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It surprised me how much I missed Hunter too. Our relationship never really got off the ground. We’d kissed a few times, freaking amazing kisses at that, and I had no idea why he made me feel like a randy cheerleader whenever he was near . . . but he did. I’d had a feeling he was gearing up to ask me on a date. If he had, I would have said yes. Until I got the go-ahead for this project, that is. Once that had been approved, I couldn’t risk seeing him again. In addition to being brave and smoking hot, Hunter was smart, inquisitive, and protective. He would not have approved of my quest in the Amazon jungle. Which was why it was better not to tell him.
After I showered, I pulled on denim shorts and a long-sleeved t-shirt. I paused at the edge of the building to inhale the fresh jungle air.
An eerie feeling that someone was watching gnawed at my senses. I scanned the bushes but couldn’t see anything. Unable to shake the sensation, I raced back inside with my heart pounding wildly in my chest.
I tossed my dirty clothes into a bag in my bedroom, made sure my feet were thoroughly dry, and pulled on socks and ankle-high hiking boots. As I returned to the lab, I tugged my wet hair into two long braids and secured them with bands.
Neville leaned over Cody who was writing something in his journal.
The acrid smell of burned skin permeated the air as my boots thumped across the wooden floor. When Neville jumped back, I squinted at him.What’s his problem?Maybe my rage had scared him. Good. He hadn’t seen that side of me before, but he was going to see a hell of a lot more now that I knew how low he would stoop to get his results.
At my laptop, I created a new email, addressing it to the four people on Blakely Pharmaceutical’s board who had been monitoring my progress for eleven months.
As I began to type my email, a shadow loomed over me.
I glared over my shoulder and Neville's cold eyes drilled into me. A shiver raced down my spine.
God, I hated his creepy stares.
“Must feel good, huh, Layla?” His tone dripped with insincerity. “Blakely will be pleased.”
“As will all the people who suffer every day with burns.” I tried to keep my tone level despite my disgust. I couldn't let him see my unease. I wanted him to know I wasn’t scared of him. If anything, he should be scared of me. The proof Cody and I had of his unethical practices in this pristine jungle would ruin him.
Neville stepped back.
“Let's celebrate tonight.” A sickening grin spread across his lips. “I'll supply the food and drinks.”
“No, thanks. I'd rather focus on finishing this report for Blakely.”
“Suit yourself.” He slinked back to the doorway, yet I felt him watching me.
My stomach churned with revulsion, but that only made me more determined to get this report done.
I will not let Neville destroy everything I’ve worked so hard for.
“Is the satellite phone charged up, Cody?” I asked. “We’ll send this report as soon as it’s done.”
“Got it right—”
A blood-curdling scream ripped through the air.
CHAPTER 3
LAYLA
“Run!”Terror raced across Neville’s face as he bolted toward the back door.
“What the hell?” I cried.
“Get down!” Cody dove behind a table.
My heart boomed in my chest as I scrambled in next to him.
Wild thundering noises echoing down the hallway sounded like bullocks stampeding through the building.
Screaming in anger, five native men stormed into the room. Na-lynied led them but I barely recognized him beneath his tribal war paint, and the fury blazing in his eyes.
Aiming his spear, he charged at Cody and me.