STORY EXCERPT

She could tell him the truth. Although Alex doubted the “saving your ass” part would go over well, and she’d already had one narrow escape today.

The road ahead came into focus, along with her equilibrium. Gabriel slowed their pace from the brisk, can’t-catch-a-breath canter he’d whipped the horse into after clearing the Paris gates.

“I’m rather embarrassed to tell you why I’m out here, ah, alone.” She pushed tangled hair out of her eyes and decided bonnets had their uses after all.

Gabriel didn’t respond.

Alex frowned slightly. She recognized the tactic. Give the subject enough rope or silence, and they’ll hang themselves. “I—I’ve been trying to learn how to drive. I know it’s not considered a very appropriate skill for a lady, but I thought it might be useful.” Half-truths were more plausible than full lies.  

He pursed his lips but still didn’t answer.

“It seemed it would be easier to practice outside the city where no one would see me. I didn’t realize how difficult it is, though. I lost control.”

Silence.

Alex attempted a smile. “I—I apologize for the incident back there. The guards are rather difficult these days.”

“Do you leave the city often?” Gabriel asked casually, the first words he’d spoken.

Damn. His trick had worked, and she’d been careless with her tongue. No man had ever flustered her this much or made her, even briefly, forget her duties as an agent for the Lineage. Despite his lazy smiles, this man was sharp.

“No. This was the first time I’ve tried it. I even borrowed my maid’s dress. I’m sure you must think I am a complete—”

“What I think is that you need a proper teacher.” Gabriel took her hands and curled her fingers around the reins. The leather was smooth and warm, as was his breath against her neck when he leaned over to arrange her grip on the harness.

“Now pull back, gentle. Let them slide through your hands, but keep the tension in the rein.” His fingers splayed over hers, almost a caress.

Alex relaxed her grip and felt the tension not only in the rein but also her body. She breathed in deeply, trying to focus her attention on the lesson and not the man.

“You can also wrap the reins around your fingers for more traction, but be careful of how tight it is. If your horse becomes frightened or tries to bolt, you could break a few bones.”

She nodded. Wisdom of experience or example? Had a young Gabriel learned a harsh lesson? She’d been taught one at a young age, when the saddle girth of her horse broke at a full gallop. She had walked away with a concussion, a broken wrist, and healthy respect for the animal and her own shortcomings. 

“I remember,” Alex muttered, turning to look at Gabriel.

He met her gaze with one that seemed puzzled then cleared his throat. “Keep your eyes on the road.”

“Yes, sir.” A small laugh escaped. It was the same admonition her driving instructor had given her, right before she’d crashed into a tree.

“I think that will do for today. By chance, were you ‘practicing’ the night we met?”

“You have me quite figured out,” Alex said before she handed him the reins, reluctantly letting her hands slide away from his.

“Not quite, madame. But I am doing my best.” His tone, along with the smile that accompanied it, teased. Then he abruptly pulled the horses to a stop. “I think we should rest a moment before heading back.”

He helped her dismount, although his touch against her waist was fleeting.

Alex glanced around, assessing the scene before her. The clearing was beautiful, the flowers opening to the early spring sun, the trees leafy and their trunks wide, old, judging by their size and tenacious grip on the ground.

It was also dangerous.

There were few places to hide, or run. Anyone could sneak up on them from the west, where the land dipped below sight. They would have little time to make it back to the carriage, which wouldn’t hold up in a pursuit. Alex shook her head at the turn of her thoughts. They were safely away from the city and had seen no one for miles, not even Auguste. What was she worried about?