What Happens By Candlelight

Chapter Six: Horse Ride

I hated to admit it, but I was safely curled in the Lieutenant Colonel's arms.

That was a sentence I never would have thought to exist. In fact, I would have never imagined such a thing to happen. Especially after every item I ever owned was burned and almost everyone I had grown to love was lost.

Yet here I was, basically sitting in the Colonel's lap as he steered his horse behind his men.

"So," I spoke after a long pause - after I was sure no one from the town of idiots followed. "Your name is Gabriel if I remember correctly."

I felt his arms stiffen, clearly uncomfortable by my choice of conversation. "Did I write my name on the letter? I am sorry if that confused you, dear, it's a habit, I suppose."

Did he call me dear? Under what circumstance did he decide it appropriate to use such terms of endearment? Pet names? I kept my thoughts silent however, afraid that whatever debt he felt he owed me should not be forgotten.

"Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Wright, that is quite the mouthful, isn't it?" I could have sworn I saw him smile when I spoke his name, but whatever I saw was gone before I could make another comment.

"Indeed it is Miss Evans," his eyes stayed trained on the path before us, but I couldn't help but study him.

His honey-brown hair barely reached his shoulders, but it was tied back with a black ribbon. He had a narrow nose with cheekbones accenting it, yet his face did not appear sharp to me. In fact, I found his face to be more round; even if he had a sturdy jawline.

"Enjoying the view, Miss Evans?" I scoffed, turning my head to hide my blush at being caught. I said nothing, but by his chuckle, I didn't need to say anything. "If you wish to study me, then be my guest. I am certain that you've caught me doing similar observations as well."

Once again this man confused me. At first, he was dark and mysterious. He kept to himself, left me alone, avoided me even! And now he was giving me full permission to study him. He had given me his full christened name. He admitted to staring at me and studying me as well!  I wasn't sure if I was losing my mind or if he was insane, either way, would end horribly.

Yet I somehow managed to stare at the man once more, watching as his eyes stayed trained on the men marching before him. He was so focused on his job that I doubted he recognized my presence anymore. Did he? I was basically caged between his arms and the horse's neck, my legs were partially swung over his, and my dress was slightly bunched up between us. There was no possible way he had forgotten -or tried to forget- me. I was sure that even my breathing was noticeable. He had to feel my breath against his chin every time I exhaled. With such close proximity between us I'd be surprised if he didn't.

And then, as if some unknown force could feel my curiosity about the man ignoring me, a squirrel ran in front of the horse. It was so sudden, that my eyes barely caught the creature's tail before the horse reared. My arms held tightly to the Colonel in order to stay safely seated, but it did nothing to calm my erratically beating heart.

The soldiers continued on as if nothing happened, while the Colonel stopped the horse to let him calm down. It was only when the men were a fair distance away and the horse was completely calm when I realized: I was still desperately clutching his red uniform. I had the uneasy feeling of being stared at, so with much trepidation, I lifted my gaze. Striking blue orbs met my own, as well as a smirk.

I scoffed at him before removing my grip, crossing my arms instead. "Oh, no Miss. I'd think you'd better hold on; never know when horses rear."

I could do nothing more than clench my jaw. He chuckled for a moment before he continued onward, speeding the horse's pace to catch up with his soldiers once more. We remained in silence. Me ignoring him, while he simply carried on as usual.

I had to force myself to look away from him. I had always been one to study what I didn't know until I figured it out, which was part of the reason I was so good at my job. Never had I met a person so mysterious! I couldn't understand him even if I tried! Yet I had to try. I needed to peer inside his mind, to learn every red coat secret he had to offer.

"We will be arriving at a British camp soon. I shall attempt to find your room and board inside the plantation, as well as any accommodations you may need in the near future. With both your brothers and me as officers, it should be fairly simple to do. I do, however, recommend that you make an alliance with the General's daughter, for she is a very powerful ally. I also bid you not to enter the troops' camp unless... Absolutely necessary. Am I understood?"

I gently nodded my head, processing everything he told me. I was still unsure of how I felt living inside a British camp, surrounded by British officers who haven't seen a real woman in a while, all while secretly spying and seducing.

Oh God, I still have to seduce this man.

The thought brought chills. I wasn't sure how I felt about my task. I couldn't deny that the Lieutenant Colonel had more than kind to me as of late, as well as a savior. Had I not done whatever it was that pleased him so, I would probably be hanging from a tree branch.

Unconsciously, I rubbed my neck. Was it wrong of me to still be terrified of a threat I no longer need to worry about? I had no doubt that such memories will haunt me for days and weeks to come.

"Most importantly," He began once more, taking my hand away from my neck. "While you are with me-us," He suddenly cleared his throat to cover his mistake. "You will have nothing to fear. I will personally see to your safety, so please do not think of such things."

There was a pause between us as I studied the way he held my hand. He held it as though it was the most fragile thing on the planet. His thumb rested just underneath my middle finger, while his other fingers wrapped across the top of my hand. I felt like a child with such small hands, yet no child would ever have their hands held in such a manner.

No child, indeed.

I am nineteen, I am a woman. If my brothers find my behavior to be worrisome, then so be it. If I am to be expected to act like the child I once was, then many people will soon be shocked. I had a job to do no matter the risks.

With my mission in mind, I returned the gesture and grasped the hand holding mine. "Thank you, I have no means to ever repay your kindness, but I do hope that someday I might be able to. I'm forever in your debt, Gabriel."

I had taken him by surprise, that was for sure. "If I may call you Gabriel?"

His head bobbed up and down, a small smile lighting up his features. "As long as you find such things appropriate, Christina."

I couldn't help the small smile when he said my name. The way he said it as if I was an angel, made my heart flutter.

"Lieutenant Colonel! The camp is up ahead!" Gabriel sighed before kicking his horse into action, causing me to once again clutch him desperately. A warning would have most certainly been nice.

He finally made it to the front of his men, who dispersed into their tents. We continued past them though, making our way towards the large plantation. Men all stared me down as we rode past, and a few made comments that caused me to glare.

I'm not a new camp whore you idiots.

I managed to keep my mouth shut as we rode up. Eventually, a stable boy ran out towards us, taking the reigns from Gabriel's hands. When we came to a stop I slid off, being greeted by my brothers who each held me tightly.

For a moment, I regretted every cruel thought I made towards them. They cared. They cared so much. I was too caught up in myself to realize they were protecting me.

Before I could apologize for my behavior, a girl my age came running up, a large smile across her face. "Gabriel!"

Apparently, I wasn't the only young female paying special attention to him.