There was only one way to solve the problem.
And the sooner it happened, the better.
CHAPTER SEVEN
SHALLA led them to a suite.
After two days in a filthy cell and a night trudging across the desert, Leanna would have seen paradise in anything with four clean walls and a window.
This looked like the top contender for Romantic Hideaway of the Year.
“Oh my,” she breathed.
Cam took her hand as they strolled from room to room. “You took the words right out of my mouth, darling.”
Darling? She looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. He smiled, brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. The look he flashed her was sharp. Don’t argue with me, it said. Just go along with whatever I say.
The sitting room was elegant, bright with crystal vases and flowers. The bedroom’s focal point was a massive bed draped in crimson and cream silk. Even the bathroom was spectacular, with frescoed walls, a white marble floor, golden swan fittings…and a sunken, black marble tub the size of a small lake.
“I hope this is to your liking, my lord.”
Cam nodded, as if he’d expected to find such luxury in the tail end of nowhere.
“It’s fine, thank you.”
Leanna cleared her throat. “Actually…actually, I was wondering if there was a second bedroom somewhere in—”
Cam’s fingers tightened on hers. “It’s all right, love. I suspect Shalla has already figured out our secret.”
She blinked at him. “Our—”
“I’m sure we’re not the first lovers to elope and find shelter here. Isn’t that right, Shalla?”
The silver-haired woman smiled. “You are correct, lord, and we are delighted by your presence. I will, of course, arrange for clothing and food to be brought to you.”
“My lady and I are overwhelmed by your generosity. Isn’t that right, darling?”
Only a fool would have disagreed. “Overwhelmed,” Leanna replied.
Cam’s smile disappeared as soon as he shut the door. “Alone at last,” he said pleasantly, but his eyes were still filled with warning.
“Lovers? Eloping lovers? Are you cra—”
She gasped as he gathered her into his arms and kissed her. “Not another word,” he whispered, his mouth against hers, “until I check things out.”
“You mean, you think—” She bit her lip. “Oh.”
“Yeah.” His smile was glacial. “Oh.”
She followed him from room to room, watched him examining the furniture, the lamps, even the moldings until he was satisfied.
“No bugs. No cameras. We’re okay.”
“You think Shalla lied about this being a sanctuary?”
“I think we’d be fools to take anything for granted.”
“You’re right. I should have thought of… What are you doing?”