He spent last night tossing and turning in his bed, the sheets tangled around his legs as he fought off the images of her that filled his mind. As dawn crested the horizon, he gave up trying to sleep and got dressed. By late morning, Graham headed into the village, determined to find a distraction for his desires. But as he sipped ale in the pub and considered the women present, he could not help but compare them to Phoebe and found them all lacking. Despite his efforts, he could not bring himself to bed any of them.
After downing two cups of ale, he abandoned the idea all together. Instead, he decided to return to the castle and get lost in work, or drink, or perhaps both.
Maybe he should return to London, or travel to his own country estate? Remaining here only proved to torture him, as he lusted after the lady next door.
Still, the thought of leaving left an uncomfortable feeling in his gut.
He nudged his horse into a fast gallop as he crested a hill on the road and caught sight of the dark clouds gathering on the horizon. Ominous, black clouds no doubt ushering in a storm. He needed to reach Almerry before the sky burst open above him.
The winds picked up, whipping around him as he rode neck or nothing. The smell of rain filled his nostrils as he leaned low over the stallion’s back and nudged it to run faster.
Thunder cracked, shaking the ground as rain poured down in slanting waves. A startled, feminine cry tore through the air, reverberating around him. The sound caused the hairs on the nape of his neck to stand on end.
Graham pulled back on the reins, signaling his horse to slow down. He squinted through the trees and tall grass, trying to locate the source of the blood-curdling scream.
His gaze locked on a woman’s figure in the distance. She was running with her skirts clutched in her hands. His gut tightened—Phoebe. Was she hurt? Did she need help? His heart hammered at the very idea.
Setting his mount into a run, he raced toward her. She did not appear to be injured, and he breathed a sigh of relief at that. Perhaps she was merely frightened. Regardless, he meant to take care of her.
Graham slowed the stallion a fraction as he came near, then reached out and scooped Phoebe into his arm, swinging her onto the saddle. He pulled her close against him, shielding her with his body.
She released another sharp squeal as she fought against his hold. “No. Let me go.” She swatted at him as she wriggled in his arms.
“Shh…” he soothed. “You are safe.”
Phoebe went still.
“I mean only to help you.”
“Graham,” she said, breathless.
“Yes.” He tightened his hold. “I will protect you.”
Phoebe shook her head. “The storm.”
No sooner did the words leave her lips, then lightning split the sky. His horse whinnied and bucked as she screamed once more. Graham held her tighter as he brought his horse under control. “We need shelter,” he said near her ear.
“That way.” Phoebe pointed toward a speck in the distance. “The old gardener’s cottage. It is vacant.” She snuggled closer to him as she spoke. “I was trying…but the rain…”
“Do not fret,” Graham soothed as he held her closer.
He pulled the reins, turning the horse toward the building, then set them into a break-neck run. His mount galloped toward their destination while all around them thunder rolled and lightning split the sky.
As the wind roared and rain hammered down on them, he leaned over Phoebe, shielding her with his body. The water seeped through his clothes, soaking him to the bone.
He pulled rein, bringing his mount to a stop in front of the small cottage. Wasting no time, Graham jumped from the horse with Phoebe still in his arms. He set her feet on the ground, then nodded at the cottage. “Go,” he commanded as he turned back to the horse.
“But…”
“I will be right behind you.” Paying her no more mind, he worked to secure the horse, all the while wishing there was a barn nearby. The horse jumped as thunder shook the ground beneath his feet, but there was nothing Graham could do about the horse’s anxiety. He had to protect Phoebe.
He stroked his hand down the horse’s neck. “I am sorry, pal. You must stay here.”
“Hurry,” Phoebe called, her voice laced with worry.
Graham turned to find her standing just inside the door, her arms wrapped securely around her waist and eyes wide.
“Do, hurry.” Lightning burst from the heavy clouds, causing her to jump as her gaze moved to the sky. “The rain’s getting inside.”
