The abrasive sound of metal tearing wood echoed in the quiet space. Tossing her skirt aside, she rushed back to the opening. She could hardly wait to join him. “I am coming down.”
“I would ask you if you were sure that were wise, but I know what your answer would be.” He stood, looking up at her, his eyes widening as she sat on the edge of the opening, her boots dangling into the hole.
“It is more practical,” she said, referring to her unorthodox attire. She held back a nervous laugh at his silent query.
Eyebrow cocked, he lifted his arms and settled his hands on her knees. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You thought it.” She felt his touch to the tip of her toes. The wool breeches were snug, but she rather liked the freedom they afforded. Smiling, she bent forward and settled her palms on his shoulders. He lifted her down, allowing her body to glide along his hard frame until her feet touched the sandy ground. Head tilted back, she met his shadowed regard.
“I thought nothing of the sort,” he said, his mouth close to her own.
She need simply tilt her head and bring their lips together. “So you say.”
“Are you doubting me?” He asked, one palm sliding along her hip to her bottom.
Doubting him, no. Doubting herself, perhaps. If she continued to carry on a flirtation with him, she would be helpless to stop. He was tempting in many ways and dangerous in many more. “I have faith that youbelieveyou’re telling the truth.”
He squeezed her bottom before he released her. Yearning glinted in his eyes, along with regret. “You wound me with your cynical words.”
“I am—” the whistle of the wind beneath the door in the hut sounded.
The cheerfulness disappeared from his gaze and he released her. “We had best stay on task. The cave is narrow but tall. If we’re to descend, I need your word you will listen to me and do as I ask.”
Affronted by his stern warning, she nodded. He had steered her in the right course in the past and she had to trust in his judgement. “I will heed your advice. Lead the way and I will follow.”
If she had her way, she’d follow him for the rest of her life. That wasn’t possible. He chased criminals, and she was one. Life had taught her to enjoy the small moments for they were fleeting at best. For now, he had no idea of her subterfuge and she intended to keep it that way. There was only one problem, his suspicion of Zander was leading him down a path straight to her duplicity.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The pervasive chill of the tight passage failed to reduce the sweat beading his forehead. He had an aversion to closed spaces after his time in the Spanish prison; a dungeon in an old castle that was owned by Maria’s sadistic husband. The cave walls were wet, and the light of his lantern reflected off the surface, giving off an inner glow which helped cut through the absolute darkness. Unlike his time in Spain, he was not a prisoner at the mercy of a hostile government, nor was he unarmed.
The tunnel meandered downward, the floor a mixture of limestone and sand. No matter how logical he tried to be, the walls were closing in. He held the lantern in front of him, careful to watch for any pitfalls on the trail. Any second, they could come across some unwelcome visitors bent on mischief.
“The floor seems to be evening out,” Elizabeth whispered.
He took comfort in the fact that he could simply go back the way he’d come. Water dripped from the ceiling and splashed onto his boots. He straightened from his hunched position and arched his neck to relieve the knot that had formed there. Although the cavern had opened up, it seemed to end there. Solid wall surrounded them. “I think this is the end.”
Frustration threatened to unsettle him. He had been sure this was the route to the smuggler’s cave. “There appears to be no exit. We will have to go back.”
A hand settled on his arm. “No, there has to be an exit.”
“I don’t see one, unless...” He moved the lantern around the surrounding area and spied a slit in the wall to the left. The sand was softer and less compact there. He stepped forward and winced as his head hit the stone. The slit was underneath a slanting ceiling and he dropped to one knee, shining the light to reveal another tunnel. “Unless that is it. Please hold this while I have a look.”
“I am much smaller than you. Let me look.” She slipped past him and bent down, the breeches hugging her hips. The woman was a plethora of surprises, each more enlightening than the last.
