Part 9:

Pain.

That was Dex's first conscious thought. His head felt like it had been jumped up and down on and was now being squeezed in a vice for some reason.

His sides ached every time he took a breathe and that didn't come close to the feeling of needles being driven into his eyes when he dared to try and open them and the bright sunlight nearly blinded him.

By contrast the sudden sensation of someone gently stroking his hair out his face and something being placed against his lips to encourage him to drink was incredibly reassuring. Wherever he was…whatever had happened at least he wasn't alone.

Then he tasted the earthy tainted water, as his nose crinkled at the smell of socks of all things and the memories began to trickle back.

Panama…the rescue mission to retrieve the European survey team that had been kidnapped and offered for ransom by a bunch of Columbian dissidents…the mission a success until someone had rumbled them and a distraction had been needed…Dex ignoring Daniel's order to stay with the team instead leading the rebels on a merry dance through the jungle away from the rescued hostages.

Then that bar and her…

Groaning as the realisation struck him who it probably was stroking his hair soothingly and talking in a low tone, Dex could only wonder that miss high and mighty had enough compassion not to have left him behind. But then again she probably still needed someone to get her back to civilisation…

Then the chase…the bridge…

Dex could remember the feeling of terror as the car began to fall, could recall his companion's scream and then…nothing…

There was nothing else but pain.

How had they survived? How had they gotten from a truck at the bottom of a river to here…wherever the hell here was?

Forcing his eyes open ignoring the pain it took a few moments for the blurriness to go away and for Dex to be able to focus on his surroundings, yet when he did the vision before him damn near stole his breathe away. He had thought her beautiful in the dull unflattering glare of the neon lights of the taverna but in the light of day with not a scrap of makeup on and her dark curls hanging wild and messy about her face she was breathtaking alright.

Emerald green…It was strange that of all the things he could have focused on, knowing the colour of her eyes was strangely satisfying. Her eyes were very emotive, even with her full lips drawn in a line as she scowled a little at him, those eyes told a different story…concern…relief…fear…

Perhaps he had been a little quick to judge her.

"Well are you going to lie there staring at me like a damn fool or are you actually going to say something?" Alexis spat testily shifting slightly uncomfortably at the intense scrutiny of those knowing chocolate brown eyes. "Get up we haven't got all day you know!" She added getting to her own feet and breaking their gaze.

Groaning Dex forced his aching body to cooperate, scowling as his companion's complaints made his headache worsen…maybe his first impression had been the correct one after all?

Part 10:

Her feet were killing her and they had only been walking a few hours. Not that that was unexpected, her heels had not been designed with this sort of terrain in mind, the concrete jungle yes, the actual jungle no!

However despite her complaints Alexis now knew better than to actually voice them out loud. It seemed her rugged companion had a somewhat short fuse when it came to her griping and the last time Alexis had dared to ask for a break to catch her breathe he had stormed off telling her she could rest if she wanted but she shouldn't expect him to wait for her.

Still she really was in pain this time. By now she could only imagine her blisters had blisters and Alexis dreaded the state of her feet when she finally took her shoes off, they would undoubtedly look terrible, bleeding and sore just like after the ballet classes she had been forced to attend as a child.

Yet she forced herself to try and keep up with Dex's long strides, whilst inwardly fuming at his ingratitude…damn it she had saved his life…had pulled his heavy carcass out of the damn river and breathed life back into him, but from the way Dex was acting it was like she was the one who owed him a favour!

The last straw appeared suddenly in the shape of a large tree crossing their path and a small muddy stream that had turned all the ground around it boggy. Dex scrambled up on to the trunk easily, carefully balancing as he made his way along. Yet for all her efforts Alexis just didn't have the strength to pull herself up and her damn pencil skirt stopped her from lifting her leg high enough to get a foot hold to help her climb the damn thing.

Smothering a scream of fury Alexis smacked her hands against the bark when she slid down once again, the mud seeping over her shoes and in between her toes.

