#also I find it interesting that the builder doesn't attend service

[sandrockian]

WIP Drabble / Push & Pull

( I genuinely believe that Pen isn't wholly oblivious or meatheaded. On some level, he knows exactly what he's doing, and Builder Liira is the only one who can see through him. She piques his interest, and now he can't seem to leave her alone ( much to her chagrin ).

Liira stopped, and her self-control had returned enough that she hesitated only briefly before turning to face the self-proclaimed protector of Sandrock. "I have to leave, or I'll be late for work. Yan's expecting me," Pen hummed and glanced down at his wristwatch. "It's a short walk, Skinny. You'll have plenty of time to attend Miguel's sermon and make it back to the Commerce Guild." Stubborn bastard!

"I like to leave early in case of an emergency commission."

The explanation didn't budge Pen. Instead, his heavy-lidded blue eyes moved over her, their expression shielded.

"Why do you insist on fighting me. Skinny Arms?"

"I'm not fighting you. I'm just not interested in attending service today."

Or ever.

Pen laughed and shook his head. "Miguel requested that I start escorting you to church. Your recurring absences have already been noted."

"I'm. Not. Interested," Liira repeated, this time with her teeth clenched. His obstinance was already fraying her temper. She needed to get away from him. Now. "Who the hell do you think you are? Do you think you can show up at my shop and drag me away from my work? I'm not afraid of you!" She was spitting in her fury, her utter outrage.

"Tsk. This again, Skinny? I'm trying to be understanding." His gaze raked over her again. "But then again, I don't have to be," he said softly. This time when his eyelids lifted, she saw the dark gleam of an unknown emotion that made her stiffen, a chill of apprehension curling in the pit of her stomach.

It would be more difficult to evade him than she'd thought, for he sensed the response she couldn't quite mask.

Pen came down the steps toward her, and she swiftly retreated to her horse. Liira jerked the front gate open and practically jumped behind it, using it as a barricade against him. Pen regarded her behind the gate, his eyes sharp now, piercingly intent.

"Calm down," he murmured. "Don't be so upset, Skinny. I'm just looking out for you."

Liira glared at him, agitated almost beyond endurance. If he didn't leave soon, she would lose control and say something she knew she would regret. Slowly, she reached down for her pickaxe for support, her knuckles white with effort.