Page 18 of The Highlander's Runaway Nun
Inside their bedchamber, Laura set to work, carefully examining his arm and shoulder where the skirmish had left bruises and cuts. Bradley sat back in the chair, watching her with a dark curiosity, fascinated by her precise movements as she boiled clean rags for the wound and made tea.
“Tell me, lass,” he said, his voice low, “why did ye hesitate to get on the horse earlier? I’ve a mind to understand what frightens ye.”
Laura looked up from the bandaging, meeting his eyes steadily. “I’m afraid of horses,” she admitted, her brow furrowed.
“Ye? Afraid?” Bradley let out a low laugh, shaking his head. “Aye, tomorrow, we’ll fix that,” he said, a dangerous edge to his words as he watched her flush with a mix of fear and embarrassment.
Laura’s hands lingered on his arm, steadying him and changing the subject. “Ye’ll live, Laird. If ye’ll let me tend to this daily,” she said, her voice soft but insistent.
Bradley leaned back slightly, studying her, a tangle of frustration and desire coiling inside him. “Ye’ll make a husband of me yet, Laura… and I daenae ken if I like that thought or fear it.”
The firelight flickered across her determined face, and Bradley’s chest tightened with a mix of awe and possessiveness. He could feel the claim of her hands, the quiet authority she wielded, and he realized he had never encountered anyone like her.
“Ye ken, Laura,” he said slowly, his tone softening only slightly, “I’ve a mind to let ye have yer way… for now.”
Laura nodded, returning to her work, unaware of the storm of obsession brewing behind his dark eyes.
Bradley remained silent, though his mind raced with thoughts of control, desire, and the strange, unyielding pull he felt toward her. The bedchamber seemed smaller now, the space charged with a tension that made him glance at the bed.
And as she bandaged his wound, he felt certain of one thing—he would not let her go. He felt the heat rising within him. Suddenly, he had the urge to put distance between them.
“I must give orders to Alan. Yer lessons start tomorrow.” He stood up and left the room. That night, he would have slept in his study. He could not be near her. He knew he could not control his urges, and Laura wasn’t ready for him yet.
The next morning, Bradley led Laura toward the castle stables. The scent of hay and horses greeted them, and Bradley ran a hand along the nearest stall.
“These are the finest beasts in the Highlands, Laura. Each one’s loyal, strong, and swift,” he said, pride threading his voice. Laura followed closely, glancing from one sleek coat to another, her eyes wide with awe and trepidation.
She stopped short of a large black stallion, hesitating. “I… I daenae ken if I can,” she admitted softly, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.
Bradley’s dark eyes softened slightly, though a spark of amusement lingered. “Nonsense, lass. Ye’ll do fine. I’ll be with ye, every step,” he said, stepping closer, letting his hand brush against hers briefly as he guided her forward.
The horse nickered, lowering its head, and Bradley whispered encouragement. “See? He senses yer fear, but he’ll follow yer lead. Ye must speak gently, show him ye mean nay harm,” he instructed.
Laura’s palm met the horse’s soft nose, her fingers trembling as she stroked its sleek coat.
Bradley crouched beside her, holding the reins loosely but firmly. “When ye mount, ye must trust him… and me,” he murmured, his voice low, resonant with authority. Laura glanced up at him, her chest tightening with a mix of fear and something he couldn’t name. “I daenae ken if I can… I daenae want to fall,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
He gave her a firm yet patient look. “Ye’ll nae fall. I’ll lift ye, place ye properly in the saddle. Lean forward, hold tight, and I’ll guide ye. Aye, ye’ll be fine,” he said, extending a strong arm to help her. Laura allowed herself to be steadied by him, feeling the strength in his hands and the steady confidence in his presence. She hesitated a heartbeat, then nodded.
Bradley hoisted her carefully into the saddle, adjusting her posture with precise movements.
“Keep yer heels down, yer back straight, and grip with yer knees. That’s it, lass… perfect,” he instructed, standing back for a moment to observe her balance.
He climbed up behind her, arms wrapping around her waist to steady her.
“Be calm, Laura. Feel his rhythm, trust the steps, and daenae tense,” he said. The horse shifted under them, and she felt the gentle sway of motion.
“Now take the reins,” he said, handing them to her.
She took the reins, and he held her wrists for support.
“Ye see? Nae so frightful,” he said, a small smirk tugging at his lips as the horse snorted softly.
“I… I’m… learnin’,” she admitted, cheeks flushing. “Aye, and ye’ll be master of the beast soon enough,” Bradley replied, voice low, filled with that dark, unyielding certainty that always made her pulse quicken.
Bradley guided Laura gently from the horse, his hands steady at her waist as she slid to the ground.
“Easy now, lass. Ye did well,” he said, letting go once she was steady.
