Chapter 403:
Harlee turned toward Tonya, who was facing away from them.
A mischievous smirk played across her face, her eyes twinkling with playfulness.
âThen shall we makeâ¦â
âShut up!â Tonya exclaimed, looking utterly frustrated.
She knew Harlee all too well! She wished she could not instantly grasp the underlying meaning of Harleeâs words.
Had she anticipated Harleeâs approach to romance being so unconventional and bold, she never would have encouraged it!
The next day, after a restful night, the group set off once more.
Having encountered the arrow-poison frogs the day before, they were now extra attentive to the potential dangers hidden within the rainforest.
Considering the frogs could mutate, what other surprises might the rainforest hold? As they pushed on with their journey, all remained extremely cautious.
Robbie and Ritchie came across a python, a massive pitcher plant, and a three-meter-tall carnivorous flower.
Whenever they encountered danger that wasnât immediately life-threatening, Harlee would guide them remotely, using these moments to sharpen their survival skills.
If the threats proved too daunting, Harlee would quickly direct them to retreat.
Though Robbie and Ritchie looked a bit worse for wear after several close calls, they managed to avoid any serious injuries, and remarkably, their skills had developed considerably.
Initially, they had struggled collectively to fend off a single giant carnivorous flower, but now, each could tackle one independently.
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With Harlee, Rhys, and Tonya, the trio became proficient at foreseeing dangers, which allowed them to navigate quicker than Robbie and Ritchie.
Over the days, Harlee and Rhysâ relationship deepened significantly, earning even Tonyaâs respect.
To those in the know, it was clear Harlee and Rhys were on a mission, but to outsiders, it might seem as though they were enjoying an adventurous honeymoon in the rainforest.
Tonya, whenever chatting with Ritchie online, would complain nonstop, half-wishing she could join Ritchie directly through her phone.
The journey was filled with laughter and playful banter.
The distance between Rhys and Harleeâs group slowly narrowed.
What started as awkwardness and tension had shifted into a sense of comfort, with the group now joking around as if Rhys were already a part of the Shadow Moon Society.
Rhys, Tonya, Ritchie, and Robbie all followed Harleeâs lead.
No one dared defy her decisions.
Consequently, aside from necessary pauses to deal with threats, their movement was swift, cutting down their estimated six-day trek to just four days.
On the fifth day, the five of them finally regrouped.
Tonya ran to Ritchie, exclaiming that she hadnât missed him this much, even after half a year on separate missions.
Harleeâs public display of affection was too much.
Ritchie wrapped his arms around Tonya, and she nestled into him like a playful kitten.
A rare smile broke through Harleeâs typically stoic demeanor, her lips curving slightly upward.
Turning her head, Harlee inhaled Rhysâ crisp scent, reminiscent of snow-covered pines.
Looking up, she caught his captivating gaze.
Swallowing nervously, she allowed a naughty smile to tug at her lips.
Rhys was exactly her type.
He was so captivating that she felt as if she could hardly contain herself.
She stretched slowly and then leaned into his embrace with relaxed ease.
âShall we sit over there for a bit?â Harlee suggested, lightly tapping his chest with her slender finger.
Rhysâ body reacted instantly.
Her touch wasnât just a simple contact.
It felt as though she was reaching right into his heart! A warm rush filled him.
The woman he was drawn to was truly unique, with the power to quicken his pulse.
His voice, deep and enticing, said, âSure.â
As they walked, Rhys reached out to gently adjust Harleeâs stray hair.
Robbie, the only single one of the group, watched Ritchie and Tonyaâs tender interactions and then observed Harlee and Rhys heading arm in arm toward a clearing.
Well, it felt like they were just taunting him for being single.
But then Robbie considered how Harlee, who had always stayed single, had finally found a man who truly matched her and was willing to set aside his pride and put her first in everything.
Suddenly, he didnât feel so bad.
Harlee deserved the best, after all!
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