Some of your names are partially bolded and partially not. That means from now on I'll be abbreviating your name with the bolded portion. Get it?
LoveMR: Oh but of course!
Kat183: Thank you so very much. I'll post as quickly as I can.
Keys3303: Mmm…should I keep the paramedics handy?
Pandagal: I know: how could I have stayed away so long? Thanks for the review!
Zeusfluff: Actually, I've been feeling under the weather the last couple days and your review – like everyone else's – did make me feel a bit better. Thanks!
Spirita: Lol. My fingers are typing as fast as they can!
TheChosenOne3: Aww, that was very sweet of you. That really makes me want to get chapter two written.
E1stwin: Thank you so much for the support/review. I hope I can keep up to your standards.
Clux: Thank you a million. And I'm enjoying your story, , as well.
Taya7: Lol. Thanks for the enthusiasm and, of course, for the review!
Aragorn-X: Thanks for the review. And the delay is ok. I sometimes take longer than expected, too.
Danny: I appreciate the review. I'm trying to write as fast as I can.
Beckers: an evil gleam in my eyes Mischief…I love mischief.
Chapter Two
The Getaway
Part One
Marguerite swatted at the swarm of mosquitoes she trekked through as she trudged behind Roxton. She shifted the weight of the picnic basket, glowering at her husband's back. Granted, he had offered to carry it, but even she knew that he couldn't fire his rifle while lugging the large basket around. And if they found trouble, then she'd much rather have him pointing the barrel of the gun at their attackers instead of swinging a basket full of food at them.
Before the babies, Marguerite would have sarcastically whined and complained endlessly. However, since having the twins, Marguerite had become more hesitant about her snide remarks. Yet, at times, she couldn't restrain the urge to revert back to her snobbish ways. Like now.
"John," she moaned. "Do you want my arms to fall off?"
"Of course not, darling. We'd loose the food."
Marguerite rolled her eyes and Roxton – not even looking at her – chuckled. "Now, now, Marguerite, you know that I don't like to waste good food."
"No, but you'd gladly sacrifice your wife's arms to the cause."
Roxton barked a laugh. "Come, my love, you know that sometimes sacrifices must be made for the better of the group."
Marguerite huffed an exasperated sigh. "You're just so full of it today, aren't you? I thought that this getaway was supposed to help me relax and have an enjoyable time. And, so far, this journey across this wretched plateau has been marvelous, but I really must insist that from now on you don't try and show me a good time because…"
"Damn, woman, you can just go on and on, can't you?" Roxton ducked under a low branch and then turned to face his irritate wife. "Darling, I promise you, that as soon as we get to the spot, you'll be treated like a queen."
"It's about time," she mumbled.
"But," Roxton held up the rifle towards her. "Until then, you need to shut the bloody hell up and carry that damn basket." He said it all in good cheer, smiling at her with his usual air of charm. He leaned over the branch that stood between them and pecked her on the nose. "Now let's go, darling. We're almost there."
Marguerite groaned and followed his lead.
Part Two
Back at the tree house, the twins were fussy. Malone, Lillian cradled in one arm and William in the other, stared at Veronica helplessly. "Please hurry, Veronica," he pleaded, lightly bouncing the babies.
Veronica, who was busy preparing their bottles, giggled softly at the sight of Malone's desperation, his arms full with the two squalling children. He would make a wonderful father someday. "It's obvious who their mother is," she joked, screwing the lids on.
"Actually, they're usually pretty well behaved – taking after Roxton." Malone handed Lillian over and then accepted one of the bottles. He sighed in relief when William latched onto the nipple, his wails instantly ceasing. Malone glanced up at Veronica triumphantly. "Finally," he whispered.
Lillian, her mouth sucking at the bottle, gazed up at Veronica with amber-green eyes. The baby always seemed to be looking straight into you instead of just at you. It was unsettling at times, but normally Veronica found it soothing. "You are such a sweet baby," Veronica said tenderly. Oh how she wished she would have a baby someday.
Simultaneously, the twins snapped their heads away from their bottles and stared at each other. Then Lillian kicked her feet, her tiny hands balled up into tight fists. She peered back up at Veronica, growing more forceful. The jungle girl fought to keep from dropping the hyper baby. "Hey now, sweetheart. What is it? Do you want to play?"
Lillian giggled, slapping her palms together. Veronica couldn't help but laugh. "You're so adorable."
William, nestled in the crook of Malone's arms, began to giggle, too. Malone chuckled. "I guess feeding time's over."
Veronica and Malone took the babies back into their nursery, placing the children on the floor. Playtime was so much fun…for Veronica and Malone.
Part Three
Marguerite let the picnic basket drop. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. "Finally," she said.
Roxton came up behind her, encircling her in his arms. He nestled her hair, his lips grazing her ear. "Told you the walk would be worth it."
They were behind a waterfall, the water creating a curtain of privacy. Inside the cave, a tree had managed to grow, coming out of the rock and bending gently. It was cool in the cave, the raging heat of the jungle unable to penetrate through the rock and waterfall.
"How did you find this place," Marguerite asked, leaning back against Roxton's brood chest.
"While scouting a few weeks back." He turned her around, pressing her body against his. "So, it suits you, your highness?"
"Mmm," she breathed against his neck. "It's not Paris, but it'll do, my noble servant."
He kissed her passionately, caressing his hands over body. "God, it's been so long, Marguerite."
"I know. I'm sorry." She nibbled at his throat. "I don't know what's been wrong with me, but I'm so glad we're here now."
He scooped her up and laid her gently on the blankets.
--
Marguerite bolted up causing Roxton's arm to slide off her stomach and into her lap. She glanced around, frantic. What was that noise? Had she dreamt it? She heard the faint sound of muffled voices again. Frightened, she nudged Roxton. "John…John…wake up. I think someone's coming."
Roxton was immediately on his feet, grabbing his rifle. He paused, listening intently. "I don't hear anything," he whispered.
"I do," she said. She crawled to her feet, coming to stand beside Roxton. "Don't you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"The voices."
Roxton strained his ears, but heard nothing. "No. Are you sure that you do? Maybe the waterfall is just…"
"No." Marguerite crept off to the side, towards the path that led them up into the cave.
"Marguerite," Roxton hissed. He rushed towards her. "Let me go first." He climbed down the side of the cave, peering into the darkness. He inched further, but Marguerite – who had followed him down – grasped his shoulder.
"No," she whispered. "Don't go that way."
He looked back at her strangely. "Why?"
"You'll die."
"What?"
Marguerite shook her head. "I don't…I don't know how I know it, but I swear it's true. We need to get our stuff and leave. Now. Before they come."
"Before who comes?"
Marguerite ignored him, already scrambling up the side of the cave to retrieve their things.
End Chapter Two
THANKS FOR READING!