Zane sat astride his black stallion, his grip on the reins tighter than necessary as Lena's voice abraded his nerves for what felt like the hundredth time that day.
"Zane, this is ridiculous! We've been riding for hours! My legs hurt, my back hurts, and the dust is ruining my hair!" Lena complained, shifting uncomfortably in her saddle. She shot him a pleading glance, her green eyes welling up with unshed tears. "Can't we rest and take a break? Just for a bit?"
Zane ground his jaw, refusing to accept her grievances. He had cautioned her against coming, warned her this trip would be tough, but she had insisted. Now, she was making it everybody's issue. His patience, already strained from the burden of his duties, was wearing thin with each word that escaped her lips.
He looked his icy bl
