Savage Conquest

by Janelle Taylor

  He pondered Amanda's reasons for deceiving her sweetheart and temporary partner. But if Amanda was in love with Weber, why had she flirted with him? Who had killed Joseph Lawrence, and why? Reis couldn't believe his convenient death was an accident. Had Joseph found out too much? Amanda had wanted their meeting kept a secret from Weber, but why conceal it and why refuse to set up another one? What was Richardson's involvement in this mystery? Reis cautioned himself to forget vengeful justice against Weber until this mission was completed. The situation was getting more complicated and suspicious every minute. Amanda couldn't know who and what he was, so why was she avoiding him? Or was it merely a feminine ploy to entice and to baffle him?

  The answers he needed were concealed in the Lawrence firm. Like it or not, Reis would have to use Amanda to get them. She was a proud and stubborn beauty. He couldn't wait around and hope for her to make the next move. Doubtlessly she was used to getting her way with men. If he had the time, he would spark her interest by showing a resistance to her charms and beauty, giving her a much-needed lesson. Then again, maybe he had been overly confident in his approach to her, for he was also accustomed to getting his way with the opposite sex. Frankly, her rebuffs were a shock to him. If Amanda Lawrence expected and needed romantic wooing, then she would receive it, and receive it from a master ...

  The following day was clear and warm. Miranda lifted the basket of fresh flowers and turned to enter the house. She was surprised to find Reis leaning negligently against the gatepost behind her. "Mister Harrison, I didn't hear you arrive. Have you been standing there long?"

  "Only a few moments. I didn't want to startle you, Miss Miranda. You looked so deep in thought. It's a lovely day, isn't it?"

  Miranda glanced skyward and smiled. "Yes, it is. Spring is one of my favorite seasons. But I fear the recent rains nearly destroyed the flowers." She waited for him to reveal his reason for being there.

  As if reading her thought, he said, "I came by to see if Miss Amanda could join me for lunch or dinner, if she isn't occupied today. I would like to get our business settled as quickly as possible."

  "My sister isn't home, Mister Harrison. And I don't know when she'll be returning. Would you care to leave her a message?"

  "Please call me Reis. If I've offended your sister in some way, Miss Miranda, I would appreciate your passing along my apology." When Miranda lowered her lashes and didn't immediately respond, Reis had his answer. "Is there some reason why she doesn't wish to meet with me?"

  Miranda looked up at him. "I don't discuss my sister with strangers, sir. You'll have to speak with her yourself," she told him politely. "However, it would be wise to invite rather than to summon her," she added slyly.

  A broad grin captured Reis's mouth and eyes. "Thank you, Miss Miranda. I thought that might be the crux of the matter. I fear I've had little dealings with ladies. I'll call again later, if that's agreeable?"

  "You may call me Miranda or Randy," she offered. Her hesitation was noticeable before she added, "Mandy went to Papa's office to work on the books. Perhaps you could drop by and see her there."

  "I was under the impression Weber Richardson handled the business for her," he probed.

  Miranda didn't realize her distaste for Weber was revealed in her eyes and voice when she replied, "After the accident, Weber was to take care of matters only until Mandy could do so. Weber is away for a few days," she informed him, hoping he would catch her hint.

  "May I ask a rather personal question, Miranda?"

  "Such as?" she inquired curiously.

  "Rumor has it that Amanda and Weber are to be married. Is that true?" he asked.

  Miranda knew she shouldn't answer such a loaded question, but she couldn't stop herself. To remain silent would imply a positive answer and discourage a possible pursuit by Reis. Even if nothing happened between Amanda and Reis, perhaps he could destroy any relationship between Mandy and Weber. She knew it was wrong to interfere, but she felt compelled by Reis's intent gaze. "Only if Weber has his way, which he hasn't to date."

  "You don't like him, do you?" he inquired.

  "I don't think he's right for my sister," she parried.

