"Oh?" said Machia. She locked your phone and slipped it back in your pocket. "Well, that's a problem, isn't it? I only promised to untie you if you asked nicely. But now we're both stuck, because I need to test what you're capable of, and you need me to buy you a cup of coffee, but I can't go and give out freebies." She tapped her finger against her lips, looking up at the roof thoughtfully. "Well, there's a way."

She slid down off your back. The cold air shocked skin that had been warmed by her thighs. A moment later that cold was redoubled as Machia roughly slapped down a handful of cold cream right into that warm spot and began to massage it in with both hands. She worked her way from bottom to top, firmly and methodically rubbing the cold substance. As it soaked into your skin it started to radiate a deep and warm glow, a healing refreshment after the strain of her construction. The alternation between warm-cold-warm became hypnotic, so hypnotic that it slowed your reactions when she grabbed your hair, yanked it back, and slipped the bridle over your head. She got the bit in between your teeth before you could react, then pulled the straps on the back of your head tight.

"I've been thinking about head-locks," said Machia. "Sammy likes neck-strikes, you know? Synskin goes all the way up your neck, right to here," she ran her fingers along your jawline. "And if it gets struck then it clenches. That can lock your head into a certain position. Like -" She pulled your reins, wrenching your head hard to the left. "- this. And then you're stuck with your head in this awkward position for an extended period. Very disorienting. A lot of neck strain." 

She stepped back, walked around to a counter and rummaged inside it. "And while it is within my capabilities to spend the entire walk pulling your reins myself, your group has multiple opponents known for fast and unpredictable movement. I've done what I can with your neck musculature and center of balance, but now the challenge is for you to keep your balance when your neck is pulled hard in a random direction and held there. So..." she produced a remote from the drawer. "I've got this! When I push this button -" The bit in your teeth pulls your head sharply to the right. "- or this -" you're yanked hard back.

She leaned forwards, putting a finger on your nose playfully. "So your challenge for now will be to go to the cafe with me and drink your coffee without spilling a drop. Do you think you can?"