Free Elusive Hope by MaryLu Tyndall

And his eyes like green thorns? “It is not my fault that you were not born to privilege, Hayden.”
    He hung his head and sighed, his jaw bunching then expanding as if it were going to explode any minute. She took a step back, studying him: shirt plastered to his sculpted chest, coat in hand, tight trousers stuffed within boots. An extra belt was strapped around his waist that held a long knife, a pistol, and a canteen. Was that all he’d brought? Dark hair hung to his shoulders over a chin grizzled with stubble. When he lifted his gaze to hers, the look in his eyes sent an icicle down her spine. He wouldn’t hurt her…would he?
    “I heard you the minute you started following me, Princess. I figured if I gave you enough time, you’d quit and go home. This isn’t exactly a stroll through Battery Park.”
    “Well, you’re right about that. It’s an absolute oven. Or hell. I can’t decide which. A rather large insect has decided I’m his next meal”—she batted the air around her—“and, apparently, he’s invited all his relatives to the feast. I have blisters on my feet.” She pouted. “And my shoulders ache from carrying my valise and shoving aside these interminable leaves.”
    The right side of his lips quirked. “We’ve only been walking for an hour.”
    She frowned, withdrew a handkerchief, and dabbed at the perspiration on her neck. “An hour? Are you sure? It seems much longer. How can you tell the time when you can’t even see the sky?” She glanced up. “I feel like I’m trapped in some maniacal green web. And no doubt the spider will return soon to devour me.” She gave him a victorious grin. “And you, as well.”
    “No, just you.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Especially if you don’t return to New Hope this minute.” He jerked his head in the direction from which they’d come. “If you start now, you can reach camp before noon.”
    Magnolia gripped his arm, surprised at the rock-hard muscle twitching beneath her fingers. She offered him her most I’m-just-a-dainty-desperate-woman-who-needs-a-strong-man look—the one that always brought men to their knees. “Please take me with you, Hayden. I shan’t be any trouble. I promise.” She inched out her bottom lip and forced moisture into her eyes. There, that should do it. She’d lowered herself far enough in front of this plebian. In a matter of moments, even the hardened Mr. Hayden would crack beneath her feminine wiles and beg her to accompany him.
    Instead he narrowed his eyes as if deciding what to do. “Nicely done, Princess.” He pried her fingers from his arm. “A bit over the top for my tastes. But I’m still not taking you to Rio. Not now and not ever. I don’t need a clingy, whiney female to take care of.”
    “Clingy?” She picked up her parasol and leveled it at him. “I cling to no man. And I don’t whine either.” She lifted her chin. “I softly protest.”
    He snorted and shook his head.“Run along, little one.”He gestured toward the trail. “I haven’t time for this foolishness.”
    “You would send me back alone?” She’d expected his defiance if he discovered her, but what man could resist a damsel in distress? “It’s not safe.”
    “Then you shouldn’t have followed me.” He strode off. “Good day, Princess.”
    Magnolia started after him. “Why do you keep calling me that?”
    “Because you behave as though your class and fortune make you queen of all.” He waved a hand through the air in dismissal.
    “I do no such thing!” She stomped her foot. “Come back here this instant. What sort of gentleman leaves a lady alone in the jungle? You will escort me to Rio at once, Hayden Gale.”
    He chuckled. “You prove my point, Princess. Now hurry along before it gets too late.”
    Fuming, Magnolia swatted a bug and watched as Hayden marched away with that swaggering gait of his.
    She felt like screaming. She felt like crying. But she hadn’t the energy for either.

    At the