Page 55 of Her Tempting Traitor
But he’d invited her along today.
He’d allowed GabbyandGus to see his new level of ability.
That knowledge, and how casually he’d invited her to see his new truth, made her smile fondly. “I do not thinkshiteis the proper word to describe your ability. You are handling the animal quite well.”
“I had to use ablockto mount,” he deadpanned. “Like a bairn. Totalshite.”
Giggling, she twisted forward in her saddle once more. “We could put you to the test, and catch up with Gus.”
Cassian grunted, lifting himself in the stirrups—did he not realize that was a victory in itself?—to peer at his rapidly distant son. “He’s stopped, looking up in that tree. Likely found a squirrel or a rogue peacock or a marmoset.”
Gabby giggled again, because it was the kind of day for giggling. “The peacocks have their own roosts near the barns.”
“Besides…” He shot her an unreadable glance. “I dinnae ken if galloping is good for ye.”
“Oh, forme?” She smirked, delighted at his flirting. “You are thinking ofmewhen you say you do not want to gallop?” And not a worry about falling on his arse?
But his expression was serious. “Are ye sore, Gabby? From…last night?”
Twice last night, and this morning.
Cassian had been a remarkably attentive lover, seemingly content to postpone—or deny—his own pleasure in favor of hers. She’d known he would be a caring partner when it came to bedsport, but had no idea—nor expectation—that she could find such ecstasy with a man…and so many times!
Caught off guard, Gabby found herself flushing, her gaze switching ahead to the copse of trees that Gus was trotting around. “I…a bit, perhaps.”
Cassian’s horse nudged closer to hers. “Gabby, I…I am sorry if I hurt ye.”
She twisted so quickly that she was amazed she didn’t strain her neck. “Hurt me? I was just thinking…”The opposite.
But his expression remained serious. “If I’d kenned before that ye were a virgin, I wouldnae have…” He winced. “Well, I would have done it differently.”
Her hands tightened on the reins to keep from reaching for him. “You were gentle and wonderful and…” She cleared her throat, lifting her chin and sitting forward once more. “You were quite wonderful, thank you very much. Ten out of ten.”
The noise he made might’ve been an amused snort. “Ye really…? There’d been nae other men, Gabby? Ye seemed so certain of what ye wanted…”
“Well, yes,” she said primly, relieved her cheeks were only slightly pinking. “I am an educated, intelligent woman who has plenty of experience with anatomy. Of course I have spent some time learning my own body.” She deflated slightly and snuck a peek at Cassian. “I just have never met a man I wanted to bother…putting in the effort to get to know better.”
He was studying her, and now cleared his throat. “That is…incredibly flattering, Gabby.”
“Yes.” She smirked proudly. “I am glad you realize that.”
His own lips twitched, and he was the one to reach across the space between them and take her hand. Relieved she didn’t have to be the one to make the move, she eagerly twisted her fingers through his and wished she could remove her gloves so she could feel his skin.
“Thank ye, Gabby.”
“Thankyou, Cassian, for a thoroughly wonderful first experience. Now, when can we do it again?”
His laughter surprised her—surprised him as well, judging from how quickly he ceased. But he squeezed her fingers and grinned ruefully. “Tonight? I could come to yer room and sneak out again before anyone”—he glanced meaningfully at Gus, who’d begun to ride again—“can discover us together.”
She gave the matter some thought. “I do not think I care if we are discovered, Cassian. Please understand me, I have no expectations, but I also have no reputation to worry about—I ruined that years ago by choosing to study veterinary science—and even if thereisa scandal, I care not.”
He was shaking his head, likely about to argue with her, when his gaze was caught by his son’s stunt. Ahead of them Gus’s horse was trotting toward the river, and the lad was standing in the stirrups, craning his head to see something on the banks.
Gabby thought it a fine distraction. “Gus is a natural in the saddle. He has an understanding of the way a horse moves which usually takes years to learn.” Between their horses Cassian still held her hand, and now she squeezed it. “You should be very proud of his affinity with animals.”
“Aye,” he sighed. “One more thing I owe to Uncle Dickie. It’s…” He trailed off, and when she glanced at him, he grimaced. “I am used to being self-sufficient. No’ relying on anyone, no’ owing anyone, it’s been that way since I was a lad. And another man has raised my son. How am I supposed to repay him?”
The answer was immediate. “Exonerate yourself, Cassian.” At his startled breath, she hurried to explain. “Prove to Uncle Dickie and Aunt Zilphia that you will always be here, putting Inverlochy and Gus first, no matterhowsurprised you were when he made you his heir.”
