Savage Conquest (6 page)

"First, you're angry because he cancels; now,
you're angry when he sets a new appointment.
What's wrong with you, Mandy? Do you or do you
not wish to see him? You could lose his business by
behaving like a spurned woman ora spoiled brat. Go
and meet with him," Miranda encouraged.

"I can't," she vowed willfully. "If I rush to meet
him, he'll think he can treat me in this despicable and
rude manner. Mister Reis Harrison needs to learn a
valuable lesson about women. If I had been a man, he
wouldn't have canceled the first meeting; and he
surely wouldn't set up a new one in such an offensive
way. If we're to do business, he must treat me equally
and respectfully."

"Be honest with yourself, Mandy," her sister
advised gravely. "You're really upset because he's
ignoring you as a woman. If he's stung your pride,
don't let it show. You can't bedazzle every male. Are
you afraid of him?" she conjectured seriously.

"Afraid of him? He didn't appear to, be dangerous," she replied.

"That's not what I meant. He frightens you in
some way."

Amanda flushed guiltily. "There is something
about him which confuses me. He made a fool of me
last night. He flirted outrageously with me, and I
responded likewise. Now, he feels he can treat me as
he pleases. I won't chase any man, and certainly not a
total stranger. I don't like losing control of such a
situation," she admitted.

"What's so terrible about giving the reins to such a stimulating man? How many times have you
complained about suitors who lack courage and
brains? You don't want someone you can lead
around by a ring through his nose. If he intrigues
you, Mandy, discover why."

"For one who claims to know little about men and
romance, you offer a great deal of advice," Amanda
teased her sister. "What about you, Randy? Have you
ever met anyone intriguing?"

"Not yet, but I will one day," Miranda replied
confidently.

"How so, when you stay home all the time? You
think some irresistible stranger is going to appear at
your door one stormy night to sweep you off your
feet?" she continued merrily.

"Why not? It happened with you," she ventured
boldly.

"Miranda Lawrence, you never give up, do you?"
she wailed.

"Not when I see that same look in your eyes as I
saw in Mama's. Have you ever met a man like Reis?
No," she answered her own question.

Still, Miranda couldn't persuade her sister to
accept the appointment with Reis the next day.
Instead, Amanda went to visit friends, just to be
unavailable if Reis called. Actually, Amanda was
disturbed by the way she had behaved with Reis. She
had never met a commanding and imposing man,
and she didn't know how to deal with one or the
sensations which he aroused. She had acted like an
infatuated and foolish young girl, and knew she had to be wary of his powerful effect. She refused even to
send a note of regret or refusal.

When Reis came by in midafternoon to see why
Amanda hadn't arrived for their meeting, Miranda
was too embarrassed to speak with him. Knowing she
couldn't lie with a clear conscience or straight face,
she ordered their housekeeper to tell Reis that
Amanda was out for the day. She was bemused by. the
message Reis left for Amanda: "If Miss Lawrence
decides to meet with me, tell her to contact me at the
hotel before I leave Friday."

Amanda was given the cool message upon her
arrival home. "First, a command appearance; now,
an ultimatum. Just who does he think he is, Randy?
Mrs. Reed said he looked terribly angry."

"He should be. You insult his manners then
behave just as rudely. The least you could have done
was send a note to say you weren't coming," Miranda
scolded her. "Is this any way to handle business? If
you don't want to be treated like a spoiled woman,
then don't behave like one. If you want him to pursue
you, Mandy, then you'd best give him the opportunity before he leaves Friday."

"Why are you speaking so hatefully, Randy?" she
quizzed.

"Because I'm mad. You rant about how all males
are alike; then when someone different comes along,
you're furious because he doesn't behave like all the
rest. I don't understand you, Mandy. You haven't
chosen a sweetheart because not one man you've
dated has stood out from the others. Suddenly a strong and virile male magically appears on your
doorstep, and you're chasing him away because you
can't wrap him around your finger like all the rest
who aren't worth having."

"That isn't true, Randy. I'm just ..." She fell
silent, turning her back to her sister. How could she
explain her feelings?

"Just what?" the dark-haired girl demanded.

"You asked me if I was afraid of Reis. Maybe I am.
Oh, Randy, he makes me feel and think such
puzzling things. I'm at such a loss when he's near. I'd
probably act like an idiot at our meeting. Can I risk
falling for the only man who doesn't seem interested
in me?" Tears glimmered on her lashes.

"From what I observed, Reis is most impressed by
you."

"But in what way, Randy? I won't argue that he
found me charming or desirable. What if that's all he
sees and wants from me? He's dangerous, Randy, for
he has the power to hurt me." With that fear spoken
aloud, she knew she must deal with it, with the
source of it.

"You're serious, aren't you?" When Amanda
nodded, Miranda smiled and suggested, "Why don't
you find out how you affect him? It isn't like you to
be a coward or to be so insecure."

"That's the problem," Amanda sighed. "I haven't
been me since I met Reis."

Reis sat at the table in his room, making notes and planning. He had done some checking on Richardson, Amanda Lawrence, and both shipping firms.
He didn't like what his search had revealed or the
implications. He couldn't figure out why Amanda
didn't want Weber to know he was here on business,
not after discovering that Weber was in control of her
firm. More confusing and plaguing was the fact that
Weber and Amanda were rumored to be heading for
the altar. Very strange .. .

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.