We came back to the Castile de la Luna around sunset. The reason it took so long is that along the way home, I was taking pictures of the horses in various environments. Yes, I made sure that the black Andalusian that I had been riding was definitely a full stallion. I also got some pictures of Kiefer Sutherland at his sexiest, without his shirt and riding a white horse. I’d say the man was my knight in shining armor, but I’d much prefer the rogue image instead.
As we entered the courtyard, the clop clop clop of the hooves on cobblestones were the only sounds that were heard until we got near a hedge row. I tensed as a familiar sound came to my ears and the horse I was riding threw back it’s head and screamed a challenge, rearing to it’s full height on hind legs. It’s forelegs flailing to bash at the hedges in a classic attack manouver I’d only seen done once and that was in a movie. Heh. Mind you, I only saw the manouver, this was the first time I’d been ON a battle trained horse. Thankfully I’m not one to panic.
Swearing violently, I used brute force to bring the big stallion back down to four legs. As there was no bit on the Hackamore, it was just his strength against mine. Not to mention the battle of wills in the process. The sound that had set him off? The incessant clicking of 35 mm cameras. I diddnt have time enough to check on Kiefer, or anyone else. I was too busy getting my brute to settle down. In the middle of one of the calmer moments, I roared, “MARCUS!!!! LOUIS!!!” at the top of my lungs. When I want to make myself heard in a cacophony of sound, I can. Then the reporters came boiling out from behind the foliage, screaming questions. This did not make the situation any better.
I managed to catch Kiefer’s eye, seeing as he had his horse under control. I nodded at the trail nearest to where he was and said, “I’ve got to get him out of here before he hurts someone. I’ll be back in about an hour.” Some of this was garbled due to the bucking monster below me. But I know he got the message. I turned the stallion’s head in the direction of the trail and turned him loose. The horse back-kicked once and I heard the impact. There is a particular noise of solid object meeting human body that always makes me wince.. Then he got the idea that we could get away, and leaped for the trail I pointed him at. There’s nothing like an angry horse at a full gallop. It’s like riding lightning and feeling the thunder through your body.
Only when he started breathing heavily and foam coated his hide, did I haul him in. He fought me for a few more strides before dropping into a walk and finally stopping. I dismounted and the first thing I did was rub him down with some grass that I found and then inspect him for injuries, talking softly to him as I did so. Thankfully, he stood calmly while I did this and occasionally nuzzled my shoulder or swatted me in the face with a tail. I couldn’t find any injuries or sprains, yet I walked him in a circle a couple of times to check his gait. It wasn't too bad, but I was not going to take any chances. We were walking home.
By now, the sun was half on the horizon. The sun’s rays painted my horse a beautiful color. I couldn't help it, I had to get the shot. Slowly, so as not to alarm the horse, I reached into my vest for the digital. The one good thing about the camera I use is that it’s virtually silent. No clicking sounds, no whirring sounds, just a soft buzz as the picture is recorded. To prevent him from panicking, I walked up to him, showed him the camera, let him sniff and get used to it before stepping back a few paces. Oh some of the most beautiful shots were done that evening. One of the best shots was when the horse decided to walk towards me, looking me in the eyes. With the sunlight glinting off those dark eyes, it was stunning.
I finally packed in my camera and took hold of the reins of this beautiful beast to begin the long walk home. I had no idea how far away we were or how long it would take to get us home. But I was hoping that whoever triggered the monster mess in the courtyard was not around when I got back. No one was supposed to have known that Kiefer or myself were here at the Cordoba estate at all.
I was here to photograph horses for a client. The kicker was that Kiefer Sutherland was that client and had rigged it so that I got out and away from the paparazzi for a while. I diddnt know this until I got to the estate this morning. Up until the time he and I came back from the hidden little paradise down at the beach, it had been a wonderfully erotic time. Now, however, all I wanted to do is go hide somewhere and get the stress off my shoulders. No, strike that. I wanted to pound someone into the dirt for endangering something as beautiful as the horse that paced by my side.
Three quarters of the way back, I encountered Markus and Kiefer. With them were what appeared to be the entire stable staff and at least two uniformed police. Spotting me coming down the trail, someone let out a yell. But this time I was ready for the stallion’s nature and kept a tight grip on the reins and talked softly to him. By the time he had calmed down, Markus had reached me. I smiled and said quietly, “Sorry about the here again gone again routine, Mr. Cordoba.” That got me an arched eyebrow, “But I think it would have been better than having a frightened horse still out of control in the courtyard.”
