Marie Higgins

by Amazon Sunset

  However, she could do without his sour disposition. She could also do without his commanding authority.

  “Miss Landon, might I inquire to why you are staring at me?” he asked without turning to look her way.

  Embarrassment flushed through her, making her cheeks burn. “I—I—” She quickly cleared her throat. “What makes you think I’m staring at you?”

  A light chuckle bubbled up from his throat. “Do you not think I know when a woman is watching me?”

  She didn’t think her cheeks could feel any hotter, but they did. “Well, forgive me. I assure you it won’t happen again.”

  This time he turned and met her gaze. His lips twitched as if he tried not to grin.

  “If you say so, Miss Landon.”

  Oh, that arrogant rogue! She wanted to punch him in the face for being so cocksure of himself…and for being so blasted handsome. Unfortunately, she couldn’t keep her eyes off him. With a man as strikingly good looking as Felix Knightly, how could any woman keep their focus on anything else?

  * * * *

  The weary travelers entered Manaus before dark. Earlier, Felix had asked Manuel what he wanted to do about Suzette, and his friend was adamant about getting his wife to town as soon as possible.

  Felix pointed toward the small hut used as the doctor’s office. “Manuel, take your wife there while I make arrangements for our lodging at the inn.”

  As soon as he said it, Katrina’s eyes widened with surprise and happiness spread across her face. The others in the group declined to stay at the inn as they walked toward the nearest tavern. Soon, only Felix and Katrina were left standing in the middle of the street. He gave her a one-shoulder shrug and motioned his hand toward the inn. “Shall we proceed?”

  “Yes, we shall.” She grinned eagerly.

  He led the way, and surprisingly she kept in step beside him, apparently having the strength to keep on moving.

  “Mr. Knightly, do you suppose the inn will allow me to take a bath?”

  He arched an eyebrow at her. “You are not too tired?”

  “Of course not. Who in their right mind would be too tired to bathe?”

  He nodded. “I see your point, and to answer your question, yes the inn does have accommodations, which of course, costs a little more.”

  The light disappeared from her eyes when she frowned. “Does that mean you aren’t going to allow me any comfort?”

  As much as he wanted to tease her, he really didn’t have the energy. Not tonight. Too much had happened today to sap his momentum. “On the contrary, I shall allow you that comfort seeing how you won’t get it again until you reach your father’s plantation.”

  Her shoulders sagged as a relieved sigh blew from her mouth. “Thank you, Mr. Knightly.”

  Felix walked into the small hut-style building and paid for two rooms. He strode beside her while escorting her to her room. She said a quick thank-you before hurrying inside and closing the door.

  He looked forward to relaxing in his own tub as well, but first…a drink was in order. He’d join his friends at the tavern for a few shots of whiskey before calling it a night.

  As he went into the street, he scanned the diminutive town. It held two taverns—one at each end of the street—a general store, one inn, and a doctor’s office. He knew nearly every person who lived in this area. With a pang in his heart, he realized this would be the last time he’d get to see them for quite a while. These people were like his family. From time to time other travelers wandered through, and the people who lived in these parts welcomed the newcomers as well.

  He walked into the tavern and immediately noticed a couple of new faces and a handful of familiar faces; people he’d met once or twice. The men who knew him lifted their mugs in salute as they called out his name. Felix grinned, wondering if he would ever feel as welcomed when he returned to England.

  He approached the table where his men sat, and sat with them. Within minutes, a drink was placed in front of him. He glanced into the big brown eyes of the buxom serving wench and offered her a polite smile. Her black hair was in disarray, hanging over her shoulders, and her brown skin glistened with sweat. A mixture of body odor and whiskey surrounded her like a perfume cloud, making his stomach roll in disgust. She batted her eyes at him and sashayed away with a familiar come-hither look.

