Atlantean's Quest Volume 1 Page 24

  She laughed, bringing his attention back to her face. “I didn’t think I was your type, professor.” She tried to calm her stampeding heart. If Rumsinger touched her—Jac’s skin crawled and she shuddered. She refused to think about the professor’s meaty hands upon her body. She’d kill him first or die trying.

  “When one gets desperate enough, slumming it doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.” He shrugged his shoulders and gnawed on his chapped lips.

  Jac’s face blanked. Her mind scrambled to thoughts of the Tarzan-like male who had been chasing her earlier. Too bad he hadn’t caught her. Or maybe he had and that’s why Rumsinger was here. Her stomach plummeted at the thought of him tangled up with the Professor. She shot a sideways glance at the armed men. There were too many to fight at one time. She could probably take a few out, but by then one of them would be able to squeeze off a shot.

  “Where’s your tracker?” she asked.

  Rumsinger frowned. “What tracker?”

  “The wild man in the loincloth. He’s kind of hard to miss,” Jac said, watching for a reaction.

  The Professor blanched and the men looked warily at the jungle. “You wouldn’t happen to know where he is, would you?”

  It was Jac’s turn to hesitate. If Rumsinger wanted to find him, then there was no way he worked for the Professor. Maybe she and Tarzan could be allies. At least while she was here. Of course, it’s easier to work as a team if you know you’re partner’s location and don’t run away screaming when you see them.

  “Come, come, my dear, I don’t have all night,” he said.

  Even if Jac knew where her phantom was hiding, she wouldn’t tell the Professor. “I’m just dehydrated. I’m sure I am imagining things.”

  His expression turned icy. “Maybe a few days at camp entertaining the men will jog your memory.”

  Doubtful, Jac thought. “So what happens now, Rumsinger?” she asked.

  “You’ll come with us. It’s not safe out here alone. The men have been yearning for a little female entertainment, although I’m sure you’re not what they had in mind,” he paused, “but you’ll have to do.”

  Jac looked from the professor to the men. Desire filled their eyes as they took in her long legs. One guide stepped forward and ran the barrel of his rifle over her nipples. They marbled, growing erect. Jac cursed her responsiveness under her breath. She was in no way turned on, but they didn’t know that and she doubted they’d care. Several of the men started talking excitedly and pointing at her breasts. A younger man caught her eye and grabbed his crotch.

  “Charming.” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at them all. The guide snatched her pistols from the holsters, before unsheathing her knife. He held the silver blade up, admiring the weapon for a few moments before slipping it into his pants. She hoped it sliced his dick off.

  It would be a cold day in hell before she’d allow a bunch of yokels to fuck her. Even if Jac had to kill every last one of them with her bare hands, so be it. Her daddy hadn’t been a SEAL for nothing—and he’d taught her well.

  They marched through the jungle for the next hour or so. Her muscles screamed at her to stop. In the past two days she’d covered enough ground to qualify for two marathons. When Jac thought she couldn’t go another step, they entered a small clearing, where tents had been set up.

  “Take her over there and tie her up.” The professor pointed to a tree at the far end of the encampment away from the tents. “We’ll decide what to do with her tomorrow.”

  A guide placed the barrel of his rifle between her shoulder blades and shoved. Jac stumbled, kicking up dirt beneath her boots, but she didn’t fall. The man started to do it again and Jac spun around catching the rifle with her hands. His eyes grew wide with surprise.

  “If you do that again,” she grit out. “I’ll shove this gun so far up your ass that you won’t shit right for a year.”

  The guide pulled the gun from her hands and grinned like an idiot, but he didn’t touch her again. They reached the tree the professor had indicated. The man motioned for her to sit on the ground, then he proceeded to tie her with a nylon rope against the trunk. By the time he finished, Jac could barely feel her hands, as numbness set in.

