Calinda turned to look at her. “I beg your pardon?” she said, doubting her ears. Had the girl actually spoken to her? The Spanish words were unknown to Calinda, but she’d recognized that sensual tone.
“Cobre piel…Dorado ojo…Rubio cabello,” she sighed passionately as she described Lynx’s golden appearance.
“I don’t understand Spanish, Salina,” she told the dreamy girl.
“I said, my love is coming soon. He is so virile, so handsome, so intrepid, and so passionate. I quiver with eagerness. When you see him, Senorita Braxton, remember, he is taken,” she seductively warned, continuing calmly with her chore.
“Taken? By whom?” Calinda asked. Rankin hadn’t mentioned a sweetheart. What was Salina up to now?
“By me,” the girl smugly claimed, tapping her chest. “Lynx has eyes for me alone. We are mucho close,” she alleged, crossing her fingers as an example. “When he is home, I have no time for chores. You wish to help? Work while I am with him. He is mucho tempting, so remember you are a dama, a lady,” she stressed sarcastically. “Do not charm him or sneak into his room. I do not carry this knife without reason,” she brazenly threatened, pulling up her skirt to expose the shiny blade strapped to her inner thigh. “Lynx Cardone is mine. You have the hidalgo encantado…Senor Cardone bewitched, but do not toss your charms on Lynx. A real lady would not be living off a caballero. Return to where you belong.”
“I belong here as long as Rankin wants me to stay,” Calinda calmly stated. “As to Lynx, you have no worries about me. If he was a real man, he would be home where he belongs.”
“I would not speak so to Lynx. He has a short fuse and quick gun. No one, including his papa, tells him what to do. He is like a blue norther: powerful, cold, destructive. You should hide in fear while he is home. Senoritas like you he chews up and spits out like old tobacco. Be on guard, Senorita Braxton, Lynx is a hombre as you have never met before. But do not be fooled by his charms and good looks; he uses them as weapons, always with a purpose. I will slit the throat of any girl who forgets he is mine.”
Calinda realized the Mexican girl was doing her best to intimidate her, to speak understandable English in that thick accent of hers. She smiled sweetly and inquired, “What does Llama de mi corazon mean?”
Salina gaped at her for the silly question, then sneered, “Flame of my heart; why? Did you not hear my warnings?” she demanded.
“No warning is necessary; I don’t chase men, any man.” She left the kitchen without explaining herself, mentally savoring the endearment Cody had murmured that fateful night, wondering why it had flashed across her mind.
Naturally Calinda didn’t relate that ridiculous conversation to Rankin. In fact, she and Rankin spoke little that night at supper. His mind seemed on a matter far removed from her. Shortly after their meal, Rankin entered his office to do bookwork.
Calinda went to her room to read before bedtime. Salina’s words and warnings chewed at her. Were Lynx and Salina in love? Did the Mexican girl fear Calinda could replace her? Would this wealthy and handsome son marry a servant? Evidently from the recent conversations, this mysterious Lynx was due for a visit soon. Calinda’s ears had been flooded with stirring tales and descriptions of Lynx. As Salina’s resentment had increased and she was now voicing a claim on Lynx, Calinda was sorely tempted to vex Salina by boldly flirting with Lynx when he came home. She couldn’t behave like that.
Calinda wondered about Lynx. He was said to be a handsome and dauntless rogue. The wranglers and Salina made him sound larger than life, a compelling legend, a man of matchless prowess. Calinda laughed softly. What if this Lynx was actually clumsy and plain? What if he was only a boastful and insipid bumpkin? On the other hand, what if he was invincible, arrogant, cold, and deadly…
After the magnetic stranger in the Red Satin Saloon, could she ever desire another man? Could any man match Cody’s prowess and looks? Calinda was plagued by memories of him and doubts of her future. She couldn’t and wouldn’t return to England. How could she search for Brax in this vast and wild territory? Should she leave and begin a new life? Where? How? Doing what?
