Dark Rider

by Iris Johansen

  He shook his head. “I’ll wait here. The hold has a variety of unpleasant smells.”

  Jared opened the door. “So much for exploration.”

  “I never said I was Christopher Columbus.” Bradford paused. “Do you know, she reminds me a little of Josette.”

  Jared went still. “She’s nothing like Josette.”

  “Oh, not in looks, but there’s the same recklessness, the same obstinacy. I think, under different circumstances, she might have the same beguiling way about her.”

  “She and Josette have little in common.”

  “Because you don’t want to admit any comparisons?” Bradford asked softly. “Would it make you uncomfortable?”

  “Not in the least.” Jared smiled sardonically. “Though I’m sure you intended it to do just that.”

  “Maybe. It could be I wanted to throw open a few doors of my own. However, the comparisons may come into play willy-nilly if Josette and she come together.” He grimaced. “Heaven help us all.”

  “They won’t come together,” Jared said. “Josette has nothing to do with this.”

  “She might disagree with you.” He turned away and leaned on the rail. “We shall have to see, won’t we?”

  “No, because Josette won’t enter the picture.” Jared closed the door and moved quickly down the steps into the darkness, glad to escape Bradford’s strange mood. No, not only his mood—Jared’s realization that he had unintentionally hurt Bradford and never known. Well, what the devil could he have done, even if he had known? He was sure Bradford wouldn’t have wanted him to neglect his talent with horses. At times Bradford seemed to rejoice in it. Seemed? Of course he had rejoiced. Jared was questioning everything, and all because Cassie Deville had moved into their lives and sent out waves of disturbance.

  He could see Kapu’s dark shape moving restlessly in the stall. “Steady,” he said quietly as he lit the lantern beside the steps. “There’s nothing to fear.” He moved slowly toward the stall. “You know me.” Where the devil was the girl?

  She was asleep, curled in a corner of the stall, so exhausted that even his voice had not stirred her. Christ, she looked helpless. Her hair was spread about her in a wild tangle, her cheek had a smudge that could be either dirt or a bruise, and her slim form beneath the cloak that covered her appeared breakable. When she was awake, he was aware only of the wariness and the challenge, but now she appeared totally without defenses, as young and guileless as Josette.…

  No, dammit, she was nothing like Josette. Bradford had deliberately put that thought in his mind. Cassie had drugged him, deceived him, and even now she was seeking to use him for her own ends. He would not feel this blasted softness for her. He would use her as she was using him. It was not—

  She sighed and stirred, shifting closer to Kapu. In another minute the idiot girl would be under the stallion’s hooves. Goddammit!

  • • •

  “For God’s sake, it’s morning. Go to your cabin and go to bed!”

  Cassie drowsily opened her eyes to see Jared frowning at her. He had come back. She wished he hadn’t. She was tired of being on guard. Too much effort …

  “Did you hear me?”

  How could she help it when he was shouting? “I have to stay with Kapu.”

  “I’ll stay with the damn horse.” He entered the stall and jerked her to her feet, then steadied her when she swayed. “Get out of here.”

  The haze of sleep was clearing. “Kapu needs me.”

  “He doesn’t—” He broke off as he saw her expression. “I’ll call you if I can’t keep him calm. I’m too selfish to spend this voyage pacifying a wild horse. I have other plans for my time.” He released her shoulders and pushed her toward the stairs. “Eat, take a bath, and go to sleep. You may not get another bath in fresh water until we reach Tahiti. I don’t want to see you here until sundown.”

  “I’m not leav—” A bath. How she yearned to rid herself of this salt. He had instinctively said the words most likely to persuade her. She cast a hesitant look at Kapu. He seemed calm, and Jared had promised to call her.… “Only a few hours.”

  “Sundown.” Jared settled himself on the hay. “Or I’ll have you locked in your cabin.”

  She had no intention of obeying him, but she was too tired to argue right then. She moved toward the door. “Be sure to call me if Kapu—”

  “I said I would.” He rolled over and turned his back on her. “Get out.”

  No hint of silken sensuality about him now. He was gruff and rude and angry. Good. She could cope much better with his rage than any other part of his complex nature. “I’ll do as I please. I’m going because I wish it.” She hurried up the steps and slammed the door behind her. When she reached the deck, the light blinded her. She reached out and grabbed the door, waiting for her eyes to adjust.

  “May I help you?”

  She turned to see Bradford standing a few feet away.

  He bowed and said, “You look a trifle dishabille. Perhaps you’d care to go to your cabin and refresh yourself.”

  “Where’s Lani?”

  “In her cabin, I presume. Jared has given you quarters next to her. May I escort you there?”

  “I don’t need—” But she did need his help. She had no idea where Lani’s cabin was, and she had no desire to prowl all over the ship searching for it. “Yes.”

  He gestured politely. “This way.”

  She fell into step with him. Since Bradford appeared willing to oblige, she might as well continue to make use of him. “I need a bath,” she said haltingly. “Will you see to it?”

  “It will be my pleasure.” He smiled. “I love to have women indebted to me. You can never tell in what form a favor will be returned.”

