When a stream appeared ahead, she directed Ruby to its bank and dismounted. Her back ached from the ride, and Ruby most certainly needed a drink. While the horse lapped up the inviting water, Amelia arched and straightened her back several times, before she moved to the stream to get her own drink. The water felt cool as she cupped it in her hands and refreshing when it slid down her throat.
Ruby cocked her head at Amelia when her stomach let loose a loud complaint. “I know, girl. I bet you are hungry too.” Amelia approached her horse and began trailing her hand up and down its neck as she looked around, hoping to find sustenance. Alas, there was none. She allowed Ruby to chew on the long grass lining the rivers bank. At least one of them could break their fast. She wrapped her arms across her midsection and watched the horse. Once Ruby seemed satisfied Amelia mounted and headed back for the road.
Several miles later, almost all the way to Everthorne, Amelia heard the familiar sound of hooves beating the road behind her. She glanced over her shoulder expecting to see more peasants. Her heart skipped a beat at the unwelcomed sight of the other rider. He appeared to be gentry, a lord. Pulling Ruby’s reins to the left Amelia directed her horse into the forest.
Too late, the other rider saw her and followed. She knew it was not safe, but felt confident in her abilities as she pushed Ruby to gallop faster. The pounding of hoof beats upon the forest floor matched her racing pulse. Amelia bent low over Ruby’s neck, ducking to avoid fast approaching branches.
The sound of the other rider drew closer. Amelia risked a glance over her shoulder. His Grace, the Duke of Goldstone, chased after her. A sudden sharp pain invaded her left arm. A branch struck her hard, knocked the wind from her lungs, and sent her spiraling to the ground. She lay there dumbstruck for a moment, desperately seeking her bearings before she opened her eyes. Ruby stopped several feet ahead of where she had fell, and the duke stood right next to her. Her heart fluttered with anticipation and embarrassment.
“Amelia, what are you doing out here?” He bent down and offered his hand to help her up.
“I am going home, and do not attempt to persuade me otherwise.” She reached for his hand, but flinched and drew hers back when the sensation of hot needles shot through her wrist.
“You are hurt. Let me see.” He took her arm gently in his hands and studied her swollen wrist for a moment. “It appears to be sprained. You will not be able to ride. At least not for the next couple of days.”
She jerked her injured arm back and used her good one to help her stand. “I am perfectly capable of riding despite the injury.” Without giving him a chance to say anything else, she marched over to Ruby. When she turned to mount the horse, he stared at her, an amused grin on his full lips. Letting out a huff of breath, she grabbed the saddle with her good arm, placed a foot in the stirrup, and hoisted herself up. Turning her head to peer at him, she placed a satisfied smirk upon her face.
“You are impressive, my lady. Now take up the reins.” He raised one dark brow in challenge.
She would do better than simply holding the reins and no overbearing duke would stop her. Reaching down, she gathered the leather reins in her good hand and nudged Ruby with her heels. The horse took off at a trot toward the road. Satisfaction caused a wide grin to light Amelia’s face.
Suddenly her weight shifted, causing her to lose balance. She reached with her injured hand for the saddle then winced as the unpleasant sensation once again rippled through her wrist. Pulling the reins, she stopped Ruby from moving further.
“If home is where you want to go, I will take you,” his smooth voice chastised her from behind. “You can ride with me so as not to injure yourself further.”
Amelia sat tall on Ruby’s back, making every effort to appear all right. Could she trust him? “You will take me to Everthorne, not the duchess’s? I want to go home.” She stared him down and searched his gaze for sincerity.
“Look at the horizon. A storm approaches, and nightfall is almost upon us. We haven’t the time to return to London.” He frowned deeply. “I know not what foolishness led you out here, but now that I have found you, it is my duty to protect you.” The corner of his mouth turned up, creating a rakish smirk. “For tonight, I will take you home. As for tomorrow, I make no promises.” He approached her, reaching out his arms in invitation. Amelia released a deep breath, slid from her horse, and landed in his capable embrace.
The familiar tingling ache quickly filled her core before branching off to invade every fiber of her body as he set her on the ground. He placed a firm hand on her lower back and guided her toward his waiting beast.
“I will lift you up once I am mounted.”
She nodded her consent before moving to stand by his stallion. Seated on the horse, he reached for her. His capable arms engulfed her and in mere seconds, she sat upon his magnificent beast.
“What about Ruby? I cannot simply leave her.” Amelia’s stomach rolled at the thought. “She’s more than a horse; she’s my friend.”
He laughed boisterously. “Yes, I shall never forget how fond you are of your beast. That day--”
“Do not tease me! Get me down from here this instant. I will walk with my horse.”
“There is no need for dramatics, lass. Call her to us. I will tie her behind Thunder. She will be safe enough.”
Amelia called to Ruby, who’d wandered a bit further into the clearing and happily chewed the vegetation surrounding her. The horse’s ears twitched for a second before she trotted over to them. He dismounted and secured Ruby’s reins to his own mount.
With her horse seen to, he remounted Thunder and settled Amelia across his lap. She ached with need as his muscled body pressed against her.
“I presume my aunt knows nothing of this folly?”
“Of course not!”
“I will send word to her upon our arrival at Everthorne. She must be beside herself with worry.” His breath warmed the back of Amelia’s neck.
“It is quite possible she has not yet noticed my absence.”
“You, my dear, are not so invisible as you would like to think.”
A startled scream escaped Amelia’s throat as he set Thunder into a fast trot.
