by Lora Thomas
Michael proceeded to the washbasin and splashed the cool water on his face. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and rubbed the day’s growth of beard. It was too hot to have water heated for a shave, so he elected to wait until morning to do so, but a swim would be nice. Having his mind made up what to do for the remainder of the afternoon, he opened the door and went down the grand staircase. As he neared the bottom of the stairs he heard a woman scream. Wait—it was not one, but two women, and then he heard Ott yell, “Mandy, get your hide in here and do something with these heathen daughters of yours!”
Michael raced into the salon. He found Ott pulling on a woman who had Ashton pinned on the ground. The woman on top landed a punch to Ashton’s nose followed by a, “You no good whoring slut!”
Ott looked at Michael. “Please help me before she kills her sister!”
Michael hurried over to the fighting women. He had to make his way through the skirts to find the woman’s waist. He pulled the woman on top of Ashton off. Ott grabbed Ashton’s arm as she stood and held her before she could charge towards the other woman.
“Stay away from him!”
“You’re insane! He came after me!” Ashton yelled back.
The other woman took her elbow and hit Michael in the ribs with such force that he loosened his grip. She bucked back and sent him staggering backwards. He tripped over an ottoman and fell to the ground.
He watched her. She was a swirl of pink fabric and lace. She was on Ashton in an instant. She punched Ashton’s chin. Ott let go of Ashton before she was hit. The woman then let out a faint curse and she shook her hand. Ashton took advantage of her distraction and slapped the woman across the face and then grabbed a handful of her blond hair. The other woman screamed and grabbed Ashton’s hand, pulling it to her mouth. She bit down hard causing Ashton to let go and scream herself.
Michael managed to get to his feet and raced to the other woman. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back. Ott grabbed Ashton again. The other woman began bucking against Michael again. Michael had a hard time keeping hold of the fighting woman. Whatever Ashton did had thoroughly pissed this woman off.
“If I find you so much as looking in Stephen’s direction, I’ll carve your eyes out!”
“He came on to me!” Ashton defended.
“Liar!”
“Why you—”
Michael had had enough of the bickering between these two women. He was hot, he was tired, and now his ribs hurt.
“Enough!” he bellowed.
Ashton stopped her struggles, but the woman in his arms didn’t. She kept up her fight to gain her freedom so she could attack Ashton. She wiggled and twisted in Michael’s arms. She took her long fingers and attempted to pry his arms from around her waist.
“Andrea Lynn!” Ott yelled. “You straighten up this instant and apologize to your sister immediately.”
“Never,” Andrea replied.
Michael looked down at the blond woman in his arms. So this was the mysterious Andrea, who was always absent from dinners and never around in the mornings. She was as feisty as her mother.
“What’s the matter, Andi, afraid he’ll like my gifts better than Abigail’s?”
Michael’s eyes grew wide. “Andi?” he repeated and looked back at the woman in his arms. So all this time his pixie had been under the same roof as him? No wonder he couldn’t locate her, she knew where he was at all times. Where he would be going and when he would return. No, Michael corrected himself. She thought he was her fiancé, Peterson. Surely this beautiful woman was not the one to be engaged to Egbert Peterson?
“The only gifts you’ll ever give someone is something that lye soap won’t wash off! Now let me go!” she yelled and twisted in Michael’s arms.
Ashton sucked in her breath. “How dare you state such lies?”
“I’m not the pretty little liar, Ashton. You are!”
“Girls!” Amanda yelled from the doorway. Both girls immediately stopped their arguing and stood still, like obedient soldiers who had just received an order from their commanding officer. Michael watched as Ashton’s head lowered and she glared at Andi. Andi held her head high. “Ashton Marie, go straight to your room this instant. I will deal with you later.”
“Yes, Mammy,” Ashton answered and walked out of the room.
Amanda turned her heated gaze to Andi. “Andrea Lynn, you promised me you would be on your best behavior. But look at you now, behaving in such a heathenistic way and in front of Mr. St. John, too.”
