15
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
“Time to return to camp.”
At the bark of the crown prince, Leighton angled in that direction, secretly grateful for the interruption that afforded her a chance to slip away from the ever-hovering Rayan, who had done everything in his power to keep her apart from Owen. About to duck around to the other side of the vehicle, she spotted Maaz stalking toward them, trailed by Owen.
What was going on? Why did the crown prince look so angry?
“What? We have hours left,” complained Daria, turning to her brother. “We still haven’t even seen?—”
“Do it,” Maaz hissed as he stalked back toward the Cruiser trailed by Owen. “Now!”
Leighton moved toward Owen, who said nothing. Face red from the heat and sweat pouring down his face and neck left his shirt drenched. “What?—”
“Not now.”
Starting at his terse tone, she faltered.
“Sorry.” He slowed and touched her arm. “Let’s just get back.”
They sat in silence the entire forty minutes back to the base camp. When they climbed out, Maaz gathered them up. “Return to your tents. Food will be delivered there.”
“Why?” Daria complained again. “This is the last?—”
“It seems,” Crown Prince Maaz said, “Mr. Apollo is not the only American to learn a hard lesson out here. A ranger has arrested several more on the reserve.”
“Poachers?” Aliyah asked.
Several? Several…Americans?
Standing rigidly, Apollo balled his fists.
Wait. Leighton’s heart tripped over the facts. Over Apollo’s reaction. Americans. Arrested. Omen… Oh sweet mercies of heaven… Had they tried to intercept her and gotten caught?
“So, Mugo must go into the city with his men to make a full report, and we will fly to Tanzania in the morning as planned.”
Daria gave a growl. “I cannot believe my adventure is ruined by American poachers!” She stomped off to her tent.
Hassan chased her up the path. “We will make it up to you, my princess.”
“C’mon,” Apollo rasped to Leighton and headed toward their tent.
Ready to find out what was going on, Leighton started after him. But she was inexplicably yanked backwards, a vise on her wrist.
“Stay,” Prince Rayan said. “I insist.”
“Too bad,” came Apollo’s acidic response as he appeared at her side. “She’s my charge, and I’m not leaving her alone.” When the prince’s jaw tightened visibly, Apollo indicated for her to proceed to their tent.
Leighton wasted no time separating herself from the royals.
Once inside their tent, Owen immediately went to work lowering flaps, even though it made it hotter.
“What on earth happened out there?” Leighton whispered, unable to take it any longer. “Was that about your?—”
Apollo rushed her, planting a hand to her mouth as he gave a grave shake of his head.
Leighton widened her eyes, heart drumming at the raw intensity and what she saw in his eyes—fear. She’d never seen that in him before.
