Chapter 36

Julian didn't have time to run; Elizabeth emerged from the water like a beast. The most logical thing would have been for her to at least slip on the shore, but maybe it was due to anger or because the ground was too dry to produce mud. Regardless, Elizabeth ended up straddling the chestnut and holding it with both hands to prevent it from escaping. She was aware that Julian allowed it because if he wanted to push her away, he could do so with minimal effort. Their friends had their backs turned to them, close enough for Elizabeth to hear the stifled laughter coming from the trio.

"Much as I enjoy this position, the ground is not exactly comfortable, miss," he said, looking at her with a crooked smile.

Elizabeth furrowed her brow. "Don't try to be funny," she hissed, squeezing his wrists. "You wanted to play, let's play," she affirmed, clicking her tongue.

"I wouldn't dare so much," he said, shifting to get a better position beneath her.

"You're a nuisance,"