Page 84 of The Explorer
“It’s fine. We were told before we landed that we wouldn’t be allowed to spend time in Old Europe and that we were expected to leave right away after picking you up,” Jones said. “It would have been nice to see where you live, but maybe we can do that another time.”
“We’ll show you from above. I’m sure Victor can live with that solution.” Without waiting for his answer, I nudged Sparrow back into the drone and then I stopped in the doorway turning to Indiana. “Shit, I forgot the clock.”
“What clock?” Jones asked.
“This antique clock that we saved from a ruin and had restored for Christina. It’s at the Exploration Headquarters.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll stop by and get it on our way,” Indiana assured me.
With the four of us inside the drone, we took off, flying over the tiny country and making a quick stop by the Exploration Headquarters on the opposite side.
We landed the drone close to our team’s hangar, and then I ran inside to meet Banni.
“You ready?”
He nodded with eagerness.
I felt like a naughty child and kept looking left and right to make sure no one saw us before we sprinted to the drone.
Banni whistled when he got inside and saw the luxurious interior.
“Jones and Sparrow, this is our boss and friend, Banni Armel, who has saved our asses more than once. He’s coming with us to the Northlands.”
Jones reached out his hand. “Good to meet you, I’m Indiana’s brother, Jones.”
“Bonjour.” Banni smiled at him and then he turned to Sparrow and held out his hand to shake hers as well.
Sparrow pulled back a little and placed her hand on her collarbone.
Indiana pushed down Banni’s hand and pointed to a seat. “You have to be family to touch a woman in the Northlands. Now sit down quickly so we can get home.”
Even though there had been messages back and forth between us and the Northlands, I was eager to catch up on everything that we’d missed at home.
“So, what’s the newest?” I asked.
Jones sighed. “Thor got into a massive fight with Khan last week. He spent four nights at our place.”
“Why, what happened?”
“Khan wanted him to marry Astrid Bell. Remember her?”
I nodded. “She’s from a good family and she’s pretty. I could see why she would be a good match for him.”
“Yeah, well, Thor wasn’t having any of it. He even said that he won’t take part in this year’s festival because he knows how everyone is watching his every step.”
Sparrow’s eyes glistened when she pulled her legs up and smiled at me. “I’m so excited to tell you about the fierce fighters that your dad lined up for you to choose from. They’ll be at the festival. We’re all dying to know who you’ll pick.”
“Right, but the thing is…” Jones wet his lips and pulled them in for a moment before he continued. “The men they’re making you choose from, they’re all...”
“Yes?” I met his gaze. “What is it?”
Jones seemed shy all of a sudden. “They’re all strangers and I was thinking that if you would prefer someone you feel safe with, then I’m …”
“Hmm?” I waited for him to finish his sentence, but from the way his neck and face reddened, I suddenly understood. “Oh.”
“I’ve always liked you and if you… I mean there’s a lot of pressure on you, but…”
Indiana, who was sitting next to his brother, slapped a hand at the back of his head. “Are you trying to propose to my woman?”
