Page 32 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
“Hold the reins steady,” he instructed, adjusting her grip slightly. “You must guide the horse with your hands, not your body.”
Aurelia complied, but the rhythm of the horse’s gait jostled her, forcing her back against him.
She turned her head slightly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Is this how you teach all your students, Your Grace? With such…close supervision?”
He shot her a warning scowl, his jaw ticking. “Focus on the ride, Duchess. Distractions will get you thrown off.”
“Oh, but I think I’m beginning to enjoy the distractions,” she replied.
Philip gritted his teeth, feeling the heat rise inside him. “This is not a game. If you are serious about learning, you must remain alert.”
“Very well,” she said, feigning obedience, but the mischievous glint in her eyes told him she wouldn’t let him off so easily.
As they trotted, Philip spoke, “Breathe with the horse,” he instructed. “Let its movements guide you. You must learn to move in harmony with it, or you will lose control.”
Aurelia nodded, straightening her posture. “I understand. But I must admit, it is rather hard to concentrate when you are so near.”
“Then consider it a lesson in self-discipline,” he replied, his voice clipped. “Control is vital in both riding and…other matters.”
She raised an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed. “Other matters? I find that rather intriguing. Do you have more lessons to give?”
“Not at the moment,” he said, refusing to engage, though the edges of his resolve were fraying. “Focus on the trot. You need to feel the rhythm.”
“Very well,” she murmured, but the lilt in her voice made it clear that she was enjoying this dance of words. “Show me how to feel it, then.”
With a slight tug on the reins, he guided the horse into a faster trot, his body pressing against hers with every movement.
“Keep your back straight. Lean into the horse’s motions, but do not lose your balance. It is all about maintaining the upper hand.”
“Like this?” she asked, glancing back at him, her eyes alight with mischief.
“Exactly like that,” he managed, gritting his teeth as he fought against the allure of her proximity. “But remember, you must not lower your guard.”
“And what if I want to let my guard down?” she countered, her voice low, teasing the very edges of his composure.
Philip leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. “Then you would be riding along a perilous path, Aurelia. Do not forget our history, because I certainly have not.”
Chapter Twelve
“Please, slow down!” Aurelia yelled at the top of her lungs, but the wind swept her protests away from Philip’s ears.
Or, perhaps he’d heard her pleas but chose to ignore them.
“Your Grace, you are riding too fast!” she howled as Philip grinned behind her. It sounded like music to his ears.
Maybe the next time she would think twice before suggesting such an activity.
She’d only been riding properly for a week. She needed to keep up with him, to show him that she wasn’t afraid and would not be intimidated by his efforts to throw her off.
Philip led them past the meadows and into the quiet woods, where a small lake lay nestled between the trees.
As they approached the clearing, he suddenly urged the horse into a gallop, the shift in speed catching Aurelia off guard. She gripped the reins tightly, her breath catching in her throat as her stomach churned from the abrupt change in motion.
They stopped abruptly before the lake and Philip dismounted swiftly, his expression unreadable. He turned to help her down, but Aurelia, her stomach still roiling uncomfortably from the ride, swayed slightly, needing a moment before accepting his hand.
When her feet finally touched the ground she stepped away, one hand pressed to her abdomen as she leaned against a tree, breathing heavily.
Her heart was racing in her chest, not only from the ride but from the fact that he had purposely been so rough. She could clearly see the wicked gleam of satisfaction in his eyes, but there was something more underneath his brutal actions. She knew that he would not have been so reckless if he wasn’t warring with his own desires.
