Tumbleweed (23 page)

She helped herself to the brush on the vanity, leaving her long hair loose to dry. She looked at her reflection skeptically. It wasn't the image of a woman ready to dine at a royal table.

A knock at the door startled her.

“Come in,” she called, hoping it was anybody other than Daniel Martin on the other side.

“Her majesty is requesting your presence at dinner.” A young maid curtseyed.

“Lead the way.” Alex gratefully followed. “Oh, wait, I left my dirty clothes in there…”

“They'll be tended to.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

It had been a long time since Alex had someone “tend to” her things, but she was willing to give it another try. It had been a long day. She felt mildly self-conscious about padding barefoot through the palace, but her boots weren't meant to be worn with a dress like this on the best of days—barefoot seemed the less conspicuous choice.

So naturally, that was the first thing Daniel Martin commented on when she was announced in the dining room. She refrained from retorting that at least she was dressed because explaining that comment would have taken any joy out of making it.

“Thank you for your hospitality.” Alex nodded to Lani, who now looked much more the part of a princess. Her clothing was lavish without being gauche, the cerulean fabric perfectly complementing the girl's olive skin tone. Her deep brown hair was piled loosely on top of her head, softened by the occasional unruly curl that found its way free. Wide eyes the color of dark chocolate, a straight nose and slightly pouty lips all promised that this girl would soon be the kind of beauty storybooks were made of.

“You're very pretty when you aren't dressed like a man,” Lani announced without ceremony, reminding Alex that despite the new clothes, this was still the girl she'd rescued in the back of her Jeep.

“Thanks, I think.” Alex tried not to blush, her eyes inadvertently catching Daniel's. Something in his return gaze helped the blush find its way free. She took the seat offered to her, happy for something else to pay attention to.

“I'll take you home first thing in the morning,” Daniel told her.

“Not tonight? I'm a little concerned that I couldn't reach anyone. Someone usually answers the phone.”

“I'd prefer to wait until morning.” Daniel's tone left little room for discussion.

“You must be tired. Please say you'll stay,” Lani implored.

“First thing in the morning?” Alex asked hopefully, knowing she'd been overruled.

“First thing,” he promised.

Alex wondered why he was so adamant she stay. Given his intense dislike for her, one would think he'd be eager to deliver her to the worksite.

“You aren't setting up a mining operation while I'm gone, are you?” She couldn't help asking.

“Not even I could set something up that quickly, and I have bigger problems at the moment. Otherwise, that would be a brilliant idea.”

Alex opened her mouth to reply, but dinner was announced. The aroma brought with it took her mind off of Daniel Martin's lack of manners and put it on her growling stomach. All was blessedly
silent as the meal began. After a year of living on preservatives, the fresh fruit, warm bread and steaming fowl was a welcome change.

“I've never tasted mango like this before… it's amazing. Everything is wonderful.”

“I'm glad you like it.” Lani beamed at Alex's approval.

“I'm sure there will be plenty for everyone if you want to slow down a little bit,” Daniel murmured.

“You should watch out.” Alex arched an eyebrow. “Someone as uncouth as me might be prone to flinging mango at the Neanderthal across the table from her.”

“Why do you two hate each other?” Lani looked from one to the other.

“He's a bully.”

“She's a pretentious, selfish bitch.”

“He's a close-minded simpleton.”

“Remember whose island you're on.” His eyes narrowed.

“Take your blinders off long enough to see the bigger picture. My research has global implications.” She leaned toward him, her voice steel.

“Come off your high horse to see that I'm trying to save something important. This little island might not mean anything to you, but it's home to us.” He stood as he spoke, leaning in to meet her glare.

“Did it ever occur to you that you will run out of diamonds in no time? Being the country that makes thermal energy a viable alternative will secure Tuwanga's future for several generations.” She also rose, and the two were nearly nose-to-nose by the time she finished talking.

“Oh.” Lani took it all in. The pair was staring intently at each other, a mutinous look on each face.

“I'm sorry, Your Highness.” Daniel abruptly stood upright again, smoothing his shirt out before reclaiming his seat.

“Yes, I'm sorry.” Alex awkwardly straightened. She couldn't bring herself to sit down, to subject herself to one more minute of Daniel's contempt. “I think I'll retire for the evening, if that's okay.”

“Certainly.” Lani frowned, motioning for a servant to lead Alex to her room. As she left the great dining room, she heard Lani
chastise Daniel. “Joey, I like her. Stop being a jerk.”

Alex could almost see his jaw twitch at that. Just imagining it made her smile. That and the heavenly comfort of the bed she sank wearily into were enough to carry her off to sleep without another thought to jobsites or gem hunters, although the image of one gem hunter in particular chased her through turbulent dreams.

RING OF FIRE is available in print, and in all popular ebook formats, or read it online for free at
www.booktrope.com

About the Author

Heather Huffman lives in Missouri with her husband and their three sons. In addition to writing, she enjoys spending time with the family horse and their pack of rescued dogs. A firm believer that life is more than the act of taking up air, Heather is always on the lookout for an adventure that will become fodder for the next novel.

Connect with me online

www.heatherhuffman.net

Twitter: @Heathers_mark

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