Chapter 5

I couldn’t believe what I had allowed to happen last night. I was furious with myself, seeing my pants on the other side of the campfire. My panties were still on, thankfully. I had managed to at least keep that shred of my dignity. And yet, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It had been the best experience of my life… but that didn’t mean Zander needed to know about it.

He walked around the campsite, preparing some breakfast. There was a bright smile on his face that I just wanted to smack right off. “Why do you keep smiling like an idiot?” I suddenly snapped, feeling myself growing irritated.

“What do you mean? A man can’t smile when he has an amazing night with a beautiful woman?” He questioned, raising an eyebrow in my direction. I clammed up immediately, trying to ignore him. “Why are you shy about it?” He teased, leaving some food to cook over the flame. “Because you weren’t very shy last night…” His fingers ran along my jawline and I quickly pulled away, a hard expression set on my face. “Aww… don’t be like that. You know I don’t bite… that hard…” His whisper caressed my ear, his tongue lapping at my lobe before he took it between his teeth, teasing me. I ground my teeth, my nails digging into my palms.

“Don’t touch me,” I said coldly.

“That’s not what you said last night…” He reminded me. My cheeks turned red with embarrassment. I didn’t need him to keep reminding me of what I did.

“Shut up!” I yelled at him.

He just continued to tease me, running his lips along my neck. I shivered, trying not to react, but it was hard when his touch was enough to ignite a fire between my legs. For the rest of the day, I tried to ignore him until we finally started to pack up camp. We traveled many miles with the Dingoes in tow until we reached his buyer.

“I’m glad you made it Zander.” A sleazy-looking giant said with a toothy smile.

“It’s a pleasure doing business with you.” Zander winked, grabbing his profit and putting it away in his saddle bag. I noticed it wasn’t as much as I thought it would be. We rode off, heading toward the next town. “I have a favor to ask of you.” He whispered into my long, dirty blond hair. I didn’t answer him, trying to keep my cool even as his chiseled body pressed against mine, reminding me just how attractive he really was. “Are you not going to answer me? Still giving me the cold shoulder?” He pulled down the side of my shirt, exposing my shoulder, kissing it gently. His teeth grazed my flesh, nearly causing me to moan out in pleasure. I hated how much he affected my body. I felt betrayed by my own hormones. “Well if you won’t respond, I might as well tell you. I know you’re listening.” He whispered. “I want you to rob a bank with me next time.”

“No!” I said immediately. It wasn’t even a matter of debate. There was no way in hell I would ever rob a bank. Especially not with him.

“Are you sure? It’s a lot of fun. The adrenaline coursing through your veins. The rush of excitement. I have no doubt you’d enjoy it.” He pressed his hands to my hips. I jerked back, suddenly disgusted by his touch.

“No,” I said once more, even firmer in my conviction this time.

“Suit yourself. You’re still coming along for the ride. I’m not letting you out of my sight just yet.”

***

I found myself waiting outside the bank, tied up to Zander’s horse. People didn’t even think to look at me twice, even though there was a gag around my mouth and I was just sitting there, suspiciously tied up in broad daylight.

Suddenly, Zander came rushing out of the bank, his loot in his hands. He tossed it in front of me with a thud before jumping onto the horse’s back and making his getaway. His body pressed into mine as we sped away from the town, an angry crowd chasing after us, but Zander’s horse was much too fast.

The wind whipped against our faces as he urged his horse faster and faster. I held on tight, feeling my body rock at the violent speed. My breathing became erratic and my heart was beating a mile a minute.

Suddenly, as we came across a ravine, he stopped. We were miles away from the town at this point. No one had any hope of finding us. Zander let out an excited laugh, holding his stomach and looking out at the sky. “Ah, that was great!” Similarly, I was left breathless and exhilarated. I had never felt such a rush of excitement before. My whole body was alive with energy. I felt like I could run a marathon.

“Wow…” I found myself saying aloud when he took off my gag, allowing me to speak again.

He smirked at my response. “You know, it’s always like this. My life is a constant cycle of adrenaline and adventure.” He leaned in closer. “I wouldn’t mind adding another A to the mix.” He whispered, tenderly kissing my lips. I felt my heart skip a beat at his comment. “Aliza.” My name sounded divine on his lips. I found myself gazing into his pale eyes, holding my breath, waiting for what he might say next. “Don’t you want a life like that?”

I stared at him, my mind buzzing. Did I want a life like that? I thought about the sensation still flowing through my body. I never wanted it to go away. I didn’t want to go back to the life of idle roaming. I bit my lip, trying to sort my chaotic thoughts. On one hand, I knew that the right thing to do was stay with the law, but on the other, a life of adventure with Zander seemed so alluring. “I do.” I finally answered.