Page 97 of Ravenrose

“Behave, Princess. I’d hate for my men to mistake your resistance for an invitation to have a little fun.”

That’s all I need to hear before I turn—and run.

Chapter 43

ROWAN

The raiders form a semi-circle around me, hemming me against the tree at my back. So I have to move fast, swinging myself tightly around the trunk and slipping between the two large idiots behind me.

I sprint toward the sound of running water.

I’ll never outrun them, but if I can make it to the river… maybe I can take my chances in the water… The roar of rushing water grows louder as I burst through the trees and down the steep embankment. The river stretches wide below me, the white water churning over dark rocks. I’m halfway down the hill when⁠—

Abruptly, someone’s hand wraps around my arm, wrenching it back roughly and cutting off the fleeting burst of hope.

Pain explodes through my shoulder, and I cry out. A second later, a fist tangles in my hair, ripping my head around. A scream tears out of me at the searing pain in my scalp.

“Got you,” the raider grunts, proud of himself. He holds me up by my hair like I’m some prized fish.

My fist connects hard with his side, and he curses, shaking me hard, but unfortunately, he doesn’t let go.

I fight hard, but he’s more than twice my weight. I can’t stop him from dragging me forward until I find myself once again face to face with the blonde fae leader.

I might’ve considered him to be handsome, if it weren’t for that oily smile of his—and the way it doesn’t reach his eyes.

He straightens slowly, as if he has all the time in the world, making a show of fixing his hair that my sudden dash for freedom must have mussed up. There’s a knife in his hand, but I don’t flinch when he suddenly points it in my direction, clicking his tongue.

“I told you to behave.” His gaze trails over me. “I’m disappointed.”

“My specialty,” I snap, smiling coldly at him.

“We have orders, Noz.” My attention flicks to the dark-haired fae standing next to him; I hadn’t noticed him a second ago.

A wicked gleam flashes through Noz’s crystal blue eyes.

“Orders can wait a day—or two.” His eyes drop to my chest, and the interest there sends my stomach roiling with disgust.

But alongside it—anger. Red-hot, furious rage boils deep inside. I feel my magic rise up venomously, and the burn of the rune tattooed on my wrist when it flares, forcing the power back.

I am so tired of being at the mercy of cocky, arrogant, asshole males. Both fists tighten at my sides.

Noz steps forward, a smug smile on his face—convinced he has me cornered. His hand reaches out for me, but I draw back, staying just outside his reach.

“Don’t touch me,” I warn, my eyes darkening as I feel the rage inside me converge.

The look of defiance in my eyes displeases him, and his smile fades to a frown.

“Sweetheart,” he clicks his tongue again. “Allow me to educate you on your new reality.”

The male who caught me is still at my back; he grabs both my shoulders, shoving me roughly forward. I stumble right into Noz’s grasp. He wraps his fist in my hair, forcing me closer.

The scent of him is nauseating. Sweat, blood, and something else—something sour.

Holding me still with one hand, he traces a finger down my cheek with the other, and when he reaches my mouth, he swipes his thumb along my bottom lip. “Let’s get something straight: I’m going to touch you wherever and whenever I want.” His eyes drop once more to my mouth, and darken with desire. “I’ll have you on your knees before I’m done with you.”

Smirking victoriously, he lifts his chin back toward his buddies, all of whom snicker in agreement.

But I’m done playing the mouse.