“What if there never is a later for us, Leigh?”
“There will be,” she promised. “Don’t worry.”
Jace entered and withdrew with a rapturous delight. His teeth teased at her lips. He gave her several quick and short kisses, then a long and deep one. Tension mounted within him. It was so hard to control himself while inside her, while touching her, while kissing her. It was even harder because she was so responsive and passionate.
Leigh tightened the grip of her legs around Jace. She hugged him possessively. She stroked his hot flesh. She savored his mouth. This time, she knew what awaited her at the end of their sensual trail. She throbbed with need, then gasped as she felt herself burst into bloom. She moaned against his mouth, embraced him snugly, arched upward, and allowed herself to be transported with Jace to ecstasy. Tonight’s experience was even better than her first one, and that surprised her.
Jace felt aglow, thrilled to his center. His heart was thudding forcefully from his exertions and powerful emotions. No adventure or victory sated him as loving Leigh did. No food or drink tasted better. No sensation was greater. She was the supreme pleasure and the ultimate joy. His lips brushed back and forth over hers as they let their soaring spirits land and their taut and fiery bodies cool and calm. The extra twenty-five thousand he would lose by not mentioning their trysts to Chad was worth every shilling. No matter how much he hated and distrusted Chad or how much he wanted to spite his foe, he could never cheapen what had happened between Leigh and him by exposing it. Jace didn’t care about Chad’s wager or the Webster estate. He only cared about winning Leigh forever.
As they lay nestled together, Jace asked, “Will you tell me what Chad said about our past? I want to make certain he didn’t lie.”
Leigh repeated her conversation with her guardian. “Well?”
Jace took in a deep breath and slowly released it. “It’s true. I just don’t understand why he took so much blame. That isn’t like him.”
“Maybe that’s the point, Jace; he’s changed. It’s been a long time. I was watching how he acted with you last night. Hate wasn’t what I detected.”
“Funny, but neither did I. Ever since his arrival, half the time it’s like the past never happened. Sometimes I catch myself starting to relax and joke with him like in the old days. Memories of so many good years jump into my head and cloud it. Time and bad deeds seem to fade for a while. I guess we were so close for so long that it’s hard to believe we turned against each other. I have to keep reminding myself of what happened and how long it’s been.”
“Why?” she coaxed.
“Because the other half of the time, I do remember, too clearly.”
“Is it so hard to let the past die? Maybe Chad wants that, too. Maybe he just doesn’t know how to ask or how to bring it about. Perhaps this safari will be good for both of you. Maybe it will heal the scars you both carry.”
“Perhaps, but I’m afraid to trust him again. I’m afraid if I turn my back, he’ll stick another knife into it.”
Leigh knew it took a strong and confident man to admit he had fears and doubts. “Why not wait and see what happens?” she entreated.
They reached the river around three the following afternoon. Natives with boats were waiting for them as scheduled. The day was very hot and humid. Clouds drifted across the tropical sky. The bearers put down their burdens, and the group gathered around their guide.
Leigh eyed the water, dark blue this time. Verdant grass and bushes lined much of its bank. The water looked so appealing, until she sighted huge gray bodies and long, slender ones in it. The crocodiles were swimming leisurely. The hippos were eating on the bottom and surfacing for air.
Louisa screamed as one large creature broke the surface and snorted to clear his nostrils, sending misty sprays into the hot air. Cynthia giggled and nudged her. The redhead frowned. She looked as if she’d gotten little sleep.
Leigh hadn’t either, but she felt wonderful. As the men worked, she looked around the area. The tracks near the water were deep from the animals’ heavy weight. Several beasts yawned, displaying large mouths and long teeth. Many were submerged to the point that only their heads and spines showed. In other areas, she noted merely protruding eyes and tiny ears. As she swatted at flies and mosquitoes, Jace and the others joined her.
“The hippos fear nothing and no one,” Jace informed them, “not even each other. They can break an animal’s back with one bite, even a large and strong animal. They fight brutally over mates and favorite resting spots. They can be dangerous to unwary boats, because they can remain underwater for ten minutes and walk as easily on the bottom as you walk on land. You watch for swirls, gurgles, and bubbles.”
