Broddock-Black 05 - Force of Nature

by Susan Johnson

  Force of Nature

  ✥

  Susan Johnson

  Some characters are simply unforgettable—and Susan Johnson's Jon Hazard Black is one of them. Now, the beloved hero of BLAZE welcomes the daughter he's never known, and plunges his family into chaos, unleashing an insatiable hunger between two proud people, a passion as raw and intense as a...

  SOME DESIRES CAN'T BE DENIED

  Raised by her mother in bohemian Italy, free-spirited Jo Attenborough’s modern notions of a woman's role frequently land her in hot water...but nothing like the heat she experiences under the penetrating gaze of a mysterious man...

  SOME HUNGERS ARE BEYOND CONTROL

  His mother Irish and his father a samurai, Flynn Ito has the spirit of a warrior—and a reputation as a dangerous man. The reclusive cattle baron protects whats his...and what he wants to possess more than anything he’s ever known is Jo...

  SOME TEMPTATIONS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST

  They never should have met. But when their worlds collide, every desire will be granted, every forbidden pleasure explored, and every temptation will make an act of war into the sweetest surrender...

  “Susan Johnson knows how to make the pages sizzle and burn and take forbidden passion to new heights....”

  —Romantic Times

  Braddock-Black - 05 - Force Of Nature - Susan Johnson

  KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP

  Kensington Publishing Corp.

  850 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022

  Copyright © 2003 by Susan Johnson

  ISBN 1-57566-807-6

  First Kensington Trade Paperback Printing: March 2003 10 987654321

  Printed in the United States of America

  About The Author

  SUSAN JOHNSON, award-winning author of nationally bestselling novels, lives in the country near North Branch, Minnesota. A former art historian, she considers the life of a writer the best of all possible worlds. Researching her novels takes her to past and distant places, and bringing characters to life allows her imagination full rein. But perhaps most important... writing stories is fun. Please visit her webpage: www.susanjohnsonauthor.net.

  Chapter 1

  Helena, Montana

  April 1888

  Two women were standing on the windswept porch of the Braddock-Black mansion, their luggage at their feet, the carriage that had brought them from the rail station a receding shadow in the stormy night. Brushing away the snowflakes swirling about her head with an exasperated gesture, the younger woman scowled into the blustery night.

  “This is impossible! How can it be snowing in April?”

  “The climate is more unpredictable than Florence, darling.” The well-dressed woman’s voice was mild, as though they were actually discussing the weather.

  Spitting out a flurry of snowflakes that blew into her mouth, the dark-haired woman’s scowl deepened. “Which is where we should be—not here and certainly not now!” She jabbed a finger at the carriages lining the street. “For heaven’s sake, Mother, these people are entertaining!”

  “We needn’t stay long. As for us being here now”—a distinct firmness insinuated itself into her tone—“I daresay, we have as much right as anyone to be here. More perhaps.”

  “Have you no shame, Mother? You’d confront these people in full view of their guests?”

  “Nonsense. We’re not here to confront anyone. We’ve come to visit your father. I see no shame in that.”

  “Perhaps some of those inside might disagree.”

  “Darling, there’s no need to carry on so. I’m sure I know most everyone in town and this is simply a visit, no more.”

  “It’s been twenty-three years, Mother. I doubt you know anyone at all, although that might be the only saving grace in this debacle,” the slender, young woman muttered. “At least we’ll be embarrassing ourselves before strangers.”

  “No one is going to embarrass anyone, my dear. Now, straighten your bonnet. It’s awry as usual.” Ignoring her daughter’s dissent with her usual disregard for any view other than her own, Lucy Attenborough turned to the door, lifted the knocker and let it fall with a bang onto the polished brass plate.

