Taken

Chapter 14 (Part 2)

While heat warmed my frigid cheeks at how I was being bounced against him, my fingers and nose were growing numb at the rush of cold air our speed had hitting them. Fortunately, after a few minutes of the torturous pace, Silas slowed to a trot. The reduced speed not only was easier on my body but also had me growing incredibly aware of the heat warming my back.

One of Silas's hands that were curled into Garvin's mane above mine let go and moved back out of my line of sight. The sky had lightened enough that when it reappeared, I could see the leather gloves he held.

"You're hand felt cold as ice yesterday."

The sting of his slap had warmed it right up.

"Thanks," I said, taking them with my trembling fingers that I could barely feel.

I reluctantly released my remaining hold on Garvin's mane to slip my hands into the fur-lined gloves. A satisfied breath escaped my lungs at the soft warmth that began to thaw my frozen fingers.

Adjusting the collar of my coat to protect my numbed cheeks and nose, I returned my death grip to the base of Garvin's mane. Though I was sure the unicorn's current pace wouldn't throw me over his head, I felt more secure with the steadying grip. But would prefer hugging Silas from behind instead of bouncing against his crotch. His hardening crotch.

"I think it'd be more comfortable if I sat behind you," I blurted out, trying not to focus on the ways his body was reacting. I couldn't blame him considering the compromising position we were in.

His breath warmed my ear as he leaned down to speak. "Why? My lap not comfortable?" He unexpectedly teased.

My cheeks flamed.

"You may feel more comfortable sitting behind me," he continued before I could come up with a reply. "But you're safer up here. Here, your chances of being thrown off if I need to make any sudden moves are drastically lower. I don't need that worry added to my list."

I gave an understanding nod.

As we continued, an awkward silence fell over us that was only made worse by my attempts of trying to put some space between us. All they managed to do was rub me against him more. After my latest attempt that I had fooled myself into believing was subtle, a firm hand landed at my hip.

Silas pulled me back against him, his grip remaining to keep me in place. "Stop moving." His clenched words sounded irritated.

"Sorry," I squeaked out, my body warming with embarrassment. And something else I would rather not focus on.

He tensed a fraction at the apology before letting out a sigh. A moment of tense silence passed before he broke it.

"I'm sorry," he said, confusing me.

"Huh?"

"For yesterday. You caught me off guard."

Surprise had my brows shoot up. An apology was the last thing I had expected for what had happened in the barn.

"I know I could have reacted better," he continued. "I should have, but I had no intention of pushing you down. When I knocked your hand away, I underestimated how weak you were."

A snorted breath of offense left my nose. "Gee, thanks. That's great to hear," I sarcastically remarked.

"I didn't say that to offend. Human bodies aren't as resilient as Fae. It's why you need a charmed coat and still have this bruise despite days having passed."

I opened my mouth to point out that the bruise had faded for the most part and to accept his apology, but before I could get a word out the graze of his fingertips had it snapping shut. For a moment I thought I was imagining the touch on my chilled flesh, but then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught him quickly drawing his hand back. He lowered it back to my hip, cementing that the brief trail of warmth streaked across my cheek was real.