Before she could convince herself to take another step, a hand shot out from behind her. It wasn't violent, but it was blindingly fast. Vex grabbed the oversized sleeve of her blue silk robe and yanked.
"Gah!" Ren stumbled out of the vines, colliding with the Fox Shaman's chest.
It was like hitting a wall of lean muscle wrapped in very expensive fur. He smelled intoxicating—a sharp mix of expensive spices and trouble.
"Gotcha," Vex purred, steadying her with hands on her shoulders.
Ren shoved him away, bristles rising instantly. "Get your paws off me! I was leaving!"
"Were you?" Vex stepped into her personal space, crowding her against the cacao tree. His three tails swished behind him, brushing against her ankles. "You looked like a mouse trembling in the grass, desperately hoping the owl wouldn't notice her. But foxes have excellent hearing, Little Rose."
He leaned down, his orange eyes dancing with malicious amusement as he looked her over.
