Whispered Kisses

by Taylor, Janelle

  “Because I want you more, even for one night. Besides, you can’t use Webster’s money to buy off my resentment toward him. His debt to me has nothing to do with you or with us. I’m not in a financial bind, Leigh. I did lose my last crop, but I had enough to replant and enough to live on until it matures and is sold. Until then, I get more offers for work than I can accept. I don’t need or want Webster charity. I earn my own way in life. But thanks for the offer.”

  Surely one night with her couldn’t be that valuable to him. Unless he knew exoneration and marriage were impossible. Or he knew Chad would spurn her after she slept with him and that would be his revenge. Whatever his motive, Jace had a clever plan in mind. To uncover it, she had to play along. “Before I say yes or no, what are the terms and rules for victory or defeat?”

  Jace stood and walked to the balcony door and sank into deep thought. All she had to do was break one rule to lose, and that was inevitable. No matter her wits and skills, in the jungle this Texas girl was a tenderfoot. He turned to face Leigh. Her expression was inquisitive and tense. Yep, he decided, she couldn’t win, but money wasn’t what he wanted from her, nor would his pride allow him to lose on purpose. Even if she didn’t know it, he had integrity! “This sport will be fun for both of us, Leigh. We’ll put our deal in writing: my plantation against one night with you.”

  “That isn’t what I said.”

  “I know, but this seems more like an equal bargain to me. I can earn another one if you should happen to win mine, or I could stay on as your loyal manager. Then, if you wanted to play predator, you’d always know where to find me. You could visit your new home and business anytime you pleased. As your employee, I’d be at your beck and call day and night. Forget the money, Leigh, because I can earn all I need with coffee and safaris. I don’t crave one-third, one-half, or all of the Webster empire. Money comes and goes all the time, but not a woman like you. With that wager, I’d be too tempted to lose. It isn’t fair to entice me to cheat, Miss Webster.”

  Leigh knew she would never accept his home as payment so she didn’t mind his wager. But by accident or intention, if she lost …

  “Well?” he prompted. “Do you agree? Green Hills Plantation against the intoxicating seduction of Laura Leigh.”

  She swallowed hard. “How will the winner be chosen?”

  “First, for each terrified scream or time you complain or lag behind, you owe me a kiss. Rule two: each time you get into trouble or danger, you owe me an extra night. Rule three: if you cancel the safari or prove unable to complete it, you owe me any prize I choose to select, which will be your presence in my home for one full year. Rule four: when you lose, you pay your debt immediately and in full.”

  She was astounded by how easily and swiftly he listed those “rules,” as if by rote, especially number three. Of course, she had nothing to worry about concerning that particular one. She would never call off the safari even if he harassed or provoked her at every bend, and she would complete it even if she had to drag herself through the jungle on her belly. But she would tell him to leave it out because she could not live with him for a year, not as his mistress. To taunt him, she murmured, “Aren’t you afraid you’re tempting me to lose, Mr. Elliott? At least to get into mischief.”

  He grinned. “If you’d be honest with yourself, you’d know you want me as much as I want you, woman, but you wouldn’t intentionally lose. You’re too proud and honest.”

  “Are you certain?” she teased. “Besides, all those rules apply to me. What about you? And how is the winner chosen?”

  “Fair enough. If I prove too weak or tired to make a full day, you get a kiss. If I get into trouble or endanger your life, you get five kisses. If I quit the safari for any reason, you get an extra prize.”

  “Awfully vain, aren’t we?” she murmured, laughing.

  “Nope, just trying to simplify things for you. If I lose, you win my plantation. If I don’t hold up, take your choice of an extra prize.”

  Leigh wondered if his adding “an extra prize” was his way of offering himself if he lost. “Suppose I don’t want to trade kisses with a smug rogue like you. Why not let rules and points select the winner? The one with the largest number wins. I should get ten in advance. After all, I am a delicate woman in strange surroundings, so I should be allowed some tiny advantage over a big, strong man in his element.”

