Page 46 of Edge of Wonder

Seriously, why is he standing so close? Did he touch her arm?

“The moon is really just a giant glowing croquet ball in the sky.”

“Wait, what?” My focus snapped back to Shire, who sat with her arms crossed and feet propped up on the stump that held the map.

“You're not listening to me.”

“I am. You said something about cheese rivers.”

“Exactly, that’s complete hogwash.Rivers of cheese.Where do you think you are?” She tapped the map with her finger. “Pay attention. The Duchess lives near this valley. We'll likely reach her property in a few days. A week at the most.”

“That quickly?” I tried to rub the tension from the back of my neck, but it wasn't helping.

“Yup, we'll have you returned home in a jiffy, and this will all be a distant memory.”

“Okay, yeah—”

The man had moved from the tree and was instructing Alice on the proper use of a croquet mallet. He stood behind her, arms wrapped over hers, helping her swing.Son of a phantom's arse…

I shoved out of my seat and strode toward them, leaving Shire giggling in my wake.

“Hey, Sebastian! I think I'm getting the hang of this,” Alice said, gently rolling her hips to take a swing. The man's fingers were still closed over hers, and I ground my teeth together, reaching out my hand.

“Give me the mallet.”

The guard must have understood my tone because he released Alice and stumbled back a step. He scraped a hand through his hair and muttered something about checking on the horses.

“Good idea,” I grated, taking hold of the mallet. When he was gone, Alice scoffed.

“Was that necessary? Peter was only trying to help. I need to practice.”

“Then practice with me.” I rolled the croquet ball under my foot, placing it a short distance away from the wicket.

“I thought you were busy planning your route home with Shire. Have you discovered a shortcut? Will you be leaving us sooner than planned?”

“Come here,” I said, ignoring her sarcasm-dripped question, and motioned for her to stand in front of me.

“Really, Sebastian, it's unnecessary. I know how—”

“Alice…”

“Fine,” she huffed, moving closer. “Are you even any good at croquet?”

“Yes. It was one of my many training lessons growing up. My mother insisted it would be useful. And it was, I made a fortune hustling the local kids.”

“How industrious of you,” Alice drawled.

“It was, wasn't it? Now the object is to hit the ball through the wickets in the correct order. You want to make sure you're using the right amount of force.” I guided her in front of me and caged her in with my arms. “Just like this.”

With both sets of our hands around the mallet, Alice tapped the ball through the wicket. She looked over her shoulder, her lips slanted in a half smile.

“Satisfied?”

Not really.Croquet wasn't a difficult game, but there was no telling what sort of treacherous additions the challenge would have in store. She needed to be great. Her life depended on it.

“You seem so nervous, Sebastian. Loosen up. It's only life or death.”

She shimmied her body against mine, oblivious to the effect it had on me. My jaw tightened as I tried to rein in my wicked thoughts.I'm not staying. I'm not—

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