Page 46 of Simon

Would I mind leaning up against him? Feeling his body on me.

Ugh, my clit was already tingling at that thought.

No, my body would not win this.

I gripped the branch, determined that I would conquer my fear of heights, and slung my leg over. This wasn’t so bad. I had my hands on a limb. I could feel the thicker branch on the bottom with my feet.

“That’s it,” I whispered, the sound barely audible amidst the rustling leaves and chirping birds. Slowly and steadily, I carefully maneuvered my way down the rough, gnarled branches as I took my sweet time. With each step, the rough texture of the bark tickled my toes, a reminder of my shoeless state. Despite the inconvenience, I couldn’t help but enjoy feeling nature.

“Besides, when humans walk barefoot, studies have shown an increase in red blood cells, suggesting improved immunity.Barefoot walking has also been linked to higher levels of antioxidants, less inflammation, and better sleep. You just need to embrace it, Lucy. Everything is going to be fine.”

My foot slipped on a moss-covered branch, and I let out a loud squeal.

Kitty whiskers! I’m gonna die.

I closed my eyes and held on for dear life.

A loud bleat came from below, and I felt the tree shake.

“Oh, my god! Please don’t let me fall!” I screamed.

Warm arms wrapped around my torso from behind me. “Lucy, I have you. Let go.”

I kept my eyes closed and shook my head. “No way, nuh uh!”

Simon chuckled, his deep voice vibrating through me. “Trust me, Lucy. You won’t fall. I won’t let you.”

“You sure about that? Because I’m just bad luck. I got kidnapped, chased by an ogre twice, and woke up in a tree, naked. Luck is not on my side.”

Simon huffed. His warm breath ran down the front of my chest, and instantly, my breasts felt heavy, and my nipples hardened.

Seriously, the worst luck ever this week!

“Are you going to hang in the tree all day, then?” He snorted.

I bit my bottom lip, my nails piercing the moss-covered branches. “Yup.”

Simon kept one arm wrapped around my waist and the other raised as he put it on top of mine, which held on tightly to the limb. “My mate will not hang in the tree like a rodent. You are too precious to drop. Besides, we are not that far from the ground,” he said with the smoothest voice.

Had he been practicing while I slept? How long did I sleep?

“I’m not gonna open my eyes until we are down there.”

Simon barked in laughter. “Of course.”

I took a deep breath and slowly released my grip on the branch, feeling Simon’s strong arms supporting me. He had carried me down the tree safely until my bare feet touched the soft grass below.

I fell to my knees and put my head on the forest floor. “Never again. My feet belong here. Sweet solace.”

Simon stood beside me, his hooves coming into view.

Now who looks like an animal, Lucy?

I stood up quickly, knocking off the leaves and bits of dirt on my recently cleaned dress, ready to thank him for saving me yet again. Should I thank him though? He was my kidnapper.

It wasn’t proper not to thank him, so I glanced up and opened my mouth to do just that. Instead, I screamed in terror.

There was blood dripping from his mouth. It was on his chest, his arms, and hands, and I checked my dress to see that blood had covered me as well.

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