Jungle Princess Read online

  Jungle Princess

  Holly Copella

  Copyright © 2015 Holly Copella

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 194769409X

  ISBN-13: 978-1-947694-09-5

  In loving memory of

  Donny & Alice Morris

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Copella Books: First Paperback Edition 2018

  Printed by CreateSpace, An Amazon.com Company

  Cover Artist: Daniela Owergoor

  Dani-owergoor.deviantart.com

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  This is a work of fiction. Names, character, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Chapter Thirty-four

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  Chapter Thirty-nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-one

  Other books by Holly Copella!

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Chapter One

  The five-hundred-passenger cruise yacht sailed across the ocean just after sunset in the early evening. Clouds rolled in with the approaching storm as the ocean became harsh and unruly. The passengers would be in for a massive storm later that night, although none seemed to give it a second thought. Most of the passengers just went about their evening plans. The elegant dining room was filled with well-dressed men and women at first seating having dinner. The dining room held a little over two hundred passengers seated at round, four-person tables with a candle centerpiece. Fine china and crystal glasses added to the ritzy atmosphere.

  An attractive woman in her late thirties, Trisha Knight, dined with her boyfriend, Bronson Sharp, and her fifteen-year-old niece, Alexis Knight. Despite being a teenager, Alex looked like a young woman in her early twenties. She was often mistaken for a college student. Her girl-next-door good looks caught plenty of attention, although she wasn’t interested in boys at the moment. She wore a short, black evening dress with the hem reaching just above her knees.

  Alex wasn’t a fan of high heels, but she was prompted to wear them to dress up for dinner. She’d actually borrowed them from her aunt, who wouldn’t allow her to wear her boots with the dress. She wore her long, dark hair down despite the urging for her to wear it up in a similar style as her aunt. She knew her aunt was trying to create memories for them of their first official trip together as a family. Alex appeared bored and poked at her artistic meal.

  “So, Alex, what are your plans for this evening?” her Aunt Trisha asked.

  “I suppose I’ll just hang out at the under twenty-one club,” Alex replied with little emotion. “There’s not much else to do on this cruise.”

  “There’s plenty to do, you’re just not participating,” her aunt insisted.

  Alex’s Aunt Trisha shared many of Alex’s features and could almost pass for Alex’s older sister. That she looked similar to Alex’s mother was both comforting and troubling. Trisha had the same dark hair as Alex, although she wore her shoulder length hair up in a French twist. Trisha wore an expensive sapphire blue dress that fell below her knees and showed plenty of leg and cleavage. Maybe the dress was just as much for her boyfriend as it was for the expensive meal. Alex had mixed feelings about her Aunt Trisha’s boyfriend.

  Bronson was a fairly good-looking man in his mid-thirties. He had perfectly styled, light brown hair that nearly touched his shirt collar. He was a moderately muscular man and looked fine in his expensive suit. The fact that Bronson couldn’t anymore afford the suit than the cruise immediately set the tone for his relationship with her aunt. She always felt Bronson was a gold-digger, but if her aunt didn’t seem to mind, it wasn’t Alex’s place to point it out.

  “I’m not much for shuffleboard with the old folks,” Alex announced while looking bored. “There’s hardly anyone under twenty on this entire ship.”

  Trisha shifted uncomfortably and managed a timid smile. “I had hoped you’d be able to make some new friends onboard.”

  “I guess I lost all of them when I lost my mom and dad,” she replied without looking up.

  Trisha tensed then eyed Bronson.

  The handsome man immediately took his cue. “I’m going to the little boy’s room,” he announced then left the table.

  Trisha moved her chair closer to Alex and stared at her with a sympathetic look. “I know this hasn’t been easy for you, Alex, but you and I are going to get through this,” she assured her while placing her hand on her lower arm. “You’ll make new friends at your new school.”

  “I know you’re trying, Aunt Trish,” Alex replied and finally looked into her eyes. “I just need time to be miserable.”

  “Of course,” Trisha replied then straightened. “Look, I want you to enjoy yourself this week. Go flirt with some boys. You’re not having any fun hanging out with us.” She waved her off while offering a moderately devious grin. “Go. No curfew tonight, okay?”

  Alex appeared surprised then smiled more naturally for the first time. “Thanks, Aunt Trish.”

  She kissed her aunt on the cheek then left the table. Bronson stood near the bar, watched her leave, and then returned to the table.

  “Let the girl off her leash?” he teased.

  “She’s going through a lot right now,” Trisha remarked then sighed seeming defeated. “The girl deserves a little fun.”

