Christian stood in the dimly lit stables, the familiar scent of hay and leather filling the air as he methodically fed his favorite horse. The rhythmic sound of hooves and the gentle rustle of straw provided a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within him. Hearing her footsteps, he tensed, not bothering to turn around as she approached.

“What do you want?” he snapped, his voice cold and clipped. “Shouldn't you be busy entertaining your new friend?”

She stepped closer, undeterred by his frosty demeanor. “Jealous, are we?” she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” he retorted, finally looking at her with a steely gaze. “I’m just wondering how someone so cheerful can be so blind to people’s true intentions.”

She laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “And what are your true intentions, Christian?”

His grip tightened on the feed bucket, his frustration barely contained. “My intentions are none of your concern. Just stay out of trouble, will you?”

She crossed her arms, her smile unwavering. “I think you care more than you want to admit. You always have.”

Christian’s jaw clenched, her words hitting closer to home than he’d like to admit. “Just be careful,” he muttered, turning back to his horse to hide the flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. “Not everyone will tolerate your recklessness.”

As she left, he sighed, a mix of frustration and longing coursing through him. She was his sunshine in the darkness, a fact he could never admit, even to himself.