Even though I avoid his attention, there’s no mistaking Rom’s glare as he urges the horse toward the outcropping. “Use your magic if it will keep her safe.”
I clench my jaw. This is beyond stupid. I assume his reference to five “attempts” gives me less than fifteen minutes. Barely enough time to alert everyone near the bridge and get the stragglers across it, but hopefully it’s enough for Aurelia.
Rom eases us back through the swarm of people until the outcropping edges alongside the chariot. Raindrops slide down my forehead and drip from my jaw, but I’ve stopped trying to stay dry.
Hordes of travelers bump against our metal basket, making it sway and rock in the wheelset. Any confidence I’ve had in its construction wanes. Every small movement grates on my nerves, and I can almost hear the second hand of an invisible clock ticking loudly beside my ear.
The horse prances in time to the second hand, our own personal metronome of impending doom.
Aurelia turns to Rom. “Be safe. Please come back to me. . .”
He lifts a dark hand to her porcelain cheek, but halts before making contact, leaving a stretch of air between them. Aurelia presses forward, closing the inches. His caress is butterfly soft. “I must come back. Who else will keep you from trouble?”
She doesn’t laugh at his weak attempt at levity, but curls her slim fingers around his, answering his unsaid feelings. A cold river of rain leaks under my collar. I force myself not to fidget. Come on, come on.
He clears his throat and straightens, dropping his arm. She spins and grabs my hands. “Come back and teach me these fantastic things you know.”
I bite back my antsiness. She’s a whole lot of Constantine with a sprinkle of his sister, Anna. I could like her.
But first, I have to save her.
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The Judas Relic: An Evangeline Heart Holiday Adventure Page 13
