“I shall expect you at my hotel this evening, Mr. Alexander. We have a great deal to discuss concerning our journey.”
“I’m sorry, but I may not be able to make it tonight.”
“I insist you do, sir!”
Damon opened the door wider and allowed Eden to see into the room. On the sheet-rumpled bed reclined a woman who didn’t appear the least bit bothered over her nudity. During her days at LaRue’s, Eden had seen undressed women and didn’t think a thing about it, but now she was suddenly embarrassed to realize that this woman was waiting for Damon Alexander’s lusty lovemaking. And for the flash of a second, Eden envied the woman Damon’s caresses—going so far as to imagine herself on that bed awaiting that man. The thought caused her face to redden with such intensity she felt her face might explode. “As you can see, I’m occupied,” she heard him finish.
She took a deep breath and willed herself to speak. “I suggest you … complete your business as soon as possible.”
“Some things can’t be rushed, Mrs. Flynn. A woman like yourself should know that.”
The horrid man was actually smirking at her. His words were clearly meant to insult her, but she wasn’t certain how. “I’ll be waiting, Mr. Alexander. Good afternoon.”
Eden turned away, rushing blindly down the hallway, unaware if Nick Patterson followed behind her. She wished only to escape the image of Damon Alexander’s very masculine body draped in a sheet, to get her thoughts in order. But her mind was jumbled with pictures of Alexander taking the woman in his arms. She distinctly saw his hands stroking the voluptuous flesh, clearly heard the woman’s moan of pleasure…
Eden stopped dead-still on the street and clutched her throat in dismay; the moan she’d heard had come from her own mouth.
Chapter 3
“Traitor!” Damon hissed at Nick after Eden’s abrupt departure. Not giving Nick the chance to reply, Damon slammed the door. The veins in his neck jutted out; his mouth hurt from gritting his teeth so hard. Raking tanned fingers through his tousled hair, he barely glanced at Bella. His attention was still fixed on the mental image of Eden Flynn.
She’d looked so much like a proper lady, so perfect in her manners and deportment. He recalled how wisps of golden-red hair peeped from beneath the blue bonnet, how her long golden lashes framed the most incredibly beautiful green eyes he’d ever seen. She was more beautiful than he’d expected. Perhaps that was the reason he’d purposely bumped into her on the street earlier that day.
He hadn’t intended to knock her down, only to nudge her so she’d notice him. Instead, he had tripped over his own feet at the last instant. He’d felt like a big lummox, which was exactly what Eden must have thought. At the time Damon hadn’t known she was Shamus’s gold-digging widow of course. He’d wanted to meet her when he first spied her heading toward the saloon. Her arms had been loaded down with packages, nearly obscuring her face—a face he hoped would be the counterpart in beauty of her curvaceous form. And she hadn’t disappointed him. She was beautiful, a perfect lady.
At least he had thought she was a lady until she’d threatened him with her knee. But now he knew without a doubt that Eden Flynn was the whore he had anticipated. No woman of quality would have marched inside the Greenstone as she had done. And she’d barely flicked an eyelash at his state of undress, a clear indication that she’d seen many a naked man in her time. A gnawing sensation started in the pit of his stomach when he wondered how many men she’d seen that way.
Shamus had been one, and now she’d snared Nick into her wanton web. “Well, she won’t claim me with her fancy ways,” Damon mumbled, then realized with a start that Eden hadn’t given any indication of being interested in him. Quite the opposite actually, and for a man who was used to women finding him attractive, this realization stung his male ego.
“What’s the matter, love? You’re not tired of playing with me already, are you?” Bella’s sultry voice from the bed drew his attention to her. Damon cast the sheet aside and joined her. Here was a woman who knew what she was and didn’t pretend to be something she wasn’t. In her own way, Bella was honest—unlike Eden Flynn.
Damon nuzzled the valley between her large breasts, then his hand strayed to the spot between her thighs. “I’m never too tired for this,” he assured her.
