But as I meet his beautiful eyes, butterflies launch in my stomach. I’m in deep, deep doo-doo with a very hot guy I’ve no hope of besting.
Redheads aren’t bimbos, Pell. Stop acting like a brainless nitwit and get him talking.
Right, right. I can do this, I will do this.
I take a calming breath and let it out slowly. I have questions, lots and lots of them, and I will get answers.
Harpoc brings his focus back to me after glancing about the tent.
“You spoke to the sphinx in a language I’m not familiar with. What was it?”
“You’re familiar with a lot of languages in your line of work?”
“Yes, and it didn’t sound like any of the ones I know.”
“How many languages do you know?”
Damn it, he’s diverting again. Fine, two can play this game. “Not enough apparently.” I resist growling, then put on my sweetest face. “So what language was it?” I wag my brows like he’s done a few times.
He brings a finger to his mouth and starts tapping.
Fine, I’ll come back to that one.
“If that sphinx was alive to have a secret recorded, what turned her to granite?”
He grins and continues tapping.
I fume under my breath.
“Fine, then tell me about this secret magic of yours that hieroglyphs are supposedly a part of.” I fist the blanket beneath me at his continued silence.
At length, he asks, “Are you done interrogating me?” He cocks an eyebrow. “As it happens, the more you know about me, the more danger I put you in.”
My stomach clenches. “Why? Are you a spy? A demon? With nefarious motives?”
His expression hardens.
Like he’ll answer truthfully if he is, Pell. I roll my eyes at myself.
He gives me a long look. “Have I done anything nefarious? Have I harmed you in any way? You ask me this when all I’ve done is taken care in bringing you here.”
“I nearly tossed my cookies.” I frown.
He dips his head. “Fair enough, the first time tripskipping can be unsettling.”
“Tripskipping? Is that what you call it?”
He ignores my comment and continues. “Other than that, have I harmed you in any way?”
“Well, no, but—”
“You’re very curious, Pell, that’s good in the right situation.”
Yes, like right now. “You said knowing more about you is dangerous. What if I want to live dangerously?”
A corner of his mouth hitches and falls again. “Let’s get some sleep. I promise I won’t hurt you while you slumber.” He chuckles as he eases off his boots with his toes and swings his legs onto the cot again.
A lot of answers I get out of him. I shake my head, then reach over and turn off the lantern.
This isn’t the end of it, not by a long shot.
Chapter Fifteen
Feeling someone staring at me, my eyes shoot open.
Kaz stands with arms crossed in the doorway of the tent.
“Ah, good morning, sir,” Harpoc says from across the way, sitting up. “Can’t say it was the most comfortable sleep I’ve had, but it did the trick.”
“Glad you availed yourself of my lodgings.” His voice drips of sarcasm.
I furrow my brow, sitting up and pulling my boots on. Kaz had been the nice one yesterday. What’s happened?
“How’s your man?” I ask. Perhaps a little personal relating will help.
“Hal is in critical condition after undergoing several hours of surgery last night to repair the tendon that connects his neck and shoulder. That thing did quite a number on him.” His shoulders droop.
Shit. This is my fault.
Harpoc gives me a knowing look, and the conversation we had last night limps back to mind.
“What’s his prognosis?” I ask, my mouth going dry nonetheless.
“The doctors are hoping for a positive outcome, but he may never have full use of his arm again. It’ll be touch and go for a while.”
I stand and approach, noting the dark circles under his eyes. “I’m sorry about your friend and for having intruded. I had hoped to tour the site as I’ve studied the Decree of Canopus extensively while learning hieroglyphics. It’s why we stayed. But here, let’s get out of your hair.”
I turn and grab my coat, heading for Kaz and the exit behind with Harpoc on my heels.
Kaz holds up a hand. “I’m sorry. Look, I’ve been up all night worried about Hal. I know this wasn’t your fault. You tried to warn us, but Hal’s kind of an independent, ornery sort who doesn’t like to be told what to do, and I have to say your story sounded pretty farfetched.”
I chuckle. “You’re not alone. I didn’t believe it either to begin with.” I put a hand on his arm as I stop beside him.
“I didn’t see that creature. Is it…?” Kaz says.
“It’s gone for good,” Harpoc replies.
Questions fill Kaz’s eyes, but a yawn wipes them away. “Go grab some grub in the command tent.” He covers his mouth. “The others are just getting back from the motel in town where they stayed last night after I kicked them out of the hospital. They should have breakfast ready soon. Help yourself and then have a look around. The site is quite a jewel of history.” He forces a smile.
“Thank you, Kaz, I’d like that. Again, I’m sorry about your friend.”
Harpoc and I walk the few steps to their command tent in silence, more of which greets us when we step inside. The subdued mood of the team morphs into frowns and scowls as we help ourselves to coffee, macaroni bechamel, and falafels.
I understand their anger. Most of
