"Let's fight."
She actually smirks like this is funny and I'm a joke. Her eyes drag over me slowly…..taking in the way I'm swaying a little, the way my clothes hang off me, the dried blood, the exhaustion.
She thinks I'm weak, she's not wrong but she thinks that's all I am. That's where she's going to regret it.
"Really?" she says, tilting her head. "You want to fight me?"
There's amusement and mockery in her boice.
Her lips curl slightly. "If I beat you… would you let me go?"
I don't hesitate.
"Yes."
Her eyes narrow slightly like doesn't trust it.
"I don't believe you," she says flatly.
I lift my chin just a little.
"You have my word," I reply.
"My brothers will let you go. No one will touch you."
A pause.
Then I add, "No harm will come to you."
I feel Noah shift beside me.
"Elaine," he says, low and tense. "Please."
I glance at him briefly….to see his face is tight with worry.