Life was peaceful on the Cardone Ranch. She felt safe and happy. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving this security to face unknown dangers and fierce challenges. What to do? At times, Rankin was so odd. Yet, he seemed to care for her and about her. He claimed he wanted her to remain, but for how long? As long as she complied to his terms, he enjoyed her company. But what was the truth about her father? Without money and protection, she was literally trapped here. Besides, she wanted to meet this Lynx just once…
The next afternoon, Calinda received another startling surprise. Several trunks were brought to her room, trunks filled with clothes and jewels which had belonged to Laura Cardone. Rankin insisted she take and use whatever fit and was still in good repair. Pressed, Calinda accepted this added act of kindness and generosity. She was astonished by the elegant gowns and costly jewels in the trunks. And each garment she tried on fit perfectly. She wished Rankin would show her a picture of Laura, but he didn’t.
When Calinda questioned Rankin about her future, he smiled and told her not to worry, that she was welcome to live here forever. “But, Rankin,” she reasoned, “I’m not even family. What will people think if I continue to live here? At least put me to work,” she coaxed.
“Who cares about idle gossip? Who would dare to speak against Rankin Cardone? From this day on, you are as family. You don’t want to leave, and I wish you to stay. Why must we be miserable to please others? No more silly talk about leaving,” he ordered sternly, affectionately cuffing her chin.
The next afternoon, Calinda went to her private balcony to catch a breath of air. She looked out over the grassy terrain before her line of vision. She saw Rankin on horseback in the distance, talking with another man whose back was to her. She observed them for a time, then leaned against the solid corner portion between the two arches, concealed from view. Without spoiling the closeness between them, she needed to persuade Rankin to clarify the past, to learn more about her father, to decide if and how to locate Elliott Braxton. She needed to make a decision: to live here or to go look for Brax. It dismayed her to realize she was calling and viewing him more and more as Brax, a stranger, not as her father…
“So, you’ve finally come to visit,” Rankin commented merrily.
“You don’t look pleased to see me, father,” Lynx teased, a broad grin making tiny creases near his amber eyes and full mouth. “Should I have requested a visit before surprising you?” he joshed.
“I’m always happy when you come home. But I’d be happier if you’d stay. I also have a surprise for you; we have a guest, a beautiful one,” Rankin hinted, dreading his son’s reaction.
Lynx wailed humorously, “Not another rancher’s daughter to toss in my lap? I thought you’d grown tired of matching me up to fillies.”
Lynx’s smile was rapidly replaced by a frigid scowl as he listened to his father’s startling news. “You’re not serious, father? Do you realize the trouble she can make?”
Rankin explained what he had discovered about Calinda Braxton and his impressions of her. Lynx straightened in his saddle as he unwillingly absorbed the incredible story. He was astonished and vexed when Rankin alleged Calinda’s innocence and ignorance, then expounded on her good virtues and beauty. “I can’t believe you would allow a slithering viper to nest in our home,” he scolded angrily. “What if she’s playing you for a fool, father? If not, what if she discovers the truth?”
“Cal isn’t like Brax, son. I doubt Brax told Miranda or Cal anything. I’m positive she is honest and vulnerable.”
“You don’t mind if I decide for myself? Let’s go have a look at your Cal,” Lynx said coldly, sitting rigid in his saddle.
As they were riding in, one of the men shouted to the others, “Lynx is home, boys. He’s coming in with the boss.”
That news caught Calinda’s attention. She remained concealed behind the wid
e span on the balcony, peering out to see this legend for herself. As Rankin and Lynx halted and dismounted, Calinda’s eyes blinked rapidly in disbelief, then stared at the tall figure of the man greeting his friends below. Cody Richards! Tex! Lynx Cardone…
As Lynx joked and talked with the cowpunchers who gathered around, Calinda listened to the mellow and stirring voice she would never forget. It was undeniably and terrifyingly clear the mysterious stranger and Lynx Cardone were the same man. Why had dear Nelle lied to her? It was impossible for Nelle not to know who this wealthy and irresistibly handsome man was. Had Lynx discovered who she was after leaving her that night? Was that why he had left the money? Was this the meaning of the last words of that note…
Cal wouldn’t humiliate herself and her gracious host by confronting his son with his wicked conduct in Fort Worth. Yet, how could she calmly stroll downstairs and act as if they had never met? How would Lynx react to seeing her again, in his home? Maybe Salina was right, she should hide in her room! No, she couldn’t do that.
