Loving Katrina

Four

Felix Knightly heatedly glared at the stunning female. She didn't look anything like what he'd been told. Mr. Landon had hinted that his daughter had been down on her luck, but she appeared completely opposite now. The dresses both she and her mother were wearing looked to be the latest fashion from Paris. This was certainly no woman who'd been down on her luck. And if it was, Felix didn't want to see what she looked like when good fortune smiled on her.

He knew women like Miss Landon who had wealthy fathers and had been taught to flaunt their money. He hadn't met a rich woman yet who was sweet and kind with a giving heart. In his eyes, wealthy women were ugly no matter what their outward appearances displayed. Miss Landon was no different. Eventually, she would show her true self, and he'd bet good money that deep down inside, she was rotten to the core.

He'd been paid well to play nanny to a rich's man brat, and although he had gladly accepted the payment, he wouldn't abide her spoiled antics. They were going to get dirty, the heat would suffocate them, swarms of mosquitoes and poisonous ants would try to eat them alive...and those things would be the enjoyable part of the journey.

He wasn't looking forward to the days ahead when she discovered their time in the jungle would be no trip to the dressmaker or a tea party in London's high society.

As he studied the heiress, her smug, green gaze challenged him. She lifted her chin, letting him know of her stubbornness. She'd be a handful, but he was up to the test. The longer their gazes held, her body relaxed and the darker her eyes became. He wasn't certain he liked that, only because it made her look prettier.

She folded her arms across her bosom. "I'll certainly try to keep up with you, Mr. Knightly, but you'll have to remember I'm a lady, and I have delicate sensibilities."

Just as I suspected. He arched an eyebrow. "I shall keep that in mind, Miss Landon."

As she stepped forward, her hands slid down the sides of her dress and drew his attention to her graceful curves. Her flowery scent purposely teased his senses. He'd always enjoyed the fragrance of roses. It reminded him of his grandmother's flower gardens back home in England, and made him homesick for his family.

"Let me know what I need for this journey," her voice softened, "and I'll be ready first thing in the morning."

"I shall get you a list, but let me warn you, I intend to leave by sunrise. I'm aware young ladies like yourself aren't used to rising early, but—"

"Mr. Knightly," she interrupted. "I said I would be there." Her grin widened, showing him her perfectly straight teeth. Even though he wouldn't admit it aloud, she did have a nice smile.

He nodded. "Fine."

"Mr. Knightly? I have one question." She stepped closer, and he realized she was slightly taller than most women he knew, but he still towered over her. "How many of your men are planning on traveling with us?" she added.

"It will take a good strong crew of ten to make it through the jungle."

Her smile softened and her eyes darkened to jade. He could read this woman well. She wanted something and intended to use feminine charms to get it. He wasn't worried. He had been handling women like Miss Landon for quite some time. They couldn't get the best of him.

"Will you allow my mother to accompany us? She is very upset with the idea of her daughter being the only woman in a group of men."

He wanted to laugh in Miss Landon's face. She was a good performer, he'd give her that, but he was also immune to fancy women who thought all they had to do was bat their eyes, pout, and he would give them their way. Many women had tried—and failed.