Savage Conquest

by Janelle Taylor

  "I'm glad to see you two smiling again. I've been plenty worried," Lucas confessed. "I wish there were something I could do."

  "Just standing by us is enough, Luke," Amanda remarked softly. "We'll take care of everything until . . ." She went silent.

  Lucas's head jerked upward. He stared at the golden-haired girl, and then at Miranda. Both their expressions shouted "trouble." His heart thudded heavily. "Until what?"

  "Randy and I won't believe they're dead until we view the bodies. Maybe a passing ship found them. They might be alive somewhere. Papa was a skilled sailor; the Merry Wind was in excellent shape. And the weather wasn't bad. It doesn't make sense, Luke."

  "The Merry Wind was found shattered on the coast, Mandy. You're dreaming, loves. If they survived, we would know by now. Don't build up for a crushing fall. They're dead," he stated with finality.

  Miranda looked at him and shook her chestnut head of hair. "Hope is a free commodity, Luke. It isn't impossible."

  "Don't do this," he pleaded, distressed by this unexpected defiance of reality, wishing he could alter it. Their gazes battled for a time. Lucas argued reluctantly, "You're denying the evidence."

  "Evidence of a broken ship but not our parents' certain deaths," Miranda retorted.

  Lucas looked from one girl to the other. "What if the bodies are never found? What if they're never recovered?"

  "Then Randy and I have each other. At least Mama and Papa had a happy life together, and they have us to carry on for them. But as long as we can retain a glimmer of hope, it will see us through this dreadful period. When the time comes to accept the 'evidence,' we'll be strong enough to do so. But not yet, Luke, not yet. You must admit, we've survived the roughest part and we're getting on with our lives. Don't fret. We're going to be just fine."

  Another knock sounded on their door. This time, Lucas went to answer it. "What do you want, Richardson?" he asked, not bothering to mask his dislike for this man who was hotly pursuing his cousin.

  "I came to speak with Amanda, if you don't object, Reardon. Isn't it time for you to get over Marissa's loss?" Web hinted tauntingly.

  "You never cared about her, so why did you ruin her?" he flared angrily. With luck, his investigative work on Web would pay off soon. With proof, Amanda would be compelled to see it was more than male pride and rivalry between them.

  "If you care so much, why not take her back?" Web scoffed.

  Before Lucas could reply, Amanda joined them. She was puzzled by the endless hostility between these two vital men. As they stood facing each other in the entrance hall, the currents of antagonism were so strong they were almost a tangible force. Amanda was piqued by their childish behavior. She was weary of trying not to take sides and of trying to settle their mysterious dispute.

  "May I come in, Amanda?" Weber asked in a thick southern accent. If his secret plans worked out, Weber thought to himself, Lucas would soon be long gone, putting a halt to his nosing around. Luke always provoked him into acting badly before Amanda, and those reporter's instincts could soon get them both into trouble.

  "Of course," Amanda responded, hoping they would conduct themselves like gentlemen tonight. She almost stomped her foot in irritation when they exchanged surly grins. It was evident they were going to be as nasty as the rainy weather outside.

  Lucas stalked into the sitting room, leaving them in the hallway. He sat beside Miranda this time, flashing her a frown. Amanda and Weber joined them, each taking a chair before the sofa. Amanda served Weber coffee and listened to his business report.

  Although Weber was courting Amanda, Lucas never missed that flicker of desire for Miranda in Weber's dark eyes. Positively, this ex-Rebel craved both the Lawrence Shipping Firm and one of the Lawrence girls. Weber had leveled his sights on Amanda, but Lucas felt Web would just as soon have either sister if the firm was included in her dowry. Lucas was alarmed by Amanda's blind spot where Web was concerned, but as much as he hated to admit it, he knew Web could be a real charmer. If only Amanda knew the real Web...

