Jack and the Beanstalk (Faerie Tale Collection) by Jenni James Page A

the beanstalk and wait for me there. I must find Rachel, and I cannot do so with you announcing our presence every few seconds!”
    “You are such a boor!” she said once she pulled away. “I was speaking quietly enough.”
    “No, you were not!”
    “Hey!”came a loud voice from within the room. “Who is out there making noise?”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    “RUN!” JACK PUSHED JILL away from the door. “Hide! Go!”
    “Jack?” She looked at him, but he would not budge.
    They could feel the vibrating footsteps of the giant. “Fe, fi, fo, fum! Who is outside my door? Whoever they be, I do come!”
    “Run!” He shouted this time, not even trying to soften his voice. “He knows someone is here. I will stay and meet his wrath. Leave so you can save us!”
    Satisfied, he watch Jill run and hide behind a pillar a short distance away.
    “You!” The giant’s loud voice caused Jack’s ears to ring. The large man bent over, his hands on his knees, peering right at him.
    “Me!” Jack smiled and stood up tall, his gaze taking in the man’s rather pleasant features. Why, he did not look very terrifying at all.
    The giant blinked. “What you want? Who are you?”
    “I am Jack Waithwrite, and I have come to be at your service.” His teeth clenched behind his tight smile.
    “My servant? I don’t need no servant.” The giant reached down and picked Jack up, squeezing his shoulders painfully.
    “No? Are you sure? I would be happy to do anything you wished.”
    The giant looked around. “Hey, where you come from, anyway? How you find me?”
    “Uh…” This was definitely not a question he could answer. If he mentioned the beanstalk, the giant might have it removed. If he mentioned the witch, the giant would know he had come for the baby. Instead, he tried a different approach. “You are a very nice-looking person. What is your name?”
    The giant smiled, showing teeth that were surprisingly clean and straight. “I Gleeflak.”
    “Hello, Gleeflak. It is nice to meet you.” Jack tried not to grimace as the large man laughed and squeezed a bit more firmly.
    “Are you my friend?” Gleeflak asked.
    “Uh, yes.” Jack’s smile felt strained.
    “Good! I like friends. I always wanted a friend. Want to come sit with me? We could watch my pretty singing girl.”
    Relief poured over Jack. She was here. She was safe. “Yes! I would love to do that.”
    “Good.” The giant swung his arms as he walked, most likely forgetting he had a new friend in his hand.
    Jack swayed back and forth like tossing on a sea-churned ship. He was going to be ill if Gleeflak did not stop soon. He swallowed a moan, but then shouted when the giant loosened his fingers and his hold on him. As quickly as possible, Jack clung to the man’s shirtsleeve and then swung his legs over his wrist as if he were riding a horse. The motive for the release was explained as soon as he saw the intricately designed cage.
    Gleeflak must not be able to process more than one thought at a time, and right now that thought was to get the singing maiden. Jack hung on as the giant brought his arm up and unlocked the clasp on the cage.
    And there she was—the first time he had seen Rachel in five days. He had never glimpsed anything more perfect than she was right then. She smiled wide. Just as she was about to exclaim her joy, he shook his head and tried to convey the message not to let the giant know they were acquainted.
    Rachel’s brow furrowed for a second as she glanced from Jack to the giant and then back at Jack.
    He winked.
    And then she grinned the most adorable grin.
    “Here, little singer. You come and sing to me and my friend Jack,” Gleeflak said as he reached in and tugged her close to Jack. They stared at one another, Jack’s gaze going hungrily all over hers, deciding which part he would love to kiss first. Her lips, that dainty nose, her bright eyes, those smiling cheeks…
    “Hey, Jack? Where you go?” asked the giant, his head going back and