IshTara: Yep, the same day. And the 24-hours doesn't end until morning. So, I've got the whole night to play. Hahaha!

Keys: Short and sweet is a-o-k. Anyway, only one or two more chapters to go…

JG: Yummy visions are always a good thing, especially when Roxton is the leading man. winks

Taya: Hey, if he's an idiot then, he doesn't deserve you anyway. Saying goodbye was the smart move. Yet, I'm sorry it didn't work out. Anyway, the 24-hours won't be up until the morning. It was around 9:00AM when their adventure started. So, I've got until 9:00AM to keep it an adventure.

Chapter Ten

Tremble

Hours slipped by before Marguerite began to stir in his embrace. Roxton placed a chaste kiss on the top of her curls and murmured: "You feeling all right?"

Marguerite nodded and gingerly pulled away from his warm chest to work out the kinks in her neck. "Just spiffy," she grumbled, a crack rippling down her spine. "What time is it?"

Roxton shrugged, no longer affected by her grouchiness (usually). "No later than midnight, I presume. Are you sure you're all right?"

Marguerite smiled softly at him. "Yes." She bowed her head, fingering the trim of her now much shorter skirt. "In all the bedlam I never did…I…" she peered up at him with vulnerable eyes. "Thank you. For what you did. I don't know if you're just plain crazy or…" she smiled again; this time thoughtfully. "Anyway, it was a foolish thing for you to do, but…thank you."

Roxton nodded, his boyish grin gracing his face. "You're welcome. But I think you know why I did it."

Marguerite sighed, her chest heaving. "The same reason you would do it for any of us," she said, denying the truth.

Roxton looked at her pointedly, but let it slide.

"Do you think they're looking for us," Marguerite finally asked.

"Of course," Roxton affirmed confidently. "I'm rather surprised you even had to ask."

Marguerite shrugged with a 'mmm'.

They sat quietly, comfortably for a while before Marguerite winced and shifted, lifting her injured leg off the ground. Roxton immediately placed his large hand on her thigh and pushed her leg back to the floor, chiding: "No, Marguerite. If there is any poison then you don't want your leg up, especially higher than your heart."

"Well, when the hell will we know," she carped impatiently. "I can't go around keeping my leg like this forever."

"It can take as long as twelve hours."

Marguerite gave him her patented 'yeah right' look. "Twelve hours? You expect me to sit here like this for twelve hours? Ha," she scoffed. "I don't think so, Lord Roxton."

"Marguerite, I'm not saying you have to sit there for twelve – well, actually, eight more hours, but just don't raise your leg."

"Fine," she whined exuberantly. She went perfectly still. "Is this better," she hummed between closed teeth, her lips barely moving.

Roxton made a noise in the back of his throat and rolled his eyes. "Yes, fine. That's perfect. Stay exactly like that."

Marguerite glared at him, only half meaning it. She then sighed and leaned her head back against the cave wall. Moments disappeared before she felt the fervent weight of his hand still pressed against her thigh, the heat of his skin evident even through the denim of her skirt. "Roxton," she murmured throatily.

"Yes," he whispered hoarsely back.

"Do you mind removing your hand?"

"Yes, I do," he replied sincerely, but with a teasing smile playing on his lips. She gave him a warning look, but his smile only grew into his Cheshire smirk. "Why? Do you have a problem where my hand is?"

"Yes, it's on me."

"What? You don't like me on you?"

Marguerite shrugged. "I've never had the pleasure."

"Pleasure?" He raised his eyebrows. "Would you like the pleasure?"

"Oh, and what if I did," she retorted coyly, brushing her lips lightly over his ear.

"You know what I would say," he choked.

"Yes. I believe I do." She drew back, a smug smile dancing on her mouth and in her eyes. "But too bad! My leg and all."

Roxton laughed. "Marguerite, you are a tease."

She was about to respond when suddenly the cave shook, loose rocks and dust spraying down on them. Roxton threw himself over her, shielding her body with his, as the tremors grew more violent. Underneath him, Marguerite screamed as the thunderously grinding noise of the walls cracking erupted all around them. And then large debris was plummeting to the ground, one large portion of rock smashing into Roxton's side.

"We've got to get out here," he hollered.

Suddenly the ceiling began to crumble, sealing them inside their tomb.

End Chapter Ten

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Considering that I only have 3 months to finish 8 stories, I have to cut things shorter than I originally planned. So, I've decided to focus on the stories that have gotten the most reviews. Unfortunately, this story doesn't fall into that category. So, I will only be adding another chapter or two. Thanks! I've really enjoyed writing this one.