Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 128

After two more laps, Nora completely relaxed, even urging the mare into a light trot.

Hudson finally stepped away, standing on the sidelines as he watched her circle the track. The wind tossed her long hair, and the hem of her skirt fluttered wildly, making her look like a butterfly about to take flight.

His eyes tracked her every move, utterly captivated.

When Nora trotted back to him, her cheeks were flushed with a healthy, athletic glow. A fine sheen of sweat dotted her forehead, and her eyes sparkled with adrenaline. She looked devastatingly radiant.

"Having fun?"

Nora nodded eagerly, her eyes curving into bright crescents. "So much fun."

"Want to go a little faster?"

Nora hesitated. "Will I fall off?"

"Never."

With a fluid, athletic grace, Hudson released the lead rope, vaulted up, and swung effortlessly into the saddle right behind her.

Before Nora could even process what was happening, his arms wrapped securely around her, his strong hands taking the reins. His broad chest pressed flush against her back, completely enveloping her in his solid embrace.

Pressed back against his chest, with only the thin layers of their clothes between them, she could feel his intense body heat and the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.

It thumped firmly against her spine, sending shockwaves straight to her own racing heart.

"Hold on tight." His voice was a low, velvet rasp right by her ear, his warm breath sending an immediate, electrifying shiver down her neck.

Before she could utter a single word, he clicked his tongue, and the chestnut mare broke into a brisk canter.

Nora's entire body tensed on instinct, and she practically shrank back, melting deeper into his arms.

Hudson tightened his grip, anchoring her securely against him. He rested his chin lightly on the top of her head, letting out a soft laugh.

"Don't be scared."

Slowly, Nora's tension melted away, and she actually started to revel in the exhilarating rush of the wind whipping past her face.

After a full lap, Hudson pulled back on the reins. The mare slowed to a gentle halt, swishing her tail and letting out a contented snort.

The realization set his blood on fire. He hauled her against him by the waist, kissing her as though he wanted to physically absorb her into his bones.

Nora felt her spine arch backward. The suffocating wave of heat radiating off him, paired with his erratic, hammering heartbeat, was overwhelming.

It felt like everything was on the sheer brink of losing control...

Hudson's hand trailed down her spine to her waist, his fingertips slipping beneath the hem of her sweater to trace the bare, sensitive skin of her stomach.

Nora gasped, a violent shudder ripping through her.

The sensation was pure electricity. It shot from her waist, straight through her veins, and crashed directly into her heart, leaving her trembling helplessly in his arms.

But right at that very moment, a distinct, uncomfortable cramping sensation seized her lower abdomen.

Nora froze instantly.

"Wait... stop..."