Whispered Kisses

by Taylor, Janelle

  “Is that a polite way of saying it’s none of my business?”

  “You’re a smart woman,” he replied. When she frowned, he added, “I promise I’ll tell you everything after the safari.”

  “Won’t it be too late by then?” she parried.

  “Too late for what, Leigh?” he countered, halting once more.

  She didn’t stop. As she moved past him, she tossed over her shoulder, “To be saved from a mysterious rogue like you, of course.”

  “Do you want to be spared such a … an adventure?”

  “I haven’t decided,” she admitted with frankness.

  At the corner of the fortress, he asked, “How long have you known Chad?”

  Their gazes fused. “Since I was fifteen. I met him when I visited my grandparents in ‘90. Why?”

  “How well do you know him?”

  She watched his alert gaze roam her face for clues. “Not well at all. I spent time with him on my last visit. And, after I arrived in London in February, we spent every day and evening together getting acquainted. Too, I had frequent letters from my grandparents about him. I am familiar with his reputation with the ladies, if that’s what you’re referring to, Jace. If you know him, why ask me about him?”

  Jace leaned his back against the stone wall that surrounded the old Portuguese fortress. “He’s changed since our old days together.”

  Although she hadn’t known the old Chad, to keep Jace talking, she questioned, “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.” He straightened to depart, ending the conversation.

  Leigh caught his arm to stop him. “Wait, Jace; we aren’t finished. What evidence does the law have against you?” Noting his surprised look, she continued. “Please, just pamper me with an answer. It will help me understand both of you to know the truth.”

  His gaze slipped over her. She appeared sincere. He inhaled deeply and replied in a sketchy manner. “Two witnesses who claim my father was at the crime scene. A knife with his initials. A lantern from Elliott’s of London used to start the fire. Papers in his desk tying him and me to Irish rebels. He and Stokely were political rivals.”

  “But how can they tie you to those crimes?” she asked.

  “Are you forgetting about the note from my father implicating me? They proved it was his handwriting, and they knew I was in town. I don’t have an alibi; I was asleep in Alfred’s warehouse, getting ready to work my way home on one of his ships to save money. I sailed the next dawn without knowing what had taken place just miles from the wharf. I had been visiting my father. That’s when I learned about his loan from Webster. I told him I’d pay it off when my crop came in. It didn’t; coffee rust destroyed it. Lordy, I can still remember the day I sighted those yellowish, oily spots on the leaves. By then, I’d studied and learned enough to know what had to be done: all bushes had to be chopped down and burned to prevent its spread. That created a total loss of my investment, and years of labor and waiting.”

  He stretched his suddenly weary body. “Fortunately, I had enough money left to replant the next spring; young shrubs have to be put in the ground before the rainy season. That allows them to sprout and get strong enough to endure the dry season. As soon as I burned the diseased crop, I sailed for London in December to break the bad news to Father. I docked to learn Father was accused of arson and murder, had committed suicide, and had implicated me.”

  His voice was bitter as he continued. “Chad was the one to expose my dilemma to me. I knew from the way he was gloating that I was in deep trouble. I didn’t hang around to be questioned and arrested; the evidence was too cunning and damaging to refute from jail, and I didn’t know what else they had on me. I returned to Africa and threw myself into saving my plantation. I knew I had to let things cool down before I could begin my own investigation. Since a coffee crop takes three to four years between planting and harvesting, all I had was time on my hands and frustration to burn off. Once a crop’s in the ground, its care is limited to the trimming required to give bushes a robust, balanced framework and to stimulate growth. The coffee cherries should be ready next year, if another disaster doesn’t strike. In this business, disease, rainfall, and temperature control your success.”

  Leigh realized he was rambling, but she let him talk as he pleased. “How can you stay away from your crop so long?”

  “I have an excellent overseer named Kambu, and the Kikuyu village nearby furnishes me with plenty of good workers. To support myself, I work as a safari guide for rich and bored Englishmen. But I got tired of feeling helpless and risked a trip to London. Satisfied?”

  “Nope. How did you get to Africa? Why did you stay here?”

