you and your shitty attitude for a while. Having you go with me defeats the purpose, rendering the task moot, and a waste of time.” He bent over and pulled me up by my arm, “Then you should have been more clear in your request. Come on, I’m already up.” He pointed in the direction I usually go. I stomped my feet like an insolent child and walked ahead of him without saying a word. As we walked I decided to explore a new area I haven’t been brave enough to venture to alone. If he’s going to stalk me he might as well be my protector. The reason I haven’t ventured down this path is because it’s steep and a little daunting. I’m pretty sure I can handle it, but just like you don’t swim alone, you don’t walk into unchartered territory without a buddy. “Where are you going?” He asked noticing my unusual change of direction. “Exploring.” I said just loud enough for him to hear. “Watch your step.” He warned. “If I fall and break my neck you can just leave me there. Maybe my dead body will attract some big game for you.” I wasn’t really paying attention to what I said because I saw a sage bush, the right kind of sage, and headed that way. “Georgia, slow down!” He yelled without yelling. His tone speaks volumes alone. “Go fuck yourself Turner.” I said it in a whisper to myself. He’s closer behind me than I thought. “What did you say?” “Nothing, I was talking to myself.” I complained gathering sage leaves. He took the stack from my and and shoved them in his pocket then grabbed my wrists and pulled me up to his chest. His angry blue eyes stabbed my heart, he’s so full of pain and anger. “Did you just tell me to go fuck myself?” “No, I said it to myself.” I corrected him. “You weren’t supposed to hear.” “Well, I did.” He’s searching my eyes for something, but I can’t tell what. “Then do something about it, or don’t. If you haven’t noticed I have better things to do than put up with your adolescent bullshit. Grow up Turner.” I tried to jerk free with no avail. His chest is rising and falling faster now. The anger and hurt are building as his eyes darken. “Get whatever you’re after out here. When we get back I’m going to teach you some manners.” “Good luck with that.” I jerked free this time and collected more leaves forcing myself to swallow the tears that built up from his harsh words and tone. “I can start right now if you’d prefer.” He offered breaking a branch off a tree and stripping the bark. I ignored his offer and kept going. As I found various herbs I handed them off to him to put in his pockets. He gives me a weird look when I hand them off, but he takes them anyway. The poor guy is completely out of his league here. Obviously he was hoping to bring a woman up here that he could tame and mold to his liking. Well fuck that. I’d rather he kill me than conform to some warped sexual fantasy of his. I looked up and around realizing I’ve had my head down too long. There’s a dark circle in the side of one of the mountains. I looked back for Turner and pointed to it, “Cave?” He nodded. “Is it on your property?” “That’s state land, you can go, I have a permit if we need it.” He explained in a tone that told me he was brooding. I had this sudden need to snuff his attitude. I walked back up to him and smiled wickedly as he backed up upon my approach. “What do you want?” He asked as his back hit a tree nearby. “I’ve about had enough of your attitude.” I grabbed his belt and flipped it open. I looked up as I found the button of his jeans, “Tell me to stop.” “Why would I do that?” “Because you have control issues.” I informed him and dropped to my knees. He all but popped out of his boxers instantly ready for what I have in mind. I looked up taking him in my hand, “May I sir?” He exhaled giving me a look of confusion and exasperation, “Yes.” I took his