Page 73 of The Time Of Queens

Did he know something? No, he couldn’t know, as I doubt if he did, that he would be acting this calm right now. Which was enough to get me to relax and say,

“I thank you but, again, I think I will have to decline,” I told him, trying to sound more firm this time.

“Nonsense, for there is nothing to fear. Come, you will see,” he told me after wrapping the cloak around my shoulders and leading me towards his horse.

“But I cannot ride him, for he is far too big for me,” I argued, even as I was being ushered closer to where I could see a step beside his waiting horse.

“No really, I can… Whoa!” My argument died from my lips when I felt myself being lifted up suddenly. Which meant that I had no choice but to cock my leg over into the man’s saddle. I felt tiny on the giant horse, quickly gripping on to what I knew was called the horn and steadying myself.

My long skirt was caught, as well as my cloak, giving me no choice but pull it up slightly, exposing my calves and lace-up boots. But before I could do anything else, Draven mounted the horse behind me, heaving himself up with ease after first putting his foot in the stirrup. Then once he was on, he rearranged my cloak so as it was around my shoulders but cascading down to one side, leaving my back more exposed to his chest. He wasted no time before pulling me firmly against him, simultaneously sliding closer so as he could reach around me and take possession of the reins.

Then he swiftly gave the horse the command to move, and with nowhere else to hold on to, I gripped the horn tighter in front of me and yelped at the feel of the large beast moving. Meaning before I had a chance to say a single word more in protest, we were quickly riding from the stable yard and along the gravel path leading us away from the house.

But then as I glanced back, I caught sight of Sophia and Pip walking the path, their faces full of shock and horror. I didn’t question it for long, as this quickly reminded me of one major thing.

One very important thing.

And the very reason they had planned to join me the first time Draven mentioned taking me on a ride. A ride that never happened. Just like this one shouldn’t be happening. Because of one very important rule about Pip’s mojo…

It only worked when she was near.

Meaning as I looked behind me now and saw the grand house getting smaller and smaller in the distance, I knew I was in trouble and soon…

Draven would know it too.

In fact…

He would soon know everything.

27

A KISS IS ALL IT TAKES

“Ireally don’t think this is a good idea!” I exclaimed, trying once again to get him to turn around. However, he took this opportunity to hold me tighter and whisper in my ear,

“Relax, I’ve got you.”

This time, the shiver that crept along my body had nothing to do with the weather as he was certainly keeping me warm enough. Hell, I was burning up inside…no pun intended.

“I feel I should point out that this isn’t really you teaching me how to ride, maybe we should go back and I should try on a smaller horse,” I suggested, leaving out the part where I would then take said horse and try and escape him. Christ, but doing loops around the house was better than this, as at least that way I could be assured that Pip’s magic wouldn’t wear off.

“Oh no, for that would be far too irresponsible of me to allow such for your first time. But if it is riding a horse you wish to learn, then try first…squeezing your thighs,”he whispered, making me gasp.

“Excuse me!”

He chuckled, as he obviously felt the freedom enough to tease me sexually out here.

“Here, you may take the reins, if you like?” he offered, opening his fingers and allowing me to take the straps of leather if I wanted to,which I did not.

“No, no, that’s alright, I think it’s best you carry on.”

He laughed before I felt him flexing his fingers at my belly from where he held me to him with one arm.

“Then perhaps you would like to stop for a moment,” he suggested, making me nod my head.

“Or we could make our way back to the house, as I am sure your dinner will be ready shortly,” I tried again.

“I am not hungry…for food.”

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