Mail-order bridegroom

by Day Leclaire

  In that instant she realized that she loved him... had always loved him and always would. If he'd died beneath the bull's horns, a part of her would have died as well. For weeks now she'd held him at a distance, reluctant to commit herself fully, because deep in her heart of hearts she knew that, once she did, he'd own her body and soul.

  Held in the safe harbor of his arms, she surrendered to the inevitable.

  'You do anything that stupid again and / won't be responsible for my actions,' she whispered fiercely, repeating the words he'd so often used when taking her to task. 'You hear me, Hunter Pryde?'

  He held her tight against him. 'I didn't have a choice. You and the children were counting on me to save that damned dog.'

  And suddenly she realized he was right. As frightened as she'd been, she hadn't doubted for a minute that he'd save Silkie. Nor had the children. She glanced over Hunter's shoulder, seeing the men laughing and slapping each other on the back. The men hadn't doubted either. They all trusted him, all believed in him. Every last one.

  'And you did save her. But then, I ... I knew you would,' she confessed.

  He stiffened. 'Blind trust, Leah? You?'

  She lifted a shaky hand to swipe at an escaped tear. 'A temporary aberration, I'm sure.'

  A laugh rumbled deep in his chest. 'Of course. Come on. Let's get that fence fixed. We've got a bull to bring in.'

  Reluctantly, she slid her arms from around his neck and stepped back. 'I'll be right there.' She watched him return to the corral and snag his hat from the dirt. She

  did trust him, she realized. She trusted him every bit as much as she loved him. Blindly. Totally. Completely.

  And she'd never been more frightened in her life. For Hunter had it all now ... the ranch and her heart. The only question was... what would he do when he found out?

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Early the next morning Lyon Enterprises' latest offer arrived by special messenger. Gazing in fury at the papers, Leah knocked back the kitchen chair and went in search of Hunter. Eventually she tracked him down in the barn, running a curry-comb over his buckskin.

  'Look at this/ she said, holding out the white embossed envelope.

  He set aside his equipment, and took the papers, scanning them. His mouth tightened briefly, then he shrugged. 'So? Either write your acceptance or trash it.'

  She stared in disbelief as he guided his gelding from the grooming-box and returned the horse to his stall. 'That's it? That's all you're going to say?' she demanded, trailing behind.

  He shouldered past her and crossed the barn aisle to a stack of hay bales. Using two large hooks, he lifted a bale and carried it to the stall. 'What do you want me to say?'

  She regarded him with frustration. 'Something more than what you have. I'm tired of their pestering me. I'd think you would be, too. Or don't you care if I sell out to them?'

  He released a gusty sigh and glanced over his shoulder at her. 'Is that what you want? To sell? I thought the whole point of marrying was to prevent Lyon from getting their hands on your ranch.'

  'It was, but you seem so...' She shrugged. 'I don't know. Detached.'

  'I am. It's not my ranch.'

  She wasn't sure why she kept pushing it. But something about his careless indifference didn't quite ring true. After all, he'd also married in order to secure the ranch. She didn't believe for one minute that he was as unconcerned about her accepting Lyon's offer as he claimed. 'So you wouldn't object if I sold to them.'

  'No.' He paused in his labors. 'Though legally you can't without offering me first refusal.'

  She blinked, momentarily sidetracked. 'Come again?'

  He rolled up his sleeves and leaned his arms on the stall door, exposing the powerful muscles of his forearms. 'The prenup, remember? You retain title of the ranch in the event of a divorce. But if you choose to sell, I have right of first refusal.' He frowned at her, tilting his hat to the back of his head. 'You're the one who insisted we sign the damned thing. Didn't you even bother to read it?'

  'Yes.' No. She'd just signed where her lawyer had told her in order to get it over and done with.

  'Yeah, right,' he said, clearly not believing her. 'You should have read it, Leah. There are one or two other important clauses in there that you should be familiar with. If that's the way you conduct all your business, it's a wonder you weren't bankrupt years ago.'

