Page 87 of West Bound

“Just like that.” He nods his approval and then moves to show me something when he’s stopped by the rope. I’ve tied him to either side of the fence rail, and I watch the moment his eyes light on the realization.

He’s my prisoner now.

THIRTY-FIVE

Levi

She snatchesthe cowboy hat off my head, placing it on her own. Her lashes lift, and the shadow of the brim falls over her face. Her sapphire-blue eyes have lost their angelic quality; there's something devious behind them as her lips curl into a wicked little smile.

My heart skips a beat in my chest. A small whisper of apprehension that I’ve read her wrong. Wondering if she’s played the long game with me to get me into this position because she’s definitely pleased with herself.

“Zephyrine.” I use her name like a warning as I tug on one of the binds. She was paying attention because they’re done perfectly. Enough slack that I can move around, but not enough to have any hope of getting out of them without assistance. I’m at her mercy.

“Looks like I did a better job this time,” she muses as she sees me try the other wrist, and it’s equally snug.

“You’re a fast learner.”

“I am. It’s the key to surviving.” She closes the distance between us. “Or getting what you want.”

“Meaning?” I ask.

“Meaning I pay attention. I remember. Then I use it to my advantage when the time is right.” Her palm presses to my chest and drifts down.

“That’s what you’re doing now?” I have no idea what the fuck is happening right now, and I don’t know which of a half-dozen emotions coursing through me to embrace.

“I mean, I do have you all tied up. Just like at the convent. I don't think you’ll get loose this time though. No one can hear you yell either. Not all the way out here.” She grins at me and then peers back at the ranch in the distance.

The late light of the day hits all the angles of her cheekbones and lips, the light bouncing through her irises illuminates the blue, making it even brighter than usual. Fuck, she’s gorgeous even when she’s threatening my life.

“What’s your plan then?” I ask, careful to keep my tone level.

“Oh, I have a few ideas.” She brings her body up against mine. “More than a few really. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I’d do if I ever got you into this position again.” Her palm slips under my shirt and drifts up over my skin, and she leans closer to me. The scent of her shampoo envelopes me, and I wonder if this is the last time it ever will.

“If you’re going to run, you’d better make sure Rowan never finds you. He’ll kill you if he does,” I warn her. Her palms freeze, and she pulls back to look at me. She gives me an admonishing look.

“I’m not going to run, cowboy. But you might wish I had when I’m done with you.”

I frown at her, trying to make sense of her meaning, and her wry smile spreads as she sees my confusion.

“In fact, I think I’ll go even harder on you for thinking there’s a chance I would run,” she says softly, her eyes studying me.

“Harder on me, how?” I ask, still grasping at straws for what her plan is.

She grins brightly, rolling her lower lip between her teeth as her eyes meet mine.

“How did you put it that one time? ‘It does something for you.’ I think that’s what you said when we were talking about you all tied up and me spread over your lap.”

Oh.

“Well fuck…” I can’t help the smile that breaks on my face, and it’s reflected back to me in hers. I dip my head low as I laugh at myself, and I fucking feel heat curl up my spine and back down my neck. I’d never have guessed this of her in a million fucking years. She’s been so soft-spoken about everything so far, so sweet.

“So my memory is right then?” She pulls close to me again, her voice a low whisper, and I can feel her warm breath at my neck. “You like the idea of your enemy’s daughter tying you up and stripping you down? Using you to get what she needs? Or would you rather have the undersexed nun who can’t stop thinking about how much she wants you?”

“I like them both,” I admit.

“Hmm. Well, I suppose they’ll both have to get a turn then.” She kisses my throat, her lips moving over my skin in soft strokes as her hands drift lower.

“What happened to my shy, sweet girl?”