  ❧

  Hazard and his wife, Blaze, were hosting a dinner party that evening. After glancing at the calling card his major domo handed him, Hazard excused himself. Walking down the hall toward the drawing room where he’d been told two women waited, Hazard unconsciously braced himself for trouble. This was hardly the time of day for making calls, especially after twenty-three years. When he reached the door to the drawing room, he paused for a moment with his hand on the door latch. His pulse was racing. Every nerve was on alert—like going into battle, he reflected with a certain irony—just like the old days.

  Taking a small breath, he pushed down the latch, entered the room and immediately recognized Lucy Attenborough. “You’ve done well for yourself, Jon.”

  Lucy’s tone of voice did nothing to assuage the misgivings her name had evoked, nor did the sight of the young woman at her side. Closing the door behind him securely, as though he could contain the approaching scandal with so small a gesture, he turned back to the women. “What brings you to Helena, Lucy?” he asked. As if he didn’t know, he thought, taking in the familiar features of the young lady with his former lover. As if Lucy didn’t know he owned half of Montana.

  “I wanted you to meet your daughter.”

  He didn’t move from his position near the door. “You waited a long time.”

  “For heaven’s sake, Mother, will you stop this ridiculous game.” The young woman rose to her considerable height, lifted the chin that matched that of the man regarding her and met his gaze with similar dark eyes. “Please forgive us for intruding. My mother is without pride. Come, Mother. You saw what you wanted to see.”

  “There’s no doubt she’s mine,” Hazard murmured, struck by the remarkable resemblance. “If you need anything, it can be arranged.” Moving forward, Hazard put out his hand to the daughter he’d never seen. “Welcome to my home.”

  The young woman hesitated for a fraction of a second before taking her father’s hand.

  “I’m Jon Hazard Black,” he said with a smile.

  “Giuseppina Attenborough. Call me Jo,” she replied, withdrawing her hand from his grasp.

  Hazard’s dark brows arched upward. “An unusual name.”

  “She was born in Florence,” Lucy interposed, with an easy familiarity, as though their conversation was of the most banal nature.

  “And raised in Florence,” the young woman added, “until Mother decided it was improper for me to work for a living, which I’m perfectly capable of doing.” She shot her mother an exasperated look. “I could have supported us very well.” Turning back to Hazard, she said with a hint of defiance as though she’d had to parry criticism for her choice of profession before. “I’m an engineer.”

  “It’s just a whim for which Father Alessandro has much to answer!” Lucy retorted, tartly. “She’s no such thing!”

  Jo’s gaze was cool. “Mother thinks it’s unfeminine.”

  “The world’s changing. Why shouldn’t you be an engineer?”

  Hazard’s daughter looked at him with genuine warmth for the first time since he’d walked into the room. “Exactly.”

  The door into the drawing room suddenly opened and a beautiful woman with flame red hair stood on the threshold.

  Hazard immediately moved toward his wife and taking her hand, drew her into the room. “Darling, come meet our visitors.”

  The look that passed between husband and wife was difficult to interpret, so quickly was it shuttered.

  As Blaze and Hazard approached, Luc
y measured her competition with a discerning gaze: obviously a Worth gown. She coolly calculated the price of such luxury with an eye for her own personal gain. The diamonds Hazard’s wife wore were worth a king’s ransom, her beauty undiminished by the intervening years. And she had a fortune of her own as well, Lucy thought with the bitterness of someone who had lost hers, along with a lover who had required a sizable income to maintain. Her handsome cavalry officer, however enamored, had succumbed to family pressures and married the little heiress selected for him.

  So she was here now to repair her fortunes.

  And perhaps take back what was hers.

  Although their visit to this little backwater town might turn out to be more enjoyable than she’d anticipated. The fact that Hazard was as handsome as ever added a delightful fillip to her enterprise.

  In contrast to her mother’s degage attitude, Jo was mortified to be here. Not that she hadn’t been curious about her father, but if her mother hadn’t gone into hysterics, she would have stood firm and remained in Florence. She’d lived twenty-two fatherless years without any undue distress. And unlike her mother, she had no wish to be a rich man’s petitioner. She doubted as well, that there was a wife alive who would graciously welcome her husband’s by-blow and ex-lover.