Andrea groaned. Her thoughts had been so caught up in the Earl that she had completely forgotten about that man from the shipping company coming to visit. She took a deep breath. She felt his hands loosen on her waist, and she turned to face him. Her eyes grew wide when she saw him. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. No wonder he denied being her fiancé, because he wasn’t! She closed her eyes and groaned again.
She then turned completely around and bestowed a brilliant smile. “Beggin’ your pardon, Mr. St. John,” she said, drawing out ‘pardon’ with a thick southern drawl.
She saw the humor in his eyes and she gave him a heated look. “That’s quite all right, little pixie. I know a thing or two about sibling rivalries,” Michael replied with a playful wink.
“Not like this,” she mumbled through gritted teeth.
“What did you say, Andrea?” her mother questioned heatedly.
“I said, thank you for your understanding,” she told her mother, her eyes never leaving Michael’s.
“Good. Now go to your room. I don’t expect to see you again for the rest of the evening.”
“What about Abigail and Stephen’s dinner?” she whined.
“Oh, I had forgotten about that,” Amanda replied. She furrowed her brows together for a moment and replied, “Then go to your room, you can come down for dinner, and you will behave respectably. Just as soon as dinner is over, you will go straight to your room. Do you understand me, little missy?”
“Yes, Mammy,” Andrea replied. She looked at Michael again. He gave her another teasing wink. She smiled sweetly at him and then stuck her tongue out at him. He gave a quiet chuckle as she left the room with Amanda on her heels.
“I’m so sorry you had to witness that, Michael,” Ott said, slumping down in a chair. He placed his hand over his eyes and then ran it along his face. “Thank you for your assistance in that matter. I hated to drag you into a family affair, but as you witnessed, I could not handle those two by myself. Andi is too much like her mother for one man to handle.” He gave a snort.
“No trouble at all, Ott. I have had my fair share of altercations with my brothers, some quite recent, but none have come to blows in a long time.”
“With Ashton and Andrea, it’s almost a daily occurrence. I’ll be glad when Andrea marries. Maybe her new husband will settle her down.”
“Didn’t you say one of your daughters was engaged to Egbert Peterson?”
“Yes, that would be Andrea.”
Michael took a deep breath. “I don’t think that would be a wise decision.”
Ott gave Michael a concerned look. “Why is that?”
Michael hated spreading gossip. But he knew what Peterson was, a scoundrel and a wastrel. Ott needed to know. He also needed to know that Egbert was responsible for Eli’s wife’s death and that Peterson’s other two wives had mysterious deaths, after their money had been run through.
“He has a horrible temper,” Michael decided to let Ott know.
“Good. Andi needs a firm hand.”
“No, I don’t think you’re getting what I’m trying to tell you. Let me rephrase my prior statement—he has a heavy hand on those who do not do as he pleases.”
Ott sat straight up in his chair. “You mean he would beat Andi?”
“I have not personally witnessed him hitting any woman. But I have had several run-ins with him and have witnessed it towards men weaker than him. I don’t think he would be a wise choice for your daughter . . . any of y
our daughters.”
“I was afraid you would say something like that,” Ott replied as he took a pain-filled sigh.
“There’s one more thing, Ott. Peterson is the reason my brother’s first wife died.”
“He murdered her?” Ott questioned. He sat up as though he had a rod running down his spine.
“Not exactly,” Michael said. Ott began to relax. “He chased her down and she fell down an embankment, killing her and her unborn child.”
“That was an accident. It could have happen—”
“He was married twice before. Both women died mysterious deaths after their dowry money had been depleted.”
Ott paled and fell against the chair back as if shoved by demons. “But the contract has already been signed.”
Michael pressed his lips together. “I’ll take a look at it to see if there is a way to break it.”
Ott shook his head. “I can’t ask you to get involved with my family matters. I will have my attorney take a look at it when he returns from Boston.”