  Feeling brave now that she was defenseless, the man leaned forward and cupped her breasts, playing with her nipples through her shirt with his rough thumb. Jac’s areolas hardened as he rolled them between his fingers, pinching and pulling them at the same time. The guide’s eyes glazed and he licked his full lips. His dark brown hair was worn in a short crop above his ears. Jac glanced at the front of his trousers. His cock began to stir behind his zipper. Her eyes darted to the rest of the men scattered around the camp. No one seemed to notice them.

  Jac swallowed hard, shoving her fear to the back of her mind.

  She had to put an end to this before things got really ugly. The guide shoved his hand down the front of his pants as he continued to caress her, his breathing growing ragged. His movements increased, he released the clasp on his clothes and his small cock sprung free. He immediately began jacking off in earnest, all the while playing with her aching nipples. Jac squirmed, trying to get away from the guide’s rebarbative touch. He didn’t attempt to shove his cock in her mouth, thank goodness. Perhaps he was perceptive enough to realize she’d bite it off and spit it at his feet if he tried.

  The muscles in the man’s face tensed and she watched in fascinated horror as he prepared to come. A groan ripped from the man’s throat and thick semen shot out of his prick. Jac moved her head at the last second, avoiding his release. His putrid release dripped down the bark beside her. She curled her lip in disgust. The guide smiled again, giving her nipples one last pinch, then shoved his limp cock back into his pants and walked away.

  She watched the man’s retreat until he disappeared into one of the tents, then scanned the compound to ensure no one watched before testing her bonds. The rope bit into her wrists, shooting pain up her arms. She winced, but didn’t cry out.

  Jac studied the layout of the camp. The tents were arranged in a half circle, opening into a center fire, like at her base camp. Acrid smoke billowed in the air, as the men piled logs on the greedy flames. It looked as if the group had been camping here for a few days. The area was well worn and had enough wood stacked up to last for weeks if need be. For some reason the Professor had established a new base, instead of moving deeper into the jungle. Why hadn’t they moved on? There had to be a reason. Was it her phantom? And where was Rachel?

  She blew out an unsteady breath. Blood pounded in her ears. She wasn’t crazy about what had occurred, but as long as the men didn’t touch her anymore than that, she’d be fine. Jac jerked against the ropes, knowing it was only a matter of time before one of the others got their nerve up to come over. She had to figure out a way to escape and quick. Once she did, every last one of these bastards would pay.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Four

  Jac awoke a few hours before dawn. Her back ached from leaning against the rough bark of the tree and her butt was numb from sitting all night on the hard ground. She’d give anything to be able to stand up, stretch her legs and pee.

  Anything? The question entered her mind on a whisper.

  Her head whipped around, but no one was there. Her brows furrowed. Was she hearing things now? Perhaps the lie she’d told Rumsinger really wasn’t a lie after all. Maybe she was dehydrated and hallucinating. A guard stood at the far end of the compound, but other than him, nothing stirred. No one was near enough to have spoken to her. She shook her head. I’m losing it.

  What would you give me, in return for your freedom? The voice spoke again, except this time there was no mistaking the deep rumblings for her imagination.

  Jac’s eyes flew open, wider this time. She scanned the tents again. The guard didn’t seem to be paying any attention to her at all as he smoked his cigarette and scanned the jungle with a bored expression upon his face. The sky had gone from black to gray as the fi
rst signs of light appeared on the treetops. She looked around for anything to prove she wasn’t going crazy.

  You’re getting warmer. The voice teased.

  Her eyes narrowed. “Why don’t you show yourself and stop playing this childish game of hide and seek?” she murmured.

  A laugh rumbled through her like the heavy bass of a stereo that had been turned up too loud.

  “I don’t like games,” she grit out. It was a lie, but he didn’t need to know that. Jac felt warmth brush over her nipples, in a light caress. She sucked in a breath to keep from moaning.

  I think that depends on who you are playing with. Masculine confidence rang out in his tone as her nipples puckered under the sensual assault.

  The phantom from base camp was here. She couldn’t see him, but she could feel him. Jac shivered as she recalled exactly what he’d been able to do from a distance. “I thought you were working for Rumsinger,” she said to keep her thoughts straight.

  Never! The single word sounded as if it had been dragged from between clenched teeth.