  It surprised him to think that before meeting Miss Landon, women like the serving wench had never bothered him before. Now he was more aware of the sweet smell that permeated a high-class woman, and the soft texture of her hair and skin. Big brown eyes were not to his liking any longer, but instead, he wanted to gaze into the lovely jade color of Katrina’s eyes. He’d also rather gaze upon shapely figure as opposed to the round curves of the serving wench.

  Strange that he couldn’t stop thinking of her, but earlier this evening, Katrina had surprised him once again. The concern she felt for Suzette was evident in her eyes and tender voice. Most wealthy women he knew didn’t care for others, only about their welfare. But Katrina showed genuine worry for Suzette.

  “Knightly, are you listening?”

  Felix was pulled out of his thoughts by Carlo’s question. “Pardon me. You were saying?”

  The shorter man shaped like a brick pointed to another man sitting at the table—a man Felix didn’t know. “Knightly, this is Mr. Faro. He lives around these parts.”

  Felix nodded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Faro. How long have you lived here? I thought I knew everyone.”

  The other man gave a pleasant smile. “I have been here a couple of years, but I rarely make it into town.”

  Carlos continued, “I was telling Faro about Suzette and the fire ants. He, too, has experienced odd happenings in the jungle as of late.”

  Felix took a long drink of his whiskey. Either the alcohol was too watered down or his body had become immune to the sting as it slid down his throat. “Indeed?” he asked, focusing on Faro. “You have noticed as well?”

  The other man nodded. “I wish I could explain why these things are occurring, but it’s almost as if everything is out of its element.”

  Felix frowned and leaned his elbows on the table. “Do you mean to tell me there is more?”

  “There is. The howler monkeys are everywhere now, and it’s hard to tell where the fire ants are making their hills. I’ve seen poisonous snakes in fields where they have not been before, and even crocodiles are too far inland.” Faro turned his attention toward the nearest window and continued. “The further into the jungles you go, the worse it gets.”

  Dread formed a lump in Felix’s throat, making it harder to swallow. “What do you suppose is causing all of this mayhem?”

  Shaking his head, Faro peered back at the group of men around the table, moving his gaze slowly from one person to another. “There is no explanation. It’s almost as if something—magical,” he whispered the last word, “has taken over the jungle.”

  Felix wanted to roll his eyes and mutter balderdash, yet he saw for himself how Suzette had stepped into the fire ant hole when there shouldn’t have been any ants at that location to begin with. Magical or not, something wasn’t right, and he was going to do all he could to find out what was going on. The jungle was like his home, and if someone were trying to ruin his experience, Felix would put a stop to it.

  He studied Faro in silence. The other man’s lighter skin color suggested he was a half-breed. Most assuredly the man had Portuguese blood, but there was also white in him as well. His black hair wasn’t as curly as a lot of the men in the tavern, but his shoulders were broader than most. Felix wouldn’t be surprised if the man was also very tall, but he wouldn’t know that until Faro stood.

  Felix took another gulp from his mug, pondering the information Faro had shared. With dire news such as this, did Felix dare take his group deeper into the jungle? Although he was confident his men would be able to handle anything, Felix knew Katrina would not. He feared he’d be spending more time protecting her than anything.
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  “I thank you for informing me about the mysterious happenings in the jungle,” he told the other man. “I will certainly think on this tonight.”

  Another person from Felix’s group, Emilio, nudged his elbow to get his attention. “Will we turn back then?”

  “I cannot say.” Felix sighed. “Too much money has been invested in our journey. Miss Landon’s father has paid us well to deliver his daughter, and he’ll give us more once we bring her safely to him.” He scrubbed his chin.

  “Miss Landon?” Faro questioned. “You are escorting a woman on this treacherous journey?”

  “Yes.”

  Faro shook his head. “Very dangerous, if I must say. If I were you, I’d take her back to where she belongs. The Amazon jungle is not for women.”

  “I agree, Faro, but there is much more at stake that I need to consider.” Felix glanced at his men around the table. “I’ll let everyone know of my decision first thing in the morning.”

