I nodded. Using superhuman effort to resist the urge to kiss him, I pointed my feet toward the ground. He set me down gently, keeping firm hold of my shoulders in case I toppled.
I didn’t, though I did sway.
“I’m fine,” I said, then folded into another coughing fit.
Eventually, an invisible vise released its grip on my lungs, and I wiped away the accompanying tears.
“Really okay?” Roux asked, peering in from the right.
Rescuer One, I realized.
“Yes. Thank you.” I looked around, then grabbed Roux’s arm. “The paintings…”
He held them up wearily. “Got them right here. Both of them. And this thing.” He showed me the box, clearly irritated.
“Dammit, Mina,” Marius growled. “What were you thinking?”
A comment I might have taken offense at, but his hands and voice were shaking.
I held his hand to my chest. “I was thinking about the painting and how to get us all out of this. But you’re right,” I added before the angry spark in his eyes turned into an inferno like the one raging behind us. “It was dangerous, and I’m sorry. And grateful.” I turned to Roux. “Thank you.”
Roux muttered a reluctant, “You’re welcome.”
Marius crushed me against his chest. “Swear to me you’ll never do that again.”
Ha. Easiest promise ever.
“I swear,” I mumbled into his pecs. And, oops. A totally inappropriate wave of longing swept over me.
Marius’s growl dropped to a lusty hum, and who knew what we might have done if Roux hadn’t cleared his throat and pointed behind us.
“Can I suggest we get away first and express undying affection later?”
Not a bad plan. Marius and I eased apart, but his eyes glittered with a vow.
Maybe not now, but soon…
My heart thumped, and I made my own vow. But Roux was right. We weren’t in the clear yet.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
MINA
Marius, Roux, and I stared at the blaze. Fifty yards away, flames danced over the villa. Staff hurried to move vans and equipment away from the rear entrance — the side we faced — and a pair of women did their best with garden hoses. A doomed, but valiant effort.
“Aquí! Aquí!”Over here,someone directed them toward the front of the building.
Yes, over there,I agreed.As far from the library as possible.The faster that area burned, the better.
Party guests huddled a safe distance from the front of the building. Some stared at the fire in awe, while others jabbered into phones. One moron was actually filming the disaster.
“Have you seen Delphine? And what about Bene?” I asked, suddenly seized with fear.
Roux pointed. “Delphine is there, and I spotted Bene on the way out.”
I exhaled. “And Henrik?”
Marius snorted. “First one out, probably. Self-preservation is his greatest instinct. Just like Celeste.” And boy, was his voice bitter.
