Lucrezia was appalled when he slipped the leather over her head like a leash. "I am not a dog! Take this off of me right now!" she demanded, color rising in her face from anger.

One of her hands was freed, and she flexed her fingers to get feeling back. Adrenaline and anticipation had her nearly vibrating from suspense. As soon as the brief window of opportunity presented itself, she lunged away from him, yanking hard on the leash to rip it from his hand.