The Taming

No Insulting the Shameless

She gaped at the horse.

No one has seen anything like him. Sebastian thought proudly. Understanding her fascination.

Her brows drew together as she felt his breath in her hair. His arms tightened around her reflexively as she trembled.

"Cold?" He questioned.

She shook her head vehemently.

"Liar." He brushed the back of his hand down the back of her upper arm. Feeling the bumps rising there.

Hissing, she tossed a withering look over her shoulder.

At first, he was taken aback to see her crimson eyes so close, he gathered his composure and wiped his expression.

It's blood filling them in her rage.

She was considering killing my horse. He reminded himself.

"Can you not but once, tell me the truth, Little Harpie?" His tone was flat as he realized she'd likely been considering attacking Sivikon. "You should know I may kill you if you harm him. He's my oldest friend."

She cracked her neck in an action that caused other creatures to give her space. "I'm surprised you have any at all."

"Touche." He shrugged.

"I can't imagine why not, when you treat your guests so kindly."

By keeping them captive, she means.

But instead of being insulted he chuckled. Leaning to inhale the tantalizing scent of her as her hair moved and the vulnerable smell of her neck was revealed.

He gave a guttural growl. "You could be my friend, Little Harpie..."

***

He wasn't reacting as she'd hoped.

She was discovering he was remarkably hard to offend.

Stiff against him, she became very still.

He realized she wouldn't answer. Knowing exactly what he'd meant.

"I'm not one to be easily dissuaded." His laughter daunted her, but she dared not move.

She let him to take her back to the stables.

"Get down." He said.

She gave him a scathing look and wouldn't budge.

"Woman..." His tone turned chiding. "Get off my horse."

Lest you consider harming him again.

She obstinately stared forward, gripping the saddle horn and refusing to move.

Sebastian hoisted her up so fast she lost her grip. Shrieking like an offended bird as he slid her to the ground. Leaning over to glower at her as he muttered. "You'll do as I say woman. If you continue to defy me, I'll have you beaten and thrown in the dungeon."

It was a clear bluff to anyone that knew him.

But she doesn't know me. And she needs to listen or face hurting herself or someone else.

I'll not let her harm anyone in this castle.

Not on my grounds.

***

She stared at him warily. Jerking from his reach as soon as she had her feet under her.

She doesn't know I'm bluffing. Good.