A small part of her worried Will hadn’t made it out of Hong Kong alive. But given what Petra knew of Millie Ward, her friend had probably ensured everyone’s escape. Petra only hoped the elemental earth user had survived or Petra’s sacrifice would’ve been in vain.
Just as she plopped down on the couch, there was a knock on the door. That’s new.
Making her way to the door, she looked out of the peephole. Neena Chatterjee’s smiling face winked at her. “Let me in, lovely. I’m here to save the day.”
Opening the door, Petra frowned. “Neena?”
The woman snapped her fingers and a multicolored cape settled around her shoulders. “Much better. Now I’m ready to save the day.”
Dismissing the woman’s eccentricities, Petra asked, “Are you dead,
too?”
“Dead? No, my dear. I’d need a much better outfit than this. Death would require a fancy sari. Or maybe a ballgown. Oooh, or some combination of the two.”
Petra took a deep inhalation and released it before daring another question. “If you’re saving the day, then does that mean you’re here to save me?”
Neena snapped her fingers. “Right-o, my dear. Although, before I do the deed, we need to chat about a few things. As you’re a mercenary, I’m sure you understand that while I could do this for free, it’s not necessarily in my best interests.”
Petra’s respect for Neena went up a notch. “What are the terms?”
“Straight to the point. I like that.” Neena waltzed into the room and perched her behind on the back of the couch. “While joining DEFEND and having your cleverness and skills available is a must, I first need to ask why you want to be saved in the first place. Let’s hope you don’t give the wrong answer.”
Given what little she knew of Neena, Petra had no idea what might be considered a wrong answer. Petra would simply go with the truth. “I need to tell Will something.”
“Aw, the handsome researcher. He has a surprise or two in store for us in the future.” Neena leaned forward. “The only question is are you a part of his future or not?”
Petra didn’t miss a beat. “I hope so.”
Neena clapped her hands together. “Good answer. Both of you on my side will make things that much more brilliant.”
Petra opened her mouth to ask Neena to elaborate, but the woman snapped her fingers and Petra was pulled toward the door. As she floated down the hallway toward a black nothingness, Petra wondered how many latent abilities Neena possessed. Just as that thought formed, a blazing light flashed and warmth spread over her body.
The next second she heard Will’s voice in the bright, vast space she floated in. “Well, what happened, Neena? You’re back but Leyna isn’t.”
Neena’s voice filled Petra’s ears. “Maybe she just needs true love’s kiss.”
Will growled. “Stop with the bloody games. Why is Leyna still unconscious?”
Petra wanted to shout that she was listening, but she could do nothing but float in the brightness. Neena spoke up again. “Oh, I think she’s listening. And if I’m correct, which I always am, she’ll wake up with a kiss.”
“If you’re out to make me a fool, Neena Chatterjee, you’ll make an enemy.”
“Believe me, William, you do not want me as an enemy.” Neena clicked her tongue. “Now, kiss the woman.”
There was a beat of silence before warm, soft lips descended on hers. In the next second, her heart jumped and she was yanked upward.
~~~
Will gently kissed Leyna’s silky lips. To be honest, he felt like a fool following Neena’s childish games. But if there was even the slightest chance it would help his Leyna, Will would dance around a bonfire naked if it meant his woman would wake up.
Lightly tucking her hair behind an ear, Will debated ending the kiss when Leyna’s lips moved below his. It wasn’t more than a twitch at first. But as he licked her lower lip, Leyna nipped his upper one a second later. Pulling back, he met Leyna’s green eyes. “Leyna.”
“Will,” she croaked.
He cupped her face with his hands and stroked his thumbs against her cheeks. “Did you really come back to me? I’m afraid this is just a dream or some kind of vision.”
She gave a weak smile. “If this is a dream or vision, then the pain in my leg feels damn real.”