"It's just a bit of mud there is no need to fuss so!" Dex's chiding voice mocked from above and Alexis lost what little hold she had left on her temper so when Dex bent down to off her his hand she couldn't help but give in to the petty impulse that rose within her.

One quick tug later…

And a stunned and now very muddy Dex was staring up at her from the boggy ground.

"Oh dear." Alexis simpered. "Well it's only a little mud…" She added mockingly her green eyes glinting with malicious humour, before squeaking as Dex slung a handful of the foul smelling gunk in her direction.

"That was incredibly childish." Alexis huffed.

"That coming from the woman who dragged me into this mess in the first place." Dex retorted struggling to try and get to his feet until Alexis offered him a hand.

Staring at it for a minute Dex raised his gaze to meet hers. "Oh lady I am not falling for it twice."

"Suit yourself." Alexis huffed leaving him sitting there as she once again tried to get up on to the damn log before failing spectacularly. Alexis was so engrossed in her own attempts that until a pair of large strong hands settled on her hips, she hadn't even realised that Dex had managed to extract himself from the bog.

"Wha…" Alexis began mildly panicked at the sudden presence at her back, her heart beak quickening as there was a moment when Dex seemed to circle his thumb over her hip bone…then he was boosting her up and Alexis could only scrabble as she found herself pushed onto the damn log.

For Dex his lingering irritation at being turned into a walking bog momentarily vanished as his eyes locked on the firm pert backside encased in a fitted skirt that was now directly in his eye line. The way it was squirming was entirely too distracting and despite his headache and ever present tiredness Dex couldn't help but be affected…he could only imagine what a sight it would be without the skirt on at all…a pale ripe peach perfect for sinking his teeth into.

A muddy heel smacking into his chin soon brought that particular fantasy to an end and Dex couldn't help but scowl at the pleased expression on Her Highness's face, the bitch had probably done that on purpose. Climbing the trunk himself Dex felt his patience tested as the woman before him seemed to take forever, taking ridiculously small hesitant steps.

Resisting the urge to push past her Dex bite his lip. His hand just reaching out in time to steady her when she began to wobble on those ridiculous heels of hers…why did women wear such impractical footwear?

Finally they reached the end and Dex waited for her to jump down ahead of him, his patience at and end when she just stood there dumbly.

"What are you waiting for a stepladder? Jump woman!" Dex grunted.

"I can't its too high…my shoes and skirt…" Alexis protested. Her comments cut off when suddenly the sound of renting fabric filled the air. It took a moment for what Dex had done to sink in and then Alexis was filled with righteous fury…How dare he?

"Now jump!" Dex commanded trying not to be too distracted by the goodly amount of thigh and surprisingly enough stocking top that was now on display from the new side split he had added to her stupid tight skirt.

Gritting her teeth Alexis bent down and slipped off her shoes, wincing as her blisters protested, then turning she shoved the muddy shoes into Dex's chest before turning back and jumping down to the forest floor. Yelping as she landed on all fours Alexis was relieved when nothing seemed to smart too badly, before scrabbling out the way to allow Dex to jump down.

Which he did without any fuss, landing softly on his feet with a smug smirk on his lips.

"Here you go Your Highness." Dex drawled patronisingly throwing the shoes at Alexis's feet. "Now lets don't dawdle we have at least another mile before we can rest again!"

Cursing him, his father, grandfathers and all his forebears Alexis forced her battered feet back into the heels, blinking back the tears as she watched Dex march off into the jungle without so much of a backward glance…Swearing that when she got the chance Alexis would make sure Dex suffered for this…even if it meant smothering him in his sleep…he would pay!

Part 11:

It was a good hour later that Dex knew he needed to stop the walking had been mostly up hill through heavy terrain. He had pushed his body as far as it could go and if he didn't stop soon he doubted he would have the energy to find them something to eat or a safe place to stop for the night.

Then it seemed something or someone upstairs decided to give him a break.

He could hear the rush of water first and the ground suddenly began to grow rockier and steeper. Then suddenly the forest canopy cut away as did Dex's breath when he caught sight of the view.