  "Neither do I, Miranda," he readily concurred. "I hope this doesn't sound too forward, but I hope to sever that relationship."

  Miranda gasped in astonishment at the confession, then smiled. "I hope it doesn't sound too forward to wish you luck, Reis."

  Reis was in high spirits as he left Miranda. If Amanda was anything like her twin sister, he was in for a delightful adventure. He whistled as he strolled down the street, plotting the surrender of a goldenhaired minx. He halted by the hotel to set his plans in motion.

  Amanda had been reading for hours. She had gone over all reports and books available. But there was one book missing, and she wondered why. The only explanation was that Weber had taken it to work on while he was away. Weary from her labor and recent loss of sleep, she dozed lightly. She didn't hear the key as it turned in the lock, sealing her in this private world with a determined Reis Harrison.

  He came forward to halt at her side, eyes passing over her from head to lap. He bent forward, his lips pressing against hers ever so lightly, then firmly and passionately as hers parted and responded.

  He held her face gently between his hands, as his lips refused to end the long-awaited kiss which was more intoxicating than he had expected. Amanda's arms eased around Reis's body as she arched upward. When Reis's lips pressed light kisses to her eyes, she murmured dreamily, "Why did you wait so long to come, Reis?"

  Reis realized she was half-asleep, but her words exposed her hidden thoughts and thrilled his heart. She had called his name, not Weber's.

  Reis sat on the edge of the desk, Amanda's chair between his spread thighs. He placed his hands on either side of her shoulders, knowing she would bolt the moment her senses cleared.

  Amanda opened her eyes then froze briefly in confusion. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?" she exclaimed.

  "You shouldn't leave the door unlocked when you're alone, Amanda. Sorry, but I couldn't resist kissing you," he declared huskily.

  Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "How dare you take such liberties when I'm senseless," she chided him. "What do you want?" she asked nervously, warming to his quick and easy smile.

  "To talk, after we have lunch," he calmly announced to the befuddled Amanda, pointing to the picnic basket on her desk.

  "Lunch?" she repeated as she stalled to clear her wits, which was nearly impossible while gazing into those expressive sapphire eyes.

  "At your service, ma'am." As Amanda watched, Reis withdrew fried chicken, baked bread, and wine from the basket. As he spread a cloth over the desk and arranged the items, he remarked, "It isn't much or fancy, but it'll fill our stomachs while we talk."

  Struck speechless, Amanda remained silent. Reis poured two glasses of wine and handed one to her. Amanda accepted it with a shaky hand. He set a plate and utensils before her, then lay a rose across her plate. "That's to say I'm sorry."

  Bewilderment filled her blue eyes. "For what?" she questioned.

  "I'm not quite sure, but I seem to have offended you into avoiding me. Could we make a fresh start?" he beseeched her.

  "Just what are you trying to pull, Mister Harrison?" she asked suspiciously, touched by his romantic gestures.

  "The wool over those entrancing eyes so I can think clearly," he murmured roguishly, grinning at her.

  Amanda couldn't suppress her laughter. "I will say one thing for you, Mister Harrison, you are a most persistent and surprising man."

  "I hope that's a compliment," he retorted hastily. "Shall we eat, then discuss future business?"

  "Why not? I am ravenous, and this looks delicious."

  To her further delight, Reis prepared her plate. As he worked, she eyed him intently as she sniffed the fragrant rose.

  They ate in silence, but for his offer of more food and wine. When they finished, he promptly cleared the desk. He pull
ed a chair up before it, then sat down and met her amused gaze. "Well?"

  "Well what, Mister Harrison?" she replied.

  "Do we do business together?" he ventured.

  "What did you have in mind?" she asked, leaning back in her chair as she teased her nose with the flower.

  Their eyes met and danced with desire. "Business this afternoon and dinner tonight?" he suggested warmly.

  Temporarily ignoring his last invitation, she asked, "What kind of business? Have you dealt with my father before?"