  Positive murmurs and nods greeted him as he gulped down the last of his whiskey. Before leaving, he flipped a few coins on the table. As he sauntered out of the tavern, he realized the choice wasn’t in his hands any longer. Although he was the guide, the outcome really depended on Katrina. She needed to be the one who would decide their travel plans.

  The night was upon them, growing darker by the minute. Torches lined the streets, lighting his way, and every building had a few torches out in front. Sounds from the jungle were stronger at night. Monkeys chatted endlessly, and the rattle of snake tails was perceptible. Off in the distance, if Felix listened closely, he could hear the faint rush of water from the nearby waterfall. Some birds squawked, which he found to be the most bothersome at night.

  When he reached the inn, he headed directly to Katrina’s room. Confronting her about their dilemma was important and first priority before bedtime. They needed to discuss this at great lengths, and hopefully come up with an answer they’d both agree on.

  He raised his fist to knock, but hesitated and leaned his ear closer, listening intently for any sounds coming from within. The gentle hum of a song floated through the room; it was so relaxing, and very stirring—especially when he could picture her standing next to a baby’s cradle singing a lullaby to a child.

  Realizing where his thoughts were going, he shook his head, trying to clear that particular image from his mind. He quickly knocked and waited. After a few moments and she hadn’t opened the door, he tried again. Just as before, she didn’t come to the door.

  Hesitantly, he turned the latch, cracked open the door, and peeked in. Katrina stood on the other side of the room near the opened window, brushing her damp hair as she hummed a song. It wasn’t the alluring sight of her long hair flowing over her shoulders and down her back that startled him, it was the thin white chemise she wore displaying more of her slender legs than he’d wanted to see.

  Once again, he shook himself out of his wayward thoughts and focused on the problem at hand. Then immediately it struck him—her window was open! What was the fool woman thinking this time?

  He barged inside and stormed toward her. The sound of his boots shaking the floor must have startled her. She swung around and gasped, bringing her hands to shield her bosom, which the square-necked chemise barely covered.

  “Mr. Knightly! What in heaven’s name are you—”

  “I cannot believe you would open your window at night,” he snapped, stopping at it to pull the shutters closed.

  “What are you talking about?” Hurriedly, she dashed to her bed, yanked off a sheet, and tried to use it to cover herself. “It’s stifling in here, so why can’t I open a window?”

  He turned and faced her, arching an eyebrow. Immediately, he noticed a few of those pesky insects had already entered the premises. Two were on the wall, and they were easily killed with his hand slamming against the wood. He scanned the room, searching for others. One flew by her head and he was able to smack it between his palms. As he wiped his hands on his trousers, he searched for more, but didn’t see any.

  “As I was saying, Miss Landon, the reason your window shouldn’t be opened at night is because the mosquitoes will come into your room and eat you alive. Picture the welts on Suzette’s body. By leaving the window open, your body will look similar except the bites will be from a different kind of insect.” He gestured toward the netting hanging around her bed. “Why do you think that netting is there? For decoration?”

  She huffed and threw him a scowl. “How was I supposed to know that? I’ve never been to this part of the world.”

  “Obviously.”

  Her scowl darkened. “And it’s my fault that I don’t know? I would think since you are the guide, it’s your duty to inform me of such matters.”

  Felix wanted to shake some sense into her, but he didn’t dare touch her bare skin, so he folded his arms across his chest. “Consider yourself duly informed, Miss Landon.”

  “Thank you,” she shouted. “However, next time, will you kindly tell me beforehand?”

  “Pray tell, Miss Landon, how will I know beforehand what you will and will not do?”

  A low growl rattled in her chest. “And…would you kindly refrain from storming into my room without an invitation?”

  “I knocked, but you didn’t hear me.”

  She shrugged. “Just because I didn’t hear you, doesn’t mean you can come into my room any time you want.”

  “Forgive me, my lady, but I assure you, my only purpose was to close your window and keep you from being attacked by masses of mosquitoes.”

