Thalia #2
“As I was saying. While they are both nice animals, I feel that to compete at top level, you need a top-level horse. Fortunately for you, I do have one in mind and although the owners aren’t desperate to sell, I have it on good authority from the current rider that they are willing to allow you the chance to view and purchase him.
We will need to be discreet, but I think it will be the perfect horse for what you are looking to do.
” Theo glances at my father then back to me.
“You know my position, Theo; I am willing to spend the money to get my princess,” I cringe at my dad calling me that in front of this man, “to where she wants to be. What sort of figures are we looking at?”
Theo clears his throat. “I have been told he is going to be in the high six figure numbers. That being said, it will be worth it if it gets Thalia the results and exposure she wants. He is competing at top level in Europe and is on all the Dutch Nation Cup teams with very good results. I think it would be the perfect fit.” I frown at his words.
Although it would be exciting to have a new horse, I don’t want to sell my current ones.
“I don’t want to sell Zeus or Lolly. I won’t.” I look at my dad, shaking my head as if to drive the point home. My father’s eyes soften.
“Princess, we won’t be selling them. I just think that if you want this as much as you say you do, you are going to have to take Theo’s advice.
He knows what he is talking about and if that means buying a better horse then that is what we will do.
” I smile before my gaze moves to Theo. Something passes in his eyes that I can’t quite decipher before he speaks.
“I think this is the right move, Thalia. Of course, we will spend a couple of weeks getting to know one another, so I can see the level you are at with both horses. But ultimately, I think buying a horse or even a couple of horses that have good records competing at top level is the best way forward.”
I nod, feeling my anger at his earlier words dissipate. “Of course. I want this and I trust your advice. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.” He eyes me for a long beat before he nods.
“Good. I am glad we cleared that up. Now onto the next thing. You will have two assigned grooms and one stable hand which are included in the price of your monthly fees. I will introduce you to them later today. You will also meet my whole team. I have three other students here training with me and they all live on site, as do the staff. Your father mentioned you will be living off-site in a condo purchased for you.” My father cuts in.
“Yes, that is correct. It is around ten minutes from here and Thalia has a vehicle to travel back and forth.”
“Good. I also understand you will be taking college courses online so I will take this into account when working out your schedule.”
“This is important,” my father says in a tone that leaves no room for argument.
“Thalia knows that it is part of the condition of being here, so she knows to take her studying seriously.” My father shoots me a stern look to remind me that I promised to continue my studies.
The fact I can study online is a bonus. I don’t want to go to a classroom.
“I am sure we can come up with something that suits us all. With two horses, Thalia will only need lessons four or five times a week. The rest will be trail rides, flatwork, or the horse exerciser.” The way Theo says my name has my core clenching.
I didn’t know my name could sound so sexy on someone’s tongue.
“That is what I want to hear. Studying is important and although I know Thalia is determined to make a career in show jumping, I still want her to continue her studies. She is a very bright girl.” My father beams at me while my eyes slide to Theo to find him watching me intently.
Something in his stare makes goosebumps break out all over my body and wetness seeps between my thighs.
What the hell? That’s new. I squirm and as if he knows what he is doing to me, Theo grins before his eyes move back to my father.
“Theo, I would also like to discuss the NDA. As you know, my wife is a very high-profile actress. But not only that, Maxwell is one of the biggest names in the US and while I trust you to be discreet during Thalia’s training with you, it is something I insist on being signed by yourself and the people who will be working closely with my daughter.
” Annoyance flashes in Theo’s eyes before he schools his features.
“That won’t be a problem, Christian. Consider it done.” I don’t miss the bite in his tone. I grimace that he is having to do this, but it comes with the territory. When you are the daughter of a world-famous actress and one of the richest men in the world, it is something that must happen.
“Good. Now that the formalities are over, I would like to take Thalia to her condo and then tomorrow, she is all yours.” My father pushes to a stand, holding his hand out for Theo to shake.
“It was nice to meet you in person, Theo. I trust you will make sure my daughter gets settled once I leave.” It’s not a question.
My father expects Theo to take care of his ‘princess’.
“Of course, Christian. I will make sure she feels at home here at Rhodes Farms.” Theo’s eyes slide to me before going back to my father.
I push out of my chair, my gaze on Theo as I flash him a small smile.
He smiles back causing my stomach to twist. Ignoring it, I rush out of his office and back to the waiting car that will take me to my condo.