  “Well then, if you aren’t on his payroll, you can get me out of here.”

  Not yet.

  “What do you mean, not yet?” She growled in frustration. “If you cut me loose, I can help you take care of the Professor.”

  I do not need your assistance to rid this planet of the red-haired demon.

  She’d insulted him. It was clear in his tone. He may not need her assistance, but he was going to get it anyway. The Professor had killed her men, and did God only knows what to Rachel. She would not let some local take away her chance of retribution. Jac clamped down on her temper before she said something she’d regret. “What is it going to take for you to get me out of here?” It irked her to ask, but right now the bodiless voice was her only hope.

  I’m afraid the price I ask is steep.

  She had no doubt. Jac struggled against her ties. She was a strong negotiator. She knew that they could strike some kind of agreement that would be mutually beneficial to them both. “Just tell me what it is you want before the whole camp is awake.”

  Very well—I want your total surrender.

  Jac stilled, surely she hadn’t heard him correctly. “You’re kidding, right?” She pulled against the ropes again, twisting from side to side, rotating her arms, until her wrists bled.

  Silence answered her.

  “I’ve never surrendered to a man in my life and I’m not about to start now.” Jac jerked against her confines, until her actions drew the attention of the guard.

  Cautiously he approached her, rifle in hand.

  Have it your way. I’ll leave you to your fate.

  The arrogance in his voice set her teeth on edge. How dare he leave her here? Who did he think he was?

  The guard drew closer, his eyes taking in her struggles. Sweat beaded on Jac’s skin causing her shirt to cling to her. It didn’t help that her nipples ached due to the phantom’s teasing. The guard glanced around as if to ensure their privacy and started to unfasten his pants. “Not again,” Jac groaned. “Okay you win. I’ll give you anything you want, just get me out of here.” She scanned the tree line, searching for his hiding place. He may be a phantom, but he wasn’t invisible.

  Confused, the guard hesitated and looked around. Satisfied there wasn’t a threat, he placed his gun against the tree trunk.

  “If you touch me, I’ll kill you,” she hissed, knowing it was a hollow threat.

  The man chuckled, and then pulled out his cock and inched forward. His eyes remained locked on her mouth. Jac was about to kick out, when a blast of light temporarily blinded her. It was followed by a loud crack of thunder. By the time the spots cleared, the guard lay dead at her feet, smoke rising from his body. Had he been hit by lightning? She glanced at the cloudless sky. She inhaled the sickening smell of burnt flesh and gagged. This couldn’t be happening. Her gaze locked on the body. Jac knew of no weapon outside of the movies that could cause this kind of damage.

  A slight movement caught her attention. It crept like a shadow, silent, deadly, blending with the fading darkness. Not a leaf rustled as the silhouette made its way from tree trunk to tree trunk. And then she saw him, in all his dark glory—the hunter who had been chasing her. Despite Jac’s growing fear, relief washed over her.

  Stealthily the phantom made his way to her. His emerald eyes glinted red against the dying firelight. The devil himself wouldn’t strike as much fear or excitement in Jac as this man did. Cocksure, he circled the encampment, until he stood directly behind the tree she was tethered to. His musky, wood enhanced scent surrounded her, blotting out the smell of death. Warmth surged through her limbs until Jac could feel her hands again. This guy must have the body temperature of a furnace.

  Jac heard the hiss of a blade as he sliced through the rope. She sagged forward, unable to hold up her weight. She tried to stumble to her feet, but her legs felt like a thousand tiny needles stabbed her at once. She winced.

  The men began to stir within the tents. If she didn’t move now, they’d catch her before she had a chance to escape. Jac had crawled two steps into the jungle when a large hand reached out and grabbed her around the waist. She felt herself being lifted and then her world tilted when the muscled demon tossed her over his shoulder as if she weighed no more than a hacky sack. Shouts of alarm rang out. Rumsinger’s men poured out of the tents, guns raised.

  The phantom bolted, surging through the jungle at a dizzying speed.