Bella giggled, but began to moan with pleasure when Damon’s fingers slipped inside her and worked her to a frenzy. “I just love when you come into town,” she whispered, allowing his tongue free rein over her body. “You’re the only paying gent who thinks to give me some fun.”
Bella had told him this before. He found himself wondering if things had been that way for Eden, too. He didn’t want to think about her and forcefully pushed the image of her from his mind. He felt almost grateful to Bella at that instant as she opened her legs to him, inviting him to plunder her. Happily he did so, but his release never came. For the first time in his long experience with women, he couldn’t perform.
“Aw, Damon, don’t feel bad now.” Bella stroked his hair later, after it had become all too clear to both of them that none of Bella’s whore-tricks would work, either. “Sometimes this happens. Take it from me.”
“This has never happened to me before.” Damon bounded from the bed and took a cheroot from a box on the bedside table.
“You’re not blaming me, are you? I did my best, but you…”
“Aye, aye, Bella. I’m knowing you did. I don’t blame you.”
“You’re not thinking of making me give you back some of what you paid me, ‘cause I won’t and you can’t make me.” Bella folded her plump arms across her bare breasts and glared at him.
Damon couldn’t help but laugh. Beneath the painted face and whore’s body, Bella was like any other astute business person. He’d always known what she was, but he liked to think he was special in some way to her. Maybe that was why he always took care to make her climax. It set him apart from the other men. Though he’d long suspected her mercenary heart, it still hurt to learn it firsthand.
He lighted the cheroot and took a deep puff. A dusky purple sky settled above the Remarkables in the distance and reminded him of Thunder Mine. He ached to go home. If not for Eden Flynn, he wouldn’t have been thinking about her with other men when his mind should have been on Bella’s pleasuring. He had also worried about the mine’s future and what would happen to his own life if Eden pursued her claim. Despite his rugged existence, his life was well ordered and there wasn’t any room in it for a woman, as a lover or business partner. Yet her very presence in Queenstown was proof that she did intend to claim her share. The wench was not only intent upon ruining his business, but his personal life, too. She was clearly the reason he couldn’t perform with Bella.
The solution to his problem was quite simple, and one he’d intended from the very first. He couldn’t have a woman messing up his life in any way. Tessa had left too many scars for him to allow Eden to inflict wounds. He knew what to do now, and like the gold-digging wench Eden was, he was certain she’d agree.
Damon started to dress. “Where are you off to?” Bella asked, yawning.
“I’ve business to attend to. Get your wrap on and be on your way.”
“But you bought me for the night.” Her eyes accused him.
“Aye, I did, and I won’t be asking for a refund. Just get yourself out of my bed and my room. When I return, I’d like a lengthy sleep.” He hoped his problem with Eden would be over then and that he’d finally be able to sleep in peace.
~~~
She watched him from beneath her long, silky lashes. Every now and then she’d lift her eyes to him, drinking in his powerfully built body as he paced the floor of her hotel room. Eden found it difficult to swallow, to even breathe at times. Damon Alexander’s masculinity was so blatant and self-assured that she could barely concentrate on his words. When she made the attempt to understand what he was saying to her, her gaze fastened on his mouth, lingering on his sensual lips. She wondered how it would feel to be k
issed by those lips, but her own wanton imaginings caused her to shiver both in anticipation and dread of her own wicked response to this man whom she determined to dislike.
And from what he was telling her, it was more than obvious that he disliked her.
“That’s what I propose, Mrs. Flynn,” she heard him say. He stopped pacing and stood before the sofa, looking down at her.
She found it difficult to speak, so totally mesmerized by him that she was forced to shake herself from the trance his very presence induced within her. “I … I fail to see the value of your proposition, Mr. Alexander,” she finally managed.
Damon blinked, apparently baffled. “I don’t see how you can’t.”
Eden stood, feeling the seated position put her at a disadvantage. She steeled herself for the outburst she was certain would follow upon her refusal. Alexander didn’t want her as his partner and was determined to send her packing. She was just as determined to claim her share of Thunder Mine. He didn’t know how resolute she was, or how stubborn. “Your offer to buy out my share is more than generous, but I must refuse.”
