Armor of Deceit

Chapter 13

Asher POV

I patiently wait at the bottom of the grand stairs of the inn for Arabella, my hands fidgeting slightly. I really hope she likes the dress, but I also wish she wouldn't question how I could afford it; I wouldn't want her to know the truth about me.

I was nervous about her the night she comforted me. I told myself many times after that night to stay away from her, to not bring her into my extraordinary life, but she intrigued me. It's hard not to be of interest in someone who, despite seeing your troubled soul, decided to stay and bring serenity to you, even for just a few hours.

She was kind, lovely, tender, and all of the beautiful words I could ever think of. Although, I also admire her stubbornness and sarcasm, her melancholy madness, and the way she made those things look graceful even though.

I am snapped from my thoughts when I finally see Arabella at the top of the stairs. I lose my breath the moment I lay my eyes on her, she made even simplicity look absolutely stunning.

The dress hugged her soft curves and the green stands out against her fair skin. Her chocolate curls, for the first time, weren't in a braid, but have fallen freely on her shoulders making her facial features look softer.

She immediately averts her eyes to her steps; Her lack of self-confidence never goes unnoticed. I wait until she gets to the last few steps and I give her my hand to help her down. Her hands are soft and delicate, like fine china.

She thanks me with her head still bowed and I almost reach out to lift her chin up but a few moments later, she looks up. She complimented how lovely my eyes were the first night we met but her hazel eyes have a golden glow in them that you could get lost in, and I guess I did.

"You look absolutely lovely, Arabella," I tell her and watch as she shies away but straightens herself and gives me a silly smile. "You don't look so bad yourself, good sir," she lets go of my hand and starts to walk out of the inn. The absence of her touch leaves a gnawing void but I ignore it and follow her out.

"I hope you don't mind riding with me, we wouldn't want to worry about losing 2 horses," I slowly tell her, fearing she would lash out about being able to take care of herself. I admire her feminism but it was true, people lose their horses at fairs all the time.

I can tell she's in deep thought about her horse, Maximilian, then a pained look flashes in her eyes and surprisingly she agrees.

I help her onto my horse, Tempest, since his breed is much larger than Arabella's horse and the fact that Arabella is in a dress doesn't make the situation any better.

Once she was safely seated on Tempest, I slide in front of her and as soon as I do she wraps her arms around my waist with a death grip.

I smile a little, despite how small Arabella may look, she's quite fierce and powerful. "Relax Arabella," I say and even though my back is to her I can sense her rolling her eyes.

"I'd rather not have my face in the grass, thank you," I laugh a little and she hits my chest. "I would never let you get hurt, Arabella," beneath my words I felt there was a deeper meaning but I ignore it and head to the fair.