Page 69 of Memories Made At Midnight

I’ll have that kiss before we part ways, Cassius Westbrook.

You just wait and see.

Beatrice’s tummy fluttered at her naughty vow, but she meant it.

Someway, somehow, she would share a kiss with this man.

Once they left the woods’ protective cover, Cassius steered the tired horse to the right.

The poor creature moved slower now, having borne the brunt of carrying two people and a dog for many hours. The gelding deserved extra grain, a long rub down, and a thorough brushing.

For the next half hour, they rode in silence, only the calls, chirps, and tweets of birds and squirrels interrupting the serenity of their surroundings. Several times, Beatrice couldn’t prevent a swift glance behind them to assure herself they weren’t about to be overtaken by ruffians.

Tension eased from her shoulders when Cassius turned the horse off the main track into another wooded area interspersed with small stands of birch and oak. They disturbed a red stag lying in the two-foot-high grass, and the noble creature bolted for the forest’s safety.

Trying to ignore her sore inner thighs, Beatrice inhaled a cleansing breath, almost heady with relief.

They were finally safe—well, as safe as they would be until they reached the manor house.

“Cassius, are you certain your parents shan’t be put out when we show up on their doorstep unannounced?” It wasn’t likely the duke and duchess would object to their son’s arrival.

But hers?

That might prove to be a wholly different scenario.

“I would hate to be an imposition.” Beatrice flexed her fingers against his ribs, and he shifted.

His shoulders shook, and it took her a moment to realize he was laughing.

Because he was ticklish or because of her question?

“What, pray tell, is so blasted funny Cassius Westbrook?” She dug her fingers into his ribs again.

“I’m sorry.” He glanced over his shoulder, those beautiful dark blue eyes sparkling with humor.

He didn’t look the least bit sorry.

“My parents live for occasions like this. I assure you, they love nothing better than to rescue someone. It makes them feel needed.”

Beatrice mulled that over for several clip-clops of the horse’s hooves.

How very different were the duke and duchess from her uncle, who detested helping anyone.

“Tell me more about them, please.” She rested her chin on his back.

Such familiarity was beyond the pale, but after all they had endured over the past few days, propriety had flown out the window. Every detail she learned about him was another trinket she could store in the treasure chest of her heart.

“It will help me feel less intimidated when I finally meet them.” That much was true.

“Father and Mother were both married before. My oldest brothers, Layton and Fletcher, were from Mother’s first marriage. Father adopted them when they were quite young.” Affection threaded his voice before he chuckled. “You shouldn’t be surprised to learn my grandmama had a hand in their union.”

“Your part Roma grandmother, the dowager duchess?”

“Aye.” He half turned in the saddle. “She’s a meddling old dear, so watch yourself. She’s not above shenanigans to get her way either.”

“I shall take your advice to heart.” Beatrice couldn’t prevent her answering grin.

Nala trotted ahead, seemingly no worse the wear from her long trek.