I lower her slowly, allowing her to feel the strength in me should she refuse to answer the question again. Once her toes are back on the floor, I loosen my grip only enough for her to suck in a desperate breath of air. When she's had enough I flex my fingers threateningly.

"Twenty-six!" she gasps.

I raise an eyebrow. If she's telling the truth, then she's definitely older than she looks. She's likely been a runt all her life then. Not much of a prize for men in a world ...