“Hello,” Abi said, waving uncomfortably.
He gave a slow nod. “Hello. Have a nice evening,” he said, his eyes still on Abi.
Asher drove through the gates, and once they were behind the walls that protected the ruins, Asher asked, “Do you know him?”
“No,” Abi said, but there was a hint of worry in her voice. “He did look at me strangely, though.”
Asher shrugged. “Maybe you’ve crossed paths before. I can’t blame you for not remembering him, but I wouldn’t be able to say the same thing of him.”
Asher knew if he’d met Abi in the past, he would’ve remembered her.
Abi didn’t respond, her attention quickly stolen by the ruins ahead.
“Oh, wow—it’s amazing at night. Do they light it up every night?” Abi asked.
“I believe so, for security purposes,” Asher responded, pulling the car into the parking bay.
“I can’t believe I’m here,” she said with wonder in her eyes.
Asher grinned. “This is nothing yet . . .”
He exited the car and walked beside Abi, refraining from touching her while security was surely watching. Asher had been here many times, but never with a date.
“Sir,” Asher said with a salute.
“Your Royal Highness,” the security guard responded.
“May I please have access to the tunnels?” Asher asked. He could only imagine what the security guard was thinking given that Asher had been here only a week ago with Noah.
“Of course,” he said, not missing a beat. He led them to a security checkpoint, handed Asher a set of keys, a communication device, and two flashlights. “No one else is inside. Press the button to contact me if you have any questions,” he said, nodding toward the walkie-talkie.
“Thank you,” Asher said before heading toward the doors.
The ruins were Santina’s version of the Egyptian pyramids, and Asher loved to walk the tunnels that led underground.
A security guard opened the entrance doors, and Asher activated the flashlights. Once they were inside, the door closed behind them.
“This is unreal,” Abi said, moving toward one of the walls. She held her flashlight high, running her fingers over the carvings. She turned back to Asher. “You do know how to get out of here, right? I don’t want to get lost and die tonight.”
Asher chuckled. “I’ve walked the tunnels a few times. And this communication device has a GPS map, so we should survive the night,” he said, activating the touch screen. He tapped on it, indicating where he wanted to go. He wanted to show Abi something magical. He tucked the device into his pocket, knowing the audio cues would direct them, and then took Abi’s hand, leading her into the depths of the Lithe Ruins.
Abi
Abi’s mind was reeling. She didn’t like the way the security guard had looked at her, and the more she thought about it, the more she was sure he recognized her but couldn’t immediately place her.
But all her worries left her mind as Asher led her into the ancient world. She felt like a character in a movie. It was by far the most amazing first date she’d been on—Asher had now ruined all first dates for her ever again.
Her eyes scanned the walls. “Do you know what these inscriptions say?” she asked, pausing to brush her fingers over it. She suddenly stopped herself. “Am I supposed to touch this?”
Asher grinned. “Probably not, but I won’t tell if you don’t. Just don’t bang your fist against it and chip anything.”
Abi chuckled. “I’ll do my best not to throw a tantrum.”
Asher’s head tilted back as he laughed. He did that often.
“I actually asked the linguists for a copy of the transcripts, but I haven’t yet received them. The language is ancient; I think they’re still trying to learn it. At this point, the inscriptions remain a mystery,” Asher said with a shrug. “When I walk through here, I can’t help but wonder about the lives of these people. What did they do? Did they have families? Lovers? Were they honorable? Or were they murderers?” he said with wide eyes.
Abi peered into the darkness ahead. “Maybe someone was murdered right here,” she whispered.
Asher grinned, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s say that isn’t true. I want to enjoy tonight, and you’re starting to freak me out.”
She laughed, resting her head against his shoulder as they walked.
Abi stayed close to Asher, tucked underneath his arm, their fingers threaded together. She let him lead the way, wondering where he was taking her. He pointed out various markings and sculptures as they walked, indicating he’d been here more than a few times. Asher would’ve been a good archeologist. He still could be, she supposed. He wasn’t the crown prince, and royals often maintained official duties while fulfilling their own personal interests.
Abi heard something and her ears strained to listen. It was faint and she couldn’t make it out, but as they continued walking, she asked, “Is that running water?”
“It sure is,” Asher said.
The flashlight bounced as they walked, casting uneven light across the tunnel, but Asher didn’t stop. “This is probably my most favorite place in the kingdom,” he said, his voice full of awe.
Abi raised her eyebrows. That was clearly a big statement.
But as the tunnel widened, the sight before her left her breathless. The ruins completely opened up, and a blanket of stars covered them. Water cascaded over the rock formations, forming a waterfall.
“Care for a swim?” Asher asked with a wicked smile.
“Here?” Abi asked, looking around.
“It is a swimming hole,” Asher said, moving toward the ledge.
Abi peered over, not entirely convinced. “Why is it lit up like that?” she asked as she peered into the turquoise water below. She could see the bottom of the so-called swimming hole.
