CHAPTER 18

Sonia's POV

Not until we had ridden to the outskirts of the forest did we stop. The moment we got back to the castle, Michael pulled up the steaming stallion. I abruptly slid from his lap, took two steps, and sank onto the ground. Michael leaped down after me. "Are you all right?"

I was no longer trembling, but my breathing was shallow and very fast, I felt my heart threaten to explode. I thought about almost being killed in that forest and I shuddered. Then I turned my gaze to Michael.

He was scowling and grim, and his eyes were sparking with anger. He was sweating, his grey cotton garment half open and clinging to his hard torso. His legs were braced apart hard, straining taut the fabric of his trousers as he loomed over me. "Dammit, what the hell were you thinking? Are you that stupid?"

I forgot about my near brush with death. All I could think of was that I was back here in this castle with Michael. I should be happy he saved my life. On the contrary, I was furious. Slowly, I go