“If that was your attempt at kicking my ass, I have to say I’m a bit disappointed,” he says with an amused grin.
Rolling my eyes, I let go of his shirt and move to step back. But the branch sways again and I immediately clutch onto him, squeezing my eyes shut.
“Okay, you win this one,” I whisper in defeat. “I’m afraid of heights.”
Surprisingly he doesn’t laugh at me, although hilarity rings in his tone as he says, “Are you? Huh? I wouldn’t have guessed with the way you’re clutching onto me like you’re afraid you’re going to fall.”
I shake my head, my grip constricting on his shirt. “Will you please just help me get off this branch? If you do…” I take a preparing breath before whispering, “I’ll owe you.”
His chest shakes as he chuckles. “You act like that’s painful to say.”
“It feels like owing you a favor might lead to me having to do something humiliating,” I admit, wrapping my arms around his waist as that stupid branch moves again, this time more violently.
His muscles ravel into knots and his hand on my back stiffens.
“Are you okay?” I start to lean back, but he pushes on my back, pressing me closer.
“I’m fine.” His voice is thick and fear is leaking down the link.
What’s going on with him?
“Let’s get you off this thing, okay?” Then he scoops me up in his arms and urges my legs around his waist.
For a fleeting moment, I feel extremely uneasy about how much of our bodies are touching. But as the branch continues to dance in the wind, I shove the uneasiness aside and latch onto him.
“Please don’t fall,” I whisper, burying my face into his shoulder.
A soft laugh escapes him, his muscles unwinding a bit. Then he starts walking across the branch again. “I like this vulnerable side of you,” he teases. “I mean, think about it. Right now, I could totally take you on and win.”
“Please don’t,” I beg. “Besides, even if you did win, when we get down from the branch, I’ll just take you on again and win.”
“Actually, you wouldn’t.” He positions his arm underneath my ass as he shifts my weight in his arms. “You’re powers are still too weak from the soul teth
ering.”
“Right.” It dawns on me just how vulnerable I am at the moment.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he promises as if he can read my thoughts. “I know I tease you a lot, but I’d never let anyone do anything to you.”
“Liar,” I say. “Admit it. Deep down, you’d love to watch some powerful elemental protector kick my ass in a power battle.”
“No way,” he insists. “Kicking your ass in a power battle is my job.”
“Well, then you totally suck at your job,” I quip, smiling to myself.
“Maybe, but personally, I think getting my ass kicked by you isn’t that bad.” He gives a short pause then amusement creeps into his tone. “In fact, it turns me on sometimes.”
“Dude, I’m so going to kick your ass when we get down from this tree,” I threaten, glad he can’t see my face since I’m pretty certain my cheeks are flushed.
“You say that like it’s a punishment, but it’s not.” He pinches the back of my thigh.
I yelp, my legs tensing around him. I lean back to glare at him.
He smirks at me. “I think I win this one.”
My jaw ticks, but then I plaster on a cocky grin. “Don’t count your winnings just yet.” I reach down and pinch his nipple. Hard.
Of course, as I get caught up in one of our challenges, I somehow forget that we’re standing on a branch way above the ground and that I’m totally relying on him to get me down safely. I’m painfully reminded of this, though, as he stumbles forward.