Page 93 of Princess of Pride
“No.” His breath blows my hair at the top of my head.
I’m right again. He was with Kat—Tessa—for years yet he never fell for her, proving he’s incapable of love. Why does that leave me disappointed?
Rory returns. “Everyone is gone. I moved the car to the back entrance so it’s closer.”
“Thank you.” Lachlan nudges me to shuffle forward.
“When we get back, I want to be alone.”
His grip tightens on my arm, but he relaxes it quickly. “Fine.”
22
I WANT YOUR COMPLETE SUBMISSION
I dismount from the horse and thank her with a stroke along her neck before passing her reigns to Boyd.
Two weeks ago, he introduced me to the sweet mare named Kelpie. After that first ride across the low rolling hills to the sea cliffs, I’ve been addicted, coming every time I ride.
Rory joined me that first time. He apologized profusely for allowing me to drink so much scotch.
“You didn’t allow me to do anything. I chose to drink it all,” I told him.
Truth is, in the back of my mind, I knew I’d regret it. But I didn’t want to look wimpy in front of the distillery workers, as dumb as that sounds.
Boyd rode with me every time after—until yesterday when I boldly told him I didn’t need a chaperone.
The burly, middle-aged man with copper hair and a matching beard looked perplexed for long moments. I thought he’d insist on coming, but after I graciously explained that I know the land and the horse, and was perfectly safe on theDuhnill acres, he gave me a satellite phone and told me to call if I need him.
I rode for hours, exploring a wooded area and a pond that Boyd had shown me a few days earlier.
I’ve since visited the gardens at the front of the castle, hidden behind the trees lining the driveway. When I first arrived here, I noticed stairs built into the small grassy hills on either side of the private drive. I didn’t know where they led. Turns out, it’s the gardens. There are two—a formal one with twenty or so topiary trees, and an informal one where flowers grow wildly. That one is my favorite.
As for Lachlan, I see him at dinner where I sit beside Rory, per the setting arrangement, instead of at the head of the table with my husband. Lachlan behaves much the same way he did with my father when he dined with us, only his attention and conversation is focused on Wes. Tessa joined us twice, which made for a very awkward encounter—for me, anyway. She’s either unaffected or a damn good actress. Lachlan talks to her about business in a professional manner. The intimate way they spoke at the distillery hasn’t happened again. Not in my presence. Whether it does behind closed doors, I couldn’t say. He isn’t pursuing me sexually, which makes me wonder if he is getting his fill from Tessa.
Today, I’m going to ask him to let me return home so I can move on with my life. I can’t do that here where I can't establish a place for my bookstore or ignore Lachlan’s magnetic presence, as hard as I try.
I leave the stables for the Range Rover waiting to take me back to the castle and greet Ian, who drives me every day I come.
“How was your ride?” He opens the back door for me.
“Wonderful, thank you.” I climb onto the black leather seat.
“The weather is beautiful for it.”
“It is.”
The last two days have been sunny with no rain. The castle grounds and coastline transform under the warm rays and take on a magical vibe. Living here reminds me of Hogwarts. That castle was on a loch, not the sea and was stone versus white, but the northern highlands is where the school for witches and wizards was located. The scenery and weather carry the same vibes. I’d be lying if I said I won’t miss it.
I’ve even grown accustomed to the hilly roads that make the ride similar to being in a horse drawn wagon.
“Is Lachlan at the castle?” I ask when we get close to the tree lined entrance.
“He is.”
“Perfect.”
If he finds my inquiry and response unusual, he doesn’t show it. None of the staff show that they’re aware of how Lachlan and I do not act like a normal husband and wife.
