“Taking a bath, idiot,” the disobedient girl weakly panted. “Take me to the balcony to dry my hair; I’ll soak the bed.”
“Don’t you know you’re too weak to bathe alone, much less wash your hair?” he scolded as he wrapped a sheet around her nude body.
“I couldn’t stand this greasy hair and filthy body a day longer. I thought I could make it if I hurried,” Cal said softly, battling to control her nausea and woozy head.
“You thought wrong!” he declared in annoyance.
“Please don’t fuss at me, Lynx. I feel awful; I think I’m going to faint,” she told him, hoping he would cease his tirade.
He carried her outside into the warm sunlight and sat down with her in his lap. “I’m soaking your shirt,” she whispered.
“It doesn’t matter, love. Just relax,” he coaxed her tenderly, his fury vanishing as he realized how helpless she was.
“I need my brush. If my hair dries like this, it’ll be in a thousand tangles. Please,” she entreated.
“Serves you right, woman. As punishment, I’ll enjoy removing each one. Whatever possessed you to push yourself like that? Couldn’t you wait until I was home to help?” he scolded in frustration.
“I was miserable, Lynx. I didn’t know I was that weak. Besides, I’ve been enough trouble for you.” Cal began to weep softly from tension and fatigue. As she sniffed, she murmured, “I’m sorry.”
Trying not to hurt her, he snuggled her against him. “I know you’ve had it rough lately. Things will be better soon; be patient.”
When part of her trembling and weakness passed, he sat her in the chair to fetch a towel and her brush. He lifted her and placed her in his lap again. Lynx gently dried her hair, then worked to unmat the curls with her brush. When Cal told him she could do it, he chuckled and vowed he would handle the stimulating problem. Lying in his arms with nothing but a sheet around her, Calinda was intensely aware of his sensual body and manly appeal.
“Lean your head over my arm,” Lynx instructed.
She did as told, her cascading tresses falling over it. With sweeping stokes, he soon had her wavy curls silky and shiny. Sunlight danced over her hair and slowly dried it, bringing its fiery glow to life. She closed her leafy green eyes and relaxed completely. The sun was warm; the breeze was refreshing; his embrace was intoxicating; and she was fatigued from her exertions.
As her respiration became slow and even, Lynx smiled. His admiring gaze shifted over her delicate and striking features. She had the cutest nose and most inviting lips. Her neck was long and slender, her shoulders creamy, but for the darkened area which exposed her recent brush with death. He quietly dropped the brush to the floor to allow his fingers to trail over her satiny flesh; they travelled as if mapping her slender arms, her softly rounded shoulders, and exquisite features. Not even the smallest blemish marred her compelling face. How could a woman be so beautiful and enchanting without recognizing the power and extent of her magic? His artless wife accepted her ravishing looks as easily and unnoticeably as her breathing. The fact that Cal never used her beauty and power over him as weapons touched Lynx deeply.
It had been so long since their last passionate union that his body ached for hers, his heart yearned for her loving responses. He had hurt her deeply by deceiving her, regardless of his motives. Did she doubt his love, too? He had destroyed what faith she had in him. He had disappointed her and confused her. As he watched her sleep peacefully, he silently prayed for her forgiveness and understanding. She appeared so fragile, yet she was strong in many ways. Her traits reminded him of the yucca, also white and lovely, so stubborn and resilient, so vulnerable to destructive forces. He sighed heavily.
His confessions must be postponed until tomorrow. Cal wasn’t strong enough in mind or body to delve into such a weighty matter. Since her father’s letter hadn’t mentioned his partnership with Rankin, Lynx assumed Cal didn’t know that injurious fact. Lynx was relieved Brax’s will had stated nothing more than Calinda was his sole heir. But Lynx was bewildered and disturbed by the last line in the bequest which granted all of Brax’s possessions to Lynx Cardone, in the event of the death of Calinda Braxton…For love or retribution?
