seven, Sasha.”

She instantly shook her head. “I have to take care of Chaos and Nightshade.”

“Seven,” Reardon repeated. “Go to your suite first and change to the more suitable clothing I’ll have sent to you. I’ve designated myself to set up scheduling. I believe I’ll be better at it than Masenak. He appears to be a trifle overindulgent with you. His idea about holding your other horses hostage wasn’t bad, and I might sanction it, but I prefer more personal ways to break both of you.” His tone hardened. “Now mount Chaos and go twice around the track. I want speed and obedience. If I get less, you’ll both regret it. After that you may go back to the stable until it’s time for you to put in an appearance later.”

She hesitated. Defiance or temporary compliance? She was having trouble thinking through the frustration and panic. It was an entirely new ball game, and it was clear Reardon was in charge of every move. If she disobeyed, it would force him to punish immediately to establish his dominance. She had no choice.

She turned and jumped on Chaos’s back.

Run! Let’s get this over with.

Chaos sprang forward!

She bent low over his neck. No joy. No lightning. Just the glory of speed and the togetherness that even Reardon couldn’t smother.

Once around the track.

And Chaos was sensing something wrong. She could feel his muscles tightening. Why?

Just run.

Twice around the track.

Enough. She pulled him in, signaling him to stop.

He didn’t stop. Wrong. It should not have been like that for you. Should I go back and make them hurt?