Winning Her Heart Back

Pressed Together

Emelie drew a small dagger that she had hidden in her boot.

Her mind was racing. Who were these people, and what were their motives? Were they here to kill her?

It seemed too early for the four families to kill her now, as she hadn't confronted them yet. Perhaps they intended to warn her by hurting her, or even kidnap her to force a confession of her plans.

Jodie positioned her horse defensively in front of Emelie. "Be careful, Ma'am."

Emelie nodded.

The four men launched themselves at them without hesitation. Jodie fought back fiercely, gaining the upper hand even though she was outnumbered.

She delivered a powerful kick that could easily break ribs, sending one attacker reeling. The other attackers couldn't get up either after being hit to the ground.

With a swift movement, Jodie used her whip to ensnare another man's neck. Then, she yanked over the man who was struggling to breathe.

Jodie growled, "Who sent you?"

The man refused to answer.

The other attackers whistled, and a rustling sound echoed through the forest. They probably had reinforcements.

"Ms. Hoven, you should leave now," Jodie urged. "I can handle them."

Emelie knew that she would burden Jodie if she stayed, so she didn't hesitate.

"Be careful," she warned before galloping away on her horse.

But very soon, Emelie heard the sound of hooves hitting the ground behind her. She glanced back and saw a few masked riders coming after her. They were obviously her attackers and not the other contestants.

She changed her direction decisively, guiding her horse into a dense thicket. Then, she dismounted and struck her horse hard with her whip, sending it bolting away from the pain.

Emelie hid in a bush and watched as the pursuers chased after her horse. She turned and began walking in the opposite direction, planning to escape from the forest.

Just as she took a few steps, the sound of approaching hooves alerted her. Had her plan of leading them on a wild goose chase failed?

Emelie's hand tightened around her dagger as she spun around.

To her astonishment, it was William.

A wave of surprise washed over her before she narrowed her eyes. "If I recall correctly, Mr. Middleton, you were ahead of me. How is it that you are behind me now?"

William's expression remained impassive as he looked at her, revealing nothing. His gaze was unfathomable as well.

Emelie smirked. "Mr. Middleton, don't tell me that you sent those men to attack me. If that's the case, I would find myself quite laughable."

She had spared him only to be met with treachery.

William offered no explanation or denial. Instead, he urged his horse closer, towering over her.

Emelie stood her ground. He stopped his horse a short distance away, his shadow looming over her.

William asked in a low voice, "You've lost your horse in this race. How will you continue?"

Emelie's expression remained unchanged. "A bet is a bet. Even though something unexpected happened, I accept that I lost."

William extended his hand. "Want to ride with me? I can take you out of here."

Emelie let out a cold laugh.

"There's no need," she declined, turning to leave.

William watched her leave and dismounted from his horse. Then, he tied the reins to a nearby tree and followed her.

He walked and stopped whenever she did, his presence was a constant shadow. The proximity was unsettling, despite the lack of physical contact.

Emelie pursed her lips.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Suddenly, she broke into a run. The forest was supposed to be crowded as many people and horses had entered it, but it was eerily quiet.

Emelie continued running, but William's footsteps didn't show signs of letting up.

Her face fell. Right after she jumped over a fallen tree, she turned and aimed her dagger at William. William was startled, but he reacted swiftly. He stepped back and evaded the deadly strike. However, his heel caught on a fallen tree, and he stumbled.

In that brief moment of vulnerability, the dagger sliced through his sleeve and across his arm. His blood dripped onto the decaying forest floor, disappearing into the ground.

William glanced at the wound but showed no sign of pain. Instead, he reached out to grab Emelie's wrist. Without hesitation, she kicked him.

They were engaged in close combat. In just a few moments, they had already made more than ten moves against each other.

Emelie had only started learning how to fight two years ago. She couldn't compare to William, who had years of training. Moreover, he was stronger than her.

In a matter of seconds, he had disarmed her and grabbed both her hands. Then, he pinned her against a tree, his leg up against her crotch. She was completely helpless now.

Every part of their body-chest, waist, and hip-were pressed together intimately for the first time since their reunion.