  Chapter Two

  Alex walked along the brightly lit deck as the night wind whipped. She watched passengers rush to their destination, knowing most of them feared they’d sacrifice their carefully styled hair if they didn’t hurry back inside. It was all about prestige and presentation for the wealthy passengers onboard the first-class cruise yacht. She couldn’t fault her aunt for being wealthy and choosing this particular cruise. Her aunt wanted to show her a good time, and expensive, first-class vacations were her idea of a good time. No one told Aunt Trisha it wasn’t really the scene for a young teenage girl.

  Alex stopped by the railing near an isolated section of deck and looked at the dark ocean while tears streaked her face. She attempted to push the death of her parents from her mind for her aunt’s sake, but she couldn’t keep up her cheerful appearance. The approaching storm matched her mood, and the rumbling thunder didn’t mind if she showed her emotions. As she stared at the violent storm off in the distance and the choppy water th
ey sailed through with little incident, Alex removed her shoes and stepped onto the lower rung. Alex wasn’t sure what was going through her mind at that moment, but she knew she couldn’t handle the desperation and despair she was unable to shake. She just wanted to be free from her dark emotions.

  “Careful, you might fall in,” came a male voice from nearby, which startled her.

  Alex jumped off the rail and looked behind her into the dimly lit area practically hidden beneath the stairs. A neatly dressed man in his late forties sat at one of the small tables obscured by the shadows. Although he was dressed in what appeared to be an expensive suit, he looked more like a high school chemistry teacher without the bowtie. He held a glass of champagne in his hand while the expensive bottle of bubbly set on the table near an empty second glass. She was genuinely surprised to see someone sitting in such a secluded area alone, but she didn’t let it show.

  “I’m not that lucky,” Alex remarked under her breath while turning to face him.

  “You and me both, kid,” Holt muttered then sipped his champagne while staring blankly at the ocean.

  Alex eyed him suspiciously, slipped into her shoes, and then approached him. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m coping,” he announced then grinned playfully. “Thanks for asking.”

  Alex indicated the empty glass on the small table. “Did your friend miss the boat?”

  “No, no one missed the boat,” Holt replied while maintaining his smile and seemed oddly cheerful. “I’m celebrating my twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.”

  Alex tilted her head with a bewildered look. He refilled his glass, hesitated, and then filled the second glass. He eyed Alex then indicated the glass. She sat in the empty seat.

  “Where’s your wife?” she finally asked.

  Holt sighed. “Dead,” he replied with a sedate look as he seemingly stared through her. “Brain aneurysm.” His eyes met hers. “She went to sleep and never woke up.”

  Alex stared at him while feeling the tears welling in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

  He studied her a moment then tilted his head with great interest. “I’m guessing you’re upset about something more than my wife’s passing.”

  She tensed slightly and avoided looking at the mildly drunken man. “My parents died last month in a car accident,” Alex replied softly. “My aunt and her ill-conceived boyfriend thought this cruise would cheer me up.”

  There was an awkward silence.

  “I’m sorry, dear,” Holt replied timidly with understanding then drew a deep breath. “Sometimes we just want to be sad.” He then offered a tiny, drunken smile and raised his glass to her. “To your parents.”

  Alex picked up the glass and gently clinked it to his. She always wanted to clink glasses as they did in the movies.

  “To your wife,” she announced.

  Both sipped the champagne. Alex made a face at the taste and nearly gagged as the bubbles went up her nose.

  “It’s expensive champagne,” Holt informed her with a humored grin on his face. “Ironically, the hangover is going to feel exactly the same as the cheap stuff.” He studied her a moment. “What’s your name?”

  “Alex.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alex,” he replied in a refined tone. “I’m Holt.” He watched her a moment longer then chuckled. “You must be bored out of your mind. Not exactly the college party scene you’re used to, huh?”

  “I wouldn’t know,” she replied simply. “I start high school next year.”

  Holt’s expression dropped as he stared at her. “High school?” he practically gasped. “How old are you?”

  “Fifteen.”

  He looked away and hid his smile. “If anyone asks, you didn’t get the alcohol from me.”

  Almost an hour later, Alex and Holt stood at the railing despite the approaching storm and finished the last of the champagne. Holt threw his glass into the ocean then looked at Alex. She smiled and did the same.

  “Thank you, Alex,” Holt announced cheerfully. “I feel oddly better than I thought I would tonight.”

  “Yeah, me too,” she replied then giggled for reasons unknown. “I’m tingly all over.”

  “That’s because you’re drunk,” he teased, “but that’ll be our little secret.”

  “I totally agree,” she informed him. “I don’t think my aunt would be very understanding if she found out.”

  “And I’d be in serious trouble for providing the alcohol in the first place,” he replied.

  Although she didn’t know what time it was, she was certain it was getting late. “I should probably go,” she announced, enjoying the tinglies throughout her body. “Goodnight, Holt.” She then kissed him warmly on the cheek.

