The ride back to the packhouse was one of the most agonizing experiences I’d ever endured.  Sofia did everything possible to upset me. She seemed determined to test my patience. She was all over Nicholas,  she clung to him, like ivy on a tree, fussing over him and throwing coy glances in my direction as if staking a claim that wasn’t hers to make.

She was either dabbing his face with a handkerchief or playfully throwing her arms around him. 

"Can you play some music, Nicholas I'm ...