  He smiled. “I love this land; it’s wild and beautiful, and full of promise and excitement. I hate being away from it very long. After I finished school in ‘82, I joined the Royal Navy and sailed the world over. When I had enough of their tight rules, I took off for bluer seas, until Africa caught my eye. I lived and worked in the southern area for a while. Then, I became a member of the Uganda Railroad expedition. It was on that trip that I lost my heart and soul to this land. I learned my way around while doing lots of different jobs.”

  “Why did you go into the coffee business?”

  “I wanted to succeed on my own, not live off an inheritance, and I don’t like the textile business. In ‘91 I happened upon an excellent deal with an Englishman who wanted ‘out of this damn jungle and back into civilization.’ I used the money I’d earned to purchase his home, land, and crop. It’s near Kiambu, northwest of Nairobi, near the rail line they’re building. That’ll be a big help with shipments and save me lots of work and time. Satisfied now?” he laughingly questioned.

  Leigh grinned and remarked, “A little.”

  “Tell me about yourself. Start with how you got your name.”

  “Leigh was my mother’s maiden name. Laura was her mother.”

  “That’s mighty stingy information. What have you been doing in London? Where are you from? Tell me all about yourself.”

  Leigh realized he wanted to change the subject and decided to go along with him. She went over her history, then quipped, “Satisfied?”

  With a broad grin, he murmured, “A little.”

  “Tell me more about yourself, Jace. And tell me why,” she probed, “are you and he enemies now?”

  “I told you that’s a taboo subject for now. Ask me again in two months.”

  “That isn’t fair.”

  “Life never is, Miss Webster. Who knew you were coming here?”

  “Only one person. No, two: Louisa and the rickshaw driver.” Leigh hadn’t forgotten that Louisa had sent the note in London that had resulted in her attack. Her suspicions returned.

  “Chad’s … sweetheart?”

  She tried to sound light when she said, “That’s right. She wanted time alone with him, so I gave it to her. Why?”

  Jace sensed how much the redhead wanted his enemy. “If this wasn’t a chance attack, somebody planned it,” he hinted.

  Leigh reasoned aloud, “Louisa didn’t. She couldn’t have. She doesn’t know anyone here, and she only learned about my visit last night. There was no time for a plot, Mr. Elliott.”

  Her mention of a ruse alerted Jace. He worried that the redhead had told Chad about Leigh’s plans today and that his foe had plotted this perilous mischief. Or, Louisa could be Chad’s accomplice in a plot against Leigh. But that didn’t make sense, if Chad truly wanted to win and wed this golden creature. Under English law, if anything happened to Leigh, Fiona—and eventually Chad—would inherit the Webster empire. So, if Chad couldn’t win or didn’t want to wed Leigh … That thought sent Jace’s mind to reasoning frantically. Perhaps Chad needed someone to frame or a logical explanation for the timing of Leigh’s death—so close to William’s. It didn’t make sense for Chad to risk losing her to him. Yet that wager had been created to provoke his interest. He wanted more facts; but he held silent for now.

  Leigh intruded on his silent fears.
“If you don’t mind, please don’t tell the others about this trouble,” she coaxed.

  “Don’t want to worry or alarm them?” When she nodded, he asked, “What is my silence worth?”

  “Do you always expect payment for everything?” she quipped.

  “Why not? That’s why I took this job.”

  “I thought you took it to please and pursue me,” she jested.

  “You did, did you?” he mirthfully retorted. “You’re right. There are plenty of other safaris.”

  Jace’s engaging grin had a weakening effect on her. The tropical sun caused his eyes to squint, and it danced in his windblown hair. He was too tempting. When he made no attempt to kiss her or to even move closer, she said, “I should be getting back to the hotel. I told my driver to return at twelve-thirty. He’s probably come and gone by now. Care to find me another carriage, Sir Lancelot?”

  “Why don’t I see you back? I am responsible for you,” he murmured.

  “Only in the jungle, my alert guide. But thanks.”