  "I haven't, but the men I represent have. They've been doing business with another firm for months, but they've decided to deal with yours again, if you'll agree. They asked me to handle it for them."

  "Why did they change to another firm?" she asked astutely.

  "Businessmen always look for faster and cheaper service. They've decided it's to their advantage to return to Lawrence Shipping," he explained without actually lying to her. When this matter was settled, he would reveal the truth, that he and Grant had coaxed the clients to aid in this investigation. Reis had already uncovered certain facts in this case. A theft or switch in products was being done by this firm and on a ship employed by this firm. It was Reis's job to find out how the switch was carried out, by whom, and for what purpose. There was more to this intricate plot than ruining Northern-owned companies or destroying "traitorous" Southern sympathizers and carpetbaggers. He suspected that Joseph Lawrence had been innocent in this illegal and cunning deception. Perhaps he had been killed after discovering his firm was being used. Reis needed to find out the connection between Amanda and Weber, which didn't seem romantic on her part. But many aristocratic marriages had nothing to do with love.

  Reis and Grant had discovered some of these evil profits were being used to finance the activities of the despicable Ku-Klux-Klan and to purchase black votes to put certain Southern whites in influential positions in national, state, and local governments. When money failed to produce the desired results, the Klan used other means to get their wishes. During a preliminary investigation, Reis had uncovered several interrelated plots which dismayed him and the President.

  Reis had unmasked Northerners who were still victimizing Southern planters or exploiting them. He had found traces of dangerous hostilities still lingering in certain areas. He had discovered diehard ex-Rebs who were causing trouble disguised as antagonistic ex-Yankees. He had learned of unfair tariffs which were favorable to the North but devastating the South. There were Northern interests which were preventing progress in the Southern railroads and mills, which would lessen the proceeds in the North. There were Southerners seeking any means to recover power and property confiscated during and after the war. Most discouraging and perilous were the hints at an attempt to one day revive the Confederacy-gold, weapons, and supplies were being purchased and shipped to the South and concealed. It troubled Reis that most of his clues pointed to involvement by this firm.

  Damn! he swore mentally. Hadn't this war done enough damage to the North and South? Why couldn't it be over once and for all? Sometimes Reis didn't know who to blame. If the damn newspapers and embittered writers would stop stirring up trouble with those poisonous pens, matters might settle down. Reis warned himself not to be vindictively blind where Weber was concerned. It bothered him to realize that he hoped that bastard was responsible so he could arrest him. No matter how much he despised Weber, he couldn't let the guilty parties escape while trying to pin something on his enemy. He had never allowed personal feelings to color his duty, but it was difficult where Amanda and Weber were concerned.

  He sighed heavily then noticed that Amanda was staring at him. He reprimanded himself when she commented, "If you're tired or bored, Mister Harrison, we can discuss this tomorrow."

  "I'm sorry, Amanda; it's hard to concentrate with you before me. How about we take a walk and get some fresh air to clear my head?"

  As he requested, Amanda gave Reis a tour of her office, docking area, warehouses, and a ship which was in port. At first, she had been subdued. But Reis watched the suspense and excitement which flashed over her eyes as she took in the sights. He could tell she was just as curious about these areas as he was, just as pleased to inspect them. He observed her as she laughed and chatted with workers whom she had known for years, or accepted words of sympathy and encouragement about her parents. As if he inspired feelings of confidence and safety, if he lagged behind she would glance around to locate him. An almost timid smile would brighten her face when her blue eyes touched upon him, a smile which he always returned.

  Once as they discussed the differences in local and foreign markets, their gazes had locked and they had fallen silent for a time. A noisy loader had broken the magical spell. As they continued their tour, Reis knew she had spoken truthfully; she knew all about this business, but not from experience. Even though she took this business seriously, she was like a child with a new toy.

  As the sun moved closer to the horizon, Amanda obviously began finding things to discuss or examine. Reis wondered if she were reluctant to leave him or the docks. No matter, for it was getting late and cool.

