"I am not riding with you!" I shot him a defiant glare, though my heart pounded like a war drum at the idea of being pressed so closely against him for hours on end.

"That's not a choice, little one," Stefano replied, his voice edged with finality. With a swift tug, he took Regal's reins from Antonio and turned the horse toward the main gate. "You can climb up on your own, or I'll place you there myself."

Frustration bubbled inside me. "Can't we-"

Before I could finish, Stefano's arms wrapped around me, and he effortlessly lifted me off the ground. A startled gasp escaped my lips as he settled...