  As for Blaze, after one glance at Lucy and the young woman, there was no question why they were here. The girl’s resemblance to Hazard was startling: the same eyes and chin and beautifully defined mouth, the same dark, silken hair. She’d inherited his height as well. As a half blood, her skin was a shade lighter, but in all else she bore Hazard’s mark.

  “You remember Lucy, don’t you?” Hazard said, the gaze he turned on Blaze a plea for forbearance.

  “Of course. How are you, Lucy?” Blaze could afford to be gracious; she had no insecurities apropos her husband’s affection.

  “I’m a bit fatigued after our long journey.” Lucy rested against the sofa back in a languid pose that brought her fine bosom into prominence. “But otherwise I’m well. I’m looking forward to renewing old acquaintances,” she added, smiling at Hazard.

  She looked so smug, Blaze briefly considered throwing her out.

  “And this is Jo,” Hazard quickly interposed, hoping to deflect Lucy’s blatant provocation. “A very pleasant surprise,” he said kindly.

  Jo’s discomfort was so patent, Blaze took pity on the young woman. Surely she couldn’t be faulted for her mother’s affrontery. “How nice to meet you, Jo. You look so much like your father; you must have felt as though you were looking in a mirror. Has Jon invited you ladies to join us for dinner?”

  “I hadn’t yet.” Nor would he have.

  “You both must be hungry,” Blaze remarked, cordially. “Please join us.” There was no point in trading discourtesies. The girl was well mannered. Lucy was Lucy. And their guests would learn the facts concerning Hazard’s daughter soon enough in a town the size of Helena.

  “No! We can’t!” Jo exclaimed. “That is, no, thank you, we couldn’t impose,” she added more calmly. “We’re not dressed and the journey was fatiguing.”

  “Perhaps some other time.” Lucy’s winning smile was directed at Hazard. She had no intention of meeting her former friends without a proper toilette and a full array of her remaining jewels.

  Jo offered up a silent prayer of thanksgiving, although she knew her mother’s reply had nothing to do with good manners.

  Jo wasn’t the only one to experience gratitude. Hazard stifled a sigh of relief.

  An uncomfortable silence fell, the wailing wind and snow pelting against the windows suddenly were conspicuously loud.

  “Our luggage is in the foyer,” Lucy said into the hush. “And we are dreadfully tired, aren’t we, darling?”

  The swift look passing between husband and wife was obvious this time.

  “Let me see that you have rooms at the Plantation House.” The authority in Hazard’s tone quelled even Lucy’s urge to object.

  “I should be getting back to our guests.” Blaze’s smile was forced. “You won’t be long, will you, dear?” she added, turning away in a whisper of shimmering black moire and sparkling diamonds.

  “No. I’ll have Timms make the arrangements. If you’ll excuse me.” He dipped his head to his guests. “I’ll be right back.”

  Hazard overtook Blaze in the hallway, caught her around the waist, turned her around and offered her a rueful smile. “Please, don’t be angry.”

  She brushed his hands away. “I’m not sure I want to talk to you right now.”

  “I don’t blame you, but I can’t refuse to see my daughter,” he said, quietly. “I just can’t.”

  Adjusting her diamond bracelet that didn’t need adjusting, Blaze concentrated on centering the rosette design on her wrist. “Of course, you can’t,” she said with a sigh, her gaze coming up to meet his. “But Lucy’s just so bloody annoying.

  She hasn’t changed one whit. And she’s looking forward to renewing old acquaintances.” Her brows arched. “How perfect for us all.”

  “You know as well as I do that Lucy’s a bitch through and through.”

  “I think perhaps you know her just a little bit better than I.”

  “Lucy’s here because she needs money.” Hazard prudently shifted the direction of the conversation. “I doubt I would have ever seen my daughter if not for that. You can see that Jo is clearly embarrassed.”