“When will he be back?”
“Ah, damn,” Ott said, taking a ragged breath. “Not until picking season in the fall.”
“Really, I don’t mind. I am not an attorney, but I do know a little about laws and contracts.”
“Thank you.”
Michael nodded his head. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I was on my way to visit your lake when I heard your cries for assistance.” He turned and headed out the door.
As Michael exited the house, he heard a noise to his right. He looked around but didn’t see anyone about. He went to take a step and heard the noise again. He looked around in all directions. He heard a twig snap and walked around the corner. He smiled as he watched Andi. She was climbing down the large oak tree that touched the veranda. She had her pink dress pulled up and the front tucked in the waist. Her long, toned calves were exposed. Her backside was sticking outward as she climbed down the tree. Michael couldn’t tear his eyes away. Her dress was pulled tight over her derrière. He held in the desire to reach out and touch it. Her foot slipped. He sucked in his breath as he watched. She quickly grabbed an adjacent limb with her free hand and hoisted herself back up. She then quickly descended the tree like a squirrel. He hid around the corner of the house and watched her.
She untucked her dress from her waistband. Hiking up her skirt, she ran towards the barn. Before he knew it, she was racing out the barn, bareback and astraddle her horse. She was headed in the direction of the lake. He smiled mischievously. He needed payback for the trick she pulled on him.
He walked in the direction of the lake, taking his time. He wanted to make sure she was in the same state of undress as he was when they first met. He casually strolled in the direction Andi had headed. Maybe he would go to the family dinner tonight. After all he was invited, and Andi would be there along with Ashton. What if Ott needed more assistance? Yes, he would go to the family dinner, and hopefully he would assist in restraining Andi again.
Nearing the lake, he paused peering around the large tree. No one was in the water. He walked over to the stone bench and spotted Andi’s pink dress, wadded up and shoved it under the bench. He looked around the lake again, but did not see her in it.
Pausing to listen, he noticed the faint rumble of the waterfall. It was not a constant noise, but had intermittent breaks. A smile crossed his handsome face when he realized she was under the waterfall.
He casually made his way towards the large live oak tree at the back of the lake. As he walked past it, he allowed his large hand to rub the tree’s rough bark. He took his left hand and moved the low hanging curtain of Spanish moss out of the way. He saw her then. She was standing under the running water, allowing the coolness to envelope her body. She looked up, took her hands and pushed her long blond hair back, away from her eyes, and it cascaded down her back.
His eyes followed her cascading locks down to her buttocks. She was breathtaking. He watched as she turned slightly and the water hit her breasts, hiding them, but giving him just enough of a teasing glimpse that he could feel himself grow hard. He tore his eyes away from her and turned away. So much for his revenge.
He turned to walk away. Taking a step he heard a man’s voice. He drew his brow together and walked towards the live oak tree. His eyes narrowed when he saw none other than Egbert Peterson. Michael was glad this morning when the Petersons informed him that their nephew was away visiting a neighbor and would not return until later during the day.
Michael watched as Peterson walked in the direction of the waterfall. Protectiveness came over Michael. He could not allow that man near Andi. Michael took a step and blocked the path.
Egbert had a shocked expression to his features when he spied Michael. His eyes traveled up and down Michael. “St. John, what a pleasant surprise.”
“That so,” Michael replied, not bothering to conceal the displeasure in his deep voice.
Egbert raised his brow at Michael’s tone. Neither man spoke, but stared at one another, testing each other’s dominance. Egbert began to squirm uncomfortably under Michael’s heated gaze.
“Is there someplace else you need to be, St. John?”
“Nope. I was here to take a swim when I noticed you approaching.”
“That’s what I have come here for as well.”
“Come back later. As you can see, the lake is already ta—” Michael’s statement was interrupted by a giggle in the direction of Andi.
“Company of yours?” Egbert questioned, attempting to look around Michael.
