“Wait.” She pulls against my hand.
Pausing in my tracks, I spin to meet her gaze. “What’s wrong?”
Everly’s cheeks turn a delicate shade of pink. It takes all my willpower not to reach for her face, to touch her cheeks and feel the warmth of her skin. The way her cheeks flush intrigues me, it draws me in like a moth to a flame.
“I need to change.” She gestures to her training clothes.
I draw my bottom lip between my teeth. Well, now all I can think about is tearing them off her. “You’ll be more comfortable riding in those.”
“But I’m all sweaty.”
Stepping closer, I place my hand on her waist. “I don’t mind.”
Everly raises an eyebrow at me, looking unconvinced.
I smirk down into her enchanting brown eyes, which seem to flicker with sparks of green, like emerald gems shimmering amidst a mesmerizing fusion of earthy tones. It’s as if a hidden universe lies within, where the warmth of brown intertwines with the vibrancy of green, creating a unique and alluring kaleidoscope of colors.
“Your eyes are truly stunning,” I murmur.
“They are boring compared to yours.”
I shake my head, my other hand naturally gravitating toward her waist, urging her to come closer until our chests meet ever so slightly.
“You are the most intriguing, beautiful creature I’ve ever had the pleasure of rescuing.”
A playful spark lights up her eyes as she bites down on her lower lip, struggling to suppress a smile. The apprehension visible in her eyes only moments ago has vanished.
“Rescue many damsels then?” she asks teasingly.
I enjoy seeing this side of her, the one filled with playfulness and a relaxed demeanor.
“A few.”
“Good to know.”
I step back and take her hand. “Let’s go.”
“Where are we going?” Everly asks as I guide her over to where Storm is waiting patiently in the garden.
“It’s a surprise.”
“Hmm, I don’t know if I like surprises anymore.” She snorts in amusement.
“You’ll like this one,” I assure her.
Storm snickers softly when we approach, nudging Everly gently, demanding a pat. He really has taken to her. Stepping up behind her, I grip her waist and smoothly lift her up, ensuring that she is stable and secure on Storm’s saddle. I make sure to adjust the stirrups to her desired length so that her feet are comfortably positioned. My hands graze her legs, tracing the smooth contours, and savoring every moment.
I swing on behind her, gripping the reins in both hands, my arms encircling her. Her sweet floral scent wraps around me, and I automatically lean forward to smell her golden hair.
“Really? I’m all sweaty.” Everly laughs, leaning away from me.
“You smell amazing to me.”
“Whatever.”
Giving Storm a gentle pat on the neck, I click my tongue to signal him to start moving. Storm’s ears perk up and he begins to move, his hooves hitting the ground with a rhythmic beat. I lightly pull on the reins, guiding us toward the forest and his soft trot causes us to sway gently together in the saddle.
My aunt may be insistent that Everly not leave the castle grounds, but she’s with me, and I know she isn't a threat to me or my people. You just have to look into those alluring eyes to know there isn’t a deceiving bone in her body.
