His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 76

He gave the reins a gentle tug and smirked. “Do I really look like such a playboy to you?”

“Playboy, I’m not sure. But you definitely seem like the kind who turns women’s heads.”

Whether she meant to or not, Lumina lowered her voice, forcing Soren to lean in to catch her words.

Without warning, he caught a hint of something sweet drifting up from the delicate curve between her ear and neck—a faint, creamy scent, both innocent and alluring. He couldn’t stop his Adam’s apple from shifting.

His arm slipped around her from behind, fingers closing over the reins. With a subtle squeeze of his legs, the horse broke into a smooth canter.

The pace quickened, wind rushing in their ears. Their bodies rocked together in rhythm with the horse’s stride, the motion unexpectedly intimate.

Soren’s arm circled protectively around her waist, holding her steady, making her feel strangely safe.

Suddenly, the horse’s hoof struck a loose stone and stumbled slightly to the side.

Lumina’s heart lurched. She almost called out, certain she was about to fall, breaking out in a cold sweat.

But Soren’s arm tightened instantly, pulling her back firmly against his chest. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”

She clung to his wrist, her breath shaky, nerves still raw from the scare.

Finding her flustered reaction amusing, Soren couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’ve got the nerve to hide out in my brother’s house, but you’re scared of horseback riding? I can’t decide if you’re brave or just reckless.”

Lumina smoothed her hair, silently grumbling that his brother really was far scarier than any horse.

As the horse’s gait steadied, Soren’s hand lingered at her waist, reluctant to let go. He drew her closer, lips brushing her ear as he whispered, “Is it alright if I hold you like this?”

Lumina smiled faintly, staring ahead. “Mr. Royce, maybe focus on what you’re doing.”

“I’m trying,” he murmured, pressing his jaw gently against her neck, his breath hot and tender. “But with you in my arms, it’s a little hard to concentrate.”

...

He’d rushed over as soon as he got the message, hence why he’d ended up staying the night in the hospital.

The doctor later told him that if he’d arrived just a little later, if she’d lost any more blood, they wouldn’t have been able to save her.

Now, lying in bed, Winona squeezed her eyes shut in pain, her voice hoarse and choked with tears. “You’re always taking her side. If you care so much about her, why are you even here for me…”

“What side did I take?” Cedric’s tone was heavy with frustration. “Last night, Ansel was out of line. Lumina put him in his place, and I saw nothing wrong with that. The real problem is you—spoiling him, failing to discipline your child.”

Winona’s pent-up emotions exploded. Eyes red, she grabbed a book from the bedside table and hurled it at him. “Just go! She’s never wrong, is she? It’s always my fault! My whole existence is a mistake!”

The hardcover book skimmed Cedric’s jaw, leaving a thin line of blood. His handsome features darkened, stormy with anger.

Winona kept lashing out, throwing anything she could reach—completely different from the gentle, meek persona she wore at the office.

When she reached to yank out her IV, Cedric finally lost all patience. He strode over and slapped her across the face, the sound ringing sharply through the room.