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I snort. “Uh-huh. Because last time went so well.”
He groans, running both hands through his hair like he’s about to fucking implode. “Okay, but in my defense, last time you, ” He stops, exhaling sharply, muttering to himself. “Nope. Nope. Not even gonna think about it.”
I smirk. “What? Can’t focus when I’m in your lap?”
Elias makes an actual choking sound. Which, honestly, is so satisfying.
His hands shoot up in pure, unfiltered desperation. “Okay, listen, I, listen, I will be so normal about this, okay? So normal. You’re gonna be shocked at how respectful and composed I can be. You’ll be like, Wow, Elias, I didn’t even know you could be so serious and professional and unbothered. And I’ll be like, That’s right, Luna, because I am a mature and responsible adult who is not affected by your proximity in any way.”
I stare at him, unimpressed.
“…You’re already sweating.”
Elias freezes, then discreetly wipes his palms on his pants.
I point in the direction we need to go, my focus sharp, determined.
But then, I make the mistake of looking at the damn horse.
The beast is staring me down, its massive head lowering slightly, dark eyes locked onto me in a way that feels personal.
And then, it snorts. Loud. Aggressive. Like it knows something I don’t. Like it’s challenging me.
I swear to gods, this demonic thing just tried me.
Elias witnesses everything and immediately bursts out laughing.
“Oh my fucking gods,” he wheezes, practically doubling over in the saddle. “Did you, did you just get intimidated by a horse?”
I glare at him, crossing my arms. “I did not.”
He makes a choked noise, trying to contain himself and failing miserably. “Luna. Luna. You literally flinched.”
I scowl, dragging my gaze back to the beast, who is still staring at me like it has a personal vendetta.
“Are they supposed to look that…sentient?” I mutter.
Elias grins like an idiot. “They’re undead. They don’t have souls, so maybe they’re just extra judgy.”
I slowly drag my gaze back to him. “You’re not helping.”
“Oh, I know,” he says, delighted.
I exhale sharply, stepping forward.
Elias offers his hand to help me up, still smirking, still way too pleased with himself, and I hesitate, eyeing the horse again. It snorts louder. My jaw clenches. Because now, it’s a battle of wills. I take Elias’s hand, gripping it hard enough to make him wince, and let him pull me up behind him. The moment I settle into place, arms loosely wrapped around his waist, he shifts slightly, going visibly rigid.
And then, muttered under his breath.
“…Fuck me, I didn’t think this far ahead.”
Elias tries to lean forward, probably in some weak attempt to create space between us. Which is unacceptable. So I go with him.
The second he shifts, I press forward, my chest flush against his back, following every inch of his movement, until he’s leaning so far forward he’s practically face down on the horse, and I’m just lounging on top of him like a satisfied predator.
I feel the way his entire body locks up, the way his breath stutters, the way his hands tighten around the reins like he’s actively praying for divine intervention.
“Luna.”