Lilly Blossoms (Lessons in Submission Book 3) by Maggie Ryan Read Free Book Online Page B

the far more tender flesh of young women. They too often tested their boundaries and yet, to the last one, he calmly and emphatically taught them there was only one person in charge—and it definitely wasn't them.
    He waited until they had ridden down the track before turning the horse towards the fence that bordered his acreage.
    "Ready, boy?" he asked, and when the horse snorted and pawed the ground, gave him his head. "Then, let's race, shall we?"
    The horse leapt forward and within a short distance, Phillip could feel the animal's powerful muscles bunch a moment before he took flight, easily clearing the railing of the fence surrounding the property. They galloped through the field and both man and beast enjoyed the feeling of freedom that came from racing flat out. Phillip didn't begin to rein Racer in until they'd ridden for a half-hour. Slowly, he pulled back until Racer was trotting, his sides heaving from the exercise.
    "Good boy," Phillip said, giving the horse another pat. "Now, you've had your fun, it's time for mine." They jumped the fence again and rode away from his property and back to the streets of the city at a more sedate pace. Once at the school, he dismounted and led Racer around a corner to the carriage house.
    "I'll brush him down, sir," Alton said, taking the reins.
    "Thank you," Phillip said, pulling an apple from his pocket and, holding it in his palm, allowed the horse to take it from his hand. "Give him a measure of oats and make sure he has fresh water."
    "I will, sir. He's a fine looking animal. What's his name?"
    "Racer," Phillip said. "Oh, wait a minute." The man did so as Phillip untied a package he'd looped around the pommel earlier. Once it was free, he gave Racer a final pat and then turned back towards the house. Pulling his watch from his pocket, he realized he'd taken a bit longer riding than he'd planned. Still, he couldn't find fault in the decision. Racer needed the exercise and he'd enjoyed it immensely himself.
    Instead of walking up the front path, he veered around the side of the house. Taking the same route they'd taken a week earlier, he quickened his steps until he reached the bench beneath the tree where Lilly had been perched. Looking about, he admitted he was disappointed not to see her crouched behind the rose bushes, and chuckled when he actually looked up into the tree as if expecting to find her among its branches. Removing the string and brown paper from the parcel, he moved behind the rose bushes, truly noticing for the first time that the area was indeed untended. Smiling, he walked to where he'd found the basket, pleased to see it gone and hoping she'd used the salve.
    "Make sure you stay right here," he said, squatting to set his gift beneath a group of red roses. He tucked in his note and then straightened. Looking towards the break in the hedge, he considered moving his gift to the opening. Would that ensure that Lilly would find it? When he was still trying to decide after five minutes, he chuckled. "She'll either find it or she won't," he said softly, praying silently that she would indeed.
    He returned to the house, the wrapping paper in hand until he found a trash bin. Hearing the sounds of happy women, he smiled and went to join them.
    "Uncle Phillip!"
    He braced himself as Rachel launched herself into his arms. Kissing her cheek, he set her back. "Any fighting this week?"
    "No, sir," she said with wide eyes and a grin. "I learned my lesson last week! I even wore a white ribbon today!"
    "And that's good?" he asked, seeing the blue ribbon in her hair.
    "Oh, yes," she said and then seemed to remember something. "Um, I don't think I'm supposed to tell anyone who, um… who…"
    "Doesn't have a special little one?" Phillip offered, and at her nod, he bent to kiss her cheek. "I won't tell," he whispered, and at her look of thanks, he remembered writing those same words a week earlier. Glancing behind him, he looked at the garden paths leading in several