"I'm in a hurry and don't have time to stop for you," Ben explained. "That man in the rocks won't help you either. He's a dead man as soon as he raise... his head." His voice was quiet but could clearly be heard in the rocks over the nervous jangle of the men's horses. Ben's horse stood quietly. That was one of the things Ben had noticed after becoming a Protector. Animals did what he needed them to do whether it was a horse standing firm or a dog not barking a warning.The little scruffy man was. Happy happy joy joy, on the second attempt I felt something give way. It wasn't like a blockage or obstruction more like a yielding ring of elastic muscles surrendering there dominance. As I slid further in her legs came up as they pulsated in mid air. Then I was in, completely enveloped in her body. When we started we were two but now we were one, joined at the most cherished body parts. The throaty chatter reappeared as I rested. Her expression told many stories as she glanced between our. Brushed my teeth again. Debated whether I needed another shave. Cursed myself for not getting a haircut. Looked at my watch. Compared it to the time on the clock. Checked myself over in the mirror to ensure I hadn’t spilled toothpaste down my fresh shirt. Generally worried. You know what I mean. Wanting to look your very best. You must have been there yourself sometime. Maybe your Prom? That was probably the last time I’d been quite that skittish; even my formal interview for my current. He called me a special bonus. I was being given to one when I escaped. They were all a bit drunk and one of the security, a man named Petre was taking me up to a bedroom on the first floor when I kicked him in the balls and ran. I made it out of the grounds and ran through the woods, until I found the pub. I’d been walking and running for over a day. That’s when you met me.’ ‘Those men, they worked for him? They were going to take you back?’ ‘Yes. I don’t think Alexei lets people get away from.