Until this point, he’d been almost amiable. Now his eyes darkened to a stormy black. “So it’s more money you’ll be wanting. I should have guessed.”
“No, no, sir, you’re not listening. I don’t want your money. No amount you can offer will make me change my mind. I intend to be a working partner with you.”
“Over my dead body, Yank.”
Eden winced. Alexander truly didn’t want her, and not only because she was a woman. There was something else. But what?
Alexander’s height dwarfed her, but she couldn’t allow him to realize she felt even a tad intimidated by him or that since meeting him, she was unsure of her own position as Shamus’s heir. His dislike of her was evident, but she wouldn’t let him take advantage of her by doing her out of her inheritance. Owning part of Thunder Mine meant the world to her. She needed something of her own again, some bulwark against an uncertain future. Damon Alexander wouldn’t deprive her of the security she so desperately craved. Not now, not ever.
“If that’s your attitude…” she began, “then I fear you shall live a short time. I’ve officially claimed my share in Thunder Mine by seeing my husband’s lawyer. I’ve signed the necessary papers. Shamus willed his portion to me, because he wanted me to have it, though I admit I have a great deal to learn about mining. With your help I’ll prove myself an astute pupil. Shamus promised me that you’d see to my welfare.” She inclined her head. “Or was he wrong to think such a thing? Maybe he didn’t know you as well as he thought he did.”
Damon’s face dissolved of color. His lips grew pale, and Eden wasn’t certain if their pallor was from anger at her or dismay at disappointing his uncle. Either way, it didn’t matter. Her words had the desired effect. Grabbing for the wide-brimmed hat which lay on a chair, Damon plunked it on his head. He turned away from her, leaving her with the impression of broad blue shoulders.
“Be ready to leave at sunrise tomorrow. If you’re not waiting when I come to fetch you, I’m leaving for the mine without you.” He’d spoken without looking at her, but now he twisted around to face her. “Understand?”
Eden nodded, and hoped he didn’t notice the triumph glowing in her eyes. He did.
“Don’t be looking so smug, Yank. New Zealand’s not for fancy misses who lie abed all day, misses who dupe old gentlemen of their purses.”
Her face grew crimson with rage. “I never did any such thing! Shamus was my husband. I loved—”
He broke off her heated words by pulling her toward him. “No need to lie to me,” he whispered, his words fanning her face like wanton flames. “I’m not an old man who’ll be taken in by a pretty face and figure. Your lies should strangle you, but I’m not swallowing them. I want to taste those sweet lips which lie so expertly.”
Without Eden’s even realizing it, Damon wrapped his arms around her. He brought her so close against his body that she felt his heart beating against her breast. Once again, as on that very morning, his face mesmerized her and stopped all conscious thought. She was aware of his musky scent, the way his eyes raked across her face. Drawn to his lips as if by a magnet, she soon found his mouth crushing hers.
Desire shot through her like an electrical current, sapping her of her resistance to fight. She moaned and leaned into him, simultaneously defeated and triumphant. Never had she felt this way, having no idea a man’s kiss could make her flesh so tingly. Men had kissed her in her short lifetime, and she’d pushed them away when their ardor became more than she could stand. Always images of her mother’s rape would intrude and frighten her. Eden had begun to believe all men except for Shamus were animals. But the man kissing her now wasn’t Shamus, an older man who’d been appreciative of a loving peck on the cheek, a pat on the hand. This man was young and virile, and Eden admitted she was attracted to him. For the first time she willingly surrendered something of herself to another human being and gloried in that surrender.
With her lips melting beneath Damon’s, her body became a buttery pool. She heard his lusty moans and was very much aware of the way his hands slid across her breasts and down her backside to pull her into him, teasing her with his arousal. The blatant way he rubbed against her fueled Eden’s latent desire, leaving no doubt in her mind that Damon Alexander was a very well-endowed male.