  He chuckled at the heavy southern drawl she affected during her last sentence. “Points are boring, Miss Webster, unless one gets extra prizes. The winner is the one who breaks the fewest rules. One other stipulation …” he added, his tone and gaze serious. “You have to promise not to endanger your health and safety by trying too hard to win. No pushing yourself beyond your endurance or taking risks. In exchange, I won’t make this trip harder than normal. Agreed?”

  “That’s only fair. I know my limits and I promise not to recklessly exceed them, even to beat you. If neither of us earns points or we tie, it’s a draw and the bet is nullified. On rule one, a terrified scream does not include a shriek of surprise.”

  “Be assured I know the difference. You can also rest assured I won’t do anything intentional to lose my home or to let Chad appear a better man in the jungle, even to win a valuable prize like you, woman. Let’s get our deal into writing. If there’s one thing a man or woman should honor, it’s his or her word. I can be awfully dangerous if crossed, Miss Webster, so think this over before you agree and sign a contract. I wouldn’t want to force you to live up to your bargain, but I will. You’d better get some rest. It’s going to be a long and demanding year.”

  “The safari is for two months, Jace, then you get one night with me if I lose,” Leigh stressed. “I won’t cancel the safari or be unable to complete it, so forget the year part. And I won’t get into trouble or danger, so don’t count on earning extra rendezvous, either.”

  “We’ll see,” he murmured, his green eyes alive with intrigue.

  “Yes, Sir Lancelot, we certainly will,” she concurred.

  Chapter Nine

  At dinner, Jace Elliott went over the hunting and gun control laws mandated by the Colonial Office. for this English protectorate. He continued with the regulations issued by the Imperial British East Africa Company under the title of “Sporting Licences” for a fee of twenty-five pounds which was valid for up to twelve months. He related the 1886 “Schedule of Duties” for controlled items and he stressed the use of quinine to prevent malaria and the danger of drinking unboiled water.

  Jace told them his head man—Wanjohi, called “Johi”—was gathering supplies and hiring bearers. When all questions were asked and answered, Jace excused himself, explaining he needed a good night’s sleep because he had plenty of tasks to complete before they left Mombasa on the twentieth. Today was April seventeenth.

  Chad grinned and said, “That wasn’t a strain at all. It looks as if Jace and I will get along fine. Anyone dissatisfied with him?”

  All four shook their heads.

  “I told him about the supplies we brought along,” Chad then said. “He’s to check them out tomorrow. You women decide on what you need in the jungle, then have the rest stored in our supply room. We’ll pick them up as we’re leaving town. I hope you’re all ready and eager to have fun, because I am. I can’t wait to get into that jungle.”

  “Me, too, Chad,” Louisa concurred.

  Cynthia looked as if she was having anything but fun. Reid acted as if the safari didn’t matter one way or the otherto him. The blonde rose from her chair and said, “If you don’t mind, I’ll read a while and turn. in. It’s late and I’m tired.”

  In her suite, Leigh sat on the sofa in deep thought. She tossed her tawny locks over its back and leaned her head against the soft surface. Her dark-blue eyes stared into space. Jace and Chad’s behavior had her confused. She wanted to know what had started the vengeful war between old friends. She knew that Jace had to be wrong about her grandfather and Chad. During the safari, Jace would grasp his error. After
ward, surely he would focus on unmasking the real culprit, and she would help him. If he could get his dark past behind him, perhaps he would seek a bright future with her. He had admitted he was drawn to her, so she had to increase that pull.

  Yet all evening Jace had treated her as a client, nothing more. He had hardly glanced at or spoken to her. But, she decided, that could have been a pretense for the others. Their bet hadn’t been mentioned, and Leigh wondered if the other women and Reid knew about the so-called thousand pound one.

  The safari would get underway in three days, and her wager with Jace would begin. Despite their bargain, this afternoon he had left her side without making any attempt to embrace, kiss, or seduce her. Jace Elliott had her totally baffled and frustrated.