  Weber Richardson was a die-hard Southerner to the soul. During and after the war, there had been rumors of his cruelties to Yankee prisoners, even female ones. Web despised the North and what she had done to the South, to his family, to him. The Richardsons had lost everything: power, riches, property, and family. And Lucas was very eager to learn how Web had come back into money and property so quickly. Web owned a smaller shipping business near Joe's. Unknown to the girls, Web had once approached Joe about merging the two firms and marrying Amanda. But Joe had refused both requests. Undoubtedly Joe had recognized those same bad traits which dismayed Lucas: Web was conniving, greedy, vindictive, and cold-blooded. Now that Joe was gone, Lucas felt he must protect the girls from Web. But to attack the man verbally without proof would place Mandy on Web's side. Too, Web was dangerous and wily. If only some suitor would come along to distract Mandy and save her from Web, Lucas wished silently.

  Lucas wondered what women saw in a man like Weber. Sure, he was nice looking, wealthy, and influential. At thirty-four, Weber was what the Northerners called a "typical Southern aristocrat." His features were prominent, strong, and arrogant, but Lucas knew all that to be a facade.

  Miranda's thoughts were similar to Lucas's. There was something about Web Richardson that unsettled her. How she wished Amanda would never see him again.

  Miranda admitted that Weber Richardson was imposing. He was educated and well traveled, and he could be witty and romantic. It was obvious women found him immensely attractive, but she wondered if Amanda had any real affection for Weber. So far, Miranda had carefully concealed her reservations about Weber. For now, she would allow Amanda to make her own decisions about him. But Miranda had glimpsed flickers in Web's eyes which chilled her heart. Just thinking of him sent shivers of dread through her body.

  "Cold, love?" Lucas inquired, pulling her from her dark thoughts.

  "Let's get some brandy to warm me," she replied, sending Lucas a look which said it had been her thoughts and not the weather which had inspired her tremors. Lucas smiled and nodded.

  When Miranda and Lucas left the room, Weber quickly arose and went to Amanda, pulling her to her feet. Before Amanda knew what he had in mind, his arms were holding her tightly and his mouth was settling over hers. He murmured huskily, "I've been waiting all day for that. You're driving me wild, Amanda. Why must you resist me? No man is more suited to you than me," he whispered confidently.

  "Behave yourself, Weber Richardson," she scolded .playfully. "It's too soon to think of such matters."

  "If you won't agree to marry me or become affianced, at least don't see anyone besides me," he entreated.

  "I've seen no man but you in over three months. Still, only by comparing you to other men can I judge if you are truly the right one for me," she jested coyly, grinning at him.

  "But you've dated every man within fifty miles," he argued. "I have to be away on business for a few days. When I return, we need to be alone and talk. I have something important to ask you."

  His tone revealed what he had in mind-sex and marriage, in any order. Uncertainty washed over her. Web's kisses were nice, but they didn't stir her desires. And she didn't know if she was ready for a permanent relationship. Right now, Amanda didn't want any complications in her life, including marriage. Maybe Weber was the ideal choice for a husband, or at least a business partner. Each day he was becoming more amorous and persistent even though Amanda had not encouraged him. What would he do, she wondered, if she refused him?

  "Please, Web, not here. Randy and Luke will return any moment. We'll have dinner and talk when you come back."

  "At my home?" he suggested, eyes glowing with interest.

  "At the Duke House," she refused laughingly, wondering what was missing between her and Web-or, perhaps, only in her.

  He shrugged. "One day soon I'hope you'll tire of leading me a merry chase, Amanda. Be mine. I promise you won't be sorry."

  Amanda pulled away as she heard
voices nearing the room. She realized that if she kept refusing to make any commitment to Web, he would demand one or leave her and her business. But did she care? When he discovered she was taking over the firm, his reaction would tell her a great deal. She decided not to tell him her news until his return. Since her parents' deaths, she had acted both spineless and brainless, but that was going to change. Web could take it or leave itl

  As Miranda was pouring four brandies, another knock sounded at the door. "This is certainly our day for company," Amanda declared, her voice unnaturally high with tension. To escape Web's mocking gaze and to recover her wits and poise, she went to answer the summons. It was raining hard, and the night air was nippy and brisk.

  "Yes?" she asked shakily of the man whose back was to the open door. Even though he was wearing a rain slicker, Amanda could tell he was several inches over six feet and powerfully built. She thought it odd he was wearing a western hat over his coal black hair.

