“I’ll escort you back. I’m responsible for you.”
“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?”
“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 horrid way, Louisa. Do you think Jace will respond to your note to come here tonight?”
“What man wouldn’t enjoy a taste of me? 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. He doesn’t have me fooled. Still, it will be nice to get Jace 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 cracked the door and peered around its edge.
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 to join him. “What is this?” she questioned, glancing from him to the food and back again.
“Youarehungry, 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.
“About many things.”
“Such as …”
“Such as about our brazen guide.”
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 are you formal when I make you nervous?”
“I hadn’t noticed,” she fibbed, 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 hungry. This looks and smells 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 stand there and stare while I eat my food?”
“I have to make sure you eat every bite to keep up your strength, and I enjoy watching you do anything.”