“Just relax. I will not let you fall,” he said, before pushing the horse into a faster run.
She did trust him, though she could not say why. But she would never be able to relax while their bodies pressed together so intimately. She sighed, accepting her circumstances, and resigned to enjoy the ride.
Each step the horse took sent her bouncing and sliding against his muscled body. Every time she moved across his body the apex between her thighs cried out. At one point, she bit the inside of her cheek to regain control of herself. She wondered if her body affected him as well.
Her home came into view bringing her back to herself. She pointed toward the grand country estate. “There, that is Everthorne.”
He turned Thunder toward the stables. After he drew his mount to a stop in front of the doors, he lowered Amelia to the ground before dismounting himself. Stepping back from him, she took a deep breath in a failed attempt to calm her body.
“The place looks abandoned. Where are your servants?” Concern etched into his features as he gazed into her eyes.
“I sent most of them away. Some are at my London townhouse, and the rest have found employment with other families. My overseer and some day servants have been retained. However, all of the house servants have gone.” She walked to the stable door and opened it. “We are capable of taking care of ourselves, or at least I am.” She smirked at the expression he wore, jaw lax, and brows knitted together.
“I am more than capable, lass, just surprised you set off on this course knowing you’d arrive at an empty house.” He led Thunder to a stall and set about bedding him down for the night.
She latched the door behind Ruby after doing the same. “My lord, there are many things about me you do not know and could not possibly understand.”
He grinned wickedly. “It sounds like you are issuing a challenge.”
“I am doing no such thing. Now come, I will prepare our rooms while you start some fires.”
* * * *
Richard set the poultice he made and a pile of cloth strips he’d found on the table beside Amelia. He studied her wrist as she rested it on the arm of the chair. The swelling had gotten worse and the skin was now flushed red.
She met his gaze. “I fear it is hurt worse than I first thought.”
“Do not worry. Mother taught me how to make a few remedies. Let me tend to your injury and you will be better before you know it.”
“That is a strange skill for a titled gentleman to possess.” She placed her arm in his hand.
The contact warmed him. “I always had a curiosity about medicine. If I were not a duke, I believe I would be a doctor.” He smoothed the poultice over her wrist with skillful strokes.
“I think it is wonderful that your mother took the time to teach you.” She winced when he lifted her arm to wrap the injury.
An odd tug pulled at his heart. “I do not wish to cause you pain, but it is not possible to avoid it all together. The injury will heal faster from having the support of the bandages.”
She nodded. “I trust you.”
He smiled at her before directing his attention back to her wrist. Her words lightened his soul but not as much as the truth reflected in her gaze. She did trust him, and for some unexplained reason, he trusted her as well. If only he could protect her from her foolish notions. There must be a way.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER TWELVE
“I will notaccompany you anywhere!” Amelia scowled at the Duke of Goldstone.
“You cannot very well stay here, and I haven’t the time to take you back to London. You will--”
“I can bloody well take myself back. Your services are not needed.” She turned and ran from the room. Being back in her family home made for an emotional night; memories refused to let her sleep. It left her drained and in no mood to be told what to do, not even by a dark, sexy duke. She ran out of the house toward the field behind it. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw him chasing after her. She pushed herself to run faster.
“Lady Amelia, stop running so we can discuss this in a rational manner.” His words were very close. Her stomach tightened as she pushed herself harder.
Suddenly the duke wrapped his hand around her uninjured arm, jerking her to a halt, and caused them both to tumble to the ground. He rolled on top of her and braced himself up with his arms. Her eyes drifted to the muscles rippling through his arms before his gaze bore into hers. A thrill coursed through her veins. Her essence begged once again for that elusive something only he could give her.
Ignoring the longing, she shoved against his chest. “Get off of me this instant!”
“Not until we have this matter sorted out.” He stared down at her with mischief in his eyes.
