Rhea rolled her eyes and huffed in feigned disgust. “You’re incorrigible. What am I going to do with you?” Then she shook a finger at Ashley’s dainty little nose. “Don’t you be wandering off in search of men. Do you hear me? I don’t want to have to go traipsing through the jungle in search of my lab assistant.”
Ashley laughed, then waved the idea away as though it were ridiculous.
“I’m serious Ash, you might find yourself in a dangerous situation. The men of this place aren’t…civilized. If you go teasing one who decides to take a fancy to you, you might just disappear. Do you know how many miles of vegetation there are out there?” Rhea jerked a thumb in the direction of the window. “Hundreds. Thousands. Really, I don’t want to lose you to some sex-starved cannibal who might as well just eat you when he’s done ravishing you.”
One of Ashley’s brows rose with interest. “Hmm…that might be interesting. Eat me—”
“Ashley! I’m serious.” Rhea’s voice echoed through the quiet plane. But this time, no one turned around. Everyone seemed to be as stiff as statues. No doubt listening to every word the two of them said.
Ashley made a pressing motion with her hands, indicating for Rhea to keep it down. “Okay, mom. I promise I won’t wander off too far. Cross my heart.” She made a childish X sign across her ample breasts with one fingertip. “All right?”
Rhea nodded. But she knew Ashley had no intention of living up to her promise.
Mom. She snorted and turned her attention back out the foggy window. Sometimes she felt like Ashley’s mother. No one else seemed to be looking out for the girl’s best interest, not even Ashley herself. It was strange though, only two years separated their ages, and yet sometimes Rhea felt a thousand years older.
The long plane ride had finally caught up with her. Rhea knew they were close to landing. But she couldn’t seem to keep her eyes open another minute. Finally giving up on her battle to stay awake, she closed her lids and let her senses drift into a light slumber. Fifteen minutes later, the captain’s voice boomed over the loud speaker, setting her pulse and nerves racing once again.
