Clarke automatically flicked the lead out of Mist's way as the mare stepped over to a tastier section of grass. But most of her attention was elsewhere. She was grazing Mist on a patch of lawn between the main barn and the large outdoor jumping arena, giving her the perfect view of Bellamy's ride on Jaha's horse.
Bellamy Blake, the asshole of all assholes.
Clarke told herself that she wasn't curious, that she wasn't the least bit interested in the dark haired, dark eyed boy. It was the day after their little incident in the tack room and she was still totally ticked off. Sure most girls found him incredibly cute, hot even, but Clarke wasn't like most Phoenix girls. He was a complete jerk. He wasn't going to scare her off from being friends with his sister.
Clarke wasn't the type of girl to be bullied, especially by him.
Thelonious Jaha was perched on the ring fence, watching every move the horse and rider made. He wasn't necessarily instructing Bellamy, but he kept a close eye on him, wanting to see just how well he could ride.
Clarke didn't know the details. All she knew was that Bellamy was going to be exercising and schooling Jaha's horses for a while. He hired him to work for Phoenix Farms, not to give Bellamy lessons. Jaha was probably just watching to make sure he could actually ride a horse properly and not ride like a complete cowboy.
"Nice," he called as Bellamy and a flighty Thoroughbred finished a line of two jumps. "Take him around and try again. This time, do it in five strides instead of four."
Clarke didn't recognize the dark bay. He was probably one of Jaha's latest imports. From what she could tell, the gelding was completely high strung and wild. No wonder Jaha put Bellamy on. The horse was nearly uncontrollable, taking the bit in his mouth and racing down the line.
Bellamy, however, didn't once appear fazed. He was smiling like an idiot.
Clarke didn't get to see the rest of the course. Just as they picked up a canter again, she heard a flurry of high-pitched barking from the direction of the barn. A fuzzy, champagne colored ball of fur came streaking out, aiming straight at Mist.
"Chanel, no!" Clarke exclaimed, quickly taking up the slack in the lead line in case the mare spooked. "Shoo."
The dog, a dark eyed Pomeranian with a collar studded with Swarovski diamonds, actually stopped and stared at her. That gave its owner, a blandly pretty brunette, time to hurry out of the barn and scoop her up into her arms.
"Naughty girl," Harper cooed into her dog's ears, hugging her so tightly that she squirmed with annoyance. "Mommy told you not to run away!"
Clarke wanted to shake her, even though Mist never once looked up from grazing. It could've been worse – much worse. Dogs here were supposed to be kept on leashes. Harper and her vicious little dog thought they were the exception to that rule.
"So what's going on there?" Harper asked, turning to stare at the ring. "Oh. My. God. Is that Bellamy Blake?"
Clarke was tempted to let out an exasperated sigh.
"Yeah," she said, keeping an eye on Chanel as Mist continued to eat. "Jaha's watching him ride that new Thoroughbred from Ireland."
"I still don't understand why Jaha would hire someone from that dump." Harper set her dog down as she started wiggling harder. The Pomeranian spotted a barn cat and took off after it, yapping at the top of her lungs.
Clarke could see Harper's lip curling and nose crinkling at the thought of Walden Farms having a connection to Phoenix Farms. Harper's parents had clawed their way into the privileged class in Washington D.C. on the healthy profits of their busy insurance company. As a result, she thought that anyone who couldn't afford a Devoucoux saddle wasn't worth her time.
"I have no idea," Clarke replied, looking down at Mist's head as she quietly munched on grass. "He sort of just showed up."
Harper snorted and tossed her long hair over her shoulder. "I overheard Wick and Jaha talking about it before Bravado went out this morning. Apparently Bellamy made a deal with him because Marcus Kane couldn't afford the horse."
What? Octavia didn't tell her anything about that.
"How long is supposed to stay?" Clarke asked, her voice hitching in her throat. Harper shot her a strange look.
"I have no idea, probably through the end of the show season." Harper studied her newly manicured nails. "Most of the girls can barely contain themselves."
Harper rolled her eyes.
"Like Bellamy hasn't already gotten in their pants." she added.