  She hadn't come to argue. She'd come to vent her anger over Lyon Enterprises' non-stop harassment—an anger that had finally reached the boiling point. 'That's not what's at issue,' she said, determined to get the conversation back on track. 'I'd like to discuss this offer.'

  'So discuss it. I'm listening.'

  She took a deep breath. 'I plan to drive to Houston this week and talk to them.'

  That stopped him. 'You whatV

  'I want to have it out once and for all—tell them I won't sell.'

  He stared at her as though she'd lost her mind. 'If you don't want to sell, just trash the thing. You don't need to drive all the way to Houston to do that. Last time I looked you kept a wastebasket in the study. Use that one/

  'Very funny. I have to go to Houston.'

  'Why?'

  'So I can address the Lyon Enterprises board.'

  He froze for a split-second, the check in his movements so brief she almost missed it. Leaving the stall, he slung the remains of the bale on to the stack and crossed to her side. His hat brim threw his face into shadow, but she could see the dark glitter of his eyes and the taut line of his jaw. Was he angry? She couldn't quite tell.

  'And why,' he asked softly, 'would you want to address the board of Lyon Enterprises?'

  Her voice sharpened. 'I've had it with these people. As far as I'm concerned this latest offer is the final straw. I'm not putting up with it any more. I'm going to make it clear that I won't be entertaining any future offers and that I won't sell to them. Ever. If necessary I'll even tell them what you said—that our prenuptial agreement gives you first right of refusal.'

  He shook his head. 'Over my dead body. That's nobody's business but ours.'

  'Okay,' she conceded, uncertain of his temperament. Any time his voice dropped to such a low, husky note she tended to tread warily. 'But I still want to go to Houston and talk to them. And I want you to go with me.'

  'Why?' he said again.

  She glanced at him uncertainly. 'To support me, if you're willing.'

  He turned away, resting a booted foot on the haystack. She could tell from the tense set of his shoulders that she'd thrown him, and she studied his expressionless profile in concern. Perhaps she'd pushed it by requesting his support. If only she could read his thoughts, she'd know. But he'd always been exceptionally successful at keeping them hidden from her.

  Finally he nodded. 'Okay. I'll go. We'll leave Friday and spend the weekend at my apartment.'

  'You have an apartment in Houston?' she asked in astonishment.

  'You can see for yourself when we get there.' His brows drew together. 'Leah, I need you to agree to something.'

  She eyed him warily. 'What?'

  He stripped off his gloves and tucked them into his belt. 'Once you've confronted the board, I want to handle the situation from then on.'

  'But it's not your problem.'

  'Yes, it is. Anything that affects this ranch is my problem. And dealing with companies like Lyon Enterprises is my area of expertise—my former area of expertise.'

  'Do you think you can get them to leave me alone?'

  'No. But I can do a good job of holding them at bay. I'm better equipped than you to wage this war.'

  Suddenly she recalled her need for a knight on a white charger, battling the nasty dragon in order to save the damsel in distress. When Hunter had shown up she'd been sure he was the dragon, and that she'd have to fight her own battles. Now she wondered. Perhaps they'd fight those battles together, and Lyon Enterprises would be vanquished once and for all.

  'Let me have my say, and then it's your problem,' she
promised.

  Tine/ He dropped an arm across her shoulders. 'I'm starved. How about you?'

  She grinned. It felt as though the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. 'I think I could eat a horse,' she confessed, and walked with him to the house.

  Late that night Hunter lifted the phone receiver and punched in a series of numbers. A minute later Kevin answered.

  'It's me,' Hunter said. 'I'm coming in. Call the board together.'

  * What's wrong?' Kevin demanded. 'What happened?'

  'Leah received Lyon's latest offer and wants to meet with them.'

  'She whatV

  'You heard me.'

  'What the hell are you going to do?'

  'Introduce her to the board of Lyon Enterprises, what else?'

  'I mean... what are vow going to do? What if... what if she finds out?'

  'She won't.' Hunter spoke with absolute confidence.

  'Why not?'

  'Because no one would dare tell her anything.'

