“Are you hurt? It didn’t bite you or swat you already?” he asked as his vision catalogued my body from head to toe.
“No. I’m okay. I’m not hurt.”
His shoulders lowered, and he let out an audible breath. “Very well then.”
Pharis retrieved his dagger. Then, bending forward, he grabbed me around the knees and lifted me, hoisting me over one shoulder.
My back end was hovering somewhere near his face, my shoulder blades and spine taking the brunt of the downpour now.
“What are you doing?” I demanded as Pharis began to stride back the way I’d come here, carrying me like a sack of potatoes or a smoked ham.
“Getting us back to the cave before that cat’s mate smells the blood and decides to investigate.”
“Put me down,” I commanded him. “I can walk on my own.”
“As you’ve demonstrated,” he said in a perturbed tone. “Walked right out into the teeth of the elements and into mountain lion territory without a single care. Foolish girl. I can’t close my eyes for a second.”
Pounding his back with my fists, I tried in vain to kick the front of his body. “I am not foolish. I need to get home to my family. I need—”
“A good spanking is what you need,” he growled. “And I’m sorely tempted to give it to you with this juicy bottom propped up directly in my line of vision.”
My horrified gasp only made him laugh, and I squirmed even harder, which made his hold on me tighten further.
“Don’t worry, naughty little Wyn. I can wait till we get back to the cave… and your clothes are off.”
“Don’t you dare,” I threatened as I bucked ineffectually. “You foul, malodorous beast! If you dare lay a hand on me, I’ll…”
And there my threats died, because what would I do?
WhatcouldI do against someone so much larger and infinitely more powerful than myself?
Unlike Stellon, Pharis was no gentleman.
I was literally in the hands of a world-renowned rogue, outsized and overpowered, far from anyone who could help me if he decided to act on his threats and that lascivious nature I’d heard so much about.
Chapter5
Far Too Close
Pharis
Though my heart still pounded painfully from the close call with the lion, Raewyn’s amusing insults and toothless threats were quickly turning my mind away from the life-and-death terror and setting me back at ease.
“I’ll lay my hands on you if and when I want to,” I informed her. “And you’ll say, ‘Thank you, Your Highness. Please do it again, Your Highness,’ because I just saved your silly little arse from being ripped apart and devoured by a mountain lion. You owe me, little Wyn.”
She let out a frustrated scream and scratched at my jacket. Thanks to its impenetrable arrow-proof weave, her fingernails didn’t bother me in the least.
“That screech of yours sounds remarkably like a wildcat’s mating call,” I said just to inflame her temper further.
It was the least she deserved for sneaking out of the cave and scaring me the way she had.
“Please do continue,” I said. “I’ve never slain two big cats in one day before. I’m always eager to add to my bragging rights.”
Raewyn went quiet, but I could feel her seething anger literally heating her skin. My skin was heating up as well.
I’d been teasing her—for the most part. But I wasn’t kidding about the fact that her perfect, rounded behind was inches from my face.
While I’d been trying my best to avoid noticing herwomanly attributeson the ride, it was impossible at this moment.
