Page 83 of Discovering Her Earl

“Yes. There is next to nothing left inside the tombs. They’ve been looted many times over the years. However, the sand and wind cover things quickly here. It’s common to find pieces of treasure outside of the tombs. Things that were dropped as the trespassers scurried away after taking their haul.”

“I see.”

“We spend the afternoon inside the tomb studying the paintings for clues of hidden chambers and interpreting hieroglyphics. Then we move to the site on the east side of the pyramid later in the day when the pyramid provides shade to that area.”

He nodded. It seemed a perfectly reasonable plan.

“Here.” She handed him a large canteen and a smaller flask. “Drink plenty of water. And use this.”

He pulled the stopper and sniffed the stringent scent.

“What is this?” He winced.

“It is moringa oil, a native plant here that keeps pests at bay.”

“I should poor it in my boots to ward off scorpions?” When she’d warned him to check his shoes before putting them on in the morning because of unwanted and incredibly large insects, Julian had almost wanted to run back home to Scotland. Almost.

“No. You should apply it to your skin every few hours. It’s not as harsh smelling after a while.”

She held up her arm and he leaned closer to take in the scent of her skin.

“Hmm. Perhaps we can help each other apply it.” He leaned closer to her ear and whispered. “Everywhere.”

She giggled. “Perhaps tonight. But for now, we must get to work.”

“Yes, of course.”

And work they did.

The next few weeks were filled with days spent sifting through sand, and nights spent making love to Lainey in secret. It was perfect. Even Ben was helping and enjoying himself.

Every once in a while, someone would call out when they found something. The group would gather round to watch as the treasure was revealed. It was exciting, even if the treasure turned out to be a bit of broken pottery or a scrap of leather.

Those simple discoveries thrilled him to no end and he and Elaina would discuss them as they lay in his bed together.

“Are you disappointed that we’ve not found anything of great value?” she asked.

“I have not been disappointed a single moment since stepping foot on the ship. I find myself trying to remember every detail. For these memories, they are a treasure beyond value.”

She smiled. “I fear I have taken this life for granted for some time. Perhaps even resented it. But experiencing it with you has been wonderful.”

“I can’t imagine having such an opportunity. To do this for the rest of my life.” He kissed her hair. “With you. I wish things were different.”

“I wish your father had not been such a vile, heartless, bugger.”

He laughed.

“I do love the names you come up with for him. It’s most entertaining.”

When their laughter died down, she fell silent for a little while. He could almost feel her thinking.

“What is it?” he asked when curiosity got the best of him.

“I was only wondering…” She paused. “No. It doesn’t matter. Never mind.”

“What is it?” he repeated, wanting to know what thoughts had stolen the lightness from their moment together.

“Would things be different, do you think? If your father had not made such a demand. That is to dictate that you marry someone proper?” She shook her head. “Please don’t answer. It is silly. Of course, it wouldn’t matter. You would still want someone proper as your countess regardless. I should go. I’m rather tired and I don’t want to fall asleep here. We cannot be caught.”