Daughter of the desert and the night

He grabbed my chin and lifted my head, forcing me to look at him. He stood so close that I could smell the scent of blood. My head spun. His cold, steel-gray eyes stared at me intensely. I felt trapped. Him in front of me, a wall behind me. I had nowhere to run.

"You've chosen a fierce one," the man by the exit laughed.

"Tastes aren't up for debate," he replied calmly, then let me go.

The moment he did, I instinctively took a step to the side. A smile appeared on his face. At the same time, his fingers tightened around my wrist. Like a steel cuff. I glanced at his hand. Seeing my expression, he loosened his grip.

"You'll have to tame her," the other man chuckled.

"That's my specialty," he answered, never taking his eyes off me.

Then he grabbed me by the elbow. Gently, yet firmly. He pulled me forward. Unprepared for the movement, I stumbled. The sequins jingled wildly. He steadied me with his other hand on my waist. Through the fabric of his gloves, I could feel the warmth of his palm. Once I regained my balance, he let go, leaving only a light hold on my elbow.

"Let's go," he said, pulling me along.

***
Dear Reader...

I'm absolutely thrilled to present to you this fresh, fragrant, and delightful book I've prepared just for you!
I'm eagerly awaiting your reaction...

Yours Czekoladowa...

P.S. You'd better get ready, my Dear Reader, for nights in the desert can be cold, and dangers lurk at every turn. Is your sword sharp enough to handle them?