Cynthia’s brown eyes were large with fear. “I don’t like this part, Chad. You said we would be perfectly safe.”
“You’ll be fine. Jace knows this area and these creatures. He won’t let any of us get injured. Isn’t that right?”
“If you all do as you’re told, there’s little danger involved. Sit still in the boats. Don’t scream or shout. Even if one gets close, don’t panic and shoot. They’ll challenge us for entering their territory, but they won’t bother us if you obey me.”
The supplies and weapons were loaded. Jace assigned Chad and Louisa to one craft of rowers and supplies, Reid and Cynthia to another, and Leigh to ride with him and Johi. The remaining supplies and men filled many other boats. They all pushed off and the adventure began.
The hippos snorted and dove, then surfaced here and there to do so again. Several times, big ones seemed to head for one boat or another. It was intimidating, but everyone obeyed Jace’s orders.
Leigh watched several animals who were unaffected by their presence. A mother played contentedly with her calf, allowing the baby to climb upon her back and slide into the water over and over as if a child in a pond. She noticed a bull elephant grazing dreamily on narcotic wild hemp. Ox-peckers and tickbirds feasted atop bulging hippo frames. A gazelle drank here, a lion there, and a rhino farther along. Downriver, a crocodile was pulling a zebra kill into the water to “store and soften” it at the muddy bottom, Jace told her.
After they departed the congested location, the boats moved swifter on the calm surface. Jace pointed to deer like creatures with tan hides, uplifted horns, and long necks. Their large, black-streaked ears and stubby tails flicked constantly at insects. “Gerenuk. They’re very shy. They dine on thorn trees and other plants. They avoid the perils you just witnessed because they don’t need to drink water.”
Leigh watched the creatures browse until she lost sight of them. She enjoyed listening to Jace. She had an advantage over the others by riding in his boat. She focused her attention on him, but pretended to be staring at the scenery ahead. His allure and potent appeal were undeniable. His jungle green eyes were squinted against the bright sun and dazzling reflections on the water. His hat partially shaded them, and its band was soaked from sweat. He had shaved last night before visiting her, so a stubbly shadow was now darkening his strong jawline. She wished she were curled in his arms.
Much as he was tempted, Jace dared not glance at Leigh. He knew she was watching him, and that perception stimulated him from head to foot. The desert heat was cool compared to the flames she sparked in him. The brilliance of the sun and sparkling water couldn’t compete with her radiance. The sweetest of honey in the baobab tree boxes would taste sour compared to her kisses and flesh. The wildness of this territory couldn’t match her untamed spirit when making love to him. No sky or water could be as blue as her eyes. He yearned to have her all to himself. And if his secret plan worked, he would.
It was nearly dark when the boats were dragged ashore at their campsite. They would live, hunt, and short-trek from the location for a week or more. Jace said their length of stay would be determined by how much they were enjoying themselves and by how successful their hunts were. Everyone was glad to have a temporarily, at least, camp.
A fire and lanterns were lit,
but the sky was still aflame. Jace pointed beyond a waterhole. “That’s Kilimanjaro. It’s far off, but the land is flat and it’s very high. Nothing is as peaceful and moving as a Serengeti sunset,” he murmured.
Leigh gazed at the snow-capped peak silhouetted against the sinking sun that seemed to be dying in a colorful blaze of glory. The horizon was breathtaking in muted golds, fiery pinks, vivid rose, soft lavender, and many shades of blue. Long, flat clouds of deep purple hung over the mountain. Several thorntrees and acacias stood like dark skeletons in leafy hats before it. Grasses and wildflowers edged the mucky pond’s bank, giving off contrasting smells. Crickets and frogs sang joyously. It was a stirring and tranquil scene. Again, she wished she were enjoying it in the embrace of her lover.
“When will we walk there?” Reid inquired.
“We can’t. That’s Tanzania, and it belongs to the Germans. We can’t cross the border without a permit. If we do, it means trouble. There wasn’t time to secure one after I took this job so hastily. Sorry.”
“You all hear our leader; no one creates a problem,” Chad said.
Jace glanced at the dark-haired man and said, “Glad to see you minding so well, old friend. Thanks,” he added for Leigh’s sake.