  At the hotel, Leigh was surprised to discover Louisa had moved into a private room on her floor. Passing the redhead in the hallway, the woman told the blonde she wasn’t feeling well due to her monthly flow and that she didn’t want to disturb Reid and Cynthia. Leigh didn’t believe her, but she said nothing to challenge her.

  “Why did Chad want you to change rooms?” Cynthia asked.

  “He wants me to go after Jace to help him win a bet.” Louisa explained. “He was a fool to reveal it to me, because now I know he’s serious about winning his little ward. He pretended their bargain was a joke when he asked for my help, but I know better. He didn’t make that damned wager just to provoke Jace into coming to work for him. Chad Hamilton would never risk losing that much money to any man. I’m supposed to make certain Leigh doesn’t fall under Jace’s spell. Chad said that if Leigh is convinced there’s something between me and Jace, she won’t give our guide a second look.”

  “As soon as I have my traitorous lover believing I’m doing everything I can to aid him,” Louisa spouted with a sneer, “I’ll make certain Leigh won’t turn to Chad and tempt him even more before I can get rid of her. But, for now, I have to distract Jace, just like Chad wants me to do. Besides, that handsome devil keeps thwarting my plans for little Leigh, damn him! When I met that Arab, I had to pay him double, because his friend was wounded and he threatened to expose me. She actually shot one of them before Jace showed up again to help her. I would have stolen her gun, but that might have aroused her suspicion before she left the hotel. I was hoping to be finished with her and return home. That hot jungle doesn’t tempt me at all, not with Chad rutting for her. If I don’t break Jace’s concentration, I’ll never get rid of Leigh and win Chad. Besides, Jace Elliott is up to something. I can feel it. I think he wants Leigh, too.”

  “I hate Chad for using you this way Louisa. You think Jace will respond to your note to come here tonight?”

  “What man wouldn’t enjoy a taste of me?” the redhead teased. “Do me a favor, Cynthia; find out why Jace and Chad are enemies. I’m sure Reid knows. Wheedle that information from him. I don’t like mysteries.”

  “Anything for you, love,” the brunette promised, alarmed over this new obstacle to their plans.

  “Since Jace is wanted by the, law and he lost everything to the Websters, it will be easy to frame him for Leigh’s death. We have to be more careful than ever, Cynthia. Chad craves Leigh, so we have to make Jace look guilty in his eyes, too. Once Leigh is gone, Chad will settle for me. Then, I’ll take everything and destroy him. Damn the bastard! He doesn’t have me fooled. Still, it will be nice to get Jace Elliott beneath me before he dies.”

  There was a knock at Leigh’s door. She was annoyed for she had sent a note to Chad explaining she wouldn’t be joining the group for dinner because she was tired and turning in early with a book. If it was her guardian, she would get rid of him quickly. She was moody tonight. Jace hadn’t contacted her all afternoon, had dropped her off like baggage after their misadventure. As for the curious exchange between Louisa and Chad, that had her worried. If Chad lost interest in Louisa before the safari … “Yes?” she hinted as she opened the door.

  Jace swept past her with a tray of fragrant food. Leigh whirled and stared at him. He placed it on a table and grinned at her. She closed and locked the door, then went forward to join him. “What is this?” she questioned, glancing from him to the food and back again.

  “You are hungry, aren’t you? You didn’t join us and the man downstairs told me you hadn’t ordered dinner yet. Why?”

  Leigh was perplexed. “Frankly, Mr. Elliott, I wasn’t in the mood to be with anyone tonight. This is very kind of you, but—”

  “But what?” he interrupted.

  “I wanted to be alone. I have some thinking to do.”

  “About what?” he probed as he arranged the table.

  Leigh joined him and responded, “About many things.”

  “Such as,” he continued in a persistent manner.

  “Such as about our brazen guide,” she retorted.

  Jace halted his work to look at her. She was attired in a fetching gown and wrapper of sapphire silk. He halted himself from asking, out of jealousy, if Chad had given it to her. “Why would you possibly want to think about me?” he jested. “I’m dull.”

  “You are anything but dull, Mr. Elliott.”

  “Why is it you get formal with me when I make you nervous?”

