Biting

But just as her irritation flared anew, Lucian's warm fingers began to massage her ankle with a careful, soothing touch. The heat from his hands spread through her cold skin, sending an involuntary shiver through her. Erin instinctively tried to pull her leg away, but he held it firmly, as if knowing she would resist.

She clenched her jaw, trying to endure the conflicting sensations—the anger she clung to and the comfort she didn't want to admit she felt. Finally, she blurted out, "Stop it."

Lucian's gaze shifted from her ankle to her face. Though her eyes were filled with anger, there was something else beneath the surface, something she wasn't ready to acknowledge.

"You need to endure it a little longer, or you won't be able to walk for a while," he said gently.

"I don't need your help," she snapped, trying again to pull her foot free. "Just leave me alone."