"Now, Trigger," Quillan said calmly behind her. "After all, it was you who came flying up the bank and wrapped yourself around my neck. All wet, too."
"I was scared!" Trigger snarled. "Who wouldn't be? You certainly didn't hesitate an instant to take full advantage of the situation!"
"True," Quillan admitted. "I'd dropped the bat. There you were. Who'd hesitate? I'm not out of my mind."
She did two dance steps of pure rage and spun to face him. She put her hands on her hips. Quillan stopped warily.
"Your mind!" she said. "I'd hate to have one like it. What do you think I am? One of Belchik's houris?"
For a man his size, he was really extremely quick. Before she could move, he was there, one big arm wrapped about her shoulders, pinning her arms to her sides. "Easy, Trigger!" he said softly.
Well, others had tried to hold her like that when she didn't want to be held. A twist, a jerk, a heave—and over and down they went. Trigger braced herself quietly. If she was quick enough now—— She twisted, jerked, heaved. She stopped, discouraged. The situation hadn't altered appreciably.
She had been afraid it wasn't going to work with Quillan.
"Let go!" she said furiously, aiming a fast heel at his instep. But the instep flicked aside. Her shoe dug into the turf of the path. The ape might even have an extra pair of eyes on his feet!
Then his free palm was cupped under her chin, tilting it carefully. His other eyes appeared above hers. Very close. Very dark.