“It’s the first phase of redevelopment,” Asher said, emptying his pockets and putting his flashlight on the ground by his feet. “One day this will be open to the public—it will be a huge tourism operation for us and the economy—but tonight, it’s for us,” he said with a grin before he dove into the water.
“Asher!” Abi exclaimed, rushing to the edge.
He surfaced with a wild grin on his face. “Come in, it’s warm,” he said.
Abi shook her head, stunned.
He held out his arms and she took a leap of faith. She jumped into the water, and when she surfaced Asher was right beside her.
“This way,” he said, swimming to a ledge.
Asher extended a hand and guided her into his arms. He was standing, the water at chest height.
“What do you think, Abigail?” he asked as he lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Their chests were flush, their bodies entwined, and Abi was struggling to form a coherent answer.
Luckily, Asher wasn’t waiting for one.
His mouth crashed down on hers, and she could think of nothing but kissing him back.
He pressed her up against the rugged rock formation, but she felt no pain. She barely even realized where she was. Her breath was labored, and the heat pooling between her hips was burning. She reveled in it, kissing Asher the only way she wanted—like they were meant for each other.
Asher’s hands crept up her torso, stopping just beneath her breasts. She wanted more, but knew they should stop. They should’ve stopped an hour ago.
Asher pulled back, twirling wet strands of her hair around his fingers. He seemed to be looking at her for permission.
She knew she needed to end this. She shouldn’t have let tonight go so far. She’d used him for his contacts—she’d gotten what she wanted.
And now she was here.
“Abi,” he whispered, and she loved the way he said her name—like she was the only person who mattered in this complicated world.
“Sometimes I think I can read you, and other times I have no idea what you’re thinking,” Asher said, searching her eyes.
“I’m thinking you s
hould show me the rest of this swimming hole,” Abi said, her eyes darting to the right, where a grotto opened up.
His gaze followed hers, and then he turned back to her. “Feeling brave, are we?”
“Only if you go first,” she said with a grin.
Asher laughed as he pushed off the wall, pulling her into his arms. They waded toward the grotto and swam into it.
“Wow,” Abi said, her voice barely a whisper. “This is—”
“Magical,” Asher said, finishing her sentence. He nodded. “Have you ever seen anything like it?”
“No,” Abi said, shaking her head. “Never. Asher, this will be a huge tourist development.”
“I know,” he said, his head sweeping in an arc. “Because of our geographical location, people are scared to visit our country. But Santina is as safe as anywhere—safer than America,” he said with pride. “And it’s rich in history. I think if we build our tourism sector, we have a chance at building our economy.”
In the light of the grotto, she saw Asher differently. He might not be the crown prince, but he thought like a king.
“What?” Asher asked.
“Nothing,” Abi said quickly. “I think you’re right. How many ruins sites like this are in Santina?”
“Sixteen in total, but as I said before, these ruins are my favorite,” he said with a smile. His eyes shone, and she wondered if she’d ever seen him this carefree.
“I’m going to ask a question, and I want the truth,” Abi said with a grin.
Asher raised his eyebrows. “Do you think I’ve lied to you before?”
“No. But tell me, how many times have you been here?” she asked.
Asher chuckled. “That’s none of your business.”
She swam up to him, and he drew her into his arms.
“Okay,” he said, then paused seeming to mentally calculate his answer. “About twenty something.”
Abi grinned. “That’s good. If you promote this tour, and Prince Asher is the tour guide, it’ll definitely be a hit.”
Asher chuckled. “I’ll need an assistant.”
Then Asher’s head snapped to the entrance of the grotto as Abi thought she heard something falling.
“Is someone here?” Abi asked in a hushed whisper.
“I don’t know,” Asher said quietly. “Maybe one of the flashlights fell over.”
She paused, listening. The guards had said no one else was inside.
“We should get out of here before the guards come looking for us, though,” Asher said.
They swam out of the grotto and climbed out of the swimming hole, taking extra care not to slip. The air was cold and Abi shivered.
“Yeah, I didn’t think this through,” Asher said, rubbing her arms. “Towels would be good right now.”
Abi looked at the flashlights, but both were still standing. They were in an ancient ruin, though—anything could’ve fallen.
Abi chuckled. “Towels would be ideal, but I still think it was a good idea.”
Asher beamed a smile before taking off his shirt and trying to wring it out. Abi couldn’t look away from his chiseled abdomen. When he caught her staring, he smirked, and she shook her head, annoyed at herself.
Abi suppressed another shiver, but this time Asher looked concerned. She looked down. Her white T-shirt was see-through, and her clothes were sticking to her. She wasn’t the only one to notice.
Asher bit his lip, like he was deciding whether to say something or not.
“Nice,” she thought she heard him mutter under his breath.
“Let’s get out of here. I’m sure there’s a blanket and a first-aid kit in my car,” he said, then gave her a funny look. “They don’t let me roam around completely unprepared.”
“Of course not, Prince Asher,” Abi said mockingly.
He laughed in good faith. “Call me Ash. That’s what those closest to me call me,” he said.
For a second, she let herself imagine what life would be like by Asher’s side. Would they be a good team?
