“Why on foot? I had heard the river reaches most main roads.”
“They do, unless of course the rivers are clogged.”
“Oh.” Nodding, she cleared her throat. “I understand. I’m just relieved we were able to get by those monkeys. I would rather not see them again.”
“Actually, Miss Landon, I’m afraid we might see them again in the jungle. There won’t be as many, but there might be times when we will cross them.”
She held her breath again as she studied his face. Was he jesting? She’d not forgive him if he was teasing. “Then I suggest you teach me how to shoot or use a sword so I can defend myself.” She shrugged. “Or just give me a dagger and I’ll protect myself just fine.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Indeed. You know how to use a knife? Were you given lessons of blade-throwing before or after your etiquette lessons in boarding school?”
Silently, she groaned. She didn’t mean for that to slip. For some reason he thought she had always been a pampered wealthy girl, so she must let him continue to believe such a lie since it was such a nice way to pass the time. She would enjoy seeing his shock when she proved to him how much she actually knew about survival.
“Mr. Knightly, I have never had lessons, but I’m quite sure it would be easy to handle such a sharp object, especially when my life is threatened.”
It didn’t take long for the corners of his mouth to stretch upward. Although not a full smile, she realized he was even better looking when he was relaxed.
“You don’t say,” he said with sarcastic humor in his tone. “As it is, I’ll be the one protecting you. Giving you a knife is almost as dangerous as having howler monkeys in my tent. Knives are very sharp, you know, and since we are out here in the wild now, I won’t be able to rush you to a physician to have him stitch you up if you accidentally slice your own leg.”
She scowled. “Do not worry, Mr. Knightly. I assure you, I won’t cut myself or need stitches.”
“I know you won’t, since I’ll be guarding you.” His smile disappeared as his cocky attitude returned. “But as I said before, please rest up until we reach land. From there we’ll be walking, and I’m sure you’ve never had to be on your feet for so long, especially in men’s boots.”
“Really? Try wearing heeled shoes for several hours and dancing all night.” Even though she’d never been to a dance, she wore heeled shoes at the tavern, so she knew exactly how uncomfortable they were. She lifted her chin haughtily. “I can assure you, women know the pain of sore feet.”
He mocked a bow. “If you say so,my lady.”
As he turned and walked away, she grimaced. She’d like to shove those words down his throat. Apparently, the only way to prove to him that she knew what she was talking about was toshowhim.
Suddenly, the stress from what just happened with the monkeys vanished and she looked forward to proving him wrong...and letting him know it at every turn!
Chapter Five
Felix wanted to leadthe way as they traipsed through the jungle, but he didn’t dare leave Miss Landon too far behind. He was eager to get her to their destination without any setbacks. The sooner he got her to her father, the sooner the job was done, and he could be out of her presence. She was a nuisance to be sure, and at times, he couldn’t decide whether to strangle her...or wrap her in his embrace just to hear her pleasurable sigh. Because of the confused emotions rolling through him, the best course of action would be not to get close to her. Unfortunately, he had to in order to protect her.
They’d been walking about two hours, and so far, Miss Landon didn’t show any signs of fatigue. In fact, some of his men looked wearier than she did. Then again, his men were helping to carry supplies whereas Miss Landon didn’t carry anything. Perhaps Felix should strap something to her back tomorrow so she could help with the load. He didn’t want her to think this was a walk through the park.