Clarke bit her lip. Great, more time for him to harass her about staying away from Octavia, more time for him to get to know her.
"He's such a dick." Clarke mumbled a little more loudly then she intended.
"You've talked to him?" she asked, surprised.
"Yesterday."
"Well, he may be a dick and a cowboy from Walden Farms, but he's hot," Harper tilted her head as she continued to watch the lesson. "Definite eye candy."
Clarke couldn't disagree.
"Looks like they're finished." Harper said as Jaha spoke a few brisk words to Bellamy before walking in the opposite direction.
Clarke glanced at the ring. Bellamy had dismounted and was running up his stirrups. He patted the sweaty gelding on the neck and brought the reins up over his head. He turned and began to walk towards them, heading for the barn. When he noticed Clarke a few feet away he stopped his horse and grinned wickedly.
He didn't look twice at Harper.
"Hey there, Princess," Bellamy teased. "Enjoying the view?"
Harper gasped beside her, either in horrification or disbelief, she wasn't sure. Clarke chose to ignore her.
"Don't call me that." she grounded out. "Ever."
"Well, look who's not a morning person. Did you not get your biscuits and tea for breakfast?" he taunted.
Clarke had the sudden inclination to reach out and smack him with the lead line. Instead, she shot a hard look at him, hoping that his face would combust on the spot.
"What do you want?" Clarke spat.
"Besides your wonderful personality? I wanted to know if you've seen my sister today." he asked and sauntered closer. He was standing directly in front of her and she could feel the heat, left over from a hard work out, rolling off his body. She would seriously hurt him if that wild Thoroughbred got any closer to Mist.
"No I haven't –"
"Good." Bellamy interrupted. His eyes searched her face for something, what that something was Clarke didn't know.
"Bellamy Blake…" Harper drawled, crossing her arms. Bellamy's eye slid from Clarke's as he leaned back to stare at Harper.
She let out a silent, shaky breath. His presence – his nearness – it rattled something inside of her.
"Chanel, right?" Bellamy asked quizzically. The light behind his eyes revealed his understanding behind the question. That asshole, he knew her real name. He was such a –
Clarke couldn't contain her laughter, she snorted into the palm of her hand. Mist's head jerked up at the sound. Harper shot daggers in Clarke's direction as she continued to hide her wheezing.
For his part, Bellamy looked highly pleased at his ability to make Clarke laugh, a smug expression plastered across his face. Before any more damage could be done, Harper quickly spoke up.
"No, Chanel is my Pomeranian. I'm Harper." she said smiling as if nothing even happened.
"Oh I remember now, you're the girl I heard is throwing that party Saturday night." Bellamy commented.
"Yeah, my place at eight. Everyone from Phoenix Farms is welcome," Harper looked him up and down, her eyes sweltering with want. "I guess that includes you now, huh?"
"I don't know, Octavia –"
"She can come too," Harper said quickly and when she caught Bellamy glancing in Clarke's direction, she continued. "Clarke's coming, aren't you Clarke?"
Truthfully, Clarke really wasn't planning on it. She preferred to spend her Saturday nights snuggled up in bed with books. Partying wasn't her thing, although she got invited to them all time. Under Harper's harsh glare, she couldn't refuse – she was obviously put on the spot.
She snuck a glance a Bellamy. He was staring at her with a raised brow.
"Wouldn't miss it." Clarke replied a little too enthusiastically, turning towards Harper. The other girl squealed in delight.
"In that case," Bellamy interrupted. "I'll show up with a cold one."
Harper's eyes narrowed in disgust. "Beer? Are you kidding me?" She practically gagged. "If you come to my house with beer, I'll have you thrown out. No, we only drink vodka and champagne."
Clarke rolled her eyes skyward. Great, keep making him think that everyone here is a stuck up rich bitch.
Oh, wait.
"That's right. I forgot that you Phoenix riders eat caviar for breakfast and Italian truffles for dinner." He snapped as if realizing for the first time who he was talking to. Clarke noticed his easygoing expression change into something much darker. He shook his head, brows furrowing.
And for once, Harper was dumbfounded and had nothing to say.
Bellamy shot one last glance at Clarke before tugging the reins and walking away.