Free Enamored: The Submissive Mistress (Special Double-Length Episode) (The Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle) by Colette Gale

professor took the opportunity to search for the mating ground of the triple-spiked indigo and make copious notes, while Efremina stole back occasionally to see if the ship had left or if Jane had returned. Neither of them had any inkling that Jane was on board with Darkdale until Zaren found them and explained.
    “Do you believe it will be simple to uncover your name?” asked Zaren, choosing his words carefully.
    “Uncov—oh, you mean clear my name?” Everett replied. “Of course it will, my boy. I am innocent of the crime of which I’m accused, and I would easily have been able to produce an alibi and witnesses to support it if I had been present for the trial. They might think of me as a cloud-headed lepidopterist, but when I put my mind to a problem, I’m sharp as a tack.”
    “Of course you are.” Effie patted him once again. “And it’s Jane we must worry on. The poor mite’s probably beside herself with worry over you, Everett.”
    The professor’s round face tightened, and Zaren could see the reflection of his own worry in the man’s eyes. “I’m afraid, Effie, that clearing me of a murder charge might be the easier task ahead of us.”
    For the first time, Effie’s demeanor changed into one not very different from a female tiger whose cub was threatened. “That Darkdale man won’ stand no chance once I get my hands on him.”
    Zaren gritted his teeth and looked out over the infinite ocean. Miss Efremina was going to be very disappointed if she thought she’d be the one to deal with Darkdale.

 
    — VII—
     
     
    Jane was jolted awake by a sudden pain in her hip.
    Her eyes flew open and she looked up to see Trevor looming over her. When she didn’t move immediately, he kicked her again—this time, narrowly missing her breast in favor of planting the toe of his boot into her ribs.
    “Get up,” he said, and when Jane saw his foot rear back a third time, she rolled away and stumbled to her feet.
    Her body ached, and she bumped against the wall of the corner where she’d been sent to sleep, which sent another rattle of discomfort through her limbs. Her tangled hair fell over her shoulders, obscuring some of her torso but leaving most of her body bare. She glanced over to see if Trevor seemed to notice.
    However, his expression was one of irritation rather than lasciviousness. “The master is waiting for his breakfast. Move!” Before she could ask where to go or what to do, he smacked her sharply on the arse.
    Jane squeaked and looked around for some idea of what she should do, but she was saved from having to ask when Trevor pointed down a corridor. “This way. Let’s go!”
    Breasts swaying and hair fluttering, she hurried in the direction he’d indicated. At the end of the hall, she entered a large, well-lit kitchen. Although it was empty of a cook or any other servants, Jane was relieved to find a tray prepared with a generous breakfast—presumably what she was to deliver to Darkdale. But she looked at Trevor to be certain.
    “Take that to him! He’s been waiting. You slept through your bell,” said the manservant through gritted teeth.
    Jane blinked. Bell? Maybe she had remembered hearing a soft tinkling noise, but she’d been sleeping so heavily she dismissed it as the remnant of a dream. Unsure whether her ban on speaking extended to Trevor, she opted to remain silent and instead picked up the tray.
    She nearly got lost navigating back to the main octagonal room (where she’d slept) and then on to Darkdale’s bedchamber. And just as she approached the door—which was cracked open—Jane suddenly remembered and dropped to her knees.
    Heart pounding from her near-oversight, she entered the room by scooting on her knees with the tray held upright. The smells of cooked eggs and fried ham made her stomach growl, and the pot of tea sloshed a big drop of hot liquid on one of her hands, but she managed to make her way to the bed without any mishap.
    Darkdale was sitting up, propped