Amazing, how much faster it was going down than going up.
In no time, they were standing ankle-deep in the soft grass, listening to bird calls and feeling the gentle caress of a flower-scented breeze. It was like stepping from one plane of existence to another—but something about it made Leanna shudder.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She blew out a breath. “Something. I’m just, I don’t know. I’m—”
“Uneasy.”
“Yes.”
He reached for her hand. Without hesitation, she let him lace their fingers together.
“That’s good,” he said bluntly. “This is no time to let down our guard.”
“I keep wondering whose palace that is…and if Asaad’s men are there already, waiting for us.”
“Yeah. Me, too.”
“How do we find the answers?”
Cam swung toward her. “That’s my job. You stay here while I—”
“No. And before you tell me to shut up and do as I’m told, just remember that I’m the one who got you into this mess.”
“I’ll let you in on a secret,” he said, with a little smile. “I wasn’t planning on testing Asaad’s hospitality much longer.”
“If I hadn’t rushed things, you’d have had time to make a decent plan.”
“Maybe.” His hands came up and cupped her face. “But then I wouldn’t have had as interesting a travel companion.” He ran his thumb lightly over her mouth. “Trust me, baby. It’s best if you stay here. I’ll check things out and come back for you.”
“No deal.”
He thought about reminding her that they weren’t making deals, but the stubborn set of her chin told him she’d made up her mind. Arguing would only waste time. Besides, for all he knew, she’d be safer with him.
“Okay. Come with me. Just stay close, and—”
“And?”
“And,” he said huskily, “give me a kiss for luck.”
She looked up into his eyes. They were a cool, brilliant green. What harm was there in just one kiss?
Cam let her press her mouth chastely to his. Then he caught her close and took her mouth so that he could taste her. Her arms went round his neck; when he parted her lips with his, she sighed and opened to him.
&nb
sp; He held her for a long moment. When he finally let her go, her face was flushed and what he saw in her eyes made him want to kiss her again.
Instead he clasped her hand in his. “Ready?”
She nodded, and they began walking toward the alabaster palace.
“It’s beautiful,” Leanna whispered, “but I keep wondering who lives there. The Wizard…or the Wicked Witch?”
It was a good question. Cam could only hope the answer would be the one they needed.
The palace gates released at a touch. A flagstone path led to wide marble steps that ended at a pair of huge bronze doors.