Page 77 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

I shrug. “I have a good feeling about it.”

Hook gives me a soft smile before glancing at Cash. “Only one way to find out.”

Hook steps forward and reaches out to touch the flower. The moment his fingers graze it, he disappears, making my heart drop to my stomach.

Did he really just blindly take my word for it? What if I was wrong and he ended up in another Realm? Or some place worse?

I take a step toward the flower, ready to go after him when Cash steps in front of me, blocking my path.

“Cash?” I glance around him, trying to make sure the flower hasn’t also disappeared before my eyes.

“Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.” Cash’s gaze softens as he watches me.

“What if I was wrong? What if he ends up someplace else and gets caught?” The thought alone sends a spear of dread through me.

Cash raises a brow, his eyes filled with amusement. “Caught? Hook?” He shakes his head. “Hook would never be caught unless it was a part of the plan.”

I give Cash a frown. “But we nearly got caught a few moments ago by Lord Basilius’ men. We had to make a run for it.”

Cash chuckles, his eyes sparkling with humor. “If you were running from anything, it was because Hook wanted toplay.” He shakes his head as a reminiscent look seeps into his eyes. “He hasn’t done that in a long time,” he murmurs.

“Done what?” I push.

“Play for the fun of it.” He glances at me. “He gave up on doing something for the fun of it when—”

Hook appears a few feet away from me with a wide smile on his face. “It worked.”

My nerves instantly ease on seeing him. “You were sent back to where we were?”

Hook nods. “A little further into the maze. But yes.”

Cash claps his hands and rubs them. “Let’s get going then.” He moves towards the bush as Hook steps up beside me with a strange look. It morphs into a bright smile that slowly slides across his face.

“Actually Cash… We’ll catch up with you.” Hook slides off his jacket and folds it before placing it beside the bush. Stepping back into the clear area, he beckons me to him with a smirk.

“I believe I owe you a dance.”

Cash chuckles before leaving us to it, disappearing with one touch just like Hook did moments ago.

I smile at Hook, stunned but delighted that he remembered. “Shouldn’t we try to get out of here before someone catches us?” But even as the words leave my lips, I make a move toward him.

“Catch us?” Hook takes my hand and spins me around before pulling me close. “They would never dare catch Captain James Hook,” he whispers.

I narrow my eyes on him playfully. “So, youwerejust playing all along?” Cash was right.

Hook’s eyes grow intense. “I wouldneverhave let them take you.”

I give him a soft smile as we start to dance.

“There’s no music,” I remind him.

“Then we’ll create our own,” he says with a grin, lopsided and devilish. As if the mention of music summons the sound, a soft melody begins to play in the back of my mind.

The attraction I felt earlier blazes to life once more, luring me in and holding me captive. I can’t take my eyes away from his as he gazes down at me. A heated look that ensnares me, mind, body and soul.

He looks at me as if I’m something to cherish, to worship and savor all in one.

Whatever was happening between us wasn’t slow and soft. It was wild, brilliant and bold. It pushed every boundary I had made. Every barrier I had created and made me feel something deep. Something vast.

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