Resentment and spite filled Calinda as she watched him laugh happily as if he were without a care in the world. Surely the note had been a jest! Doubtlessly he had assumed their paths would never cross again. Calinda suddenly realized she possessed the delightful element of surprise; Lynx would be shocked and distressed by their unexpected meeting, especially under these circumstances. He wouldn’t dare do or say anything wrong before his father. Dreams of revenge challenged her to repay him, to teach the arrogant rogue a lesson. She would see him squirm in dread of her devastating revelation of his vile behavior, squirm and worry. It vexed Calinda to admit perhaps Salina’s description of him hadn’t been exaggerated at all. No doubt they made a fine pair!
Calinda remained out of sight until the two men entered the house, then she hurried into her room. She rushed to her closet and searched it for a particular dress which had belonged to Laura, one in elegant red satin and trimmed in expensive black lace. This outfit should certainly jog his memory. When she was ready for the evening meal, she brushed her fiery chestnut locks until they bounced and shone with golden lights. Even if the dress clashed with her hair, no matter.
She answered the knock at her door; it was Salina coming to tell her of Lynx’s arrival and the dinner hour. The girl’s dark eyes narrowed in rage as they slipped over the exquisite Calinda.
“Have you forgotten my warning, bruja?” she purred venomously.
“Perhaps if we go downstairs and you repeat it before both men, then I shall always recall it,” Calinda warned in return, rankled by the girl’s antagonistic manner and taut with apprehension. “I could care less about you or Lynx Cardone. Threaten me once more, and I will make certain Rankin learns of it instantly. Is that clear, Salina?”
Salina was shocked by Calinda’s sudden display of mettle and daring. She nodded, then disappeared. Calinda gracefully walked down the stairs, her legs shaky. As she was about to knock on the closed door, Rankin opened it and came out into the entry hall.
Since it had become their habit to dress for dinner, Rankin never suspected Calinda’s mischievous and dangerous ploy. He looked her over and smiled in pleasure, imagining his son’s reaction to this lovely creature. He glanced inside and said, “Lynx, this is Calinda Braxton. Cal, my son Lynx.” As Rankin made the introductions, he failed to witness Calinda’s feigned look of surprise and following glare of fury which she cunningly dismissed before he turned to her again. But Rankin alertly caught the astonishment and another unknown emotion which flashed over his son’s face. He hastily decided his son was pleasantly surprised to find Calinda Braxton so entrancing. “You two get acquainted while I go tell Salina we’re ready for dinner to be served.” With that, Rankin left them alone, pulling the door shut.
Neither Calinda nor Lynx moved or spoke for a short time, each deliberating how to handle this precarious situation. His gaze mocking, Lynx scoffed sarcastically, “You’re Calinda Braxton?”
“Yes, but you aren’t Tex, or Cody Richards,” she sneered.
“Cody Richards?” he repeated in confusion.
“When I asked Nelle about the room’s owner that next morning, she told me your name was Cody Richards,” Cal said.
Lynx stared at her skeptically. “How could you ask anything about me when you skipped out at dawn with Cousin Nelle’s earnings? Didn’t I leave enough money? I must have been dazed with fatigue; I never pegged you as a thief and a liar. What did your lover say about your night with me? Or didn’t anyone tell you he’s a deadly killer? Just what are you two trying to pull on the Cardones, Miss Callie O’Hara?” Lynx sarcastically responded. Was this girl more cunning and daring than he could imagine? Whatever she was trying to pull, he would enjoy defeating her!
It was Calinda’s turn to look puzzled, then all at once she understood. She laughed coldly, relishing his dismay as she corrected his mistaken impressions. “My mother was the only one to call me Callie; she’s dead now. In my stupor that night, I answered to it. To my misfortune, you persist in confusing me with Callie O’Hara, Nelle’s cousin. Unfortunately, we arrived on the same stage, and we’re both redheads. I have never been a thief or a harlot. As to being a liar, surely you know why I misled you about my destination, to prevent any future contact with a lecherous beast. As you can see, Mister Cardone, you have the wrong Callie again, as you did that night. If you doubt me or my word, go ask Nelle,” she frostily suggested.
