The metal bar hurt her teeth. Katie glared up at James, nostrils flaring, trying to keep her jaws clenched and not let him pry them apart, but he was always so damn patient. As soon as her tired muscles slackened the slightest bit, he pushed it a little farther, and farther still. It didn't take long for Katie to find her mouth distorted by it, grimacing around the thing, like a rough iron bit to which he held the reins.

She was still unprepared when he actually used it that way, though. His sharp yank back forced a little grunt of surprise from her, and let him twist the bar...