  'If they think it'll help with the sale '

  'Once they meet her, they'll see that she trusts me,' Hunter cut in briskly. 'And they'll realize it's to their advantage to keep quiet. Telling her who I am won't help their cause any, and they're smart enough to know it.'

  A long moment of silence followed while Kevin mulled over Hunter's words. 'You could be right. You usually are. I'll tell everyone you're coming.'

  'And open up the apartment. We'll be spending the weekend there/

  'Won't she be suspicious? It's not precisely a poor man's pad.'

  'She'll have other things on her mind by that time.'

  Kevin gave a knowing chuckle. 'Understood. See you Friday.'

  'Right.'

  Hunter hung up and leaned back in the chair. Matters were rapidly coming to a head. More than anything he'd like to get this situation over and done with, but some things just couldn't be rushed. And this, though he'd prefer it otherwise, was one of them.

  He heard a soft knock and Leah opened the door. 'Busy?' she asked.

  'No. Come on in.'

  She stepped into the room, standing just outside the spill of lamplight and wearing a knee-length cotton nightshirt. Unfortunately, this one wasn't the least transparent. His mouth tightened. As much as he enjoyed seeing his wife in next to nothing, he couldn't have her running around half-dressed. One of these days he'd need to make a serious effort to break her of the habit.

  'Who were you talking to?' she asked.

  'A business associate.'

  She came closer. Her hair, cascading past her waist, caught the light from the desk lamp and gleamed like fallen moonbeams. 'Is there a problem?'

  He shook his head. 'Just thought I'd tell him I'd be in town at the end of the week.'

  'Oh.' She stood a little uncertainly in the middle of the room. 'Are you coming to bed soon?'

  He shoved back the chair and walked toward her. 'Is now soon enough?'

  'Yes.' She couldn't quite meet his eyes and he felt her sudden tension.

  He reached her side and stared down into her face. He'd never seen such perfection. Her eyes glowed like amethysts, her heart-shaped face full of strength and character and determination. 'I want to make love to you,' he told her bluntly, thrusting his fingers into the silken fall of her hair. 'I've been patient long enough.'

  She twisted her hands together. 'I know. But...'

  'Friday,' he stated, catching her chin with his knuckle and forcing her to look at him. 'I want a decision by Friday, Leah. You have to commit at some point.'

  Slowly she nodded. 'Okay. Friday. We'll meet with the Lyon board and then have the rest of the weekend to ourselves.'

  He smiled in satisfaction. 'Done. And now, wife, it's time for bed.' He slid an arm around her and lifted her close. She trembled in his arms, which told him more than anything his effect on her.

  'Hunter '

  He sensed that her nervousness had gotten the better of her, that given the opportunity she'd rescind her agreement. He stopped her words with a swift, rough kiss, then took her mouth again in a second, slower, more thorough kiss—a precursory taste of the pleasure he intended to share with her over the weekend.

  They left early on Friday, arranging to meet with the Lyon personnel after lunch. Leah had dressed carefully, choosing a pearl-gray suit, matching pumps and a white silk blouse. To add a touch of sophistication, she'd looped her hair into a businesslike chignon, and as a morale booster displayed the necklace Hunter had given her as a wedding-gift.

  To her surprise, Hunter dressed casually, exchanging his jeans for cotton trousers, his plaid shirt no different from the ones he wore when working. The boa tie he'd strung around his neck was his only concession to the occasion.

  'Relax,' he said, driving toward the Post Oak section of Houston. 'They won't eat you.'

  Her expression felt stiff and unnatural. 'I'm more concerned about them slitting my throat,' she attempted to joke. 'Especially after I tell them not to contact me ever again.'

  'Too obvious. They'll just sell you off to white slavers.' He looked at her and sighed. 'I'm kidding, honey.'

  'Oh.' She grinned weakly and her hand closed over the pendant; she was hoping it would give her even a minuscule amount of Hunter's strength and perseverance. 'I'm beginning to think this isn't such a great idea.'

  He spared her another brief glance. 'You want to turn back?'

  'No. Maybe if I do this they'll finally leave me alone.' She shifted in her seat and studied Hunter's profile. 'Do you think they will? Leave me alone, I mean?'