Lynx’s keen mind seized these facts, quickly sorting and storing them. Had he been set up by Elliott Braxton’s treacherous and beautiful daughter? What were the odds against Calinda Braxton accidentally landing in his bed and arms? Two Callies? He strolled forward and halted before her. His hand came up to stroke her fiery cheek as he huskily remarked, “From where I’m standing, I’d say I have the right one, for a change, Miss Callie Braxton. Red satin suits you after all. But you certainly go to rash lengths to meet and charm a cowpoke.”
Calinda drew back her hand to slap the smug look off his mocking face. Lynx painlessly captured it before it could complete its task. He chuckled. “At least you’re wide awake tonight. I’d like some straight answers later. I didn’t realize you’d use my money to settle yourself in my home,” he teased, oddly delighted to see her tonight.
“Considering how we met, Mister Cardone, I’d say I earned your monetary assistance. But if I had known who you were, I wouldn’t be here right now. It appears lying about your name was another error.”
His tawny eyes travelled over her furious expression. “What else do you think you’ve earned, Callie?” he asked, his voice deceptively soft.
“I don’t understand,” she replied, trying to pull free. “If you think I’m here because of you or what happened, you’re vastly mistaken.”
“We’ll see, won’t we?” he hinted mysteriously, then released his hold and stepped away from her. He turned his back to retrieve his brandy, his senses whirling madly at her nearness.
Calinda’s hand impulsively reached out as if to snatch his gun. “I wouldn’t if I were you, Callie,” he warned coldly without moving or turning. “I have a reputation for dealing harshly with people who pull guns on me.”
“You have eyes in the back of your head?” she snapped nervously.
“A man in my position must to survive.” As he turned and faced her, he said, “Don’t ever draw a gun on anyone unless you intend to use it. They might not be as even-tempered or forgiving as I am.”
“What if I intended to use it?” she challenged.
Lynx didn’t flinch when he stated seriously, “If you dare to challenge me, be prepared to pay the price for defeat.” Calinda couldn’t tell what challenge he was referring to at that moment.
“If you dare to ravish a female in her sleep, you should be prepared to pay the price for your crime,” she warned in return.
Abruptly Lynx filled the room with lusty laughter. “I must admit, you’re one brave and reckless gal, Calinda Braxton. It seems we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot
again. Would another apology settle those ruffled feathers?” He leaned against the billiard table and crossed one booted foot over the other, observing her with a roguish smile. Maybe his father was accurate in his assessments. Even so, she would be a stimulating riddle to solve.
“An apology is insignificant for what you did, Mister Cardone.”
“Tonight, or back in Fort Worth?” he playfully jested, as they both recalled the implication in his note. “I did plan to seek you out one day soon, but I never expected to find you waiting here for my return. This looks to be a most interesting reunion. Just imagine, you and me living under the same roof. Think we should let Father in on our little secret?” He chuckled when she blushed and stiffened.
“You wouldn’t dare confess what you did to me! But if you come near me again, I’ll tell him! If you think your money absolves you of guilt, you’re wrong. I’m not afraid of you, but I wouldn’t want to hurt your father by telling him what a villain you are. From what I hear, your visits are short and rare; thankfully,” she scoffed to nettle him. His smoldering eyes seemed to scorch her.
He laughed heartily. “Maybe I should make some exceptions and changes this trip. What do you think, Callie, mi bello flor?”
Before Calinda could reply, Rankin returned to tell them dinner was ready, cognizant of the fiery sparks between them. Setting down his glass and straightening, Lynx smiled sensuously at her and waved her forward. “After you, Callie. It sure is nice to be home, Father.”
Calinda shot him a look of warning before she turned to follow Rankin into the dining room with Lynx closely behind her.
Chapter Four
As the meal was served and eaten, Calinda was hard pressed to remain poised enough to prevent curiosity or suspicion in Rankin or Salina. She wondered how a lady was supposed to act under such trying circumstances. Here she sat having dinner and sharing the company of the man with whom she had slept, the man who had claimed her purity, the man who inflamed her senses with his very presence, the man who seemed to comprehend his provocative effect upon her and was playfully taking advantage of her discomfiture and necessary silence. She wanted to hate him and to punish him, but could do neither.
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