“I was trying to punch you!”
“Here,” he said, presenting his palm. “Don’t blame me; come here and give me your hand.”
“Why?”I asked. “So you may finish the job?”
“So that I may see if it is broken, Your Highness,” he said. He groaned. “Look…I’m sorry. I didn't mean to scare you,” he said.
“You onlywishyou scared me,” I replied.
His eyes softened. “Again, Princess. I am sorry for startling you. As hilariously defensive as you are about it all, it really wasn’t my goal.”
“I–” I frowned. “What was your goal then?”
Cyrus cocked a brow. “Are you— You’re serious?” he asked.
“Yes, of course, I’m serious!”
“I’m here for our ride,” he said.
“Whatride?” I asked.
He half spun to check around us.“Areyou serious?”
“Yes!”
“Surely you’re putting me on? Wejustdiscussed it,” he said. “You’re to ride with me starting as soon as now.”
“I agreed to no such thing,” I said. “I would argue I informed both you and Sameer that I would not be attending these rides because of their purpose, and further, I do not appreciate you arriving to collect me for one as if I have no say in the matter!”
He blinked, then reached for my hand, pulling it to his space and me off my mark. I nearly fell into him like I had the night before, but I was able to catch myself with the other side along the threshold. Cyrus’s throat rolled as he swallowed. He traced a small mark that the back of my hand had been anointed with.
“Does it hurt?” he asked.
“It’s…” My mouth was dry. “It’s tingly.”
“I don’t think it’s broken,” he said. “Just stunned a bit. Can you move it?”
I wiggled my fingers per his request.
“Good,” he said. “And can you grip with it?”
I made a fist, latching my fingers around the first two of his.
“Even better. Then you can ride.”
“Sir,” I said. “I don’t think—” My skin felt prickly as he squeezed back. I pulled away.
He sleeved his hand into his pocket.
“I don’t think that would be a good decision,” I said.
His brow furrowed for it. “And why not?” he asked. Before I could answer, he said, “Have I offended you?”
“Well, no,” I said. “Yes, sort of. Not you, Sam, really.”
“Did I tell him of your private feelings then?” he asked.
“No,” I said.
