Page 114 of Esperance

He blinked at her. “How are we still strangers? I saved your life. We exchanged names and pleasantries. We’ve been together for hours,andyou put down the rock.”

She glanced over at him. “I have a feeling you get on Carver’s nerves.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “I do.”

A smile tugged at her own mouth. Ford might be keeping things from her, but she was undeniably comfortable around him. Even if it was a little reluctant on her part. “How long have you been living in this jungle?”

“Interrogating me, Lady Vincetti?”

“Only making conversation.”

“Hm.” He scratched his shoulder. “I arrived soon before the temple was closed to outsiders.”

“And have you had any contact with Carver since your arrival?”

“No. I already told you, he doesn’t know I’m here.”

Before she could press him further, there was a short cry.

Ford and Amryn both stiffened.

That hadn’t been an animal.

While Ford drew a knife, she probed the area with her empathic sense. She’d been so tuned into Ford, she hadn’t noticed anything around them, but someone was out there. And they were in a great deal of pain.

“Stay here,” Ford said, already slipping out into the pounding rain. Gone was the light, mirthful man he’d been. This was the first time she’d actually seen the soldier, and a shiver tracked down her spine.

It took a moment to realize she knew who was hurt out there. She’d learned the feel of everyone she frequently encountered at Esperance by now.

Ivan.

She ducked out into the rain, desperate to stop Ford before he could ambush Ivan.

She reached Ford just as Ivan came into view.

The Sibeten man was limping. He had used his shirt to create bandages on his thigh and forearm, and he was pressing the rest of the bunched up cloth to his side. His other hand fisted a dagger. His blond hair hung limply around his face, and he—like them—was totally drenched.

“Ivan,” Amryn gasped.

His eyes flickered to her, but went right back to Ford. His wide shoulders tensed, and the dangerous edge that lifted his emotions cut into his hard face. “Get away from her.”

Ford shot her a look. “Did I not tell you to stay? I think I told you to stay.”

“That’s Ivan,” she snapped. “He’s one of us.”

“He’s also holding a knife,” Ford pointed out.

Ivan’s brows slammed down. “So are you.”

Amryn sensed no malice from Ivan. Only pain, and a steely resolve to protect her.

She hurried toward him, ignoring Ford’s curse. “Ivan, are you all right?”

“Yenn,” he grunted.

She didn’t believe him for an instant. “Have you seen any of the others?”

“Tam and Rivard. I found them after I was ambushed, and escorted them most of the way back to camp. Then I came back to look for the others. I have not found Samuel or Sadia.” He studied her. “Are you all right?”

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