Ami stared out at the multicoloured gowns and suits gathered around the train where Edmund descended, a mix of nerves and exhilaration fluttering in her chest. Pharoah himself couldn’t have attracted more attention. And no wonder. His wealth. His renown. Not to mention the way his suit rode the strong lines of his body whenever he moved. The moment his feet touched ground, he turned his back to the throng and offered up his hand to assist her.
Her.
A female Egyptologist with no fashion sense whatsoever.
She couldn’t have felt more chosen.
Warmth flared in her cheeks as she gripped his strong fingers. Some women sneered at her. Others looked as if they might swoon. And a select few gave her the distinct impression they’d drive a knife into her back to take her place without blinking an eyelash.
After only one step, a great gust of wind breezed in, pullingthe hat from her head. Without thinking, she lunged for it. So did Edmund—but with a little too much gusto. He knocked into her.
She tipped sideways.
In one swift reach, he caught her and her bonnet. A collective “Oohh” hummed through the crowd as he set her on solid ground.
Pulling away, he handed her the hat. “Maybe you ought to just carry this for now.”
“Good idea,” she mumbled, far too preoccupied with the murmurs swirling about them.
“Did you see that gallant move? So chivalrous.”
“He rescued her hat with such urgency. How I wish that would’ve been me.”
“It was just like a romance novel.”
“Who is that woman?”
“Yes, who is she?”
“Mr. Price. Mr. Price! Have you a few words for theTimes?”
Edmund’s jaw hardened, his voice lowering for her ears alone. “We’ll have to make a dash for it. I’ll lead, breaking a path through the crowd. You follow closely. Are you ready?”
She nodded. “Lead on.”
“Pardon!” Edmund shouted above the swarm as he barreled ahead. “Coming through.”
Ami dashed after him, alternately bumping against shoulders and sometimes the train. It took an eternity to plow their way along the platform, yet eventually they reached the station—where just as many travelers milled about.
Though she tried to stick close to Edmund’s broad back, his long legs ate up way more ground than hers. The space between them widened—then widened some more when a man with a cane smacked against her as he passed by.
“Mind yer step, woman!” he grumbled.
She stiffened at the gravelly voice, a chill snaking down her spine when she realized who it belonged to.
And then her blood really did run cold when off to the side atall monster of a man locked his gaze onto her. Unbidden, her fingers fluttered to her neck. If she swallowed now, she would no doubt still feel the cold metal of a blade pressed sharply against her skin.
“’Tis her, guv’ner! The filly with the statue.”
She shoved ahead, feet hitting the tiles hard, unmindful of how many people she crashed into. The only thing that mattered now was catching up to Edmund. Mr. Brudge and his henchman wouldn’t dare try anything with him at her side.
Would they?
“Hey now.” Edmund caught hold of her arm as she nearly tore past him. “I’m right here.”
She drew in a few deep breaths, desperate to pull herself together.
“So you are.” She forced a smile. Hopefully it wasn’t too wobbly.
