page_178 < previous page page_178 next page > Page 178 her unless she found a way to escape her own horrible need. Closing her eyes, she turned her face away from him. She felt the subtle shift of his thighs beneath her. Cisco moved beneath them, easing into position beside the mare. After lifting her to the mare's back Ian handed her the reins. "There, she's all yours again," he said, patting the mare's neck. The mare nickered softly and bobbed her head, brushing his arm. Another female trapped by this man's masculine magic, Sabrina thought. "Until you decide to pull her under your spell again." He glanced at her, sunlight streaming across his features, humor crinkling the corners of his eyes. "If only other females were so easily trained." Sabrina's chin soared. "Is that what you want, Tremayne? A woman who will respond to your every whim? Broken of will? Spiritless? A docile little puppet at your command? Is that your ideal woman?" He was quiet a moment, holding her angry glare, his own emotions and thoughts veiled. "Does it matter what I want?" More than she wanted to admit. There was still an ache inside her, a raw, throbbing wound that only he could heal. But he would never heal her. "No, Tremayne," she said, turning her gaze to the trees a few yards away, hiding her emotions from him. "It doesn't matter to me what you want." From the corner of her eye she saw him sitting beside her, watching her for what seemed a lifetime. Leather creaked as he shifted in the saddle. "We have a truce for the day at least. It's far too pretty a morning to waste on anger. Do you suppose we might try to enjoy the day?" Sabrina drew a deep breath. Enjoying Ian Tremayne's company had never been a problem. No, far the opposite had always been true. "Well?" She lifted her eyes, meeting his warm gaze with cold defiance. "I gave you my word I wouldn't try to escape, Tremayne. I never said I was going to enjoy being with you." "Pity. For I find I enjoy being with you. Perhaps more than I should." What had he meant by that? He turned away, urging his mount toward the trees. The mare followed like an obedient puppy. No doubt the man was playing with her, as a cat plays with a mouse before devouring it, she decided, dismissing the warmth she had  < previous page page_178 next page >