My heart races, and I clench my hands around the horse’s mane as it gathers speed. The wind whips my hair across my face, stinging my eyes with its chill. The horse’s huge powerful hooves hammer the ground beneath us, as the stranger veers the horse to the right, heading for the mountains I spotted in the distance yesterday.
My body becomes more and more relaxed as the horse slows to a trot, the gentle movements making my eyes drift closed. My head nods forward, and I jerk back, only to feel my eyelids growing heavy again. I’ve never been so physically exhausted before; my body has been completely drained of energy. The arm around my waist moves up higher, banding under my breasts to keep me anchored to the solid body behind me, preventing me from falling. Even though I should be scared, his energy doesn’t elicit the same sense of danger as the others.
“We’re here,” his deep smooth voice says softly.
I slowly open my eyes and am almost blinded by the bright lights lining the stone wall of the castle gatehouse. My eyes grow wide as I take in the impenetrable structure before us. We pass through the large wooden gates into an open courtyard. I try to twist in the saddle, but the arm around me is like a steel band securing my body.
“Easy. Don't want you hurting yourself.”
“I’m fine,” I reply, my voice husky from sleep.
The man releases his grip on me, his hands now firmly on the reins, guiding the horse. The rhythmic clopping of the horse’s hooves fills the air as we near the majestic stone castle. I rub my eyes, trying to dispel the lingering haze of sleep and confirm that it wasn’t just a dream. Despite my doubts, the castle remains right in front of me. A wave of shock and awe washes over me, as glittering torches flicker to life, the flames lighting the area in a soft, warm glow.
“Whoa!” I take in a sharp breath.
The man behind me lets out a deep, resonant chuckle that makes butterflies flutter in my stomach. Geez, get a grip Everly. This man just killed three men in the forest. Granted, it was to save you from something extremely unpleasant.
An impressive staircase looms before us, guarded by several stoic figures. The man tugs gently on the reins, and the horse obediently stops at the foot of the stairs. Without pause, he swings down, his feet hitting the ground with a thud. Nervously, I fidget on the saddle, feeling the leather beneath my fingertips. I can sense the weight of his gaze, but fear keeps me from meeting his eyes. I take a moment to steady myself before I turn toward him, my stomach in knots. My breath hitches as our eyes meet. He is gorgeous, like, totally mouth-watering gorgeous.
His deep chocolate brown hair falls in cascading waves, reaching past his shoulders. Parts have been braided in sections and gold jewels clipped in. A soft gust of wind ruffles the free hair, making it move in the breeze, its tips brushing lightly against his skin. His beautiful eyes hold me captive, the deepest violet eyes set off by a ring of silver and framed by the thickest eyelashes. My eyes travel over his face, taking in the tattoo of intertwining vines around his left eye, near his temple. His jawline is sharp, and his lips appear soft and full. I'm speechless, unable to form any words or coherent thoughts. Quietly, he stands before me, hands outstretched, patiently waiting to guide me down from the horse. I’m completely transfixed as a smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth.
“Stóirín, are you coming?”
I jump in surprise and instinctively blink multiple times, coming out of my stupor.
“What is your name?” I blurt, and then remember Nix’s words.
Oops . . .
He grins at me, the dimples on his cheeks giving him an extra bit of charm. “Maxon. My name is Maxon. And I will not hurt you. You have my word.” He raises his fist, resting it over his heart.
I’m overcome with a feeling of calm the longer I stare into his eyes, and I can smell his sweet scent of leather and cedarwood, which somehow reassures me everything will be okay. The scent is both earthy and masculine, and makes me think of intimate nights in, reclining on the love seat, lights off, candles on . . .
My cheeks flush with warmth, and I give a small nod, lowering my head. Placing my hands on his shoulders, I allow him to effortlessly lift me off the towering horse. Maxon’s hands, warmand comforting, encircle my waist as he guides me down, carefully settling me onto my feet. My hands trail down his arms, feeling the strength of his muscles under his shirt, before finally resting on his forearms. We remain like this for a prolonged moment, completely captivated by each other’s gaze, until a throat clears nearby. I swiftly withdraw my hands from his arms and take a step back, causing Maxon’s hands to release their hold on my waist. Unintentionally, I bump into the horse, and it lets out a soft snort, almost as if it’s amused. Embarrassment floods my cheeks, causing them to heat up once again.
“Sorry,” I whisper, turning and gently rubbing its neck.
Maxon steps up behind me, the heat from his body seeping into my back, as his arm reaches around me to stroke the horse’s head. “His name is Storm.”
I turn my head and peer up at Maxon, my breath catching in my throat at his proximity.
“Sir, the queen would like to see you right away.”
Maxon doesn’t take his eyes from mine. “Tell her I’m on my way.”
I hold my breath as he lifts his hand toward my face, gingerly running his fingers through my hair, pushing some of it behind my ear.
“What’s your name?” he murmurs, eyes locked onto mine.
“Everly,” I whisper.
“Everly,” he repeats softly, the sound lingering in the air. His voice has a unique and curious undertone, with both elements blending together around me, giving his words a distinctively different quality, one of affection.
Taking a step back, he turns, giving the other man a nod before moving up the stairs, leaving me behind. Anxiety washes over me as I glance around, unsure of what I was suppose to do.
“Miss, if you’ll follow me, I will take you to your chambers.”
I jerk my head toward the voice of a young woman who is now standing beside me.