The ground before him was cut away in terraces, the softer rock worn down by the flow of water, which now dropped down in a waterfall into a clear plunge pool.

"Wow…it's breathtaking."

Nodding Dex for once agreed with his companion. "You sure wouldn't get this with the usual tour guide that's for sure." He quipped his dark eyes scanning the safest route down.

"Come on." He added reaching out for her hand, surprised how small and soft it was and how easily it fit into his own…not that he was seriously considering how nice it was holding her hand…but if she fell and hurt herself on the way down Dex would never here the end of it, nor did the idea of carrying her fine arse through the rest of this jungle appeal to him.

Even if Dex surprised himself by being able to imagine just how that might feel…he had no intention of every sweeping this high maintenance woman off of her feet period!

No woman no matter how beautiful or even with an arse that was practically sculpted perfection was worth tying himself down for long. Dex had endured enough of his parents' marriage to know how a partnership of unequals panned out. Not being able to stomach their daily rows had been one of the main reasons he had ran off and joined the army as soon as he was legal.

Then living day to day on your luck and wits tended to stop you planning for the future…not that Dex was really the settling down kind, at least not yet at any rate. Daniel just joked that it hadn't met the right girl yet. Jokes like that earned Dex's former commander a salute of the two fingered variety.

Besides he liked his life the way it was, Dex Dexter worked and played hard.

Most of his time was dedicated to building his own empire from scratch, and then when the urge and Daniel Reese came knocking Dex couldn't help but jump at the chance to put his skills to the test. His father called him reckless, he said Dex had to have something wrong with him in the head to need to go off and 'play hero'. Well Dex didn't give two figs for his father's opinion, Sam Dexter wouldn't know what a true hero was if one came and kicked him in his fat useless arse!

"Do you think the water's safe?" The tentative question jarred Dex back to the present.

"Probably…Why don't you jump in you'll soon notice if any little critter starts nibbling on you." He mused ignoring his companion's irritated huff at his flippant reply.

Dismissing Dex as practically useless Alexis hobbled towards the pool, lowering herself down on to one of the rocks and gazing into the water. There was some fish in there but they didn't seem to be aggressive and Alexis's feet were so sore…Deciding to chance it she slipped off her shoes and sank her ruined feet into the refreshingly cool water.

"Oh god that feels good." Alexis sighed arching her back and staring up at the blue sky as she trailed her feet through the water. Even the insects that buzzed around couldn't ruin this moment, after a day spent traipsing through the tangled jungle, accosted by biting insects and assailed by the humidity Alexis was about ready to drop.

The sudden splash of water had her eyes snapping open though and Alexis couldn't help but glare at the man responsible…Yet her gaze lingered for another reason entirely…Damn he was toned.

Swallowing as her throat felt dry all of a sudden Alexis couldn't tear her gaze away… at the moment all she could see was his broad back…golden tanned skin…broad shoulders tapering down to a toned waist and hips…then as he suddenly dived down under the water Alexis got a glimpse of a tight arse in wet cotton shorts and muscular thighs covered sparsely with dark hair.

Fanning herself lightly Alexis forced her gaze away lest Dex suddenly remerged and caught her staring…then when she started to examine her poor feet she wished she hadn't. They looked like something out of a horror movie, red and sore, the water had washed away the blood and pus from her blisters but still they looked enflamed and very angry.

Still the water cooled them and Alexis could only gaze longingly into the cool depths, the rest of her could do with cooling too and she could only imagine how she must smell by now…at least Dex had to smell worst and considering the stench under his own nose from that vile moustache and beard of his Alexis doubted he would be in any position to comment if she smelt less than fresh herself. Still the water looked very tempting…perhaps if Dex wasn't here…

Groaning as the water eased his aching muscles Dex tried to concentrate on trapping and catching a couple of the larger fish and not on the woman sitting on the rock with her feet in the water. Yet the way she was leaning back, her back arched, pressing her breasts against the thin silk fabric of her blouse was making that simple task a little more difficult and Dex could only wonder how that transparent that shirt might go if he accidentally pulled her into the water.