  He spoke in a stirring tone as he turned to face her. "Would you please tell Joseph Lawrence that Reis Harrison is here to see him?" he stated politely, sweeping off his hat and running strong fingers through his hat-ruffled hair.

  In the darkness, neither could make out the features of the other. As the damp breeze teased at her clothes and hair, Amanda invited the stranger inside to deliver her depressing news. There was nothing menacing in his stance or voice, and there were two strong men inside the house who could offer their protection. She closed the door and leaned her forehead against it, summoning the strength to utter words which ripped at her heart. She inhaled then slowly released her breath.

  Reis sensed something was terribly wrong. He waited patiently for the young woman to speak. As he removed his rain slicker and tossed it over his right arm, his eyes slipped from her silky head of blond curls down her slender body, to return to where her eyes would be once she faced him. When she did, her words, "Joseph Lawrence is dead," temporarily went unnoticed as his entranced senses hastily absorbed every detail about her.

  Reis had heard the silly phrases "breath-taking" and "heart-stopping," but in his thirty-two years no woman had ever made his breath catch or his heart race. Now, without warning or preparation, he was assailed by both sensations. The instant her pale blue eyes fused with his rich blue ones, all wits and words were lost to him. Like some foolish lad, he gaped at her.

  Once Amanda's gaze met his, she was unaware of anything except this vital man. Amanda had been wooed by countless suitors, and she knew instinctively this man was special. What could be more pleasurable, she imagined, than losing herself in his arms?

  Amanda had not closed the door securely, and a sudden gust of wind flung it against her back. She jumped and gasped. Reis's hand shot over her shoulder to press the door shut, bringing their bodies into close contact, making each aware of the nearness of the other. Reis's palm flattened against the door and his arm rested lightly on her shoulder.

  Amanda could feel the warmth of his breath upon her forehead. Never had she seen such handsome features. He had startlingly blue, mesmeric eyes, which flaunted a softness and sparkle that tugged at her thudding heart. His lips were full and inviting; his jawline was wide and his chin squared. If a man's nose could be beautiful, his was. Such strength of character was stamped upon his tanned face, and when he smiled, his whole face lit up like a candle in the darkness. His eyes and mouth had tiny creases near their corners-the kinds of lines which implied he was a man who loved life and was pleased with his role in it.

  Without realizing she was inspecting him from head to foot, she noted his clothes. Surely his garments were specially tailored for that welldeveloped and well-toned physique. But why was he wearing western attire? His snug shirt, black leather vest, dark blue Levi jeans and black knee boots were not the usual dress for men in this area.

  When Amanda realized she was leaning sideways and examining him from ebony head to black boot, she blushed in embarrassment, an uncommon reaction for her. What was wrong with her? To cover her lapse, she asked, "Who are you, sir?"

  Reis straightened, placing his wayward hand on his hip. "Reis Harrison, Miss ... ," he replied entreatingly. Reis was bemused by his novel loss of self-control. Surely she was an angel sent to Earth to warm his heart and soul. Her hair coloring was a mixture of lemonade and aged brandy. Her eyes were as striking as a peaceful summer sky.

  "I caught your name, sir. What business do you have with Joseph Lawrence? As I said, he-he was killed in a recent accident," she told him hoarsely, eyes dewy.

  Reis could tell she was upset by her words and her previous behavior. Then again, he was also unnerved by this vision of beauty. He quickly detected her spark of courage and pride. Reis Harrison, an exYankee officer presently employed by President Grant as a special agent, was accustomed to getting his wishes, one way or another. Right now, Reis found this female more intriguing than his case ...

  Killed? Reis mentally echoed. "May I extend my condolences, Miss..." He tried to obtain her identity once more.

  "Amanda Lawrence, Mister Harrison." She took his cue.

  "Wife or sister or daughter?" he inquired anxiously, praying her answer wouldn't be his first query.

  "Joseph Lawrence was my father, Mister Harrison. I'm the new owner and manager of Lawrence Shipping. So if your business concerns the firm, you'll have to deal with me now," she informed him crisply, anticipating a mocking attitude.

  Reis read her emotions accurately and smiled. "I have no qualms about dealing with a woman, even if she is extremely beautiful. I do hope you don't use your distracting charms to take advantage of a client. Shall we get acquainted and discuss our business over lunch tomorrow? I just arrived and wanted to introduce myself. Shall we say noon at the Windsor?"