“Yes. And if you know what’s good for you, I’d suggest you leave . . . now.”
Egbert was about to protest, but the look in Michael’s eyes warned him not to. The Earl gave him a tight-lipped smile. “I need to return to my uncle’s anyway.”
Michael watched the snide little man leave. When Peterson was out of sight, he turned and walked back to Andi. He found her sitting on the edge of a rock, allowing the water to run over her.
“You owe me,” he replied with agitation to his voice, an angry scowl on his face.
Andi looked wildly around and brought her knees up to her, covering her breast. “What are you doing here?” she shrieked. “I’m swimming. Or is it acceptable to swim in the company of others without chaperones where you’re from?”
“Drop the prim and proper lady demeanor. It doesn’t suit you, Andi.”
“It’s not a demeanor, you dolt! What are you doing? Spying on me?”
“No, but I just kept Peterson from doing just that,” he answered, leaning his shoulder against a tree, his eyes never leaving her.
“What?” she questioned with surprise. Then “Do you mind?!” she shrieked as she attempted to cover her body with her legs and hands.
One side of Michael’s mouth came up, but not in a kind smile. “No, actually I don’t. You have tempted me twice, Andi. Now a third time. Keep this up and I might think you are like a wanton like Ashton.”
“Why, you no good bastard!” Andi shouted. She took one of her hands and reached behind her. She wrapped her fingers around a small rock and threw it at Michael, hitting him in the forehead.
“Damn it!” he yelled, rubbing his head. He watched as Andi stood and then dove into the water. “Get back here!”
“No!” she yelled as she swam towards the opposite shore. She heard a splash behind her and began to swim faster. Surely he wasn’t swimming after her? Her answer came by way of a hand around her ankle. How? How did he catch her so quickly?
She took her free foot and kicked in his direction. “Let me go!”
Michael didn’t know why he had dove into the water after Andi. She made him want her in one second and then want to strangle her in the next when she hit him with that stone. When he watched her swim away, he became angry at her childish actions. He pulled her to him. She fought him until she was pressed against his chest.
Andi could feel his wet clothing pressing against her flesh. The heat of his body pressing against hers
caused a strange sensation to stir deep inside her. She struggled against him in an attempt to free herself, but to no avail. He was too strong for her. Never in her life had she had this problem. She beat on his chest with her fists and then made an unladylike sound when Michael captured her arms and held them behind her. When she looked up into his eyes, she noticed they had grown darker.
Michael watched her chest heave up and down with each infuriated breath. She was so beautiful in her rage. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him. They had darkened in color to the shade of a wintered evergreen. Her lips parted slightly as she took an exasperated breath. In an instant, Michael was kissing her. He met no resistance from her as she kissed him in return. He deepened the kiss and let her arms free. They encircled his neck and he pulled her closer to him.
Andi’s knees began to grow weak from the sensations stirring in her body. She clung to Michael as though her life depended on it. When she felt his tongue on her lips, she couldn’t resist the temptation to explore it with hers. She felt him tighten his grip around her waist and then his hand traveled to the back of her head, holding her fast as he kissed her deeper, more passionately. A small moan escaped her throat. She knew she should end this encounter, but the feelings he created deep inside thrilled her. She didn’t want him to stop.
“One more thing, St. John,” came Peterson’s voice from the woods.
Andi pulled back from Michael and her eyes grew wide. “Oh, no!” she whispered.
She felt Michael’s hands on her as he gently pushed her behind him, shielding her body from whomever it was speaking his name.
Michael’s eyes narrowed as he watched Peterson appear from the direction he had left earlier. He did not speak as he stared at the other man.
A malicious expression crossed Egbert’s face. He knew why Peterson had returned, hoping to create a scandal involving whomever Michael was with. He would not give Peterson the pleasure. He would beat the man senseless if need be, in order to protect Andrea’s reputation from Peterson’s vicious tongue. But wait, it would be more than her reputation, but her life, since she was promised to the Earl.