Freya

"How the fuck are you going to pull this off?"

"Ouch—thanks for the vote of confidence."

"I'm not trying to be mean, but seriously, you haven't driven since you got your license seven years ago."

"I've never even owned a car!"

"Freya?! I have a car! Who drives us to competitions? Who takes us to turn out the horses? To the store? You could've driven mine anytime, but you always refused. I end up driving because you won't."

"Fine, damn it... you're right. But how hard can it really be?"

Danielle's eyes narrowed. "A two-wheeled machine that you have to balance, that's ultra-sensitive to the slightest movement, and you need to hit 150 kilometers an hour? Don't underestimate this."

"Fair enough—but what about controlling a 700-kilo beast at high speed? Over jumps?"

Danielle sighed. "I agree. He shouldn't underestimate the deal either. Honestly, I think you've both screwed yourselves over."

The words hit Freya like a stone to the chest. Was she right? Doubt coiled cold in her stomach, tightening with each second.

But it didn't matter—it was too late to back out now. That would mean losing immediately. And she was not the one to give up.

She was going to give it everything she had.

The worst part of this insane bet wasn't even the thought of Seth on her most prized possession or having to face her own fear to master his world.

No, the worst part was knowing she'd have to spend every single day with an arrogant bastard who smirked like he owned the world and seemed hell-bent on bulldozing hers.

"But it is pretty cool that if I win, he'll buy the stable for me."

"I know. If you pull this off, I'll never stop thanking you."

"You better. Especially since you have zero faith in me right now," she said, sticking out her tongue playfully.

  ~*~*~*~*~

The night sky hung heavy as Freya led Nova toward the riding hall. She'd booked it late, ensuring they'd be alone. No distractions. No excuses.

Her hand trailed over Nova's sleek coat, warmth radiating from his powerful frame. She pressed her forehead to his neck, inhaling his familiar scent—a mix of hay, leather, and that comforting, earthy smell only horses seemed to have.

"I know you're the sweetest horse in the world, but don't make this too easy for him," she whispered. "But don't hurt him either, okay? I really don't need some rich bastard suing me."

She snapped the lunge line onto Nova's bridle and sent him trotting in a wide circle. His hooves struck the packed sand with a rhythmic thud, each step a testament to his power and grace. The sound echoed in the cavernous hall. When his ears pricked forward, she knew he'd sensed someone else was here.

Freya gathered the line and led Nova to the far end of the hall. Seth was waiting, his stance annoyingly confident despite the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. His broad shoulders and the irritatingly perfect way his shirt clung to his frame only added to her frustration.

But the slight slump in his posture, the crack in his façade, gave her a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"I left everything you need up in the stands. You can change in the judge's room," she said, gesturing to the stairs.

"Can't I just wear what I have and throw on a helmet?"

She laughed, short and sharp. "Do you ride your motorcycle without gear?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Point taken."

As he walked away, she paced the hall, her thoughts a tangled mess. She'd trained countless beginners, but this was different. This time, she didn't want her student to succeed—she wanted him to fail. The thought gnawed at her, clashing with everything she believed.

Maybe he didn't have to fail. Maybe she just had to be better.

When Seth finally descended the steps, dressed in borrowed riding gear, he looked like a man who'd lost a bet with fate.

"I look ridiculous," he muttered.

"No arguments here. It really doesn't suit you."

He glared at her as she stepped close to tighten his safety vest. His scent—a mix of leather, fuel, and something undeniably male—twined with the crisp smell of the stable. It was disorienting.

"Do I really need to wear this?"

"Yes. Unless you want to break your back?"

He scoffed, but the flicker of resignation in his eyes told her he knew she was right.

"Well, you're all set—riding pants, boots, gloves, vest, and helmet. Now comes the hard part." She smirked. "Ready to learn how to ride?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," he said, moving toward Nova's side.

"Wait—come back here."

He groaned. "What now?"

She smiled sweetly. "You're going to lead Nova back to his stall, take off his tack, and brush him down."

His eyes widened. "You're kidding. Isn't the whole point that I'm supposed to learn to ride?"

"Riding isn't just hopping on and taking off. He's a living creature, not a machine. You need to know how to handle him, care for him, and earn his trust."

"This is going to take fucking forever."

"You're not getting on him while you're this nervous. He'll sense it immediately. And trust me, you don't want that."

"Fine," he grumbled. "Let's get this over with."

Seth

The horse's movements were deeper and heavier than he'd realized. Now, with the reins in his hands and Nova's massive frame beside him, his pulse pounded so hard he could hear it in his ears.

Freya walked alongside him, strangely reassuring despite her smug demeanor.

He had never felt so out of his depth. He was used to machines—predictable, powerful, and completely under his control. But this? This was a living, breathing force that could crush him if he made one wrong move.

As they neared the stable entrance, the walls seemed to close in.

"What do I do now?" he asked, his voice tight.

"I'll open his stall. You lead him in."

"No fu—"

"Relax, Harlow. Breathe."

Her words did nothing to calm him. Nova's hooves clacked against the concrete, and Seth's legs felt like jelly. When they reached the stall, he walked in, the horse following close behind. As soon as Nova was inside, Seth bolted back out, dropping the reins.

Freya sighed. "And that's exactly what you don't do."

She retrieved the reins, her voice patient but firm. "Never drop the reins on the ground. He could step on them and panic."

"Not bad for your first try, though."

"Don't lie. That was pathetic."

"What happened to all that confidence?" she teased. "You came in here acting like you owned the place."

He glared at her. "You won't be so cocky when it's your turn on my bike."

"We'll see. Right now, it's all about you." Her smile was infuriatingly smug. "Ready for more?"

His jaw tightened, but he nodded.

He stepped back into the stall, the walls pressing in. Nova's calm presence was the only thing keeping him from bolting. Freya guided him through each task, her voice steady, her hands sure. He tried to follow, but the instructions blurred together.

When she told him to walk behind Nova, his heart thumped painfully.

"What if he kicks me?"

"He won't if you do it right." She placed her hand on Nova's back, moving smoothly. "Your turn."

He swallowed, following her lead. His hand trembled, but he didn't let go.

"There you go—you survived."

He shot her a look. "Enjoy this while it lasts. Payback's coming."

A/N – I want to say a huge thank you to all of you who read and engage with my story! And thank you so much for voting on the chapters and for all your kind and funny comments.

You truly make my day<3

Hope you enjoy the next chapter:)