Bridled Secret

By BD Nelson

Bridled Secret is a fiction drama novella, about a young girl’s love for her horse, and how his death changed the course of her life. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride of lost love and family ties unraveled by secrets.

Barbara Evans grew up with her horse AJ at her side. So it’s no wonder she fell apart when a tragic accident claimed AJ’s life. The accident would have been avoided if she hadn’t followed her father that stormy night. She blames herself, her father mostly, but what strangles her heart—nothing would bring AJ back. She vows to leave and never return, sealing the secret in her heart forever.

Over time, self-loathing causes a domino effect of misplaced emotions. Resentment toward her father keeps Barbara away. His death brought enmity between her and her mother—while the buried secret, haunted her soul relentlessly.

Years later, despite Barbara’s efforts to stay away...her daughters love for horses forced her to face her demons—but will it beat down the wall that guards her heart, or break her spirit entirely?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BD Nelson
• Release date: Jul 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466111806

BD Nelson

BD Nelson is a down to earth Oregonian, who loves to camp, fish, garden, and go on nature walks. She loves children, dogs and hanging out with her friends—nothing out of the ordinary, until it comes to her writing. Writing has been her passion from childhood. The choice of mystery/thriller being BD Nelson’s preferred genre, both in reading and writing, suspense being her main topic of interest. Whether she’s snuggled up next to her hubby watching a movie, cuddled up on the couch with a good book, or having lunch with her best friend, BD Nelson’s mind churns out scenes for a new story.

Book preview

Bridled Secret

A Novella

By

BD Nelson

Copyright 2011 by Becky Nelson-Littrell

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 978-1-4661-1180-6

Morrison Books

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the Author except by a reviewer to quote a brief passage in a review. Characters are fictitious; any resemblance to a real person is strictly coincidental.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Other titles by BD Nelson http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/bdnelson

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Brilliant! An eerie delight for readers who like their chills served in layers.

~Barbara Silkstone

The Autobiography: An Eternal Rite of Passage

A famous author finds the typed words have mysteriously changed to reveal his own life. Things he would never disclose.

Scorned

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An Unforgiven Sin

A novella about a young family, Jack and Angela Stevens who struggle to survive after a tragic accident that took their child, left Angela paralyzed, and Jack teetering on the edge.

http://www.bdnelsonlittrell.com

Bridled Secret

By

BD Nelson

Chapter One

Heavens orchestra pounded out a thunderous roar, followed by applauds and an astounding light exhibit. Soon, bolts of lightning streaked the darkened sky and the drumroll resounded. A heavy shower was sure to follow and any sensible person would have found shelter, but Barbara Martin had only one thing on her mind—finding out the truth about her father and Jerome’s mother, Megan.

As she saddled AJ, she thought about that day at school, how her entire world was twisted into a frenzied mesh of despair. She had to know—would stop at nothing until the facts were uncovered. Above all—if it were true, her mother must never know.

Barely eighteen, and up until that day, Barbara’s life was the epitome of perfect. She was an only child, adored by her parents—not spoiled by any means, but wanted for nothing. Her future was secure. After college she’d return to help her father run the ranch and ultimately take over. There was no better life that Barbara could fathom. At least not until the day Jerome Simmons pinpricked her balloon in study hall and changed the course of her life forever.

Tell your father to stay away from my mother. Jerome spat in Barbara’s face on his way to the pencil sharpener.

She watched him while her mind attempted to digest the un-chewed data, as he shoved the pencil into the slot and spun the handle. Jerome’s straight blonde hair covered his left eye, but Barbara’s mind’s eye couldn’t erase the glint in his gaze. As far as she knew, her father had never even met Mrs. Simmons and Jerome’s outburst was senseless. He glared all the way back to his seat. She shook her head in denial, he nodded affirmatively and Barbara sharply twisted in her chair and poked her nose high in the air.

The clock ticked off minutes. Only one left before the bell would ring. The hesitant jerk of the second hand was excruciating.

When the bell finally sounded, Jerome shot out the door leaving Barbara stuck behind anxious students. She pushed her way through the crowd and eagerly searched the hall. Jerome, wait up. She shouted. The top of his blonde head bobbed up and down just five feet away. He kept walking, but Barbara was gaining. She caught up and grabbed his arm, spinning him 90 degrees.

What are you talking about? she asked the baffled teen who appeared annoyed by her persistence.

Don’t tell me you don’t know. You’d have to be blind not to know about your father having an affair with my mother.

Barbara looked from side to side, hoping no one