Against Their Wishes

Chapter 8 part 2

Gregory, despite his conflicting emotions of a few days ago in Olivia’s home, was feeling calm. For the moment, the fear and annoyance that gripped his heart had dissipated as he dealt with a few problems that arose from a land holding in America. Having looked out at the brilliance of the spring weather, Gregory made the snap decision to grab Molasses and exercise his mare’s legs. Before long, Gregory felt the wind whip at his face as he galloped across the land, loving the exhilaration of racing across the green meadows. After riding for a short while, Gregory pulled on the reins to stop his horse. Looking around, he wondered whether to go right up and over the many acres of meadows or turn left and head down to the lake. After realizing that it had been many weeks since he made the trip to the lake, Gregory turned his horse to the left and set off at a brisk pace.

Olivia’s nose twitched as the sounds of beating hooves on the ground made its way into Olivia’s mind. Feeling disoriented, it took a moment for Olivia to register that she had been sleeping and then for her to notice that a horse was coming very quickly in her direction. Knowing her position on the ground was obscured by the tall grass surrounding her, Olivia let out a shriek as she rolled as hard as she could away from the lake and the approaching horse. Olivia felt the ground shake next to her as the legs of the horse thundered by her line of sight, inches from her body. At hearing her yell, the rider pulled the horse into a halt and swung down to land firmly on the ground. Running towards her, Olivia squinted upwards to see the face of the man who nearly trampled her. Surprised covered her face as the deepest shade of blue peered down at her.

“Gregory?” Olivia whispered, bringing herself onto her elbows.

“Olivia!” Gregory shouted at her, causing her to cringe slightly. “What in god’s name are you doing? I could have killed you!” he continued to shout as he reached for her hand. She allowed him to take ahold of her as he hauled her to her feet. Before answering, Olivia quickly wiped the dirt from her dress and arms.

“I fell asleep! I did not know you would come racing down upon me!” Olivia defended herself. Before she could so much as glare at him, she found herself enveloped into a fierce hug that crushed her body against his own. Olivia’s face rested against the strong muscles of his chest with his arms wrapped around her shoulders. Gregory breathed a deep sigh before releasing her and looking her over for injuries. Once satisfied that she was indeed alright, he looked back up to catch her gaze. When he saw her curious stare, he cleared his throat, looking suddenly uncomfortable. Stepping away, he went to retrieve his horse before she wandered too far away.

Heat coursed through Olivia’s veins as she watched him walk after Molasses. Lifting her hands, she noticed they were shaking slightly. Never had she reacted in such a way. When he held her, it felt like sparks were being set off where ever his skin made contact with hers. Confusion had taken ahold of her first, but when he only held her tighter, she was about ready to sink into his embrace before he abruptly released her. ‘Why would I react in such a way?’ she asked herself. ‘How could a man I have vowed to hate cause me to lose my senses? I have been in another’s arms on many occasions on the dance floor, but his arms are the only ones that send my heart racing.’ Lost in her thoughts as she was, Olivia did not notice Gregory’s approach until he had sunken down on the ground beside her. Taken by surprise, she looked down and saw him gesture with his eyes to the spot beside him. Sitting beside him, she looked out at the clear water, allowing him to speak first.

“Can I ask what you are doing so far from home and by yourself I might add?” he softly asked her. Whether he was still concerned over her state of well-being she was not entirely sure, but she appreciated that his voice lacked accusations and anger.