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That excursion was the last time she'd set foot more than a few dozen steps away from the building.
She'd liked London at first, no one asking why she'd suddenly appeared from nowhere and still never left the building. It had been her safe haven, a sanctuary where she felt protected, free from gossip or comments—at least to her face.
But Leo's building was smaller than the country house, and less private, and after a year she'd secretly tried to walk further and further away from her London home. But one odd, judgmental look from a stranger had sent her running back inside.
When she kept running into strangers no matter what time of day it was, Nora had just eventually given up trying to leave.
And that had been decades ago.
So having River ask her point-blank about why she hadn't ridden horses since she was a child was both refreshing and terrifying.
However, as his green eyes remained on her, full of patience and curiosity, she couldn't seem to resist answering him. "My father was controlling and didn't allow me out on a horse after age thirteen. When I lived full-time in the country as an adult, I only walked. And once my father died, I, well, I came to London." She bit her bottom lip, trying to not look at her brother or Yesenia and endure looks of pity. Before she lost her nerve, she blurted, "The city is too crowded and I don't like being around strangers or hearing their gossip. So I always stay inside, and I can't very well ride a horse inside a building."
She wasn't sure what to expect for River's reply—had his sister shared her story? She didn't think Yesenia would go that far, but she had no idea how close the siblings were—but he surprised her yet again as he winked. "You'd be surprised. There are indoor training arenas in my time, for sure. I don't know about here. But I'm sure if your brother really loved you, he'd build one."
At Leo's frown, Nora laughed. "I would never ask that of him. He's done more than enough for me."
She expected River to askwhyshe didn't go outside, but instead he took a long drink of wine and her eyes zeroed in on his throat. The subtle movements of his swallowing made her mouth dry, especially as she could just make out his pulse too.
What would it be like to take blood from the flesh instead of a cup? She'd been bitten during her decade of hell, but never the other way around.
Not that she'd ever wanted to do such an intimate thing with those horrible males. But River's blood called to her, to the point she leaned forward.
He set down his wineglass and also shifted forward. The table was too wide, and they were still at least a foot apart, but it was close enough that she inhaled his spicy male scent mixed with something from whatever shaving soap Bates had used.
It wound around her and made her heart race and skin warm.
She hadn't noticed his scent when he'd been ill. But now, she leaned an inch closer and subtly took a deep inhalation.
Were fated lords supposed to smell so good?
River's eyes turned heated, and his gaze moved to her lips. Nora expected disgust or panic to surge through her, but no, her lips tingled a little and almost throbbed for attention.
She jerked back and quickly took a drink of wine.Bloody ridiculous.She didn't want to be kissed. Ever. It'd only ever hurt before, when they'd been forced on her.
A claiming only required her to drink his blood and either taste his orgasm or let him come inside her. Nothing else. Especially not kissing.
River spoke and she couldn't help but look at him again. It was as if her instinct wouldn't let her ignore the fae witch until the claiming was complete. "Well, maybe once I can walk on my own again, we could learn to ride together, or at least I can learn and you familiarize yourself with it again. I'm sure it'll be a shitty second to riding a bike, but I'm willing to try it."
Getting on a horse would mean going to a nearby park.
A place filled with people, some strangers, some of her brother's patrons, but surely some of them would know her past and whisper about her.
Sweat formed on her brow and she clenched her fingers into fists in her lap. Nora willed her voice to work, but she couldn't seem to get past her closing throat.
Leo's gentle voice cut through her rising panic. "Nora, you're safe." He reached and placed a hand on her shoulder. "To the best of my abilities, I will never let anything happen to you. Ever. Nor will I force you to do anything you don't want to do. You always have a home with me."
In the past, her brother's words had always soothed her, chased away her fear, and made her feel safe.
And yet, she almost wished he'd ask her what she truly wanted instead of assuming it.
Not that she could blame him. She'd been rather lonely and introverted until his bride had shown up, befriending her, and helping Nora to discover a little bit of who she was under the memories and fear.
Who she might've been if she'd had a loving father instead of one more interested in coin over her well-being.
River's deep voice rang inside the room. "How about you tell me what you want to do, Nora? Do you want to stay inside forever? Or would you like to have some freedom to explore? Because if you're riding fast on a horse, I'm sure you wouldn't pay attention to anyone around you, let alone be able to hear their worthless comments. It would be you, the horse, and the wind on your face. That sounds pretty fucking awesome to me, don't you think?"
She met his gaze again. He was a bit cocky and sure of himself. And yet, the fact he wasn't looking at her with pity or sadness gave her a little courage. Unclenching her fingers, she replied, "When you are well enough to attempt riding, ask me again. We'll see how I feel then, although I can't make any promises."
