“What are you going to do about Suzette?”
A gush of air whooshed out of his mouth. “She really needs to rest. I will find a spot shortly for us to make camp.”
She nodded, relieved they’d be stopping for Suzette, and Katrina would also be able to rest her tired limbs. “That is probably very wise, but...what about tomorrow? Will she be well enough to travel then?”
He sneaked another glance back at Suzette before meeting Katrina’s gaze. “I fear she won’t recover that fast. Fire ants are known for swarming over their prey quickly, and by the look of her welts, I’d say the insects covered most of her body.”
“Yes, it does appear that way,” she muttered as her stomach lurched from remembering Suzette’s awful screams, and the terror that had raced through Katrina while she’d watched.
“However,” he continued, “I think we may have to make a detour in our journey. The town of Manaus is only about three hours west of here. There are people who will care for Suzette better than we could.” His frown deepened. “I hope you don’t mind going a few hours out of our way. It puts us behind schedule, but this cannot be helped.”
“I agree.” Ignoring his previous warning, she touched his forearm. “I don’t mind at all. Suzette’s health is more important.”
His footsteps faltered, and his eyes narrowed in scrutiny. She waited for him to say something, but he just continued to stare as he walked. Suddenly, a low-hanging branch struck his face. He flinched and quickly pulled away from her, slapping the branch away with his hand. The leaves were probably soft, but she was certain the wood was not. She tried her hardest not to laugh at his blunder.That’ll teach him to watch where he’s going.
Felix didn’t say anything about the tree as they continued to tread side by side. He didn’t meet her eyes, and she wondered if he was a little embarrassed. After all, he was the guide and was supposed to know better than to take his attention off the path.
They hiked a little farther in silence. During this time, she couldn’t stop her gaze from roaming over his physique. He really was a ruggedly handsome man, even if he infuriated her constantly. The humidity coated his body with moisture. With his dark hair damp, there was a slight wave to the length. The beige shirt he wore was also wet with his sweat. She enjoyed watching him run his fingers through his hair when he was deep in thought. She especially liked it when his intense gaze held a hint of interest.
Men had courted her a few times over the past years, but she’d never found any man that she’d liked well enough to be her husband. It didn’t matter if she’d been raised in a tavern and had a working mother who did her best to provide shelter and food, Katrina had always wanted more than what the customers at the pub offered. Now as she gazed upon Mr. Knightly, she realized he was the kind of man she’d been dreaming about most of her life.
However, she could do without his sour disposition. She could also do without his commanding authority.
“Miss Landon, might I inquire as to why you are staring at me?” he asked without turning to look her way.
Embarrassment flushed through her, making her cheeks burn. “I—I—” She quickly cleared her throat. “What makes you think I’m staring at you?”
A light chuckle bubbled up from his throat. “Do you not think I know when a woman is watching me?”
She didn’t believe her cheeks could feel any hotter, but they did. “Well, forgive me. I assure you it won’t happen again.”
This time he turned and met her gaze. His lips twitched as if he tried not to grin.
“If you say so, Miss Landon.”
Oh, that arrogant rogue! She wanted to slap him across the face for being so cocksure of himself...and for being so blasted handsome. Unfortunately, she couldn’t keep her eyes off him. With a man as strikingly good looking as Felix Knightly, how could any woman keep her focus on anything else?
* * * *
THE WEARY TRAVELERSentered Manaus before dark. Earlier, Felix had asked Manuel what he wanted to do about Suzette, and his friend was adamant about getting his wife to town as soon as possible.
Felix pointed toward the small hut used as the doctor’s office. “Manuel, take your wife there while I make arrangements for our lodging at the inn.”
As soon as he said it, Katrina’s eyes widened with surprise and happiness spread across her face. The others in the group declined to stay at the inn as they walked toward the nearest tavern. Soon, only Felix and Katrina were left standing in the middle of the street. He gave her a one-shoulder shrug and motioned with his hand toward the inn. “Shall we proceed?”
“Yes, we shall.” She grinned eagerly.
He led the way, and surprisingly she kept in step beside him, apparently, she had the strength to keep on moving now.
“Mr. Knightly, do you suppose the inn will allow me to take a bath?”
He arched an eyebrow at her. “You are not too tired?”
“Of course not. Who in their right mind would be too tired to bathe?”
He nodded. “I see your point, and to answer your question, yes the inn does have accommodations, which of course, costs a little more.”
The light disappeared from her eyes when she frowned. “Does that mean you aren’t going to allow me any comfort?”
