She carried a flint knife with her as she ventured into the condemned woods alone, refusing to stay away as Etu had undoubtedly expected her to.

When she entered the makeshift shelter, it took her a moment to realize the blankets were empty. She froze as panic set in.

Had someone taken him?

A shadow fell over her from behind and she sucked in her breath. Before she could spin around, a hard hand clasped over her mouth, smothering her scream. The small bowl of broth she’d carried slipped from her fingers and crashed to the ground.

“I would hate to have to hurt you, love,” a strong, male voice said close to her ear. “But I will if you provoke me.”

Siara knew with every fiber in her being that it was the stranger. His nakedness pressed firmly along her backside, though his voice was stronger and clearer than she would have expected it to be. She reached up to peel his hand away from her mouth. She had to let him know that she meant him no harm.

His hand only tightened, jerking her head back against his bare chest. She reached for the flint knife, but he was quick, grabbing it before she could get to it.

“Don’t make me hurt you,” he said harshly, tightening his arms around her.

Panicked from the hard grip he had around her mouth, Siara swung her arm back. Her fist landed on his bandaged thigh and he drew in a sharp breath.

“Bloody hell.”

She pulled away from him and he released her, bracing his weight on his other leg. She struggled internally with her concern for him and fear of potential retaliation. Though she hadn’t meant to hurt him, he’d left her no choice.

She made a move for the knife in his hands, but he tossed it away and tackled her to the ground. Everything moved in a blur as she tried to push past him, but he grabbed her by the waist and forced her to the hard earth. He fell over her with a grunt, gripping her wrists and forcing them over her head.

He was stronger than she would have expected. Too strong for someone who had just come from a lengthy recovery.

“Stop fighting me,” he growled, his face just inches from hers.

Their breathing came out in harsh pants as they glared at each other. He was sweating and looked a bit wan, and she realized he had over exerted himself. She was suddenly angry that he would undo so much of the progress his body had made these past few days.

“It’s you who asks for fight,” she snapped, tugging at her arms. “I help you. I save you.”