She made tiny mewling sounds of pleasure, unable to stop the magnificent sensations coursing through her. If he’d have laid her on the hard floor she wouldn’t have stopped him, only rejoiced. Somehow she knew she’d come to New Zealand, not for the mine, but for Damon Alexander. Perhaps Shamus had known she was meant for Damon; maybe he’d wanted them to meet. The sudden insight that she wasn’t being unfaithful to Shamus by responding to Damon’s kisses made their newfound intimacy permissible.
Damon didn’t see it that way.
He stopped kissing her and gazed down at her with frost-blue eyes. “What will you be charging me for sampling your wares, Mrs. Flynn?”
“What?”
“Your fee, woman. How much do I pay to bed you? I don’t believe in getting something for nothing, at least nothing that’s worthwhile. I’ve heard tell LaRue’s whores are the most expensive, and from the looks of you, I’d guess you were worth a pretty price. So what’s it to be? I’m willing to pay.” Reaching into his shirt pocket, he pulled out a golden nugget.
Shock washed over Eden. At first she barely understood what Damon was saying to her, so caught up was she in the waves of passion engulfing her, the sensations and feelings she’d never known existed. Seeing the gold, Eden understood with startling clarity what he meant—and why he didn’t like her. Somehow he’d learned she had worked at LaRue’s and assumed she’d been one of her girls. A painful ache pierced her heart that he should think she’d sold herself for money.
Eden nearly laughed at her own musings. Well, why shouldn’t he think she’d been a whore? She’d willingly worked at the brothel for three years and remembered how more than a few eyebrows had been lifted whenever she’d admitted her place of employment to people. However, she’d been quick to admit she was a bookkeeper. Not that it mattered. People still believed what they wished. She’d gotten used to the condemning stares, the chilly silences. She’d done nothing wrong, except support herself.
It seemed Damon Alexander was no different. He was ready to believe the worst about her, too. But somehow it hurt more to think he thought she’d been one of LaRue’s girls. In fact, it hurt far too much. She silently cursed herself for being swayed by his good looks, his stirring kisses. She meant nothing to him. He wanted to be rid of her, and if she’d given in to her own feelings for him, he’d have adequate cause to truly believe she’d married Shamus for his money. For the first time she knew why Damon disliked her. He thought she was a gold digger, a woman who’d taken advantage of an ailing, older man. But couldn’t he tell she wasn’t like that?
Apparently not.
Eden hid her pain beh
ind a tremulous smile. “So, you want to pay me.”
Damon lifted an eyebrow. “Aye.”
“I don’t want your money.”
“Am I to have you for free since you’re in the family? I advise you to reconsider, because this is all you’re going to get of Thunder Mine from me.”
Eden broke away from him, wondering what had ever possessed her to want to be in the despicable man’s arms in the first place. She made her way to her reticule resting on a nearby table. With trembling hands, she scooped up the purse and somehow managed to smile coolly. “You’re very generous, Mr. Alexander.”
“I always pay well for quality merchandise, and you’re worth it. Shamus did have a discerning eye.” He smirked at her.
“Thank you for the lovely compliment, sir, but I’m not certain about the price.” Making a mock pout, Eden went to where Damon stood like a marble statue. Placing a warm hand on his shirtfront, her fingertips found a button. Opening it, she placed a kiss upon the small expanse of fur-planed chest.
“How much is it to be then? Your teasing is driving me wild.” The huskiness of his voice and the arm around her waist told Eden that Damon Alexander would have willingly offered a fortune in gold at that moment. But Eden only laughed up at him and pushed away.
“You misunderstand,” she said. “You see, I’ve been without male companionship for so long that I was ready for a bit of kissing. And willing I am to pay for it, too. So here, Mr. Alexander. You’ve earned your fee.” She dug into the reticule and offered him a handful of gold coins. Damon backed away as if she held out a venomous snake to him. “What’s wrong? My money isn’t good enough for you? I admit it isn’t worth as much as your golden nugget. I remind you that you aren’t a professional, Mr. Alexander, but for a beginner, you aren’t too bad. Perhaps in time, you’ll improve.”
Lynette Vinet Page 3