  He shrugged. 'They might. But don't count on it. They're businessmen. All they care about is the bottom line on the balance sheet. If buying your ranch means a substantial profit, then no. They won't leave you alone.'

  A small frown knit her brow. 'I'll have to think of a way to convince them I mean business.'

  'Short of a stick of dynamite between their ears, I don't know how.'

  His comment gave her an idea and a secretive smile crept across her mouth. 'I'm not so sure about the dynamite, although the idea has merit. Perhaps a slightly less drastic demonstration would be in order.' Opening

  the glove compartment, she rummaged around until she found what she sought. Without a word, she pocketed the item, hoping Hunter hadn't noticed the furtive act.

  A few minutes later he pointed out a tall, modern glass building with smoked windows. 'That's where we're headed,' he told her, pulling into an underground parking-lot.

  Leaving the car, they took the garage elevator to the lobby. * Which floor is Lyon Enterprises?' Leah asked.

  'All of them.'

  She stopped dead in her tracks. 'They own the building? 1

  'They're a large company. Lots of companies own entire buildings.' He cupped her elbow and ushered her along. 'Come on. We want the executive level.'

  She clutched her purse and the large white envelope with Lyon's offer to her chest. She hadn't realized. She'd had no idea they were such an immense concern. Suddenly she felt very small and vulnerable. How could she ever hope to defeat this Goliath of a company? She was no David. She glanced at Hunter. But he was. He'd protect her. All she had to do was trust him.

  Filled with renewed confidence, she walked with him to the security desk. After presenting their credentials, they were escorted to a private bank of elevators that carried them directly to the executive level. Inside the car, she tucked back an escaped wisp of hair and straightened her skirt.

  Hunter caught her hand, stilling her nervous exertions. 'Listen to me, Leah. These corporate types eat people like you for a midnight snack. So, don't fidget. Keep your arms relaxed at your side unless you're handing them something. Look them straight in the eye. Think before you speak. Don't answer any question you

  142 MAIL-ORDER BRIDEGROOM

  don't want to. And above all don't lose your temper. Got it?'

  Her tension eased. 'Got it/

  His mouth curled to one side and she realized in amazement that he a
ctually relished the coming confrontation. 'Remember, I'll support you every step of the way. The instant you get in too deep, I'll bail you out. Otherwise, it's your show.'

  'Hunter?'

  He lifted an eyebrow. 'What?'

  She squeezed his hand. 'Thanks.'

  'Don't thank me, Leah,' he said, and the seriousness of his tone gave his words an ominous weight. 'Not yet.'

  The doors slid open and she released her death grip on him. It wouldn't do for the Lyon board to think that she needed his assistance, even if she did. Stepping from the car, they found a secretary awaiting their arrival.

  'Welcome to Lyon Enterprises,' she said. 'You're expected, of course. If you'd follow me?'

  She led the way to a pair of wide, double doors. Pushing them open, she gestured for Hunter and Leah to enter. As though in a calculated gesture, the doors banged closed behind, barring their exit. A huge glass table dominated the conference room, and around the table sat a dozen men and women. The man at the far end rose to his feet.

  'Miss Hampton,' he said. 'A pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Buddy Peterson. Our chairman requested that I conduct these proceedings, if you have no objections.'

  She did object. She wanted to speak directly to the head honcho. 'He's not here?'

  'He preferred that I negotiate in his place.' It didn't quite answer her question, but from long experience with Hunter she knew she wouldn't get a more direct response. 'Pryde,' Peterson said, switching his attention

  to Hunter. 'We were somewhat surprised to hear you'd be attending this meeting—with Miss Hampton, that is/

  'Were you?' Hunter replied. 'I don't know why, considering Leah's my wife.'

  'Your wifeV The board members exchanged quick glances and Peterson slowly sank back into his seat. 'This puts a slightly different complexion on matters.'

  Hunter inclined his head. 'Yes, it does, doesn't it?'

  Peterson laughed, a cynical expression gleaming in his eyes. 'Congratulations... I'm impressed. I couldn't have done better myself.'