Pushing his dirty thoughts aside Dex retrieved his shirt from the rock where he had left it; using it as a makeshift net Dex smirked when after a few false starts he was able to capture two reasonably sized fish.

Flinging the makeshift net up onto the rock Dex couldn't contain his shout of triumph, instinctively turning to his companion expecting praise, and getting merely an eye roll.

Damn she was hard to please.

Now all he needed was some wood to start a fire and a couple of green sticks and maybe some wild banana leaves if he could find them and they could have themselves a BBQ.

Pulling himself out of the water Dex ran his fingers through his dark hair, trying to comb it back into some semblance of his usual neat style, before running his nails through the beard that had grown during his week long trek through the jungle. God he hated his facial hair, it grew like a bushman's, the sooner they got to civilisation and he found a razor the better.

Glancing quickly at her highness Dex wasn't surprised to see her eyes closed as she rested on the rock. Taking advantage of her distraction he kicked off his wet underwear and reached for his trousers, missing the moment when Alexis opened her eyes only to get an eyeful.

Dragging her gaze away as Dex buttoned his fly and turned back to her Alexis did her best to contain the flush of appreciation on her cheeks…It wasn't everyday that she came across a man who was actually as big as his ego!

"I'm just going to go collect some firewood." Dex explained his irritation growing when her highness didn't even bother to meet his gaze. "Do try not to get yourself into any further trouble whilst I am gone!"

"I'll try to contain myself!" Alexis spat back, god the nerve of the man, just because he was hung like a donkey didn't mean he had to act like an ass! Still at least this meant she would finally get some privacy and perhaps there would be time to slip in a little swim of her own before he got back?

Part 12:

Dex Dexter couldn't sleep and it wasn't for the want of trying but his damn brain refused to stop…or more to the point refused to stop playing a certain memory across his brain.

Grunting as he shifted on the hard ground Dex tried to control his own natural reactions, something that was far harder than it sounded…and dear god speaking of hard…

Things had been going so well. Dex had found himself relaxing a little, the spell alone in the jungle had calmed him down a little and Dex had been full of quiet satisfaction when his foraging had found not only leaves he could use but also a bunch of ripe wild bananas as well. He had been quite chuffed with his own ingenuity as he made his way back to the little oasis, so caught up in his own thoughts that it wasn't until he was about to step out from the cover of the jungle that he actually realised what he was seeing.

When his brain finally caught up with his eyes Dex had stopped dead, his feet refusing to move another step…

Naked perfection standing underneath the waterfall, hands raised above her head as she ran her fingers through her trying to wash out the dirt and sweat and probably work out the knots. The expression of pure delight on her face sent a jolt of excitement to his groin and Dex had to stifle a groan.

His eyes moved of their own accord downwards.

Full breasts and pink nipples hardened by the cold water…Dex could imagine taking those between his lips and satisfying his growing hunger. God the way they moved with her every stretch and every time she raked her hands through her long wet curls.

Following the water down Dex couldn't help but stare, her waist was tiny then flared out to curve at the hips, long slender thighs and…swallowing down his lust…Dex couldn't help but stare at the strip of thick dark curls at the junction of her thighs, chortling to himself at the realisation that someone wasn't just obsessed with the bodily odour of others but herself liked to stay neat and tidy… everywhere it seemed.

Then the sound of a bird breaking cover startled them both and Her Highness seemed almost panicked, rushing back over to her pile of clothes and Dex couldn't help but feel a sliver of shame for standing there watching her in such an intimate moment. Only perverts spied on women when they weren't aware and Dex had always liked to think that despite his many faults that at least he was a gentleman.

He had never pursued a woman who had asked him not to, he had never pushed one into a situation they didn't want, or used alcohol to their lower inhibitions. Those were tactics his father used to get his own fat useless arse laid. Dear god Dex doubted there was a secretary at Dexter International who hadn't been "persuaded" to give it up to the big boss by one means or another.

