“Trust me, Lyndsey.” He leaned forward, stretching his arm toward her once more.
She met his gaze and for a brief moment, there was a look of determination on her expression. She released the reins and reached for him. Leaning closer, he wrapped an arm around her waist and yanked her off the saddle. Her arms flew around his shoulders as she hung on to him.
He quickly reined in his horse as he pulled Lyndsey in front of him. She clung to him, burying her face against his chest. The moment his horse stopped, he slid both arms around her, pulling her tighter against him.
Her whole body trembled. Breathing deeply, he tried to quell the panic that had risen inside him as he rested his face in the crook of her neck.
“Oh, Adrian,” her voice shook. “I thought... I thought...”
“Shush, my sweet. I wouldn’t have let anything happen to you.” He brushed his lips over her neck. “You are safe with me.”
She stayed against him as he stroked his hands over her back, trying to calm her down the best he could. Slowly, the trembling in her body left and she sighed heavily.
“What happened back there?” she asked, lifting her head to look into his eyes.
“I wish I knew.” He caressed her cheek, wiping away a few tears from her cheeks. “But I thank the good Lord that you are safe now.”
“What...” She looked over his shoulder in the direction where they had been. “What happened to your brother?”
“I believe he was shot.”
She sucked in a quick breath and met his gaze again. “Shot?”
“Yes, but I think he is alright. He was knocked off his horse, but I didn’t see any blood before I took off after you.”
“Oh, Adrian.” She relaxed, laying her head on his chest again. “I’ve never been so frightened.”
“Neither have I.” He kissed her forehead, tightening his arms around her, relishing the warmth their bodies were sharing at this moment.
A few moments of silence passed between them. Closing his eyes, he inhaled her intoxicating flowery fragrance. Suddenly, the memory of them in the kitchen’s pantry filled his thoughts. He would never forget her unique scent.
“Adrian? I think we should return to the others.” She pulled away and looked at him. “I’m certain they’ll want to know about my welfare.”
Indeed, they should return, but he didn’t want to let her go. He didn’t want to stop staring into her lovely blue eyes, either. “Yes, we should get back.”
A shaky smile pulled across her face. “Th-thank you, Adrian. You... risked your life to save mine.”
He cupped the side of her face. “I’d do it again if it meant seeing your heart-melting smile once more.”
Her face grew warm and she dropped her gaze to his chest. “I... thank you, my lord. I don’t know how to repay you.”
“Adrian,” he whispered. “Hearing my name from your angelic lips is the only thanks I require.”
She lifted her gaze to him and her smile grew a little wider. His heartbeat hammered wildly. Was he perhaps softening her heart? Would she finally forgive him for lying to her?
She twisted on his lap and faced forward, her silent request to return to their party. Without another word, he urged the horse forward. Even though he couldn’t see her face, at least he could smell her enchanting scent. His arm stayed around her waist, holding her against him.
For now, this would do. But soon, he’d want more. Much more.
