Strictly Taboo(183)
She could feel him standing close to her, watching her. It was as if he wanted to see her reaction to the beautiful sight of green, rolling hills sprawling out ahead of her. There were wild flowers and trees scattered here and there, and to Lauren, it looked as if it was meant to be a sort of paradise. It was nothing like London back home, and she ached thinking about how much she’d miss the beauty of it all.
“You can explore the lands if you like. I know that you seemed to know your way around a horse. Would you like to go riding?” Lord Ansley asked her, and she looked at him. Her eyes went wide for a moment as she was taken back, and she nodded.
“Tomorrow then.” He said before they soon headed back into the manor.
She was back in her room, unsure of what she should do. She tried to get her thoughts into order, but she couldn’t seem to figure out what she should be thinking. Martha was there, smiling at her, and she realized even after just a day that smile seemed to have disarmed her. She already didn’t mind her presence, and when she was told that Lord Ansley would be too busy to see her, Lauren’s heart dropped for a reason she just couldn’t explain.
Chapter Five
The next morning, she looked around to find another outfit ready for her and she started to get dressed. Martha came in just in time and so she started to get used to a routine where Martha helped to wake her up for the most part, helping her to dress and get ready for the day. She thought that she’d once again have breakfast in the room that Lord Ansley had provided for her, but much to her surprise she was told that he was waiting on her to eat with him. With a small smile she went to down to meet him. He was already in the dining room. It was cozy, and it was the first that she had ever seen of it. She looked around, with a small smile on her face, and he seemed to be watching her again to see her reaction.
“I’m glad that it’s to your liking, and I’m very happy that you could join me.” He said, and his voice was softer than before.
“I trust that you’ll go riding with me today?” He said, and she happily agreed after curtseying for a moment.
“I would like that very much.” She said, and he nodded.
“I’m glad. Please sit.” He said, gesturing to the seat that he pulled out for her.
She sat down gingerly as her mind started to spin. There was still that voice that told her not to trust someone that could kidnap her so easily, and yet she didn’t feel threatened by him at all. The food was delicious when they ate. They fell into silence, but it was not as awkward as she had imagined that it would be.
“It’s very good.” She managed to say at the very end, and he nodded, but she could tell that something was on his mind. She didn’t dare ask. Lauren didn’t think she knew him that well, but her curiosity was getting the better of her. She found a question that she could ask instead.
“Have you contacted my father?” She asked, but the question seemed to surprise Lord Ansley. He nodded a little, and she noticed that his grip had tightened on his glass.
“Yes, I did.” He said, and she nodded, expecting him to continue.
“Well?” She prompted, but she kept her tone light. She didn’t want to offend him.
“He’s not keen on negotiating your ransom.” He said, and she looked down. Her heart dropped, and Lauren didn’t know what to say. She was speechless, but her and her father had never been close. Her mother had died when she was born, and so she understood in a way. It didn’t make it any harder for her to hear what he had just said to her.
“What will happen now?” She asked, and he sighed. Looking up, she could see him pinching the bridge of his nose. It was clear that he had something on his mind.
“I don’t plan to hurt you. That never really was in the plan, but I won’t be able to protect you.” He told her, and fear started to settle over her. She bit her bottom lip, holding back tears as she tried to tell herself to breath.
“Unless…” He said, but he sighed again. She looked up at him sharply, feeling her heart beat in her chest.
“Unless what?” She asked, and he shook his head.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Lauren.” He told her, and with that he got up, walking around the table and offering her his hand. They were walking before she knew it, and her hand was in the crook of his arm. He led her outside as he seemed to be thinking of how to put what he wanted to say gently.
“Thank you.” She whispered.
“I can’t just send you home.” He told her, but Lauren had to admit that ever since she had reached Scotland, she wasn’t sure if she had wanted to go home. Not anymore.