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Riding at the front was indeed a good choice since riding down the mountain would have caused her to lean on him and look like she was desperate to hug him. It wasn't helping that he was wearing nothing on his upper body either. 

He was better at sitting upright but sitting at the front, she had to rely fully on her strength and she was getting tired. As the horse jerked she almost fell forward before his hand grabbed her waist. 

"I know you don't like me touching you, but hold on for a while," he said. 

"I don't like anyone touching me," she said.

"Why?" 

Why?! Why not? 

"I don't like anyone being too close." 

"Why?" He wondered. 

"What does that mean? Do you let anyone just get close to you?"

"No, but you are more guarded." He said simply. 

"I am just… not used to it. And people take advantage."