  Leigh jumped up and paced the room. She had learned a great deal about the enticing man since meeting him. She was glad Jace had been open about a few matters. And she had learned more about herself and her emotions. She loved being with him. She felt good in his company. She believed he was innocent, that he was a unique person. She liked and respected him. She was experiencing more than the budding of friendship. She desired him. She was falling in love with that green-eyed seductor.

  Leigh was anxious to see what the next day and the safari would bring. Louisa had asked Leigh to give her and Chad time alone, and Leigh had agreed. She had told the redhead she was going to see the old Portuguese fort. Louisa had hugged her and thanked her.

  Leigh had been awakened early that morning, as she had each day. While darkness was deserting the foreign land, she had heard the echoing calls of the muezzin from the small towers attached to mosques summoning the faithful Moslems to prayer. It was a custom unchanged since the Islamic traders had first settled in this land. She had listened- to the melodious calls of the “Crier” from the minarets, then dozed for a time. Later, she had risen, dressed, and eaten breakfast alone.

  She checked her string purse to make certain her derringer was inside and loaded. She sneaked from the hotel and hired a rickshaw to take her to the old fort. As Leigh was rushed along, she quickly glanced at the scenery much as she had done on her arrival, noticing the same sights, smells, activities, and sounds. When the driver halted, she paid him and asked him to return in an hour to fetch her. Fort Jesus, the sixteenth-century fortress, was located near the natural harbor where her ship had docked to unload its passengers and cargo. It was spread over a large area, and a stone wall encompassed the. fortress, other buildings, and the grounds. The fort was unlocked, but no visitors and natives were around today. In size, shape, and appearance, the main structure reminded her of an English castle. The yard was enormous and, despite their age, most buildings were in excellent condition. Tropical trees and vegetation had been allowed to remain intact here and there, giving the fort a mysterious and sultry aura.

  Leigh tried to imagine it in olden times—noisy and filled with soldiers, weapons, and supplies. She tried to envision the fierce struggles that had taken place here for control of this crucial seaport. It must have been a terrible loss for the Portuguese.

  She strolled about the area, always keeping a tight grip on her purse. Leigh felt safe venturing out alone, but she still did not drop her guard for an instant. Afterward, she planned to visit the bazaar before returning to the hotel. That should give Louisa enough time alone with Chad. Perhaps Jace would return from his business dealings by tea time and they could get together again.

  The sun Was past its noon level, and her early-fed stomach told her it was nearing mealtime. Her driver was to return at twelve-thirty to fetch her, so it wouldn’t be long now.

  A man in Arab garb raced to her. Seizing her hand and pulling on it, he entreated, “Bibi, memsa-hib, come! Boy hurt. Need help. Mbeia sana, very bad. Please to come help. My son fall, dying.”

  Leigh hurried out of the fort with the anxious man, along its right side, and down a path toward the water’s edge. In the distance, she saw a dhow bobbing on the liquid blue surface where sunlight dazzled, then a still body near a large rock. It looked as if the boy had fallen from it, perhaps while playing. His garment was twisted about him. His arms and legs were positioned unnaturally. Leigh’s feet slipped and slid as she followed the nervous man to see if she could give aid.

  Before reaching the victim, Leigh noticed the prone figure was too large for a boy and his position was odd, as if skillfully arranged. Her guard lifted with speed. As the man in front of her was turning, she fumbled with her purse-to loosen its string. She yanked the derringer from inside and pointed it at the deceitful man. She saw how his dark eyes had narrowed and chilled; their gaze and his expression were evil. She felt cold menace in the hot air.

  When he lunged for her armed hand, she fired. The jolted weapon sent a bullet into his thigh. He staggered and looked shocked. The prone man sprang from his position and headed their way.

  Panic filled her. Leigh backed up and warned, “Stay back or the next shot will be in your chest.” She knew she only had one bullet left, but she hoped these foreign men weren’t familiar with this type of gun. Obviously she was right, because they halted, then glanced at each other as if plotting their strategy.