  “At least she doesn’t take after her mother. Lucy’s too brazen to be embarrassed. As I recall, she pursued you relentlessly—not only under her old husband’s nose, but before the entire town.”

  “That all happened long ago, before I knew you.” There was no point in arguing about Lucy’s pursuit; it had been shameless.

  Tight-lipped, Blaze stared at him. “How many more children might there be from ‘before you knew me’?”

  “None, I expect... or we would have heard long since.”

  Her brows rose at his male pragmatism. “I’m not sure that’s what I care to hear.”

  “I can’t change what happened before I met you.” He touched her hand, slid his finger over the soft white kid of her long evening glove. “I wish I could; I don’t like to make you unhappy.”

  The hum of conversation from the dining room was audible in the abrupt silence, the clink of dinnerware and glasses evidence of another course being served, a strident high-pitched giggle suddenly shrill above the muted sounds of social intercourse.

  Blaze groaned. “Claudia will relish hearing the news. She thrives on scandal and gossip.”

  “I’m sorry. I wish I could change things”—Hazard bent low so their eyes met—“but they’re here. And she’s family.”

  Blaze blew out a small breath. “I know... I know.” She made a small moue. “Go and do what you have to do,” she murmured. “I’ll make your excuses to our dinner guests. Although it’s going to be up to you to explain Jo and Lucy’s appearance when you return. And don’t even think about dissembling. The entire city will know by morning.”

  “It shouldn’t take long to explain that I have another daughter,” he said with male succinctness. “Come morning, we’ll see what Lucy wants—or rather, how much she wants. And unless I miss my guess, the moment Lucy has her bank draft, she’ll be on the next train east.” A faint smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Jo’s very lovely, though, isn’t she?”

  It was impossible not to agree. “She’s beautiful, darling. Very beautiful. And if Lucy Attenborough wasn’t looking at you with such fondness, I would be more than willing to let the girl stay here. But—”

  “God, no. You’re too trusting. Lovely as she may be, let’s first see what’s brought them so far from Florence after two decades—or more to the point what two decades in Florence may have wrought.”

  “You know best, dear.”

  Hazard’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not sure I like that patently false acquiescence.”

  Blaze grinned. “Then we’re even, because I’m not sure I like having Lucy Atte
nborough lusting after you.”

  “Good God, she’s not lusting. That was over years ago.”

  “I know what I saw. Lusting, darling. Without a doubt.” He groaned.

  “Fond memories?” Her gaze was amused.

  Lucy Attenborough was the most unnervingly brash woman on the face of the earth. She’d had absolutely no discretion years ago, nor had she now. Who, but Lucy, would arrive in the midst of a dinner party? “No, fond, wouldn’t be my choice of words,” he noted, brusquely. Harrowing, maybe, he thought; she never took no for an answer. He nodded in the direction of the dining room. “I suppose Timms is supervising in there.”

  “I’ll send him out.”

  “I’d appreciate it. He can see our visitors to the Plantation House.” Hazard grimaced faintly, not looking forward to further conversation with Lucy. “I’ll go and speak to the ladies and join you shortly.”

  “You can’t say our dinner guests won’t be entertained tonight,” Blaze murmured, a teasing light in her eyes. Hazard’s gaze narrowed. “I’m glad you’re amused.”

  She grinned. “I couldn’t resist. But, darling, consider, it’s not as though we’re unfamiliar with scandal in our lives. Our son, for instance, has led us a merry chase of late,” she pointed out. “And at base, it’s only money. We have more than enough to share with your daughter.” Her brows arched slightly. “I wouldn’t wish, however, to set up Lucy in too much style. I’m not that magnanimous.”

  “Nor I,” Hazard muttered. “She was left a half million when Attenborough died. Although she didn’t get her settlement without a fight. Attenborough’s first wife and children together with the trustees weren’t inclined to be generous to the judge’s new young bride.”

  Blaze shrugged. “Perhaps she lived too well in Florence.” “No doubt. We’ll see what she wants and then the lawyers can do the haggling.”