"Because everyone else is also full of freewill, too, huh?" Ray might have paid for these lessons, but the insults were entirely on the house. "Okay, shut the fuck up and do what I say, please?"

Asher did, in fact, leave Ray there with it as he disappeared back into the barn to get Belle ready. It took a bit longer to finish due to the horse being so damn stubborn, but he did eventually manage to get both saddle and bridle on her and walked her out.

"If you don't," he began, picking up the conversation right where he'd left off, "I'll stick you with her."