  From atop the path near the fort corner, Leigh heard a voice. “Leigh, are you all right?” Jace Elliott called out. “I’m coming.” He moved as quickly as the terrain allowed, shouting, “Stay calm. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  The two men exchanged words in their language. The second one helped the first—blood flowing down his injured leg—to rush toward their waiting boat. He shoved it into the water, and off the dhow went the moment wind filled its sail. Leigh didn’t fire at them again; she could not kill a man—even an attacker—in cold blood.

  Jace reached her, eyed the gun and vanishing boat, then asked, “What happened? What are you doing here alone?”

  Apparently he had put the clues together rapidly and accurately. She explained to the breathless man what had happened. A scowl lined his handsome face. “Don’t scold me again, Sir Lancelot,” she teased to lighten the situation. “Ever since that night in the London alley, I carry my trusty derringer with me for protection. My uncle in Texas gave it to me, and it works perfectly. What are you doing here, Mr. Elliott?”

  “I was finishing some business with a man nearby. I saw you leaving the fort with a strange man. I figured something was up. When I heard that shot … You could have been killed or abducted.”

  Leigh savored the worried look on his face. “But I wasn’t. I can take care of myself, most of the time.”

  “I can see that,” he agreed, still frowning. “You shouldn’t go out alone, Leigh. The Sultan of Zanzibar probably heard there was a beautiful woman with golden hair here and sent his men to capture her for his harem,” he jested, planning to check into the matter.

  “You should tell him I would make a terrible slave. I’m willful and stubborn, according to some people I know.”

  “This isn’t a joke, Leigh,” he said in a serious tone.

  “I know, but it’s over now. It’s nice to know my Sir Lancelot is always around when I’m in danger. How is that so, Jace?”

  Jace caught the provocative tone in her voice. “Probably because you’re always into mischief. You’re a very desirable woman, so men everywhere will be after you, including me. You realize this means you owe me an extra night with you. According to rule two, if you get yourself into danger or trouble, I get an extra reward. I wonder …” he murmured huskily. “Are danger and trouble the same or do I earn two extra nights for you getting into both?”

  “You are a greedy rogue, Jace Elliott. We aren’t on safari yet, so this incident doesn’t count. Besides, I solved it, remember? Did you connive with those men to help me lose my bet with you?”

  Making a X over his chest, he vowed, “I cross my heart those men don’t work for me and never have. I’ll get the Colonial Office to investigate the matter. We can’t have ruffians attacking our visitors and scaring them away from our beautiful land. This is all your fault
for going out alone. Don’t do it again,” he cautioned.

  “I’ll be good, my legendary guide,” she teased. “Can I ask you a question that you’ll promise to answer honestly?”

  “Such as?” he replied, his brow lifting inquisitively.

  “Did you pay Jim Hanes to fake an accident so you could replace him?” she inquired, as they headed up the hill.

  Jace didn’t halt his step. “Right to the heart of a matter, eh? No, Miss Webster, I had nothing to do with Jim’s being unable to guide your party. If anyone did, point your finger at Chad.”

  “Can I ask another question?” she continued, ignoring his charge.

  “Go ahead,” he remarked, halting to lock his gaze to hers.

  “How could you get a safari together so quickly?”

  He chuckled. “I started Johi working out the details the minute I received Chad’s message on Friday. I handle lots of safaris, so I’m well trained and prepared. I never intended to refuse his job, but I wanted it to look as if I needed plenty of persuasion. I didn’t want him to realize how eager I was to spend so much time with his ward. Does it surprise you that I would accept his curious offer just to be near you?”

  That wasn’t the expected response. “Yes, I was surprised,” she informed him, “No, shocked. Why would you go to work for an enemy? You don’t appear a man to put himself into a disagreeable situation without a good reason.”

  He grinned. “I have a good reason, an excellent one.”

  “Like what?” she pressed.

  Tapping the tip of her nose with his finger, he said, “You.”

  “I doubt I’m the reason—or the only one, at least.” Leigh refuted. “Why won’t you tell me about the trouble between you and Chad?”

  “Haven’t you heard the old saying, ‘Let old wounds heal?’ If you pick at them, they fester again. Chad and I have made a truce, so what difference does it make?” He started moving again.