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“Lady Bridget, I…” he began, his voice husky, filled with longing and restraint. “I… apologize for the intensity of our disagreement just now. It was never my intention to upset you.”

His fingers pulled her in slightly, and his tone sent sweet shivers down her spine. “My only wish is to be sure you’ll always be safe.”

Another charged silence ensued, and Bridget found herself fighting to keep from leaning closer to him.

Her voice trembled as she mustered the courage to break the silence. “Your Grace, release me… I must dismount.”

Abel’s grip tightened momentarily, his fingers digging into the fabric of her dress even more. His gaze met hers, a mix of reluctance and longing in his eyes. At last, he let her go.

With a final glance, Bridget carefully dismounted the horse, her steps faltering as she distanced herself from him, going to soothe her horse and take his reins in her hands.

She cleared her throat as he got off behind her. She could barely look him in the eye, and her voice quavered slightly as she spoke, “And I, too, apologize for my sharp tone. I appreciate your concern, Your Grace.”

Abel’s voice held a firm resolve as he spoke, his tone leaving no room for argument, “I shall accompany you home, Lady Bridget. It would be expected of me to ensure your safety.”

Bridget’s frustration bubbled within her again, her brow furrowing as she tried to protest. “Your Grace, again, I appreciate your concern, but there is no need for you to trouble yourself. I am perfectly capable of making my own way.”

However, Abel did not give a response. His steps were quick and restless as he fell into step with her immediately. Bridget stared at him in disbelief, and he met her gaze with a deadpan expression.

At last, she gave in, and they began the walk back side by side, both leading their horses. An uncomfortable silence filled the air as Abel’s expression was fixed in disappointment. Bridget’s anxiety and guilt grew with each passing moment, her eyes darting to his face for signs to read his train of thought.

As they continued on, his quiet restlessness continued to unsettle her, filling her with a growing sense of unease. Shecouldn’t help but wonder if he would bring up their encounter to her father. Pressed down by the weight of his silence and the tension in his expression, she was unable to keep silent anymore.

“As we’re already in this situation, I must confess, Your Grace…” She cleared her throat to weed out the nervousness. “… this is not the first time I have ventured out like this, and that is why I can assure you it is completely safe.”

Abel’s eyes widened in surprise. “You mean to say that you have been doing this regularly? And your father is unaware?”

Bridget nodded nervously. “Yes. It is my secret refuge, a nice escape. I always take precautions to ensure my safety as well, of course.”

Abel scoffed and turned away in response, his face shrinking in what looked like deep worry.

His silence only heightened Bridget’s discomfort, her voice trembling slightly when she spoke again. “Your Grace, if there is something you wish to communicate, I implore you to speak openly.”

A flicker of annoyance crossed Abel’s features, his retort swift and sharp. “Riding during the night is dangerous, Lady Bridget. I simply cannot fathom why you would put yourself at risk.”

Her hackles rose, her voice laced with frustration as she countered, “Your Grace, I assure you, I do not engage in any such activities atnight.” She swallowed and tried to keep her cool. “My father’s strictness regarding my pastimes is high. Thus, I can only ride early in theday.”

Abel rolled his eyes at her emphasis, his frustration rising as well. “Your father’s strictness is justified, Lady Bridget. He only wishes to protect you. It’s clear you cannot make sound decisions by yourself.”

Bridget’s head turned sharply to him, and she had to ball her fists to keep from yelling his ears off. Abel fixed his gaze on her, daring her to counter. At last, she turned away and kept her mouth shut. He scoffed and went silent again.

The minutes passed by in grating quiet. Finally, at her breaking point, Bridget let out a frustrated groan.

Tired of beating around the bush, she said, “Your Grace, I plead you promise to keep our encounter and the knowledge that I go horse riding a secret from my father. He must never hear of it.”

Abel’s face contorted in sudden anger, his voice filled with frustration as he retorted, “Pray tell, why should I keep your secret? Your father should know. Someone has to stop you. You could truly hurt yourself, Bridget, and none would know till late!”

Despite the delicious sound of her name on his tongue, Bridget felt her own anger rise, and she opened her mouth, ready to yell back at him for attempting to scold her.

However, as she met his eyes, her resolve softened. The worry he was showing was both surprising and endearing, making it difficult to muster the anger she had felt just moments before.

“You have no reason to be so irritated,” she mumbled quietly and averted her eyes from the intensity in his. “Why on earth would you even care whatever happens to me?”

Abel seemed taken aback by her question, and when she returned her gaze to his, she found his eyes searching for the answer that he couldn’t quite articulate.

At last, he remained silent, his eyes locked on hers. Their intense gazes held a conversation of their own, their unspoken words echoing in the air.

Bridget could see his concern, his genuine care for her well-being. She once again felt that now familiar wave of electricity pass through her, sending tingles down her spine.