Page 26 of Wolf's Bane
He grinned, a bit too broad and toothsome for his face. “I thought lunch and a refreshing dip in the pond seemed just the thing on a day like today.”
“Shouldn’t you be beating my brother?”
“We’re done for the day. We broke for lunch and will reconvene to inspect the weapon stores.”
“Well, as you can see, I am working. Please go elsewhere.”
“As you wish.” In a fluid movement, he rose to his feet and moved to the pond’s short wooden dock. Not that she could remark on it, because she was not staring at his position or any other part of his person. She simply made sure he complied with her wishes.
In the sun, he stretched and removed his shirt. The wounds she tended to last night looked mostly healed, and a network of scars crisscrossed his back. Again, she studied him to note his progress and look for signs of infection. It most certainly was not in admiration, and she failed to note or appreciate the way his muscles flexed in the sunshine.
He looked over his shoulder and winked, taking another bite of the apple.
“For goodness’ sake, Alek! Put on your shirt,” she snapped.
“I do not recall you being the boss of me, sweetpea.”
How dare he? The pet name stoked her anger like nothing else. No one had called her that since Mama passed.
“You do not have permission to be so familiar with me, Mr. Hardwick.”
He raised a brow and took another mouthful of the apple. “I think you’re spoiled and too used to getting what you want,” he eventually said.
Spoiled?
Spoiled!
Solenne jumped to her feet. As she stomped toward him, she gestured broadly to the basket of sewing, the ruinous house, Boxon Hill in general. “What gave you the idea that any part of this is what I want? My glamorous life of darning socks? Selling salves and poultices so I have a little coin?” She jabbed a finger at his chest.
Alek growled. Actually growled.
Surprised, she jabbed him again.
He grabbed her finger, hand sticky from the apple. “Do not.”
“Unhand me.”
“Not if you’re going to poke with your boney finger.”
“I’ll poke you with whatever I damn well please,” she said, which was such a ridiculous statement that it did not even register.
He smirked. “See, spoiled.”
“You’re impossible.” She shook her hand, but his grip held tight.
Fine. If he wanted to play that game, she would play.
Solenne planted her free hand on his chest and shoved with all her might.
His eyes went wide as he fell backward. Still holding her pointer hand, his grip tightened and the weight of him pulled her forward.
Into the pond.
Cold water shocked her. They were a tangle of limbs. She thrashed until she freed herself from Alek, kicking and flailing until she broke the surface of the water. She gasped, cold to the bone and furious like she had never been before.
“Stop! Stop fighting me!”
“Unhand me!”
