Page 7 of Rough Riding Orc Cowboy

I knelt and gathered her into my arms, sitting and holding her against my chest.

She fought me, her tiny fists smacking my chest, aiming for my face and landing a worthy hit to my chin. She writhed like a caged beast.

I tightened my hold, though only to keep her from hurting herself. She needed to know I wouldn't allow anyone to harm her.

“Beth,” I said, my voice low. “It’s me. I’m Ruugar. An orc. You're safe.”

She bucked harder, twisting in my grip. “Let me go. I'm not going back.” Her snarl ripped out. “Please, no. I can’t marry Bradley. Can’t!”

“I'd never allow him to take you,” I said dryly.

Her struggles ceased. Her hot breath hit my skin. Slowly, she lifted her head, her blue eyes locking onto mine. Recognition flared there.

“I remember you,” she whispered, her voice shaking. Not with fear, but with something I couldn’t define. Excitement? Naw, it couldn’t be that. What would she have to be excited about when it came to me?

Just seeing her again made heat slam through me, a tide so strong it would surely drown me.

“I remember you too.” I was unable to tear my gaze from her face.

Mine.

No. Not mine.

The old rule tried to tighten itself around my throat in a noose. Shehadbelonged to someone else. Shehadchosen another. Except she was here, in my arms, fighting to escape.

Perhaps she hadnotchosen him. She'd run.

“I’m Ruugar,” I said again.

“Beth.” Her lips curled around the word. “Please don’t call me Elizabeth.”

“Alright, I won’t.”

She gave me a pert nod.

“Tell me everything,” I said.

“We need to get away.” Tears trickled down her face. “They'll find me. They'll take me back, and I can't. Please. You have to understand.” Panic surged in her voice. “My father hates me. He has since I killed my mom.”

“You killed your mother?”

She shook her head, her beautiful hair shifting across her back. I'd never seen anyone as lovely as her. “Childbirth.”

“Ah.”

“He’s been mean to me all my life. Controlling. And now he's sold me to Bradley. Please. I've got to get away, or they’ll make me marry him.” She struggled again, trying to break from my grip. “Don't tell them you saw me. Let me run all the way to the mountains. I have to be free!”

“I understand.” By the fates, did I. I clenched my jaw, the power of her words pressing into my chest. She trembled, her fingers twisting around the fabric of my vest like she was barely holding herself together.

For two long months, I'd fought every instinct that told me to find her. Go to her. Claim her. I’d toldmyself over and over that she could never be mine. That I had no right to think of her, to want her. But it seemed she'd never belonged to that man, not really. And now, she was begging me to help her get away.

The ache in my heart twisted, and I fought the truth staring right at me. She felt she had no choice but to run. She did not want him. That meant she was free. I would not let them take her back.

Harsh voices carried on the wind, moving closer, the sharp bark of orders cutting through the night. They were searching for her. If we remained here, they would find her.

I shifted my grip, steadying her weight in my arms. “You want to run away?”

Her wide, frightened eyes locked onto mine, and she nodded fast. “Yes.”

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