The chase began instantly.
The voice had sounded somewhat familiar, but the fear gripping her would not allow her thoughts to slow down—all she could do was not let it paralyze her.
With her heart pounding in her chest, she guided her horse into a sudden turn, desperate to escape, but almost immediately, this daring maneuver nearly cost her.
As she teetered on the edge of falling off her saddle, the mysterious man pulled up beside her on his horse, reaching out to grab her waist.
In that heart-stopping moment, he effortlessly pulled her up onto his own horse, their bodies pressed close together. The rising sun behind them cast a blinding light, obscuring his face.
Her horse neighed and reared its head, kicking at the ground as it came to a stop alongside his.
Bridget’s breath came in ragged gasps as she tried to catch a glimpse of her savior and chaser’s identity.
“Lady Bridget?!”
The sound of the familiar voice finally registered in her mind, coupled with her eyes adjusting to the light to see the face before her. Bridget’s heart skipped a beat as she faced Abel, his eyes wide with shock.
“Y-Your Grace?” she stammered, her eyes mirroring the shock in his.
Abel scoffed, his shock turning into a mix of confusion and concern. “I thought you were a thief!” he exclaimed, his words laced with incredulity. “I was merely trying to stop you.”
His brow furrowed as he shook his head and continued, his voice tinged with reproach. “Riding so early in the day, alone… This is so incredibly reckless, Lady Bridget. You should know better.”
Bridget’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance crossing her features instantly. “This is my home, Your Grace,” she retorted, “and I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I do not need your admonishments.”
Abel’s brow furrowed even more as he stared her down. “Spare me, Bridget. Even a child would understand the dangers of your actions. Who on earth goes riding alone this early?”
Bridget’s defiance rose as she folded her arms defensively. “Correct me if I’m mistaken, but there’s no set time to go on rides, Your Grace. And even if there was, who are you to lecture me on my unconventional choices?”
Abel let out an incredulous laugh and raised an eyebrow at her. “Anyone would admonish you on this, Bridget.” He sighed. “I worry for your safety.” His tone was tinged with a mix of frustration and care. “You may believe yourself capable, but the world can be a dangerous place, especially for a woman.”
His words hung in the air, charged with tension and unspoken emotions. Bridget’s heart raced, her pride clashing with his concern. The early morning light cast shadows on their faces, illuminating the intensity of their exchange.
Bridget’s gaze remained fixed on his, her eyes filled with a fiery determination. “I appreciate your concern, Your Grace.” She did her best to keep her voice steady.
“Bridget, you?—”
However, she refused to let him finish. “But I’m not one to be confined by Society’s expectations, nor will I ever be. I will not let fear dictate my every move.”
“Whatever your reason, it’s still too dark for you to ride alone.”
“Is it?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “It is a bit ironic to see you out riding as well. Why is it much safer for you to do it than it is for me?”
Abel shook his head at her again, his eyes reflecting his frustration as they fixed on hers. Bridget glared in return, letting her eyes declare her stance—she would not back down.
As the echoes of their argument dissipated, they were left in a charged silence. Their chests rose and fell with the weight of their emotions, their heavy breathing mingling in the cool morning air.
The intensity of their exchange had left them both breathless, their bodies still pressed against each other on Abel’s horse. In the aftermath, they became acutely aware of their proximity.
Abel’s grip on Bridget’s waist remained firm, his touch both protective and possessive. The worry etched on his face replaced his usual air of arrogance, revealing a vulnerability that Bridget had not witnessed before.
She shifted slightly, feeling the warmth of his hand through the layers of her dress. Sitting side-saddle, her heart raced as she glanced up at him.
Their eyes locked, and at that moment, unspoken words passed between them. The tension in the air grew uncontrollablyas their breaths synchronized, heavy with a suddenly known repressed desire.
Abel’s gaze slowly drifted downward, his eyes landing on her lips. A rush of color flooded her cheeks as she saw this, betraying her awareness of the charged atmosphere.
Bridget’s lips parted, desperate to speak, but before any words could come out, Abel cleared his throat, slightly breaking the spell that had enveloped them.
