Rescuing Rosalie: A Special Forces Protector Romantic Suspense Novel by Ellie Masters

Author:Ellie Masters [Masters, Ellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JEM Publishing
Published: 2023-02-27T18:30:00+00:00

TWENTY

Rosalie

A couple of hours later, the chatter of people, the clanging of pots, and the laughter of children reaches our ears. Excited, we quicken our pace, eager to see what’s beyond the bend in the road.

My heart pounds with excitement and hope. Maybe a little fear?

Hayes takes my hand in his, pulling me playfully to his side, but the protector in him pushes me behind him when the village comes within sight.

This village is much larger than the one before. Instead of mud huts and thatched roofs, the buildings are a mix of wooden structures with tin roofs. There’s a church at the far end of town, notable for the steeple that soars above the single-story structures. There’s a defined road leading in and out, with the tracks of mule-drawn carts lying alongside the tire tracks of vehicles.

We stop for a moment while Hayes checks things out. Only after he’s assured there’s no threat do we proceed.

The aromatic rainforest disappears as we step into the world of man. Instead of sweet flowers and musty loam, there’s the pungent musk of animals: chickens, goats, and pigs. Mingled in with the animals, however, are the wonderful flavors of baking bread and simmering stews.

It’s hotter here than in the jungle, although not as humid. Instead of the damp ground we’ve traveled, the dirt beneath our feet puffs with tiny clods of dirt. This village hasn’t seen rain for days.

When we reach the outskirts of the village, two village elders hurry toward us.

“Oh, no.” I stop Hayes in his tracks.

"What is it?” He pulls me behind him and stands protectively in front of me.

"The elders have come to stop us.” It’s what the elders in my village would do. "They’re threatened by outsiders. Especially white men.” Men like Hayes who’s a giant of a man compared to the villagers.

"Well shit." Hayes runs a hand through his hair, sweeping it out of his eyes. “Do I smile? Or is that threatening?”

“Smile, but don’t show your teeth.”

“No teeth? That doesn’t…”

“Cannibals show their teeth. Don’t do it.”

“Copy that.”

“If you could hunch a bit, look less frightening?” I glance at him and shake my head.

To these villagers, he’s beyond frightening. Instead, I grab his arm and lean against him. My hope is this will make the elders relax somewhat. If they see one of their own accepting Hayes, maybe they won’t kick us out.

One of the elders calls out. He speaks with fierce authority; his words harsh, biting, and accusatory. He stands before us, blocking our way, staring Hayes down with piercing eyes.

Hayes lifts his hands up, palms out and tries to smile without showing his teeth. If anything, it makes him look fiercer than before. I shouldn’t have mentioned the teeth.

"We mean no harm." I try to put the elder at ease. “My boyfriend and I got lost in the jungle. We found our way out and followed the road. We’re hungry and tired. If you would please let us rest for a bit?“

“We don’t want trouble.” The elder’s not convinced.

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