  Shots rang out in an eruption of sound, as guns were fired into the jungle. Loud cracks sent leaves splitting and bark flying from the trees, as the deadly missiles neared their target. Jac cried out in warning, but the sound was muffled by the phantom’s salty skin.

  She heard the shuffling of feet and several more shouts as the men scrambled in pursuit. The hunter raced through the brush, juggling Jac as if her weight was of no consequence. His muscles bunched and shifted beneath her hands. Long legs split with each stride. His hair brushed her face, carrying his unique spicy scent with it. Jac’s fingers longed to twine themselves into the soft as silk thick strands.

  Instead, she held herself perfectly still, afraid the smallest movement would give her original captors the advantage they’d need to catch up.

  The phantom continued to run, his flight swift, his feet silent upon the ground. A fine sheen of sweat covered his tanned skin, giving him a healthy after sex glow. Jac tried, without success, to stop imagining their bodies intertwined as he drove into her hot, aching sheath, but it was hard pressed so tightly to him. The thought flitted through her mind and his step faltered. She thought she heard a swift intake of breath, but knew she had to be imagining it.

  The guide’s voices began to fade, until Jac could no longer hear them. Hope swept through her. Maybe they’d actually been able to lose them. They arrived at the river within an hour. The hunter put her down, his breath steady, not winded like she’d have expected.

  “Do you think you can make it across?” His eyes strayed to the swift moving water behind her.

  Indignant, Jac arched a brow. “I out swam you, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, and look where that got you.” His eyes locked onto hers and then turned molten. A wicked smile kicked up the corners of his hard sensuous mouth. Jac’s heart skipped a beat at the promise written in his jade gaze. She tilted her head so she could see him better, something she rarely had to do given her height. Dark and menacing, sinfully seductive, the man was made for sex. Long legs led to a washboard stomach. A tribal tattoo wrapped around his trim waist, disappearing beneath the lip of his loincloth.

  Jac forced her mind away from where the permanent ink led. Despite the battle scars, his wide chest seemed perfect for resting her head after a long night of lovemaking. And his hair, the color of raven’s feathers framed his warrior’s face to perfection. If they weren’t in imminent danger, she’d be tempted to run her hands over his muscles.

  “We’ll discuss it later.” He stepped forward, crowding her
personal space, dwarfing her.

  The air’s temperature seemed to rise exponentially with his nearness. Jac had never felt small and vulnerable in her life—til’ now. She pulled at the collar of her T-shirt to loosen it. Once again Jac reminded herself to breathe. She raised her hand to push him back. Big mistake. The second her fingers made contact with the muscled wall of his chest, all thought spilled from her head.

  Jac’s palm heated to inferno. She flexed her fingertips, but he was so solid, he didn’t give at all. Every erotic dream, fantasy, or wicked thought she’d ever had flooded her mind. It took about two nanoseconds for her brain to quickly replace all her previous lovers with the man standing before her.

  He was sex incarnate. And she’d promised him total surrender for helping her escape. She’d obviously lost her mind.

  Her knees started to shake as she pushed away and waded into the water. She needed to put some distance between herself and this man. He did something no man had managed to do—scare her senseless.

  Instinctively, Jac knew this giant of a man would never physically harm her, but that fact didn’t set her mind at ease. There was something about this demon in a loincloth that made her nervous—really nervous. It was as if he could reach into her very soul with those emerald colored eyes and take away any thoughts of freedom she secretly harbored. And she’d give them to him willingly.

  She shuddered and dove into the water, swimming as though Satan himself were after her. Jac knew in her heart of hearts there would be no escaping the hunter this time. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to. And that was the scariest thing of them all. He easily kept pace with her, the water not even rippling as he sliced through it. They reached the far shore in record time. He helped her from the water, his grip firm on her arm. Jac tried to pull away from him, but he refused to release her.

  From a distance she heard the chopping of plants and small trees, then the sound of voices drawing nearer. So much for losing Rumsinger. As they stepped into the jungle the professor and his men broke through the trees on the opposite shore. The giant hurried her deeper into the cover of the jungle, protectively placing his body between Jac and the professor.