“You’ve seen us on the track. Did it look like I could hold him back? He’s only a little less wild than that first day when he dumped me in the dirt. Put him against competition and it would be twice as hard for me.” She stared him in the eye. “I promise Chaos will win this race.”

Masenak nodded slowly. “I believe you.” His anger was fading, and he was smiling again. “Then I’ll give you another bit of advice. Make certain it’s a close race. I’d love you to humiliate Reardon, but I want you to be alive to win future races for our partnership. I’m not sure he’ll let that happen if you make him look foolish in front of this crowd.”

“I’ll do what I can. But again, I’m not in control with Chaos. Nightshade is a champion and should be able to perform like one. But I guess we’ll have to leave it up to the horses, won’t we?” She looked out at the crowd. “Your guests are getting impatient. Are we ever going to start this race?”

“By all means, now that I know whatever happens I’m going to be the big winner.” He signaled to Reardon to send Nightshade to the gates. “And now that you’re finally going to get all the punishment you’ve deserved since I found you that day at St. Eldon’s.” He strode toward the gates. “It’s going to be a great race.”

“Masenak seems to be in great spirits,” Reardon said sarcastically as he came to stand beside Chaos. “He’s already counting the money he’s going to win from me.” He was silent. “I hate losing. I might be easier on you if you didn’t put me through that humiliation. I just heard from the helicopter pilot who is going to pick up those horses that he’s about to land and will be waiting for me after the race. I could tell him to be sure not to let the stable help and guards on duty hurt them.”

“I wouldn’t trust you.”

“Of course you wouldn’t. But you might make the attempt. The offer naturally doesn’t extend to you. I’ll be taking you in my own copter, and I’ve been anticipating having you to myself since Masenak stopped me last night. But you sacrificed yourself for Nightshade once, why not again?” He turned and strolled toward where Masenak was standing. “Think about it.”

Clever. He’d attempted to freeze her with fear and intimidate her on any level he could before the race. She gave Chaos a nudge forward.

Chaos didn’t go four steps before he made his feelings known. I was angry, but as I promised I did nothing. You should not have asked that of me. They hurt you. Since you’re too weak, I have to protect you.