Holidays With The Rake: How the Rake Stole Christmas by Imani Jay

Author:Imani Jay [Jay, Imani]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2023-12-11T16:00:00+00:00

4

The Wreckage

The coach rumbled along the uneven road, its wheels creating a jagged cadence. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with palpable sexual tension. Byron and Anna were still devouring one another with their eyes, and Rosie and Anthony engaged in a witty exchange, accompanied by flirtatious glances. They did not notice the worsening weather.

As the road became bumpier, the snow falling heavier, wind blowing forcibly, the sway of the carriage increased in turbulence. In the darkening light, they now could barely see the sprawling meadows and quaint little villages they were passing by. It was getting too dark for any fellow travelers on horseback or pedestrians, as they had seen along the way so far. Especially on this day before Christmas.

The pink and orange hues that had streaked the sky not long ago were turning violet and indigo. The coach lanterns flickered to life, casting a soft glow over the faces of its occupants.

Lord Byron, as Anna had started affectionately referring to him in her mind, looked positively dashing. And the way he intently studied her told her he thought the same of her appearance. God, would this journey never end?

In the waning light, the thick blanket of their attraction grew heavier, wrapped itself tighter around her body, reached deeper into her soul. But suddenly, its warm embrace was shattered by a brutal jolt that sent the two young ladies lurching forward. Anna found herself tightly held in the cocoon of Byron’s powerful arms. And when she turned in search of her sister, she saw Rosie protectively cradled into Anthony’s lap.

The coach continued swaying violently, causing gasps and exclamations to fill the air. Outside, the driver’s shouts and horses’ frantic neighs were accompanied by the unmistakable sound of splintering wood. It was utter chaos.

As the coach came to an abrupt halt, its occupants were thrown into disarray. The two gentlemen rushed to steady their disoriented travel companions. Anthony and Byron exchanged concerned glances before swinging the door open and carefully stepping out into the snowy night.

* * *

“I’m so sorry, my lords,” the poor man apologized for the hundredth time. “It’s so dark, and with all this snow, the poor horses didn’t see the fallen tree till it was too late.” He removed his cap and ran a shaky hand through his messy hair. “I say, we’re lucky the horses are fine, and no one is hurt.”

Byron rested a hand on the man’s shoulder. “You’re right. Now, let’s decide what we are going to do, and get the ladies out of this cold.”

Anthony nodded his agreement, looking his friend in the eye, exchanging unspoken words like only people who have known each other for decades can do. “What’s you name, lad?” he finally asked the driver, in a warm tone he hoped would help calm the man’s nerves.

“Peter, My Lord.” The man looked at Anthony, his hands shaking and wringing his woolen hat. Eyes wide, huffing out frost.

“Well, Peter. Here’s what we will do. You will ride with the ladies, on one of the horses to the closest village.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.