  Lifting the sheet to her neck, she straightened her shoulders. “Fine. You have done what you came to do, so now leave.”

  Felix couldn’t believe how alluring she looked right now with her glorious brown hair swirling around her shoulders. Her amazing green eyes radiated so much fervor she could melt him from just her stare. He wished his memory would erase the sound of her sweet humming, and his body would not remember what it had felt like to have her hands on him. It must be the heat causing him to think such thoughts. However, all he wanted to do right now was hold her and feel the soft surrendering sigh of her breath against his lips right before he kissed her.

  “Actually,” the tone of his voice lowered as he slowly moved toward her, “I haven’t done what I came to do.”

  She hitched a breath as her feet shuffled backward toward the wall. When the barrier stopped her, she didn’t try to move away. Her eyes widened as he neared, and just before reaching her, she moistened her lips with her tongue.

  Felix’s heartbeat whacked against his ribs so hard he feared it would jump right out of his chest. Desire crept over him the longer they stared in each other’s eyes.

  Blast it! This was not a good thing! He could not get involved with a woman like Miss Landon no matter how much she tempted him.

  Chapter Six

  Katrina didn’t know why her body refused to move and her mind declined to function. Although she didn’t want Felix in her room while she wore only a chemise, she secretly hoped he wouldn’t leave. She found it impossible to grasp the words to tell him to get out. Heaven help her, but the energy sparking inside made her feel alive. No other man had accomplished that.

  He stalked her like an animal ready to attack its prey. When he finally came to a stop, he was mere inches from her nose. Resting his arm on the wall above her head, he leaned closer.

  The breath hitched in her throat. The only thing moving was her heartbeat, and it hammered so fast she feared she’d swoon…and since she’d never swoon, this must be worst.

  Without saying a word, his gaze devoured her, slowly moving over her face and neck and down to her hands clutching the bed sheet so tightly to her bosom that her fingernails dug into her palms. His azure eyes turned darker the longer he stared. Fast breaths, smelling like whiskey, exited his parted lips. She prayed he was not intoxicated. That type of men was harder to control.

  He lifted his other hand to her face, and ever so gently ran his f
ingertips across her cheek then lower to her lips. She tried moistening her dry throat with a hard gulp, but it didn’t do the trick.

  “So soft,” he whispered. “So tempting.”

  At this point she didn’t know what she was more afraid of—him kissing her or her enjoying it and wanting more. But if or when he kissed her, she wanted him sober and alert. She knew what alcohol did to the minds of men.

  Cupping her head, he lowered his mouth to her, gently brushing his lips across hers. Tingles danced over her skin, but she fought the sensations, reminding herself she wanted him sober!

  She swallowed again and hoped to be able to speak this time. “Mmm….Mmm…” Oh, good grief! She couldn’t even utter the word mister! And why had her voice been so low, sounding so indecent?

  A light chuckle shook his chest as he pressed his mouth against her and sealed the kiss. The palm of his hand dropped from her face and slid down her neck, tenderly stroking her skin. Before she had a chance to react, he moved his hand across her shoulder and arm before sliding it behind her to pull her body closer. The shock of their bodies pressing together so intimately made her gasp. He took advantage of that moment to deepen the kiss. Her gasp quickly turned into a sigh.

  Stars danced behind her closed eyes and the sound of harps hummed through her ears. The taste of his mouth wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be considering he’d been drinking. Now she wondered if he had consumed much at all.

  With a mind of their own, her hands released the sheet she’d held to her bosom, and she glided her palms up Felix’s muscular chest. So strong. Curiously, she traveled her fingers up his neck and over his jaw. Indeed, this man was superbly built.

  Sighing deeply, she relaxed more, allowing her frame to meld with his. Gently, she continued touching his magnificent body, sliding her palms around the thick cords of his neck. When she slowly moved her hands down his back, a low groan slipped from his lips. His arms tightened around her and he kissed her with urgency.