A scowl marred Lisbeth’s face, and Thomas, leaning on his side and staring down at her, wiped his thumb across her lower lip. “Don’t be jealous of her. I didn’t travel thousands of miles for her.”
Lisbeth glanced away and gulped, but Thomas grasped her chin, turning her back. “What is wrong?”
“You and she have so much in common. Rose is serious and studious like you. This world of antiquities suits you.”
He kissed her lips before releasing her chin. “It suits us. I wouldn’t be in this country without you. Never in a million years would I have boarded a ship for a place we’ve only read about and sought the famed Benjamin Calvert. We are lucky he hired us.”
She smiled at his reassurance. “I’m being petty about Rose. I should be nicer.”
He rolled his eyes. “You should. She is only sixteen.”
“I’m only eighteen, and you are only nineteen.”
Thomas laughed. “I feel much older than that. Regardless, I like the Calverts and hope we can stay with them for a long time.”
“I do, too.”
He kissed her nose. “Good. Now, back to practicing.”
She groaned.
He stated,“Anti jamilah jiddan.”
Liseth shook her head. “I don’t know.”
He leaned down and kissed her neck. “I said you are beautiful.”
Happiness flared in her as Thomas’s lips trailed up her throat to her mouth. She smiled against his lips. “I think I will remember that.”
“Good,” he groaned.
*
Lisbeth shook thethought away as warmth flared in her body. She glanced at Thomas, who was staring back at her. She knew he couldn’t know her thoughts, but a sizzle of emotion sparked between them. She gulped and yanked her gaze away.
Abbas, just then, stepped outside, grinning. She, Thomas, and Rafe made their way to him. He said, “The elders seemed to adore you, Easton. I’m not sure I was really needed, but theyare willing to help us while we are in the cave system. They are excited that the map is back in Syria and have no problem with it eventually being stored in my mother’s village. They plan to provide two or three guides to help us watch for the rain and explore the caves.”
Thomas nodded. “Do they suspect rain will be a problem?”
Abbas shrugged. “It is the time of year for it, but they think they can assist so any potential flooding doesn’t catch us off guard.”
“Perfect,” Lisbeth said.
Thomas suggested, “Perhaps you should stay at the village while we explore the caves.”
She frowned. “Why?”
“I merely want to ensure your safety,” Thomas emphasized.
Abbas said, “The elders have assured me that they can make sure we are safe.”
Thomas scowled at him, and he went instantly quiet. Benson, who’d been sitting in the shade, joined them. “Your Grace, if it is unsafe at all, I must insist you stay here.”
An exasperated sigh escaped Lisbeth. “I’m not trying to put myself in danger. I want to help.”
Benson looked at Thomas. “Is she safe?”
Thomas’s eyes connected with hers. Lisbeth didn’t realize how badly she wanted to assist with the search until it was on the cusp of being taken from her. Thomas seemed to sense it as well because he begrudgingly said, “We should be fine as long as we listen to the guides.”
