Her gaze returned to the river. "I have gone to Memphis with Father and we've passed Natchez often, but I've never stopped there."
"When we stop tomorrow I'll take you ashore for a few hours if you'd like. Natchez-under-the-hill is a rowdy and wild place, but I have friends who have a house on the hill. I'll show you the city; then we'll visit them. There's a beautiful view from the garden. You can see for miles and miles up and down the river."
"I'd like that."
He watched her like a hawk watching a choice prey, annoyed by the knowledge that he might enjoy their time ashore.
His sister still cared for the magnificent mansion on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi, but a carefully worded note to her would take care of the problem. Now that the thought had entered his mind he couldn't rid himself of it. It would add some spice to the game.
His sister had been adamantly against what he was doing, but his anger had silenced anything she could say about it. And since she didn't know the full intent of his involvement, he was sure she would go along with the charade without too much trouble.
Marc was about to draw Catalina into his arms to indulge in the sweet torment of her lips when a frigid voice spoke from behind them.
"So, this is where you are, Cat. I have scoured the entire boat looking for you."
Travis's words were for Catalina, but his cold eyes were directed at Marc who smiled pleasantly but refused to remove his arms from about Catalina's waist.
Marc's eyes glittered with malicious pleasure at the thought that Travis might push him far enough to give him reason to taunt him with the truth. Whereas Catalina had no doubt that Marc saw the interruption as an opportunity to make their situation clear to Travis. She was certain he would take delight in pushing her to see how far her new sweetness and her pride would go before they broke.
"Good morning, Travis." Catalina did not look in Marc's direction in the hope that he would let the opportunity pass. "I had an early breakfast and decided to walk on deck, it's such a beautiful day."
"I'd like to talk to you ... alone," Travis said, looking pointedly at Marc, whose smile remained as did the dangerous glow in his eyes.
Marc's hand tightened on Catalina's waist, and she could feel his body tense. She bit her lips in desperation, seeking some way out of this dilemma, some way to avoid an open battle between Marc and Travis.
She was rescued by China's velvet voice, and could nearly have wept in relief.
"Marc?"
Travis turned to look at China, his annoyance clear. But before he could speak and make a bad situation worse, Catalina smiled. "China, join us. It's such a lovely day."
China could read distress in her eyes, and she could easily read the intent in Marc's.
"I would love to, but I am afraid I must speak to Marc alone, on an urgent business matter." She saw the relief on Catalina's face and the amusement on Marc's. He knew exactly what she was doing.
Marc left Catalina with Travis, and walked a short distance away with China. "All right, what do you have up your sleeve? Or am I right in believing you are so misguided as to believe you were coming to Cat's rescue?"
"Your performance for Travis Sherman's benefit was outrageous," China said with a smile.
"But effective." Marc chuckled.
"At least," China said wryly as she cast a quick look at Catalina and Travis who seemed to be having a disagreement. "Marc, your situation with Catalina is one thing, but I feel this man, this Travis Sherman, is not one to take blows in a very forgiving way. Marc, he's dangerous."
"And you're being the keeper of my health ... and my conscience again, China my love." He grinned. "You don't need to worry about either of them."
"One of us should."
"I can't think of one good reason why."
"Marc—"
"China, I'll play this game out my way."
"I just don't believe she should be punished for something beyond her control. She is not the young woman I thought her to be. Shawna ..."
Marc kept Catalina in view while China talked, and he realized that she had not been quite what he had expected either. She was ... He shook the thoughts away as he watched Travis reach out and grasp Catalina's wrist, and his face grew fierce.
Catalina's eyes widened, more in anger than in fear, but Marc clenched his teeth, then started for them.
When Marc had stepped away with China, Travis had turned his attention to Catalina. He had attempted a pleasant smile, but had been thwarted by the look in Catalina's eyes. Did she know that her face had softened, that her eyes had taken on a sheen that had nothing to do with the bright sunlight, that her lips had parted slightly as if she were suddenly breathless?
"Cat," Travis said, attempting to keep his self-control.
"Yes, Travis," she replied, reluctantly drawing her eyes from Marc's broad-shouldered form.
"I asked how you felt this morning... since you retired so early last night."
"I'm fine, Travis, fine."
"Good. Then you won't forget we're having dinner together?"
Now her attention was fully on him, and she remembered promising to dine with him.
"Travis ... I... if you would excuse me, just for tonight. I must see Marc. Travis, I'm sure he'll return the Belle to us. All I need do is—"
"Is tumble into his bed and sell yourself for this boat," he snapped.
"Travis!"
"Don't tell me he doesnt find you attractive, Cat I can see the way he looks at you, like a ravenous wolf."
"I'm hardly a child, Travis, I can handle Marc Copeland."
"No, you're not a child, but you can't see how clever he is. He holds the Belle before you as a reward while he entices you into his bed."
The truth stung Cat, but it did not deter her. Awakening in her was the vibrant emotion of love, and she sensed that Marc was near to feeling it, too.
She wanted him to remember the exotic emotions they had shared, wanted him to discard his reasons for doing what he had done. She wanted him to see her as the woman he desired above all others. She needed to be with him.