Lynx was intimidated by the evidence against him, but what difference could one more day make? Her face nestled closer to his shoulder as Cal snuggled up to him. Careful of her left shoulder, his arms embraced her possessively. With her in his arms, Lynx didn’t care how long she slept. His heart was bursting with pride and love; he could never lose her, no matter what.
Salina observed the tender and infuriating scene on the balcony as she came to discard the bathwater and remove the tub. She soundlessly made her way to the door and peered outside. Sensing her presence, Lynx glanced over at Salina, placing his finger to his lips. Salina eased onto the porch and looked down at the sleeping Calinda. Her gaze lingered on the remains of Calinda’s misfortune, one Salina wished had been fatal. As her eyes slipped up to Lynx’s partially concealed face as he also stared at his wife, the truth was never clearer to her: Lynx was actually in love with Calinda.
Lynx motioned and mouthed for Salina to complete her task, to leave them alone. Salina nodded and left, masking her new defeat. There was no one to thank, not the powers of heaven or hell. How she hoped Calinda would be terrified into fleeing the ranch and Lynx.
Lynx watched the blazing sunset to the west, calmly allowing her to sleep until she was fully recovered. When she sighed heavily and moaned in discomfort, he concluded her position was bothering her. He carried her to bed, gently tucking her beneath a light cover. He would change clothes before dinner. Perhaps that black outfit which always glued her eyes to him…Or that red silk shirt…
When Cal awoke in the bed and saw she was alone, she quickly checked the drawer to test her unsettling theory; the papers were there, but not as she purposely left them. A stand-off was certain as each would wait for the other to approach the dismaying subject. She had piqued him into seeking an answer, but how had the clues affected him? Would Lynx ignore them or confess? She would follow his lead.
“Feeling better now?” he asked tenderly when he returned to find her supposedly stirring for the first time. He took a seat at her side.
Cal lifted her head and looked around, aware of the passage of time and their enticing solitude. If Lynx was a black-hearted villain, how could he be so tender and gentle? As his right palm moved up and down her arm, she smiled and thanked him for his concern and care.
“Any pain, love?” he inquired, his tone lacking any anger.
“Just a dull ache with little twinges every so often. It seems to be healing nicely. Now, all I have to do is regain my strength. You make a comfortable bed, Cardone,” she teased, recalling his embrace, needing this brief sharing of tenderness.
“Speaking of bed, that’s where you’re staying, woman. No more defiance until you’re well. Agreed?” he whispered against her forehead, then kissed it, thrilled when she didn’t retreat from him.
“That’s the best rest I’ve had in weeks. I think I’ll keep you around as my doctor,” she teased playfully, feeling better than she had since his last visit home. She looked up into his arresting face and asked, “Still mad at me?”
“A little. I was planning to take you outside to the swing, but you’ve had too much activity for one day.” He smiled raffishly.
“Tomorrow?” Cal wheedled. “If I’m good?”
He grinned and nodded. “Otherwise, I’ll tie you to the bed,” he jested. “Ready for dinner?”
“Starved, for a change,” she hastily accepted.
As they dined in the room, Lynx waited for her invitation to return to their bed, but Cal didn’t extend one. He wouldn’t press her tonight; she needed another few days to fully recover. To avoid upsetting her, he let their talk slide until another day. She was still insecure and leery tonight, but he knew why. He turned on the charm to beguile her. Instead of creating a serene mood, his romantic overtures made her uneasy. His assumption
was accurate; she doubted his love and sincerity. It shouldn’t surprise him, but it did trouble him. Winning her over would be a stirring and difficult task.
They made light conversation for an hour, then he cleared the small table. Following a heady kiss, he tucked her in and said goodnight.
During the next few days, Lynx watched her get stronger each hour. Cal was permitted to sit up and to be assisted outside for short periods. Between generous nature and his constant attentions, her improvements increased and the wounds gradually healed. With the continued schedule of nourishing food, lots of rest and sleep, light exercise, fresh air and warm sunshine, and his assistance, she was managing nicely by the fifteenth day after the shooting. Her spirits enlivened and her tensions lessened. She was irresistibly drawn to his agreeable mood.