  “I hadn’t noticed,” she said, taking the chair he pulled out for her. “I’m starved.”

  He leaned over her shoulder and asked, “Then why didn’t you come downstairs for dinner?”

  She tried to ignore his warm breath on her cheek. He smelled of heady spices, and she tingled all over. She was vexed with this tantalizing man who tempted but didn’t give. “I didn’t realize I was so hungry. This is wonderful. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He leaned against the wall nearby. Her tawny locks flowed down her back, and the color of her garments intensified the blue of her eyes. Her skin looked so soft, and he yearned to caress it.

  “Are you planning to stare at me while I devour my food?”

  “Naturally. I have to make certain you eat every bite to keep up your strength, and I love watching you do anything.”

  After Leigh forced herself to eat most of the delicious meal, she hinted, “I finished, sir, so your task is done.”

  “Is it?” he questioned with an evocative look.

  “Did we have other business to discuss?”

  “What did you expect after this alluring note?” Jace teased.

  The blue-eyed blonde looked at the paper he was waving beneath his nose. She eyed his smug grin, twinkling eyes, and merry expression. “How could I resist such an intoxicating summons?” Without releasing her captive gaze, he repeated its startling message from memory. She listened as he repeated its startling message from memory. “ ‘Come to my suite late tonight. We’ll go over old times and make new ones. Tell no one. I’m eager to see you.’ It’s signed with a flowing L. I’m glad to see you’ve become the aggressive predator so I can be the helpless quarry for a change.”

  Leigh jumped up and snatched the note from his hand. He chuckled as she stared at it with wide eyes and parted lips. He knew it was from Louisa Jennings, but it suited his needs.

  Leigh was jealous and angry. “I didn’t write this nonsense! This is Louisa’s handwriting. I recognize it from the sneaky message she sent that night we met on the dock. I know she wrote that note because I overheard her say so. How dare you think I would-”

  “I didn’t,” he injected, halting her revealing outburst.

  “But you said …” She stopped and stared at him.

  He chuckled and shrugged. “It was a good way to see you privately, woman. If Chad demands satisfaction, I can show him this note and explain how my error was natural since I never expected his lover to send for me. I have to use every trick I know to
entice you.”

  Leigh was perturbed. “I didn’t know you and Louisa were old friends.”

  “We aren’t. She chased me every time I went home for a visit, but I never let her catch me.” He caressed Leigh’s flushed cheek and revealed, “You should be aware of my taste in women by now.”

  “You and Louisa never …” Leigh blushed and turned aside.

  Jace captured her arms and prevented her from leaving. “No, Leigh, I’ve never had anything to do with that woman and I never will. My only interest is you.”

  “Then why did she send you this seductive note?”

  “Tell me,” he coaxed. “What does Chad hope to gain by throwing both of you at me? Am I supposed to go after his mistress or his ward?”

  “What does that mean?” she demanded.

  “It’s supposed to get you seeing clearly, Leigh. You’re blind to him. An old enemy comes here and makes me an offer I can’t refuse. He dangles his irresistible ward before me when he wants her like crazy himself. He orders his lover to seduce me. What am I supposed to think?”

  Exasperated, she snapped, “How should I know? I don’t understand any of this. Are you after me to spite Grandfather and Chad?”

  “I swear that isn’t true, Leigh.” He pulled her into his arms and murmured, “A woman as beautiful and desirable and wealthy as you will have men chasing her all the time. I know this must sound like a seductive ploy, and you might not believe me, but I want you for no other reason than you enslave me. I’ve never wanted any woman like I crave you. When I’m cleared, I’ll want more than a night or two from you, much more, Leigh.”

  She gazed into his eyes, lost in that jungle-green terrain. His flowing voice washed over her like an inviting ocean. His nearness and touch were more intoxicating than aged brandy. His words ensnared her. Impulsively, she revealed, “One minute you act so loving; the next, you treat me indifferently. It’s like you’re playing with me, tempting me and intriguing me, then ignoring me. Surely you’ve had enough experience to know I feel the same way, Jace, and you can have me without all these exasperating games.”