  Holt hid his boyish grin. “Goodnight, dear.”

  Chapter Three

  Club Teen resembled most popular city dance clubs with a large dance floor, dim lighting, and a DJ playing the latest, hip, modern music loud enough to drown out every last voice. It was also the only place onboard where those under twenty-one could have any real fun. Since there was no alcohol served, parents knew it was a safe haven for their teenage children.

  Most of the ship was designed for adults over twenty-one or little kids under twelve, leaving little excitement for anyone under the legal drinking age. Alex danced with a group of teenagers possibly older than herself, but since she looked older than her actual age, she fit in with them. The club was packed with young patrons, although many were clearly over twenty-one.

  Compared to the other club goers, Alex was slightly overdressed. Only a few young women wore dresses and most were much shorter than hers and revealed far more cleavage. Despite that Alex thought the music was too loud and prevented her from talking to the girls she danced with, it also kept her from thinking about the wreck her life had become seemingly overnight. She was able to keep the death of her parents out of her mind even if it was just for one evening.

  §

  It was nearly 2:00 A.M., and the storm was raging outside the ship. Lightning flashed and thunder cracked while waves struck the ship, rocking it despite its size. Passengers could feel the gentle rocking, but it wasn’t enough to disrupt their evening, and a large portion had already turned in for the night. The wind whipped harshly, seemingly blowing in every direction while the rain poured down.

  Once Club Teen officially closed for the night, Alex left the club and hurried along deck with her new friends. The brief moments they’d spent on deck were enough to soak the group of teens. When they finally reached the interior corridor, they were able to laugh at their soaked condition. Alex was lucky she was able to run in the dress shoes her aunt insisted she wear. Her new friends saw her safely to her cabin before heading to theirs, which was another deck away.

  Alex entered her cabin and turned on the light. Her cabin was rather luxurious for someone her age. It had a full-size bed with all the frills, a private, full-sized bath, and a large ocean view window. Alex immediately kicked off her wet, uncomfortable dress shoes. She’d have blisters after dancing in them all night. She grabbed a towel and immediately started drying her hair. She knew she should take a shower before going to bed, but it was already late, and she didn’t have the energy.

  Alex tapped lightly on the connecting door to her aunt’s cabin, wanting to let her know she had returned from her evening out so she wouldn’t worry. There was no response. She hesitated, fearful she might see something she didn’t want to see and then opened the door to the dark connecting room.

  “Aunt Trish?”

  Her aunt’s cabin was dark and empty. She realized no curfew also meant her aunt and Bronson could party all night as well. She shut the connecting door and headed for the bathroom to slip out of her wet dress when the ship suddenly rocked. A harsh vibration was felt throughout the entire ship. Alex was thrown against the wall with tremendous force, knocking her to the floor. She was slightly stunned but quickly moved to her feet, wondering what had happened.

  The ship’s
alarm wailed loudly, sending panic through her. Despite her alarm, Alex was able to keep her wits about her. She slipped into her black boots, grabbed her life preserver, and hurried from the room. As she ran along the corridor, she realized she was running on a downward incline. People filtered out of their cabins and into the corridor, panicking when they saw the angle of the corridor.

  Chapter Four

  Crowds of people pushed into the once glamorous, ritzy lobby. Its tall interior ceiling that led to several interior cabins on multiple levels and polished brass and glass staircase was no longer the prime focus. Throngs of people pushed and shoved one another despite the crewmembers attempting to keep them calm while awaiting further orders.

  Word had already spread that lifeboats were being filled as a precaution, but most knew it wasn’t a precaution. They realized the ship was sinking. It wasn’t long before smoke filled the lobby causing more panic to ensue. Alex entered the lobby and was immediately shoved against a wall as people pushed past her. She stood near the wall, attempting to keep from being trampled while watching the crowd of once refined, wealthy people reduced to a mob mentality and every man for himself.

  The crewmembers attempted to direct the masses to the exit doors since the smoke was now getting heavy, clouding the tall ceiling and lowering visibility. Directing more people onto the lifeboat decks in the severe weather wasn’t ideal, but it was now the only option remaining. Unfortunately, most of the passengers no longer listened to the frantically shouting crewmembers but instead pushed and shoved their way to the nearest exit.

  Alex witnessed a young woman tumble down the elegant stairs while being pushed within a crowd only to have that same crowd trample her at the bottom. Alex remained pressed against the wall with fear sweeping through her as she surveyed the situation from a safe distance. She knew she had to get to deck, but she also needed to find her Aunt Trisha. She continued to scan the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her aunt, since the lobby was the designated meeting place. Still, she didn’t see any sign of Trisha.