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Bitten Quote by Joan Johnston

“Owen stepped into the saddle and reached a hand down as he took his foot out of the stirrup, so Bay could mount behind him. Once she was settled, he said, “Hang on. And don’t be wiggling around. We can’t afford any more accidents.” Bay glowered at him. She clamped her hands on either side of his…” quote by Joan Johnston
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““Owen stepped into the saddle and reached a hand down as he took his foot out of the stirrup, so Bay could mount behind him. Once she was settled, he said, “Hang on. And don’t be wiggling around. We can’t afford any more accidents.” Bay glowered at him. She clamped her hands on either side of his waist at his beltline, but his Colt .45 was holstered on one side, which kept her from getting a comfortable hold. She put her right hand above the gun, but that meant it was practically under his armpit. Then she moved it below the gun, but that put her hand low on hips close to his crotch. “Sonofabitch.” He grabbed her hands and pulled them around his midriff. “Now hang on.” Bay kept her breasts rigidly distanced from Owen’s back, but her nipples puckered anyway. It was that damned washboard of male abdominal muscle under her hands. The man could do commercials for those workout machines they advertised on TV. The horseflies were a surprise. Where had they come from? She let go with one hand and swatted at one that seemed determined to bite her on the nose. And knocked Owen’s hat askew. “That does it. Off.” “It wasn’t my fault,” Bay said. “I was getting bitten.” “Off.” He grabbed her arm and levered her out from behind him and onto the ground.””

Joan Johnston

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Saddle Chronicles, 2015

A tense, intimate moment between two characters reveals power dynamics, physical discomfort, and the chaos of unexpected obstacles.

In simple terms: Physical closeness can expose vulnerability and conflict.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address power imbalances in close relationships.

Themes

relationships power dynamics physical intimacy conflict humor

Mood

tense humorous critical

Type

literary intimate critical

When to use this quote

  • riding a horse
  • intimate scenes
  • conflict resolution
  • personal safety

Key Concepts

body language control personal boundaries

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do power shifts affect intimacy?
  • When does humor undermine seriousness?
A Different Perspective

The scene mixes humor with tension, potentially trivializing consent issues.

4.6 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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