Chad looked surprised and grinned. “I’m starved.”
The supplies sent ahead were ready, as was dinner. The china, crystal, silver, and gramophone had been unpacked after their arrival. The cloth-covered tables looked lovely and lanterns sent off soft glows. The meal smelled wonderful. Chad selected “Swan Lake” and cranked the handle on the gramophone. Beautiful strains of music came forth. All smiled and were seated.
They were served roasted impala and native dishes: ugali, a maize and meal porridge that formed stiff mounds with flat tops and a sprinkle of nuts; irio, a mixture of mashed beans, peas, and potatoes; and sukuma wiki, something like southern greens.
Leigh thought the ugali looked like Texas buttes with rocks scattered atop. The easy-to-cut impala was unique, with neither a domesticated stock taste nor a wild game one. She liked the irio with its mildly spiced blend, but she did not care for the sukuma wiki, which was a little “bitey,” as her father used to say. The others drank wine with their meal, but Leigh enjoyed hot tea with hers. The group was quiet for a time as they feasted on the delicious fare. For dessert they were served fried plantains that tasted like wild bananas.
Chad lifted his glass and said, “To us and the fun ahead.” The others lifted theirs and sipped the mellow red liquid.
The seatings were the same as before because Jace couldn’t figure a way to split up the couples without it looking curious. He wanted to be with Leigh, but that wasn’t possible. He knew his time with her was limited if his sly plan failed. If it did, when the safari ended, they would be parted until November, at which time she would be free to return to him. Those would be hard and long months of separation and secrecy. But, he had already taken action and was committed. Once the daring scheme was in motion, surely she would agree to it. Anyway, he was already in trouble, so what was a little more? The results were worth any risk.
“Can we bathe in that lake tomorrow?” Louisa asked.
“It isn’t healthy, Miss Jennings. I’ll locate a nice area at the river. We don’t want anyone getting sick or injured, do we?”
“That will be fine, but it has to be tomorrow. I can’t stand this awful feeling a day longer.”
“I’m sure you must feel the same,” Jace hinted to Leigh.
“I’m not complaining, but it would be wonderful, Mr. Elliott.”
He laughed and teased, “You women and your vanities.”
“You want us to look good for the men in our lives, don’t you?” Cynthia quipped, sounding a little testy. “It’s so hot and stuffy here.”
“It’ll be cooler tonight. You’ll be glad you have a tent, clothes, covers, and … someone to keep you warm. It can get rather chilly.”
“Inside or outside?” Cynthia purred, glaring at Reid, who had refused to give her the information Louisa wanted about Chad and Jace.
Everyone thought it best to ignore that remark, even Reid.
“Why don’t you turn off that music, Chad? You’ll scare every animal out of the area. I want a good trophy tomorrow.”
“What’s bitten your behind?” Chad asked rather sharply.
The brunette stood, glared at the handsome male, and said, “I’m just exhausted, sweaty, and sore. Those insects have eaten on me all day. I itch all over. I’m going to bed.” She left.
Chad met Reid’s gaze and asked, “Something wrong?”
“She’s a spoiled and vain woman. You know how those creatures get when they have to endure a little hardship. She wants to be pampered as she is back home. Hot baths, soft beds, teatime, clean clothes,” he hinted.
“I agreed with Jace not to halt for tea at four. It would have taken too much time and work. We needed to reach camp before dark. What did she expect on the trail?” Chad scoffed.
Reid shrugged. “I doubt she gave it much thought.”
“If she’s going to be an annoyance, you want to send her back?”
“I doubt that’s necessary. She’ll adjust. If not, we’ll spank her.”
“If not, she’s going back to Mombasa to wait for us there.”
Louisa spoke up. “Don’t be mean or hasty, Chad. She’ll be fine. I’ll go talk to her. She’s probably just scared and doesn’t want us to know. That episode with those water beasts was dreadful for her.”
Leigh and the men watched the redhead disappear into Cynthia’s tent. “Louisa could be right,” Leigh remarked. “It was scary for a while. Our lives were in danger, weren’t they, Mr. Elliott?”