  At his bold flattery, surprise registered on Amanda's face. When she read no trace of guile in him, she smiled. "If all male customers and clients take my news as well as you did, Mister Harrison, I shall consider myself a believer in miracles. Thank you. I would prefer to discuss these matters tomorrow, as I have guests tonight."

  "At your convenience, Miss Lawrence. It is Miss?" he pressed.

  Amanda laughed softly and parried, "It is Mister, isn't it?"

  "If there's anything better than a breath of fresh air, it's a charming and witty lady," he teased. He boldly reached for her left hand and held it up to view the third finger. "Why that finger's naked I'll never understand, but I am most grateful," he murmured.

  Not to be outdone, Amanda audaciously repeated the action on his hand. "Since many men don't wear gold bands, is there a Mrs. Harrison?" she brazenly inquired, refusing to break their locked gaze.

  "Not yet. Would you care to apply for that position?" he asked mirthfully, eyes glittering with appreciation. His cheery mood was contagious and his easy smile was infectious.

  "Shouldn't we get acquainted first?" Amanda fenced deftly, warming and tingling all over.

  Reis's glowing eyes eased over Amanda, then he chuckled. "Is there some dark secret about you which might change my mind? A nasty temper? Some hideous scar? Perhaps you're a witch?"

  The smoldering fire in his gaze ignited her very soul. Amanda laughed at his comical look. The conversation was ridiculous, but so much fun. "The truth is out, sir; alas, a witch."

  As Reis trailed a finger over her lips, he murmured, "What but truth could pass such sweet lips. A bewitcher indeed." Neither had kissed a total stranger before, but both were sorely tempted.

  "Is there some problem, Amanda?" a frigid voice asked from down the hallway as Weber noisily approached them, having missed Reis's words but not his interest in Amanda.

  Amanda quickly stepped aside, as if guilty of some offense. Weber joined them and Amanda eased her inexplicable tension by introducing the two men. "Weber Richardson, meet Reis Harrison. Reis and my father were friends, Web. He came to pay his respects and to discuss some family business. As I said, we'll chat tomorrow," she stated to an astute Reis. "Web is also a friend of the family," she added
nonsensically.

  "Haven't we met before, Harrison?" Weber asked suspiciously. His eyes chilled and narrowed as he scanned the vaguely familiar taut frame and handsome face near Amanda.

  "Where?" Reis cautiously speculated, implying no recollection. He wondered why Amanda had insinuated that they had met before, but he went along with her deception. Apparently she didn't want Richardson to know he was here on business. Answers could come later.

  Weber stepped closer, slipping his arm around Amanda's waist and smiling down into her baffled expression. As Amanda watched and listened, there it was again, that brief flash of intimidating coldness which warned her to keep Weber at arm's length. "Why don't you invite Harrison inside for a brandy? Since I'm handling your affairs, he can discuss his business with me," he stated boldly, wanting to study this man who caused ripples of warning and fury in him.

  As if Reis wanted to do the same, he didn't decline or speak. As both men waited for Amanda's reaction, she grasped intangible sensations which didn't sit well with her. With unsuccessfully disguised an noyance, she chided, "You don't handle family or personal matters, Web, only business ones," trying to sound playfully casual. She looked up at Reis and said, "I'm sorry, Reis. I hope you don't think me rude, but it is late. Web and my cousin Luke were just about to leave." Somehow she wanted Reis to know she and Weber weren't alone. How dare Web act as if she were his property! "My sister and I have family matters to discuss in private." To Weber, she said, "I'll see you later. It's been a long and tiring day for me and Miranda."

  Weber knew he had angered her and was being dismissed. Before he could contrive an excuse to stay, Miranda and Lucas joined them. Lucas asked, "Is there some problem, Mandy?"

  "Web was just leaving," Amanda answered. Turning to Reis, she said, "This is my cousin, Lucas Reardon, and my sister, Miranda. Luke, Randy, this is Reis Harrison, one of Papa's friends. Goodnight, Web," she added to make her dismissal and vexation clear.