Soldiers helped her mount. Then Prince Liang Jian swung up behind her with easy grace, his arms coming around her to grip the reins.
Soyeon's entire body went rigid.
She could feel every inch of him behind her. His chest against her back. His thighs bracketing hers. The heat of his body seeping through the layers of silk.
"Relax," he murmured near her ear. His breath tickled her neck. "If you're tense, you'll fall."
"I'm trying—"
"Try harder." His arms tightened slightly, pulling her back against him. "I'll keep a very close watch on you."
His voice was low and promising.
Soyeon swallowed hard.
Then they were off.
~
The ride took hours. By the time they stopped to make camp, Soyeon's legs were jelly and her entire body ached. But worse than the physical discomfort was the awareness that had tormented her the entire journey.
Every shift of his body. Every breath against her neck. The occasional rumble of his voice when he gave orders to his men.
It was torture.