Jace grasped her innuendo about his breaking rule two. “Everything here can be perilous, Miss Webster, if you’re careless. It was dangerous, but you weren’t in any danger of losing your life.”
She heard hyenas in the distance, a sort of mingled laugh and bark. A lion roared in another direction. An elephant sent forth a trumpeting threat to something infringing on his territory. The wood crackled in the fire. Nocturnal birds and insects had awakened to begin their rituals. Frogs croaked in the river, their pitches varying with their sizes and kinds. Crickets rubbed their hind legs together to make their own special music. The moon was like a tiny slice of silver, and many stars were obscured by clouds. The night was inky black, and the jungle was impenetrable. Lantern-and fire-light flickered on the faces of the group and on nearby objects, creating eerie shadows. Everything seemed so different at night, so mysterious and slightly intimidating. Objects took on strange shapes, as in bad dreams. Death lurked in the wilderness. She was glad Jace was near her.
As they were turning in, Jace managed to ask Leigh, “Do you want me to sneak over tonight?”
“Unless you want to break your rule one by being too tired and weak, I’ll see you when it’s safe,” she teased.
Leigh leaned against Jace and returned his kiss. It felt wonderful to be in his arms, and heady to be alone. They embraced tightly, pressing their eager bodies together. Flames consumed them. Their kisses and caresses became urgent and stimulating. But as he was about to remove her shirt, danger approached the tent.
Chapter Twelve
Johi unlaced the tent’s secret flap and tugged on Jace’s leg to warn him to make a hasty flight. Having sensed the man’s presence in the darkness, Jace clamped his hand over Leigh’s mouth to keep her silent.
“Leigh, are you awake?” Cynthia suddenly called out. “Can I sleep here tonight? I can’t disturb Louisa and Chad, but Reid and I are quarreling.”
“Stall a moment and I’ll be out the back,” Jace whispered into Leigh’s ear. He released her and left without a sound.
“Just a minute, Cynthia. Let me find the lantern and light it.” Leigh mussed her hair, clothes, and cot before striking a safety match that filled her tent with a soft glow. She was amazed at how quickly and silently Jace escaped exposure. She unlaced the flaps and lifted one. �
�What’s wrong?” she asked, yawning as if awakened.
“Reid is furious with me for behaving so badly at dinner. We quarreled, and he’s pouting. I had to get out.”
Leigh noticed how the brunette was scanning her tent. “You’re welcome to bunk with me, but you’ll need a cot or sleeping roll. Maybe he’ll settle down by morning.”
Jace joined them at the entrance and asked, “Is something wrong, Miss Campbell? I heard voices and saw you two standing here.”
Cynthia’s brown-eyed gaze went from Leigh to Jace, then back again. “This is silly. I shouldn’t have disturbed Leigh, or you, Jace. I’m sorry. I’ll go back to my own tent. Reid will just have to sulk and endure me. Good night.” The woman strolled away from them and returned to her tent, glancing back before entering.
“What was that about?” Leigh murmured, relieved they hadn’t been exposed. If Cynthia had arrived a minute later …
Jace scowled in annoyance. “I think someone suspects us. We should be careful for a while, Leigh. We don’t want Louisa and her cohort catching us and telling Chad. He would spoil everything. Go to sleep, love. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Leigh watched Jace enter his tent not far away. She closed her flap and laced it, shaking her head in frustration. She did not like Louisa and Cynthia spying on her. Apparently the women wanted to cause trouble with Chad. Now that Leigh knew how much power and control her guardian possessed, she did not want to antagonize him. Learning that she was cavorting with his enemy would certainly cause problems for all of them. It would be so nice when November came and she was free of restraints. Jace was right, she decided; they had to be careful for a few days.
Leigh looked around her tent as she tried to figure out how Jace had fled. There were no marks on the ground, and nothing looked out of place. Then she noticed an area near one support pole where the right and back sides were laced snugly, from the ground to two feet up. She wondered if all tents had secondary openings in case of trouble out front. Tomorrow she would see. If not, that meant Jace had given her a special tent. Suddenly she fretted over how he had known he would need such a precaution. After all, he had ordered tents and supplies before their love affair began …
Whispered Kisses Page 23