"Travis, your concern is unnecessary. I shall do what I think is best, and I do not have to ask for your approval."
He reached out and gripped Catalina's wrist. His viselike hold drew a soft cry of pain from her. She tried to jerk her arm free, but it was held in a grip she could never hope to break. He drew her to him, well aware of the fire of rebellion that leapt into her eyes.
"Cat, I won't let you fall victim to that man. You can't possibly realize what you are getting yourself into. When we reach Natchez tomorrow, I will take you ashore and we will find a boat on which to return to New Orleans."
His demanding voice and his overpowering attitude spurred her temper, but before she could answer him a strong lean hand closed over Travis's wrist and an unconscious sound erupted from Travis's mouth. With an iron grip, Marc squeezed his wrist until Travis was certain the bones were shattered.
"I believe the lady came aboard of her own choice, and she can leave when she chooses. If you would care to depart before we dock, I have men who are more than willing to send you off royally."
Travis jerked his arm free, fury burning in his eyes. But he remained silent before the threatening coldness in Marc's eyes, for he knew Marc wanted him to fight back.
"Cat boarded this boat with me," Travis said angrily, "and when we dock tomorrow in Natchez, we will return to New Orleans on another boat."
"Oh, really?" Amusement played at the corners of Marc's mouth. "Let's ask the lady if she chooses to leave. I believe you'll find she has other plans."
Catalina wanted to slap the arrogant self-assurance from Marc's face, but she was too aware of Travis's anger to do so.
"I am not leaving this boat until we get to Memphis," Catalina stated firmly, as she glared at first one and then the other. "I make my own choices about where I go and what I do, and I'd like to remind you both that I need no help in doing so."
China watched from
a short distance as Travis fought for control. He refused to look in Marc's direction, but Catalina was aware of the look in Marc's eyes, of the relief in them he would have denied.
"I think this is a decision you are going to regret, Cat," Travis said stiffly, "but, as you say, it is your decision." He turned to Marc, his glance frigid. "How long will we be in Natchez?"
"We'll dock tomorrow, stay one night, and leave the next day."
Travis nodded, then returned his gaze to Catalina. He had control now. "Whether you believe it or not, Cat, you need protection, and I intend to be here in case you discover what a deceptive liar he is."
"Be very careful with your accusations, my friend," Marc said in a deceptively casual voice. "I'll consider the circumstances once, but the next time you call me a liar, be prepared to defend yourself and to prove what you say."
Travis inhaled deeply. He wanted to attack Marc there and then, but his long-term plans were more important
Without another word he turned and walked away.
China followed like a silent shadow. She was impatient for the boat to dock in Natchez. Among the assortment of unsavory characters that lived in Natchez-under-the-hill, China had many friends who could supply her with information. Her suspicion of Travis Sherman had grown, and she meant to get a few facts about him.
Catalina was still shaking with ill-controlled fury as she turned to face Marc.
"You didn't tell him."
"Did you want me to?" he asked innocently. "I thought you wanted to spare the delicate feelings of your ... friend."
"Is that the only reason you said nothing to him?"
"Why, sweet." He chuckled. Then he bent to kiss her half parted lips leisurely. "What other possible reason could I have? Outside of the fact," he added in a wicked suggestive voice, "that I don't share such a lovely mistress as you with any man. Remember that, Cat," he added softly. "What's mine ... I keep."
He had drawn her breathlessly close. "I am not yours," she said in a voice as controlled as his. "And you remember that, Mr. Copeland. I'm not yours."
She moved from his arms and walked away, pleased by the look she had seen in his eyes when he had realized she was not going to be so easily conquered.
Chapter 23
Marc and Catalina sat across the table from each other in the elaborate dining room of the Belle. They had shared a magnificent dinner, and were now sipping wine and covertly studying each other for signs of vulnerability.
The night was beginning here and both knew it. The terms of their bargain were to be fulfilled. Yet Catalina denied the tingle of excitement that warmed her blood, blaming it on the wine.
Could she change the course of Marc's life in one night? She didn't think so, but trying was the only way she had to reach him, the only way to open his mind to the amazing emotion that drew them to each other.
In a moment of panic she wondered if she was the only one who felt it. Had what she had read in his face and in his touch really been pretense?
In a moment of truth, she realized she was placing her future in jeopardy. Risking all, on the chance that she could reach past passion and touch his heart
The game had no rules. If she won she would have everything she dreamed of. If she lost. .. The very core of her trembled at that thought, for she would have no future.
Marc had made no mention of the coming night. He had not teased or tormented her. In fact he was being unusually considerate and charming. It took her some time to realize that he was trying to make her transition into being his mistress as easy for her as he possibly could.
Marc watched the reflected light from the crystal chandeliers dance in Catalina's gold-brown eyes. He enjoyed the soft sound of her laugh when he said something amusing, and had kept her wine glass full all evening in the hope that wine would make the situation easier for her.
He found himself suddenly boyishly impatient, as if Catalina were a loved bride and this was their wedding night. He had to remind himself that Catalina Carrington wanted something from him and that she intended to use her body to get it.
