I was still recovering from this shock when Leighton tipped my chin, forcing me to meet his steady gaze. There was pride there, and something far deeper. Worry? Apprehension?
I guessed I wasn't wrong about my suspicions... but how did that make me feel?
I couldn't speak. My body was too wrung out, my mind too dazed.
"Come, little filly. Time to brave the town."
Chapter Fourteen
The necklace lay cool and heavy against my throat, every beat of my pulse reminding me it was there. Worse still was the absence under my skirts, the whisper of fabric against bare skin as the carriage rattled down the lane. Every bump in the road sent a wicked shiver through me.
I sat stiffly between them, determined to look composed. Determined to pretend I wasn't half-mad with nerves. Leighton had the audacity to look perfectly at ease, lounging against the leather seat as though this were an ordinary outing. His scarred cheek crinkled as he smiled at me.
"You'll like the dressmaker," he said warmly. "She's discreet. Understands our specific lifestyle needs. And she'll fuss over you until you want to throttle her, which is, I think, part of her charm."
I sniffed, lifting my chin. "If she's anything like you two, then I expect she'll be unbearable."
Magnus gave a low chuckle, dark and approving. He shifted, his shoulder brushing mine deliberately. "Careful, filly. You're already riding without reins. Don't tempt me to put you over my knee before we reach town."
My mouth dropped open. "You wouldn't dare." The words were shaky at best, because even though I was aghast at the suggestion, something inside me resonated with it.
His eyes glittered. "Try me."
Leighton laughed softly, like the byplay between me and Magnus was the most amusing thing in the world. "You forget, love. Magnus doesn't make idle threats." His hand reached across to cover mine, warm and steady. "Best mind your tongue."
I huffed, trying to ignore the heat flooding my cheeks.
Andother places besides.
"Perhaps I'll mind it when I feel like it," I snarked back, knowing I was pushing now, but unable to keep control of the words bubbling out.
Magnus leaned close enough that his breath tickled my ear. "Good. I like it when you fight. It makes taming you all the sweeter."
I swallowed hard, clutching at Leighton's hand for steadiness.
"Is something else making you feel nervous, love? Is that why we've earned your delicious ire on this fine day?" Leighton asked.
I swallowed hard, darting a look at him. "I'll be out in town, withtwomen, no drawers and the unmistakable burn of a man's mark between my thighs. Isn't that enough?"
He winked at me. Winked! "Oh dear, sweet, girl. No one but Magnus and I know about your bare, naked,wetcunt. You have nothing to worry about."
Leighton's words, so naughty, so... forbidden, shocked me to my core. And only made meachemore.
"You two are insufferable," I muttered, straightening my spine and forcing a haughty little sniff. "Anyone would think you've plotted to make me uncomfortable all day."
Magnus's grin widened, sharp as a wolf's. "Now, what gave you that idea?"
Leighton chuckled, the sound warm and low, and I hated how my body melted at it. "Love, you might think this impish behavior is going to scare us off, but it suits you. As long as you remember... brats do tend to find themselves punished."
My cheeks burned at the second threat made in less than five minutes, but I refused to give them the satisfaction of a reply. Instead, I turned to the window, determined to ignore them both.
It would have been easier, though, if every turn of the wheels didn't remind me I was bare, sensitive and apparentlybelongedto someone.
In fact, two someones.
The carriage slowed, the clatter of hooves muffled as we rolled onto cobblestones. My pulse leapt.
Town.