So Dex allowed her time she needed to get dressed, then whistling loudly he took his time before reappearing and began to make himself busy trying to light a damn fire. Concentrating on those tasks and forcing certain images to the back of his mind and it had worked…until now that was, and now with nothing else to occupy his hands or mind Dex found himself held captive by his photographic memory and libido.

Shifting onto his back he stared up at the stars and began to count, sighing to himself when a bird squawked and he lost count and had to start again.

"Dex are you awake?"

For a moment Dex considered ignoring the question but something about the almost hesitant tone made him reconsider. "Unfortunately." Then realising how rude that must sound he added stuttering…unsure when just talking to this woman had turned him into a nervous wreck… "Ground's a little firm for my tastes."

For a moment he was almost certain she had seen through his hasty cover and had taken umbrage at his abrupt tone.

"Well it's not the most comfortable bed but not the worst either." Alexis added chuckling to herself as she added. "At least this one isn't moving."

Frowning it took Dex a moment for his brain to catch up. "Get seasick do we?"

"Only on small yachts, but yes stuck on one of those catamaran thingys in the middle of the Mediterranean during a storm definitely beats this in the dreadful bed stakes!"

"At least the company had to have been better?" Dex quipped depreciatingly pleased when he got a loud snort of laughter in response.

"Actually no!" Alexis snorted as certain memories played out. "I was lulled aboard with a false promise of secluded beaches, cold champagne and well…you can guess the rest…" She trailed off smirking to herself.

"And the sailor didn't live up to expectations?" Dex couldn't help but ask; having only spent a day in her company Dex was in no doubt about her demanding personality and he could only assume that also carried over to the bedroom as well.

"That sailor was a blustering playboy, who knew as little about real sailing as I did!" Alexis snorted.

"He spent most of the trip hogging the bathroom or throwing up over the side. In the end we had to radio the coastguard to come and rescue us but there were a good few hours when I thought I might not live to see dry land again…this trip has been equally eventful…"

Alexis paused snorting once more in amusement. "But at least you haven't thrown up on me…not yet at any rate, not properly and I suppose water doesn't count."

Chuckling along Dex couldn't help but pause at her last words. "I did what?"

"When I got you out of the river, you weren't breathing so I tried CPR and then you decided to thank me by spitting up water all over me." Alexis answered simply surprised when her companion suddenly turned onto his side to stare at her in surprise.

"I assumed you had guessed but then I suppose you did hit your head pretty bad."

"You…Saved my life…Thank you." Dex spluttered in surprise his dark eyes widening as he looked, really looked at his companion as if seeing her for the first time and something about his intense scrutiny made Alexis thankful for the darkness as it would go someway to hiding the embarrassed blush.

Lust and desire she was used to seeing in a man's eyes but gratitude and respect was far harder to come by.

Turning back on to her back so as to avoid that piercing dark gaze Alexis could still feel his gaze on her and it unsettled her…but not in a bad way…there was something exciting about having a man look at her like that again, to be valued for something other than her looks, wit and skill between the sheets.

"You're welcome and I couldn't just leave you there, besides you stepped in to save me in that bar the least I could do was return the favour." Alexis added relieved when her voice contained none of the breathless excitement she was feeling, trying to convince herself that it was simply the circumstance she found herself in and had nothing whatsoever to do with the sneak preview she had gotten earlier.

She did not find him attractive…honestly…nor did thoughts of what might be lurking under that vile beard keep her distracted and away from sleep.

A slightly less awkward silence settled between them as both tried to get comfortable enough to get some sleep. "Good night Dex."

"Good night…" Dex paused the realisation coming to him suddenly that he didn't even know her name; the woman had saved his life had he hadn't even bothered to ask her name before now. "I…urghh this is awkward…"

Smiling at his hesitant boyish tone Alexis couldn't help but smother her smile, yet he could probably hear her amusement in her voice anyway as she answered. "Alexis, my name is Alexis."