By the twentieth day, Calinda could get around by herself. She would take her meals with the two men in the dining room. She would sit downstairs for a couple of hours each afternoon and evening, listening to the men’s conversations, joining in when they persisted. When they tried to discuss the barbecue, she persuaded them to wait until she was as good as new.
Salina stayed out of Calinda’s sight as much as possible. She performed her chores as usual, but spent most evenings away from the ranch. She had become evasive and remote lately. Calinda wondered if Salina was thinking about a new life away from them. Salina made no attempts to converse with Calinda, but politely responded when addressed. Perhaps Salina now realized nothing and no one would drive Cal from the ranch and Lynx. Although the Mexican girl wasn’t hateful, neither was she cheerful. Something had changed Salina’s resentful and sarcastic manner, but Calinda didn’t know what. In fact, the girl almost seemed frightened of something, displaying a subtle wariness and reluctant resignation. But Calinda had problems of her own to solve. Tomorrow would be three weeks since her attack. Yet, Lynx had said nothing about the letters he had secretly read. He was being so damn carefree and jovial! There was a smugness and confidence in him which vexed her. Why wouldn’t he talk about the papers? He was behaving as if nothing uncommon had transpired, as if he intended to ignore and forget the entire matter. Why was he being so loving and charming? Yet, he put no pressure on her to share his bed again. He appeared content with their present arrangements, too patient and genial to suit her. She was cognizant of his piercing gaze and proximity. He guarded her so closely that she almost felt a prisoner.
Cal prayed her enemy would soon be captured, and that he would be exposed as a callous stranger. What foe was smart as to leave no clues, so skilled as to be an excellent marksman? The assailant had to be an expert shot, so Cal did not suspect Salina. Salina was malicious and conniving, but surely no killer. Brax’s will presented another suspicion—if Lynx had known about the bequest, which would have come first: marriage or…
Calinda received a startling jolt that next afternoon. As she gingerly strolled outside with his strong arm supporting her, Lynx nonchalantly told her he would be away at the state capital for two or three days. Although she had enough strength to walk alone, he still insisted on aiding her. He was in a blithe mood today, joking and smiling.
When Lynx made his unexpected announcement, Cal halted abruptly and turned to stare at him. He swiftly expounded, “I was planning to take you with me, Cal, but it’s too soon for you to make a tiring trip. I’ve put it off too long as it is. I couldn’t leave until you were better. I’ve asked Steve to guard the house until I get back. Will you promise not to over-do and stay inside the fence?”
“Why do you have to go to the capital?” she inquired, acting as if she didn’t know Austin was his impending destination…
“You recall that story in the newspaper from Round Rock about the Bass gang?” When she nodded, he went on, “Major Jones, you recall him, asked me to help him locate two members. You see, I can get in places and speak with men the Rangers can’t. J.B. Jones and I have been friends for years, so I agreed to keep an eye out for Sam Pipes and Frank Jackson, two of Sam’s men. They passed through Waco when I was there, so I followed them. I have to testify at their trials because I witnessed a bank robbery. Jones had the cases put off while you were so ill. The trial is set for Monday; I’ll take the train from Fort Worth tomorrow. As soon as I tell the court my side, I’ll come straight home. No more than four days, I promise,” he informed her, truthfully preparing her for his impending confession.
Cal wondered why he hadn’t mentioned his close friendship with Jones when she met the imposing Ranger. How convenient that the trial would be in Austin where Kyle Yancey resided. How convenient that the Ranger who had discouraged her search was his close friend, a friend linked to the peril in Lampasas. Even if Lynx hadn’t learned about her meeting with Yancey in town, the letter had revealed his name to Lynx. Was he planning to question the lawyer before confronting her, to see just how much she knew before telling her too much? That explained why he hadn’t said anything to her yet.
“I want to go with you,” Cal told him. “Lynx, you promised no more solitary trips. I can relax on the train, then wait in our hotel room while you’re in court. If I take it easy, I’ll be fine. Besides, I’ll have my doctor with me,” she reasoned evocatively.
