Abducting His Duchess

Chapter 2

Fire races across my brain, halting me in my tracks. With a firm hand, I jerk on the reins, sending Storm rearing back, his massive hooves pawing at the air. His indignant snort and squeal ring out into the chilly air, pounding through my body.

“Yes, I know you’re mad at me,” I soothe, bending down to stroke his neck.

Ever the rambunctious stallion, he doesn’t accept my apology straight away. Instead, he throws his head back, tossing his mane as he slams his hooves into the ground. A soft smile lifts my lips as I let him throw his tantrum. Honestly, after everything he did for me in my quest to bring Catherine back to my side, I’d allow him almost anything.

With a sigh, I close my eyes, feeling out my mate through the bond. She’s distressed, of that I have no doubt. Even now, I feel my own breathing catch in my throat, mirroring the agony piercing her heart. I know not what else I can do. Ever since that bastard marked her, she’s been jumping at shadows, unable to properly eat or sleep.

Perhaps my rouse, my plan to capture her and do delicious things to her body, is an insane idea. With how distraught she’s feeling, I should just ride on ahead and join them as normal. It would be the charitable thing to do.

But then, the pieces are already set in place. With no way of communicating with either my brother or my mother, they will carry on as planned. Damnation. If only I’d gotten to her before she was marked. If only I kept her safe. Then, this would be a fun time of kidnapping and frolicking, a good start to a honeymoon she so desperately deserves.

As it is, I could just kick myself for concocting this hairbrained scheme. Even Robert thought it was idiotic when I mentioned it to him. Honestly, it’s for the sake of my ailing adoptive mother that I’m still even considering going through with it. Since she was to be in the landau along with my wife, I needed to make her aware so it did not strain her heart.

The way her face lit up as she clapped her hands together. It would be the best lark of all, and she couldn’t wait to play her part. Besides, if her stories were to be believed, she had plans for the opera, if not for falling into employment as a governess. This would allow her to act out her fantasy of being on stage.

Only… this will be a rather small audience. Besides, my brother could lighten up a bit. With a firm nod of my head, I grip the hilt of my rapier and continue to follow after them. I want them far enough away that my “misdoings” would not cause a fuss or ruckus among others not privy to the information of my plan.

The very last thing I need is to be cast in prison for crimes I’m not planning to commit. Though true, I look every inch a rapscallion highwayman, the only prize I plan on carrying off is my wife. That is, if her nerves can last long enough for me to whisk her away and do delicious things with her body.

My cock lengthens, pressing against the pommel as I hurry forward. She will be frightened at first, of that I have no doubt, but I fully anticipate that fear morphing into unabashed need. If not, once I get through with tormenting her body and mind, she’ll have no choice but to spread her legs for me, showing just how much I drive her wild.

Clenching my jaw, I shift in the saddle, irritated at the smooth leather pressing into me. Unfortunately, I’m unable to aid in the situation, and so I must press on and relieve myself before too much longer. Thankfully, they aren’t much further ahead, and so my conquest shall be swift.

I keep Storm at a slow walk, my brain churning as I go over the plan in exhausting detail. Since she will no doubt be frightened, I have to make sure I don’t create any extra undue anxiety. Knowing my mother and my brother, they’ll make sure it doesn’t go too far.

Still though… Am I making the wrong decision? We’ve spoken at length about how much she wants to fight past her fears, to live her life unburdened by the ghosts which haunt her. As her husband, I am duty bound to help in that endeavor. It doesn’t hurt that I’ll enjoy the lesson far more than she will.

Even now, my thoughts stray to her lying in the grass, her limbs spread wide as I take in the vision of her naked beauty. My cock pulses again, bringing that delicious image to an abrupt halt. Time slips by in agonizing slowness. Yet, for her, I will suffer a far greater multitude of agonies.