Page 46 of Prisoner of Steel and Shadow

“I don't think you realize who you’re picking a fight with. The people I hate have a tendency to end up dead.”

His lips curled up. “I've dealt with worse. And far scarier, I might add.”

Oh, the gall of this man.

She had half a mind to show him that no one was scarier than her, but she was in the middle of something far more important. Something that could cost her her freedom. Shaking her head, she decided he wasn’t worth the time or effort. Ronan might annoy her, but she’d be far more upset with herself if she allowed him to distract her from her goal.

As if underscoring the point, there were a few victorious cries as competitors began to locate tokens. Shadow clenched her fists, furious with herself for taking so long to find hers. Just as she had the thought, her eyes landed on a bit of disrupted shrubbery. Upon closer inspection, she saw the betraying glint of a coin nestled in a tangle of thorny roots.

Knowing Ronan was watching her every step, she tried to move stealthily. But as her hand snaked out, his was already there, stealing her prize.

“You bastard, that’s mine.”

“Is it? Since I’m the one in possession of it, I’m pretty sure it’s mine. Especially given the rules of this little contest.” He shot her a cocky grin as he dropped the coin down the front of his pants. “But please do feel free to go digging for it, if you really want to press the point.”

“If you think something as unimpressive as your balls will prevent me from taking back that which you stole, you’re in for a rude awakening.”

He snickered. “Is that your way of saying you want to play with my balls, Shadow?”

“Ugh. No.”

“Pity.” He winked at her.

“Stars, you’re so deluded you can’t even react to an insult properly.”

“I think you have me confused with Bast.”

“Who?”

“Sebastian, my guide. He’s the one who so rudely interrupted us last night.”

“And how is your appalling decorum his fault?”

“I’ve spent too much time in his company.”

A disbelieving laugh escaped before she could stop it. “You are ridiculous. Blaming your poor friend for your own failings. I shall advise him of your disloyalty if I ever cross paths with him again.”

“He’d be the first to agree with me. He’s entirely unrepentant.”

“As are you.”

“What’s there to apologize for?”

Realizing he’d sucked her back into yet another fruitless conversation, she huffed and stomped away, muttering about egotistical men whose heads were shoved up their own asses.

“Sounds painful.”

“You got what you came for, so do us both a favor and fuck off.”

“I told you—”

Temper beyond frayed, she spun and shoved him as hard as she could. Surprise knotted his features as he fell back, landing on his ass in the weeds.

“Now be a good boy and stay.” She growled the words, lacing them with as much violence as she could muster, considering his absolute shock had her wanting to laugh.

Maybe now you will finally stop underestimating me.

But instead of being cowed, his expression shifted, turning almost... admiring. “I'll just maintain a healthy distance, then, shall I?”

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