He extended his hand, and she took it. She desperately wanted to believe they could make this work—that they could break the feud between their families, that their relationship would never impact IFRT.
Abi wondered what Asher actually thought of the feud.
What could possibly have happened to ignite it, anyway? Abi didn’t think it had been an affair—unless both parties had been able to save their marriages, which Abi thought unlikely.
Had it involved money?
Abi knew money could be a blessing—it could buy opportunities and choices—but if used in the wrong way, it could also be a curse.
Other than adultery or some kind of money or business dispute, Abi couldn’t think of a single reason why two best friends would never speak again.
Even as these thoughts flooded her mind, her father’s hostile voice boomed over her thoughts. They would need a miracle to convince him to forgive the King.
“Why so glum, Abi?” Asher asked, watching her carefully.
She smiled, giving a slight sigh. “Sorry, I was thinking about a good friend of mine. She had a huge fight with her cousin and they’re not speaking. She wouldn’t tell me what it’s about. I don’t know how to help her, and I’m worried neither she nor her cousin will forgive each other.”
“What was the fight about?” Asher asked, seeming genuinely interested.
“That’s the thing,” Abi said. “Neither of them will say. No one knows, and I can’t imagine what would cause such a fight.” She looked into Asher’s eyes. “Can you imagine anything that would come between you and Noah that you couldn’t resolve?”
“No,” Asher said without pause. “Noah and I would work it out. But I do know a family member that happened to,” he said vaguely.
“And they never worked it out?” Abi asked, her heart in her throat.
“No. And I don’t think they will,” he said, matter-of-factly.
“Do you know what the argument was about?” Abi asked, knowing she was pushing things too far.
“No, I don’t. I think that feud will be taken to the grave, to be honest,” Asher said flatly.
“What do you think of that?” Abi asked.
Asher seemed to consider it a moment. “I think it’s sad. I don’t think anger or resentment should be harbored. It’s like that old saying: Refusing to forgive is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
“I think it was an affair,” Abi said. “Would you forgive Noah if he had an affair with your wife?”
Asher whistled. “That’s hard to answer. In time, maybe. Would we ever be friends again? No. But would I forgive him? I truly hope so.”
“You told me a minute ago that you and Noah could work anything out,” Abi pointed out.
“Right,” Asher said. “I just didn’t think of that scenario, because I would bet my life Noah would never do that. It honestly didn’t cross my mind. If he had an affair with my wife I would struggle with it, obviously, but I’m sure at some point I would lay it to rest.”
“Do you think twenty years would be long enough for forgiveness?” Abi asked with a blank look as she stared ahead.
She felt Asher’s eyes on her and it took him a moment to answer. “Sounds like a good amount of time.”
They walked in silence the rest of the way back to the entrance.
Asher
When they emerged from the underground ruins, the bite of the cold desert night was unforgiving.
They jogged back to Asher’s car, and Abi’s teeth were chattering by the time Asher had started the engine and turned on the heat.
He really hadn’t thought this through very well.
Asher reached behind his seat, finding the blanket wrapped around the first-aid kit. He draped it over Abi.
“Do you have another blanket?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I’m fine,” he lied—he was freezing his ass off. He warmed his hands in front of the warm air blowing from the vents and
then drove to the security checkpoint to return the flashlights and communication device.
The guard gave him an odd look when he noticed Asher’s wet clothing. Thankfully, Abi’s delightful bra—and breasts—were concealed beneath the blanket.
“Good night,” the guard said with a nod. The boom gate opened and Asher drove through, eager to get home.
Or would he go home? He wasn’t sure where things were at with Abi. Would she invite him to stay the night?
As the car warmed, Asher’s body relaxed. He took Abi’s hand and placed it in his lap as they drove toward the city.
“What are you thinking?” she asked quietly.
Asher stole a sideways glance. She was huddled in the blanket up to her chin, and her head rested against the car seat. She didn’t look like the courageous warrior who rescued terrorized women and children—she just looked like Abi.
“That I had fun tonight,” Asher admitted. Spending time with Abi was easy.
She squeezed his hand. “I did too,” she said with sadness in her eyes. Asher took a second look, but it was gone. At first he’d thought she was easy to read, that she wore her heart on her sleeve, but that only seemed to apply when she was discussing IFRT.
IFRT.
He was already trying to work out how to angle her involvement in IFRT to his father, because he didn’t want to let her go.
They could be a good team. Abi would be a good princess. Noah and Abi, and everyone else who thought he needed to marry a woman who wanted to be a princess, were wrong—the fact that Abi showed little interest in his royal title made her all the more worthy of it. Besides, she was compassionate and intelligent, two attributes his mother was loved for.
Asher could make it all work in his mind . . . except for IFRT. And he couldn’t ask Abi to give it up, because he feared she’d later resent him for it. But maybe she could take on a more administrative role? Could she work behind the scenes and let someone else run it?
Asher didn’t actually think the people of Santina would have a problem with IFRT. It worked for the people. Politically, however, it was suicide—and every day the King was playing political games.
Blood, Love and Lies Page 9