Lynx shook his head. “I swear you can go next time. It’s too soon for such a strenuous journey. This isn’t a new promise, love. It’s an unfinished part of our last separation; I came home early because they weren’t ready for the trial. I had planned to take you with me. If I can testify early, I’ll catch the train home that same day. You get well, woman; you and I have some serious talking to do.”
“All right, boss,” she relented, knowing they could both use some privacy to think and plan. He couldn’t be lying about the trial for it would be too easy to check out his reason. She prayed Yancey would hold her confidence about the ranch deed until she decided how to handle that distressing matter. But Lynx was an intimidating, powerful, wealthy, and relentless man; he might be able to persuade Yancey to talk.
“You understand? You don’t mind?” he probed at her silence.
Cal responded light-heartedly, “I know you have to go and do your duty for law and order. I don’t have to like it, but I won’t interfere. Too bad you never joined the awesome Rangers; they could use a man with your skills and courage.”
He chuckled roguishly. “What man could make a proper Ranger with a wife like you waiting at home?” he murmured playfully.
“Texas’s loss is my gain?” she ventured coquettishly.
“I hope so,” he mirthfully replied. “Is it?”
“A lack of self-assurance has never been one of your weak points, Lynx. I would say you’re a man who’s never heard the word no or accepted defeat. Have a nice time and a safe trip.”
“You don’t have to sound so eager for my departure,” he mischievously chided her when she smiled saucily.
“I thought I was being very lenient and bright this time by not pestering you with childish tears and quarrels. Are husbands so hard to please? Which do you prefer, futile hysterics or mature resignation? A word of caution, don’t let Jones fill your head with new adventures and challenges. I’ll expect you home by Tuesday. You don’t want me coaxed out of bed to come seeking my errant husband, or to be enticed to seek a more devoted and appreciative esposo.”
“You leave that bed or this house, woman, and you’ll answer to me. Savvy?” he demanded seriously.
“Don’t return by Tuesday, and you’ll answer to me. Savvy?” she captured his taunt and flung it back at him, then laughed.
“You’re a mighty demanding vixen,” he stated with a chuckle.
“On the contrary, I’m not demanding at all,” she corrected him. “In fact, I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”
“I can’t argue that point,” he promptly concurred.
“I’d better go inside now; I’m a little shaky. What time is your train?” she inquired as they made their way into the house.
“Eight, so I’ll say farewell to
night. I’ll need to ride out at dawn.”
They ate a quiet dinner downstairs, then chatted with Rankin for a short time. Since Lynx had to get up early, they headed upstairs. He kissed her goodnight after packing, then headed for the borrowed room, resolved this would be his last night to sleep alone.
Calinda tossed on the bed for hours. Perhaps she should go and see if Lynx was still awake. Wouldn’t it be better to settle one topic before he left, rather than battle over several when he returned? For surely he would pull the devastating information from Yancey. She needed to know just how much he would confess before he learned she knew everything. If she could take him unprepared, she might learn more. If she gave him time to come up with some plausible explanation…
That was the best solution, to get Laura and Brax out of the way before the ranch issue must be dealt with later. If he didn’t contact Yancey, she would reveal everything on his return. The stress of remaining silent and uncertain was intolerable.
Cal threw the covers aside and headed for the door. Even though Salina’s room was downstairs, it was beneath this one. Cal didn’t want that nosey witch to hear her trip to the guestroom at the other end of the hallway. Cal tiptoed to the door and stealthily eased it open a small amount. She listened to make certain there was no noise from downstairs. Before Cal fully opened the door to step into the hallway, she froze and witnessed a stunning sight: Salina was slipping into Cal’s old room, dressed in a transparent nightgown!
Mesmerized, Calinda stayed there for a few minutes. If Salina was merely delivering a message, why was it taking so long? If she needed to speak with Lynx about something, why wait so late? Why be so sneaky? Why dressed in that sexy nightgown? A luscious Mexican beauty had no business in her husband’s room this time of night and hardly attired! It had been four weeks since they had made love, but was Lynx this desperate for a woman? Like mother, like son?
First Love Wild Love Page 45
