The Binding (Chronicles of Azaria #1) by Sam Dogra Read Free Book Online Page B

inside out.
    “ Um, Ryan…” I began. How could I put this? “Um, I know I said I have to get over my fear, but…well…would you mind if I rode alone? Just for today?”
    Ryan stood up, frowning.
    “Was it that bad last night?”
    I could only manage a nod. Just give me one day. One day to find a way to fight the Binding’s lust. For both our sake’s.
    “It ’ll help my ankle, too,” I added. “It hurt a lot yesterday, but we had no choice. I promise it’ll only be for today.”
    I crossed my fingers behind my back. I was really pushing my luck. Ryan was sure to be suspicious. And this spoiled princess act wouldn ’t work again. I’d have to come up with something more creative.
    “…alright.”
    His reluctant acceptance didn’t make me feel better. Already he’d given up so much, and here I was asking another favour. I muttered a prayer to the Goddess, promising as large an offering as she wanted if she got me through the day.
    “Come here.” Ryan nodded at the tree root. I obeyed, and stepped onto it. It brought me higher, so Cielo ’s back wasn’t so far away, but I would still need to be lifted onto him. I swallowed. Just prepare for the moment. It was possible to hold the Binding at bay, I’d proven that. If I got the timing right, it’d be plain sailing.
    Ryan reached up—damn , he was tall—and held me by the shoulders, making sure I stood straight. I resorted to my counter measure and began counting breaths. Come on, Eliza, you can do this.
    “I ’ve got you,” Ryan said. “Just get your foot in the stirrup, and swing your leg over. I promise I won’t let you fall.”
    “Right. ” I raised my good leg. Ryan tensed, making sure he took the weight off my injured ankle. I could feel his breath against the base of my throat. Before I got lost in the moment, I swallowed, drowning out my restless heartbeat. So far, so good. I was still in control.
    I found my footing in the stirrup and pushed. Ryan ’s grip relaxed as I went upwards. I made to swing my bad leg out, but my ankle caught the edge of the ridge, and didn’t clear the saddle. Panicking, I tried to shift my weight, but I lost my balance.
    “Eliza, careful!”
    Too late; my foot slipped free and I fell awkwardly. Ryan was there in an instant, pulling me into an embrace. He shielded my head with his shoulders, protecting me from the tree root. He barked an order, and Cielo neighed, stepping away.
    We ended up in a heap on the ground, my face against his chest, my fingers in his shirt. I could hear his heartbeat beneath my ear, just as flustered as mine. His scent was intoxicating. This was too much. No amount of breathing could save me this time.
    Slowly, I eased back, and looked up at him. He was breathing a little faster, too, watching me. His lips parted, as if he wanted to say something, but words never came. My fingers clenched at his shirt, trembling. We were so close, and I started edging closer, longing for the feel of his lips against mine. No…please…I don’t want this! I don’t! Goddess, help me!
    Cielo neighed, and Ryan blinked. He looked away, and I drove my face into his shoulder. I closed my eyes, shaking.
    “Eliza, are you okay?”
    I simply nodded, knowing he ’d feel the movement. He removed his arms, then pushed me so I was seated on the tree root. I didn’t dare look back. Those green eyes would entrance me again, and had Cielo not broken the moment, I would’ve been lost in them forever.
    “I- I’m fine,” I whispered, scared to trust my own voice. I couldn’t believe how quickly the situation had gotten out of hand. And the longing that possessed me…I shuddered. I’d asked for one day to build up my defences. I wouldn’t manage it in one century. Another moment like this, and I’d be helpless to the Binding’s passions. If only my ankle wasn’t in such a state! I wouldn’t have to keep so close to him, then.
    “You sure you still want to ride alone?” Ryan asked. From the corner of my