Good grief! She was losing control over her thoughts again. How did that happen?
Suddenly, the barge jerked as if something had hit it. Unbalanced, she grasped for the railing, but her hand slipped, making her stumble. As quick as lightning, his arms circled around her waist, holding her up. She snapped her gaze to his wide eyes. They became lighter, and his chest rose and fell with quick breaths, just as hers was doing.Oh dear!He’d been correct. This wasnota game, so then why did he hold her so protectively?
“Wh—what was that?” she asked in a whisper, only because the shock of everything had tightened her throat.
“I’m not sure.” His gaze shifted to the water, and he sighed. “It’s the crocodiles.”
She peeked down. “Why are they knocking into the barge?”
“Because they are hungry.” He met her gaze again and grinned. “Like I’d mentioned before, they will follow us to see if we drop anything.”
“Um, yes, you did say that.” She licked her dry lips.
Not knowing where she found the strength, she stepped away, breaking the spell that had somehow come over them both. He straightened and raked his fingers through his thick hair while she collected her wits—since she had somehow lost them while bantering with him moments ago.
“As I just showed you,” he said, “the only time I will be in physical contact with you is when I need to protect you.” He cleared his throat and folded his arms, glowering at her sharply. “But you arenotallowed to lay a hand on me or the other men. Is that clear?”
“Crys-tal.”
His gaze moved around the deck, not really resting anywhere. “Why don’t you see to preparing our lunch with the cook?” He nodded toward the burly man standing by some large crates. “That is Manuel. I’m certain he and his wife will appreciate the help.”
Felix dismissed her and walked away. He now acted like their brief encounter a moment ago hadn’t even affected him. She took a deep, cleansing breath. Well, two could play that game. From now on, she would act like nothing he did affectedher.
If only she could convince her body to play along.
Chapter Four
Felix had to admitthat Miss Landon helped his dear friends, Manuel and Suzette, more than he had expected. Of course, he wouldn’t admit that to Miss Landon’s face. However, it seemed Manuel enjoyed the company of such a lovely lady, and that worried Felix. He didn’t need Suzette getting upset the way jealous wives could.
Two hours had passed since they’d eaten, and although Felix didn’t want to, he kept his eyes on the spoiled rich girl. She meandered around the vessel and talked to the other men. Irritation built inside him. Hadn’t he warned her not to try charming his crew? He really didn’t want to talk to her about this subject again, but he would. At least she wasn’t touching them.
And speaking of touching... Inwardly, he groaned. It was pure foolishness on his part for preaching to her about no physical contact only to have him grab her the way he had when the crocs had bumped into the barge. Of all things, he hated feeling foolish in front of women. For some reason, he was feeling this way around Miss Landon more than he wanted.
As Felix strolled closer, he overheard bits and pieces of the conversation between her and the others. From what he could tell, they were warming up to her quickly. He gnashed his teeth. Of course, they enjoyed her company. She was very lovely and extremely charming. He was certain there was a school for wealthy girls to attend that taught them how to woo a man.
Even though he knew what kind of woman she was, it had been hard to resist her when they talked against the railing. The way her lips moved as her voice stroked each word, and her green eyes softened as she looked at him made emotions inside of him come alive. When she swept the moisture off her neck and throat, he’d found it too alluring. Had she known this, which was why she’d done it? He cursed himself for making her wear men’s clothes, especially when they molded to her body so perfectly.