Understanding lit his eyes as he nodded. “I am grateful for your quick thinking, Diane. I am also sorry you had to go through that unexpected mess in the courtyard. Let’s get you both home and make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”
I handed the reins off to a groom that came for him and patpatted the big horse on the neck. “You never told me his name.” I looked over at Kiefer who was practically dancing in place to get to me, but was trying not to make too many moves that would frighten the stallion. As much as I needed to go to him and assure him I was okay. The horse came first in this instance.
Markus grinned, “Did I not tell you that?” he rubbed a hand over his face and grinned. “It is La Sombra. In English it would be The Shadow. “ he winked. “When it’s total dark out, he cannot be seen, even if he is moving. he’s that black.” Leaning forward, he whispered for my ears alone. “I’ve got you and Kiefer packed away into the far guest room, surrounded by my own security. This will never ever happen again, I swear it.”
I had to smile then, then patted Markus on the shoulder. “ Then I’m going to disappear with Kiefer to the guest house.” I said quietly. “Can you handle the gendarms or do I need to make a statement?” He shook his head. “Go. Kief knows the way. And don't bother to worry about dinner. I’ll have it sent over. Let tomorrow take care of itself.” With that, he turned his attention towards the horse, the cops, and the rest of the staff. He was handling them like a conductor in an orchestra. Better, in fact.
Turning, I walked over to Kiefer and wrapped my arms around his waist. The moment my hands touched his, reaction shakes set in. “Are you all right?” came the voice from somewhere above my head. Arms gathered me closer into his embrace. “Yeah.” I said through chattering teeth. “Just a tad bit shaky. Adrenaline crash.” I tilted my head back to look at those stunning blue eyes above me. “Just get me to the guest house and into that jaccuzi and I’ll be fine. Right now, I cant stop shaking.”
Not waiting for anything else, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me most of the way to the guest house. Several times he paused to set me down on my own two feet to just simply hold me. I think it was his way of catching his breath and relaxing for a bit. Finally, however, we made it to the guest house located back a ways from the main buildings. I never thought a building could be in such an open area, yet be so secluded. Yet, there it was.
Not stopping, Kiefer undid the door and carried me into a beautiful room. I had enough time to register the native stone walls covered with tapestries, the fireplace, and the plush throw rugs, before I was whisked through a door and into paradise. I couldn't help but gape at the jaccuzi room. Huge, square cut timbers formed a framework over the bubbling water in the center of the room. The rest was nothing but glass. I hadn't believed him when he said that you could see a canopy of stars while you soaked, yet here it was.
I looked up at him as he set me on my feet, “I think you underestimated the beauty of this place.” I grinned. “It’s more than words can describe.” He sighed and looked up and said, “You know, you’re right. But then again, everything looks more stunning with the right person to share it with.” When he looked down at me, there was such beauty and tenderness reflected in those eyes, it made me want to stay in his arms forever.
At this point he set me down on my own two feet. I was still shivering slightly, but I managed to calm down enough to shed the vest and put it somewhere safe. After that, Kief brushed my hands away and lovingly stripped off every vestige of clothing that I had on my body. Not stopping there, he picked me up and gently lowered me into the soothing heat of the water before undressing himself and stepping in. By this time, thankfully, the shakes had stopped and I was simply content to drift and let the bubbles do their work.
Kiefer moved so that he was behind my head as I floated on my back in the water. Not a word was said as he gently massaged my temples with his fingers. I sighed in relief as my whole body finally was caressed by the jets of water that was coming from all sides. I reached a hand and caressed the strong forearm that was attached to the hands. My mind was sort of blank as I just let myself feel. His skin, the jets of water, the caress of his strong fingers on my temples. Amazingly, it was comforting. There was nothing sexual about it.
After a few moments I looked up and watched the stars through the glass. I saw a few constellations that I recognised. I had to smile. “I remember staying up late as a kid and watching the starts move across the sky. I thought it was one of the most magical things in the world.” I sighed. “But now, I’ve found something better.” I winked up at him.
His eyes gleamed and he leaned over to kiss my forehead gently and then gather me to him so that I was sitting across his lap. “You keep saying things like that and I’ll be forced to have Markus widen the doorway to fit my ego.” he smiled. “But thank you. Are you okay now? What happened? All I know is that suddenly La Sombra reared and hit the bushes before the photo scum came out.”
