37. Chapter 37

Chapter 37

A lex's heart raced as he spurred his steed through the bustling streets of London, the hooves thundering against the cobblestones. Lady Rosalind clung tightly to his waist, her arms wrapped around him in a firm embrace, her laughter ringing out like a melodious chime amidst the chaos of their wild gallop.

The world seemed to blur around them, the shouting voices of startled pedestrians fading into the distance as they weaved their way through the crowded streets. Alex revelled in the exhilaration of the moment, his soul set ablaze by the thrill of the chase and the warmth of Rosalind's body pressed against his back.

Propriety be damned, for in that moment, nothing mattered more than the intoxicating freedom they shared. Rosalind's beautiful evening gown had split, exposing the tantalising sight of her stocking-clad leg and a glimpse of the creamy thigh that lay beneath. It was a scandalous display, one that would undoubtedly set tongues wagging in the salons of high society, but Alex found himself utterly unconcerned by such trivialities.

All that mattered was the here and now, the wind whipping through their hair and the thunderous beat of his heart, perfectly in sync with the rhythmic pounding of the horse's hooves. Rosalind's laughter was a sweet melody, a balm for his weary soul, and in that moment, Alex knew that he would do anything, brave any storm, to keep that joyous sound echoing in his ears for eternity.

The thundering hooves gradually faded into a gentle clip-clop as they neared the city limits, the horse's flanks heaving with exertion after their wild ride. Alexander's heart still pounded with the thrill of the ride, the wild turns of the evening, adrenaline coursing through his veins like liquid fire.

As they approached the outskirts of London, a familiar sight greeted them – Alexander's carriage, sleek and elegant, waiting patiently at the rendezvous point. It was the trunk strapped to the back that truly caught his eye, and a swell of affection blossomed in his chest as he recognised Rosalind's belongings.

He reined in the panting steed, the powerful muscles quivering beneath them, and slid from the saddle with a fluid grace. Reaching up, he extended a hand to Rosalind, his fingers tingling with anticipation as they brushed against her soft skin.

"How did my trunk find its way here?" she demanded, her voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and playful accusation, those emerald eyes sparkling with mirth.

Alexander couldn't help but chuckle, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Your sister Isabella may have played a small role in that," he confessed, his heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering support of Rosalind's family.

As Rosalind descended from the horse, her lithe form brushed against his, igniting a trail of delicious heat that set him ablaze. He drank in the sight of her, this radiant goddess who had captured his heart so completely, and in that moment, he knew that no matter what obstacles lay ahead, he would move heaven and earth to keep her by his side.

With a gentleness that belied his noble bearing, Alexander guided Rosalind towards the waiting carriage, his arm encircling her slender waist in a protective embrace. "A little presumptuous, perhaps," he murmured, his voice low and husky with barely contained desire, "but I find myself utterly incapable of relinquishing your company, my dear."

The carriage door swung open, beckoning them forward, and Alexander felt a surge of exhilaration ripple through him. This was the first step on a new journey, a path that would lead them far from the constraints of society and into a world of boundless possibilities – a world where love, and love alone, would be their guiding light.

"Driver?" he said as he stepped into the carriage, hanging onto the frame of the door as if he were a young buck out on the town as he leaned out. "To Gretna Green, with all haste." He chose to tactfully ignore the driver's grin as he settled into the carriage.

The carriage rocked gently as it trundled along the darkened country roads, the rhythmic clop of the horses' hooves providing a soothing cadence to the journey. Alex's heart thrummed with a heady mixture of exhilaration and contentment as Rosalind nestled against him, her slender form pressed flush against his side.

Without a moment's hesitation, he enveloped her in a tender embrace, savouring the warmth of her body and the intoxicating scent of her perfume. His fingers found their way into the tumbling tresses of her fiery locks, gently untangling the silken strands that had come loose during their wild escape.

Rosalind sighed deeply, a sound of pure, unbridled bliss that sent a shiver of delight coursing through Alex's veins. In that moment, with the world reduced to the confines of their cosy carriage, he felt a sense of peace and rightness that he had never known before.

"Have any regrets, my love?" he murmured, his voice a low, husky rumble that seemed to reverberate through her very being.

Rosalind tilted her head back, her emerald eyes sparkling with a fierce determination that never failed to set Alex's soul ablaze. "None whatsoever," she declared, her full lips curving into a radiant smile. "Well, perhaps one."

Alex arched an inquisitive brow, his curiosity piqued by the playful glint in her eyes. "And what might that be, my dear?"

"It's a shame," Rosalind mused, her gaze drifting wistfully to the trunk that contained her belongings. "My beautiful wedding dress shall go to waste, it seems."

A rich, rumbling chuckle escaped Alex's lips as he tightened his embrace, drawing her even closer against his chest. "Ah, but you underestimate the foresight of your dear sister," he countered, pressing a tender kiss to the crown of her head. "I have it on good authority that Isabella ensured your gown made its way into that very trunk."

Rosalind's eyes widened with surprise, and then she threw back her head and laughed, the melodious sound filling the carriage with its joyous resonance. "Of course she did," she exclaimed, her cheeks glowing with delight. "Bless that darling girl!"

Without another word, Alex captured Rosalind's lips in a searing kiss, pouring every ounce of his love and adoration into the passionate embrace. As the carriage rumbled northward, carrying them towards their new life together, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side, bound by a love that knew no bounds.