Page 65 of Arrows and Gems
She nodded against his cheek. He wanted to lean into it, but now wasn’t the time. “I’ve never shot from someone’s arms, but I’m willing to try.”
“Good.” Farrell stood just ahead, his ears pointed forward as they approached. Thank the heavens the horse was used to Cap running up to him.
Slowing, Cap adjusted his hold so he could hoist Margit onto the saddle. As soon as she was steady, he swung himself up behind her and grabbed the reins.
She twisted in her seat and gave him a sly grin. “Perhaps we should practice, just in case.”
“Practice what?” he asked, his attention on sending Farrell in the wrong direction as noisily as possible.
“Shooting from someone’s arms.” Her grin turned wicked. “If we have to re-enact our escape, the skill could come in handy. But itwouldmean you’d have to hold me again. Think you’re up to it?”
CHAPTER 23
Helena
He was positively adorable when his cheeks turned red. How had he survived so long with a blush reflex like that? He was almost as bad as Katy.
Helena’s own emotions were rather unsettled, but she didn’t want to face them yet. Besides, poking the bear was fun. “You’re too easy, Cap,” she grinned. “You must not have much experience with women.”
“I have plenty,” he growled back. Touchy, or hiding his embarrassment?
She leaned back, enjoying the warmth of his chest and smiling as she pictured the deeper hue to his face. A different kind of warmth spread through her chest as she remembered the sight of him standing before her and Erwan like an avenging angel. Strong draw, solid stance, hazel eyes blazing in the midst of all that brown hair.
Sought out, her heart had whispered.Rescued.
Maybe shehadneeded to be rescued after all.
Cherished.
She pushed that thought away before the pressure in her eyes could build again. It wasn’t true anyway. “I suppose you must,” she rejoined lightly. “Rouge can’t be the only young woman who has desired your attention.”
“Rouge?” he parroted with confusion. “What does she have to do with this?”
“She’s jealous,” Helena replied matter-of-factly. “I had my suspicions before, but her reaction when we returned to camp yesterday and to our struggle for the arrow today proves it. So don’t deny that she likes you.”
Cap barked out a laugh. “I’ve had women chasing me since I turned sixteen. Trust me, Rouge isn’t one of them.”
Raising an eyebrow, she twisted to stare at him. He looked completely serious. “Are you really that clueless?”
“Not an accusation I normally receive.” His eyes flicked down to her. “It might have been easier if I were, but I don’t have the luxury of accidentally encouraging a woman.”
“What are you, a prince?” Helena chuckled at his solemn tone. “I wouldn’t think a royal guard would be in such a precarious position.”
He said nothing, looking over his shoulder before he slowed Farrell to a trot and turned north.
“Speaking of guards,” Helena began, settling against him again. He stiffened with the contact, but she just grinned. “After our memorable meeting, Erwan – the guard you just rescued me from – seemed hesitantly supportive of you. Today, his belief that you abandoned me to aid your own escape had him rethinking that position.”
Cap adjusted his grip on the reins. “Not on purpose,” he said gruffly. “I thought you were up ahead.”
She nodded; she’d get the full story later, but he’d come for her. That was enough for now. “But when you showed up, he seemed oddly respectful. Why was that?”
A deep exhale escaped his nostrils. “I was his commanding officer. Before.”
“All right, but how did he—” Helena cut off abruptly as she remembered the scene again. Cap, ready to fight for her, hazel eyes blazing.
Hazel eyes blazing.
“Your hood!” she gasped. Cap grabbed her waist to keep her in the saddle when she spun to gape at his bare head. “He saw your face.”