He could not allow her moist red lips to continue to invade his senses. He had to keep in mind that he had to control emotions easily wasted on a woman who was at best a charming deception and at worst... He wasn't sure yet.
He touched the lip of her glass with the wine bottle as he poured more wine for her, purposely neglecting to fill his own glass. He wanted to be completely in control when Catalina came to him. He had been thinking about her surrender all day.
He knew by her flushed cheeks and the brilliance of her eyes that she was close to being inebriated. He lifted his glass and smiled.
"Shall we propose a toast?" he inquired.
She raised her glass to his.
"A toast to what?"
He shrugged. "To whatever might please you, my lady," he said softly.
"To the mystery of the future ... and the hope of finding solutions."
They drank. Then he chuckled as he sat his glass down. "Strange toast."
"Why strange?"
"What mysteries do you hope to find the solutions to?"
"Ah"—she laughed softly—"is not every woman preoccupied with the mystery of love?"
"Love?" His eyes glowed with a derisive look. "Love is a fantasy, my pet. A silk trap in which a woman snares a man who will then calmly lay aside his own dreams to crawl between the sheets with her. Love is for children. Smart adults know better."
He sat back in his chair and his eyes roamed thoughtfully over her. "But you do not strike me as a lady pining for love, for a man to take her away from the wickedness of the world."
"Oh, and how do I strike you, Marc?"
"As a lady who knows what she wants and sets out to get it, much like a man would."
"And that annoys you?"
"No, not really, I admire courage in a woman. I admire intelligence also. I do not admire foolish sentiments. They are usually a cloak for more dangerous ones."
"And love is a foolish sentiment," she said softly. "Have you never loved anyone?"
Again he laughed, deliberately misinterpreting her words. "I have made love to many, and I hope many more will pass my way."
"I did not ask if you had made love," she retorted. "I asked you if you have ever loved anyone. Tell me, Marc Copeland, has any woman ever loved you, or have they all been butterflies—flirting, loving, and flying away?"
"I prefer butterflies." His lips twitched in amusement. "Much less demanding."
"Then maybe you are afraid of demands. Could these women have found you lacking? I suppose it is safer to remain with butterflies than to face a challenge that might prove more than you can handle."
As she watched, anger flickered in his eyes, though he retained his smile of tolerant amusement.
"I do not refuse challenges, and have never found one too difficult to handle yet."
"Pride often walks before a fall."
"I don't speak with misplaced pride, Cat," he declared in a hushed voice, "and I have no intention of falling. If you've any more on your mind than our bargain, put it aside."
"I was speaking hypothetically, Marc," she replied. "Surely"—she lowered her voice seductively—"you do not believe I would harbor thoughts of anything permanent between us. We made our bargain. The Belle is my goal. Once it is mine, seek out all the butterflies you choose. You will have my blessing."
She was not certain what effect she had had on him, for he remained in complete control. Still, his green eyes were unnaturally bright, and had she understood him better, she would have realized that he was both excited and challenged. These reactions, combined with the anger that had been stirred in him, put Catalina in a more vulnerable position than she knew.
He rose slowly and extended a hand toward her in utter silence, yet his eyes now spoke volumes. They sparked with a dangerous glow that made her quiver and suddenly become frightened.
"I understand you well, Cat, and I am most willing to pay your price. The only
rub is that now it is time to prove the worth of our bargain."
She wanted to run, yet she wanted to throw herself into his arms and plead with him not to force her to keep a dishonorable bargain. She wanted this night to be a beginning for them both. But she could not tell him, for she knew such words would drive him from her. Her eyes reflected emotions she would have denied as she put a trembling hand in his.
He drew her up from her chair and tucked her arm in his. Then they walked out the dining-room door and onto the moon-bathed deck.
For a moment, as she walked beside him, she chastised herself. Marc Copeland would never surrender to the profound emotions she felt. She was a fool, but she loved him. And if there was the slimmest chance he would respond in kind, she would take it.
Marc was acutely aware of her. She excited his every sense, sang along his nerves like an electrical current, the force of which shook him. He had never felt for any woman what he was feeling, but he attributed that to the excitement which bound them.
He had never forced a woman to bend to his will, and that thought rankled a bit He wondered, if the Belle did not exist, if his need for vengeance did not exist, could he bring Catalina Carrington to his bed. The question, once raised, was difficult to dispose of, and it shook some of his resolve.
They stopped by the boat's rail, and turned to face each other.
She was breathlessly beautiful, and Marc was again struck by the elusive thought that there was a great deal about Catalina that he did not understand, would never understand. The thought intrigued him. She spoke of mysteries, but she continued to be the greatest mystery of all.
He reached out and traced the line of her jaw, then let his fingers roam down the soft flesh of her throat to rest for a moment on her shoulder. He watched her eyes widen as he slid his hand to the back of her head and drew her to him.
She made no effort to fight him or to resist in any way. In fact he was momentarily surprised when her hands slid about his waist and she stepped into his arms as their lips met. His mouth took hers eagerly, as wisps of thought misted his mind until he craved only a deeper and more satisfying taste of her.
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