Keys: Well, if it'll make your day…big smile
ChosenOne: You're not reading anything wrong, my friend. I just haven't explained his cane, yet.
Barbie: Questions that'll all be answered in due time. Thanks for the review!
KDC: It's me who should be thanking you for bothering to even read them let alone leave reviews. So…THANK YOU!
Taya: Should I hand out the Prozac? Seriously, I'm glad to hear that you're so touched by the story. I wanted it to be kind of sad.
Clux: Please don't be jealous of me. I don't have the talent that so many of you do. However, I really appreciate the review/compliments. And you must be the tenth person to have mentioned a "happy ending" to me. Lol.
Babs: **hint** You're not reading too deeply. **hint**
Panda: True? You don't see them ending up together once they make it off the plateau?
Amy: We'll see, won't we? Maybe I can work it into the story. It seems to be what everyone wants. Lol. No surprise there (Roxton and Marguerite belong together). Anyway, thank you for the sweet compliment. I've never written anything like this before. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Fab: I'm thrilled that you're enjoying this so far. You're one of the reviewers I tend to look for acceptance from. Lol. I don't know why. I just really value your opinion along with a few others (who, I believe, know who they are).
Alex: Well I'm glad to hear that! Thank you so much, but you may change your mind as the story progresses. Things aren't going to be all peaches and roses. Lol.
Windsor: But she wouldn't be Marguerite if she weren't stubborn. Lol. What a frustrating woman.
~ ~ ~ Ten Years Earlier ~ ~ ~
Chapter One
Roxton's POV:
Polishing my weapons – they always need a good cleaning, especially after being dropped in mud, thrown off cliffs, and handled by a particular beautiful heiress – I glance around the makeshift living room at my fellow comrades and realize with a sinking heart that Marguerite is still on her "date" with that tribal chief from the southwest village of Tunashi. What's his name? Dick? Damn Bloke? Bloody Bastard? Who knows and who cares? She's only spending the evening with him in order to manipulate her way into getting the damn map that could lead us all home.
That doesn't mean that I have to like it.
Grumbling obscenities under my breath, I slam one of the pistols down harder on the wood table than needs be, drawing the attention of Malone. Challenger had already escaped down into his laboratory, leaving the young man behind to deal with me. The poor lad. He got stuck babysitting me. He must've drawn the short stick.
I chuckle at the thought of them debating who should keep me in check. I pick up one of the rifles and thrust the wire wrapped in cloth down the barrel. "Penny for your thoughts, Malone?"
The journalist frowns, seemingly unimpressed with my attempts to remain levelheaded. He finally sighs and stands up, strolling over towards me with his patented look of serenity and depth. "You know, Roxton," he says in his deep, soft voice. "You're not fooling anyone."
"I never said I was trying to," I answer honestly, puckering my lips as I examine the trigger. It's jammed. It probably happened when Marguerite slammed it into the rocks. "I just don't think it was wise to allow her to go alone, that's all. We don't know if we can trust these people."
Malone rolls his eyes – a habit he's picked up from the women – and takes a seat opposite of mine. "Roxton, she's not alone. Veronica and Finn followed them, remember?"
"I still think I should've gone," I retort, jimmying with the trigger.
Malone snorts. "Yeah, sure. You couldn't have handled it. Derico would give her one funny look and you'd go busting in with guns firing."
Derico. So that's his name. I was close enough.
I finally get the trigger to pop out and I relish in the brief moment of triumph before leaning back into my seat and giving Malone an innocent grin. "I would do no such thing."
Malone laughs, shaking his head. "Sure, Roxton, if you say so."
Yeah, it doesn't take a genius to know that I'm madly in love with our frustrating tree house member. At first I was infatuated with her dark beauty and savvy skills. I'll admit that it was lust that drove me wild at first, but that's all changed now. Marguerite Krux has become my heart and soul. She infuriates me and soothes me all in a single raised eyebrow. She's brilliant, inventive, stubborn, irritating, powerful, and fragile all at once. I've even offered my life to Death in order to spare Marguerite.
I love her.
Now if only I could convince her.
End Chapter One
Thoughts? Shall I continue?