  As they watched a flatboat pull anchor and glide down the river, Reis inquired, "Is this your first visit here?"

  "I've been here many times with my father, but never alone. I mostly helped with the books. I hope that doesn't change your opinion, Reis. I'm sure I can learn anything I don't know." She was eager to prove herself, and she needed Reis's three accounts to begin.

  To her relief, he smiled and agreed. "Is safety the reason why you hired Weber Richardson? The docks aren't any place for a lady, even a brave one. In fact, we're inviting trouble to remain after dark."

  "Believe it or not, Reis, I can take care of myself. But I'm not stupid, so I wouldn't come down here alone. I didn't exactly hire Web; he was kind enough to take control and run things after ... the accident. I'm grateful to him, but I'm ready to take over now. This business has been part of my life for as long as I can remember; I've even gone on trips with Papa to make deliveries, to entice new accounts, or to check out problems, so I can handle those matters when they come up. To sell it seems like cutting all ties with my past. If I didn't have the business, I wouldn't have anything to do. A woman can't read and sew all the time. It's important to me, Reis. This isn't some childish whim. I promise you I won't disappoint your friends."

  As they returned to her office to lock up for the day, Reis offered, "I'll make you a deal, Amanda. If I can hang around for protection and advice while you adjust to your new position as owner, you can have these three accounts. That way, everyone's interest will be safeguarded. I'll even work for free." He winked at her.

  Amanda looked up into his handsome face. "You want to help me get started? But I thought you were leaving Friday," she hinted.

  "That was just a sneaky trick to make you see me sooner," he told her. "For the next few months, my job is to see to my friends' business. That appears to include assisting their shipper, if she agrees."

  Her heart fluttered at the idea of working side-byside with this intoxicating man. How would she keep her mind on businessl Suddenly she remembered Weber and, before she could stop herself, she blurted Out her worry. "Web won't like this at all."

  "Does that matter to you? You are the owner," he teased.

  Amanda tried to cover her mistake and to keep Reis off balance. "It just seems kind of traitorous to fire him and to hire you. The firm might be out of business right now if he hadn't taken care of it. I was planning to take over completely when he returns, but I don't want him to think it's because of you," she rationalized aloud.

  "Are you in love with him? Going to marry him?" He caught her off guard with those blunt and jarring questions.

  "That's none of your business, Reis," she informed him curtly.

  "But it is, Amanda," he refuted, backing her against the wall and pinning her to it with his steely body. "If you're another man's woman, I can't do this," he whispered, nibbling at her right ea
r. "Or this," he added, closing her lids with kisses. "Or this," he murmured again, sealing their lips. When she didn't resist him, he pulled her into his embrace, fusing his mouth to hers.

  Amanda's arms were caught between them and her lips were helpless to do anything but yield to his masterful assault. She moaned softly as she pressed closer to him. Sensing a thrilling innocence in her response, Reis knew he must halt this madness or risk seducing her on the wooden floor. He had just enough presence of mind to realize the damage that could do to their budding relationship. If he didn't cease this tempting game, all would be lost. He ached from the flames which were licking painfully at his loins, flames which didn't want to be doused by words or self-control. He stared into her passionglazed eyes. At least he knew she desired him as much as he desired her.

  He stepped backward and inhaled raggedly. Amanda sank weakly against the wall, staring at him. "My God, Amanda, do you know what you do to a man? How you tempt him beyond control? If I thought for one moment you knew what you were doing . . . "

  Amanda's hand came up to touch her lips, lips which throbbed with hunger for his. She had never been kissed like this or had any man cause such bittersweet sensations to attack her mind and body. "Why did you do that?" she asked hoarsely. She had been so mesmerized that he could have taken anything he desired from her. Why had Reis halted? Web wouldn't have!

  "I've been wanting to since the first moment I met you, but I was trying to control myself until we got to know each other better. I'm sorry if I offended you." He stepped to the desk and sat on its edge.