  “Never mind,” she said curtly. “I’ll arrange it myself.”

  His smile faded. “I was joking. You don’t have to be afraid of me. I’m not your enemy.”

  “You lie. You’re his uncle. His father’s brother. Are you saying your loyalty is not to him?”

  “Oh, yes, I’m loyal to Jared. Completely. But that doesn’t mean you’re my enemy. It’s much too fatiguing to carry all that antagonism around. I’d much rather be friends.”

  “Friends?” She looked at him in amazement. “We can’t be friends.”

  “Why not? It’s a long voyage, and you’ll be much more comfortable if you have a friend.”

  “I already have a friend. I have Lani.”

  “Then take pity on me,” he coaxed. “I have no one but Jared, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be moody and restless as a caged tiger on this trip. Since you’re to blame, you should at least bear me company on occasion.”

  “I’m not to blame. I’m not the one who came to the island and tried to—”

  “Granted,” he interrupted. “But you’re the one who is causing Jared all this disturbance of spirit. So you must accept part of the responsibility.”

  “Disturbance?”

  “I was trying to put it discreetly. But I suppose there’s no proper word for what Jared is feeling now.” He paused. “Lust.”

  She could feel heat sting her cheeks. “No, that’s not in the least proper.”

  “I make it a practice never to interfere, but I thought I’d warn you. I admire courage, and you deserve to be given one weapon in the fray.”

  “Fray?”

  “Engagement, battle.” He shrugged. “Whatever it is between you and Jared.”

  “There’s nothing between me and your nephew.”

  “There will be.” He sadly shook his head. “You shouldn’t have tied him. I think he was trying to fight it before you did that. He goes wild when he’s bound. He remembers—” He stopped.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “What does he remember?”

  He chuckled. “What a persistent chit you are. That’s a very sensitive subject, and I have no intention of betraying Jared in that fashion.” He stopped before a door. “This is your cabin. I’ll have a tub broug
ht and water heated. Will you and your Lani join me for dinner at two?”

  “No.”

  “How sad.” He bowed. “When the hour approaches, I’ll send someone to see if you’ve changed your mind.”

  “I won’t change my mind.”

  His expression sobered. “You’d do much better to bend a little. You and Jared are very much alike. Stubborn, driven, unable to compromise. But he has more weapons than you, and you’ll be hurt if you confront him directly.” When she didn’t answer, he said with a sigh, “I don’t think I’m reaching you.”

  “You are not.”

  Cassie and Bradford turned to see Lani standing in the doorway of the next cabin. “So why don’t you be on your way?” she continued. “There must be a bottle awaiting you somewhere.”

  “Always. How kind of you to remind me.” He bowed again. “Talk to your Lani, mademoiselle. She appears to be a woman of some experience and infinite insight.” He bowed again and moved leisurely down the deck.

  Lani dismissed him without another glance. “You look terrible.” Her gaze raked Cassie from head to toe. “How is your shoulder?”

  “Fine.” She opened the door of the cabin. “I don’t have much time. I have to get back to Kapu. He’s calm now, but I’m not sure how long—”

  “Who is with him?”

  “Danemount.”

  “Then you have time. He appeared to have a way with the stallion.” She smiled. “Besides, it should give you great satisfaction to use an enemy as stable boy.” She followed Cassie into the cabin and undid the button at the throat of her cloak. “You’ve set yourself a hard task; there may not be many such triumphs. Enjoy them while you can.”

  She was tired of all these dire warnings. “Why are you talking like this? You sound like Lord Bradford.”

  “Did you expect me to lie and tell you that Danemount will let you use him to get to your father without exacting a price? We both know that’s not true.”

  “He has me as hostage.”

  Lani lifted her brows. “You believe that’s why he permitted you to come? You’re either a fool or you think I am. He wishes to bed you.” She added shrewdly, “And I’d wager he’s already approached you on the subject.”

  She did not deny it. “I won’t do it.” She moved to her chest and threw open the lid. She didn’t look at Lani as she pulled out clean undergarments and gown. “And he’s mad to think I will.”

  Lani went still. “And does he think that?”

  Cassie nodded. “I told you he was a madman. Mad and arrogant and without—”

  “He’s not mad.” Lani was gazing at her thoughtfully. “I’d judge he’s a man of great experience and perception. Which means he must have reason to think you might be persuaded. What do you feel for him?”

  “What do I feel? He wants to kill my father.”

  “But you find him desirable?”

  “Of course I don’t.”

  “Because it would be a betrayal to Charles?” Lani suggested. “You feel lust and it makes you ashamed?”

  “I don’t feel—” She stopped, biting her lower lip. She had never lied to Lani. She would not start now. “I don’t want to feel like this,” she whispered. “It’s not him. You said it was my time for mating. What I feel has nothing to do with him.”

  “Then stop feeling shame.”

  She said haltingly, “He says passion is mindless, but it should not be so. Not for me. I should be able to restrain it.”

  “You’re too hard on yourself,” Lani scoffed. “How many times have I told you that to couple with a man is nothing unless it has meaning? It’s over in a few moments and is totally without importance after the final ripple has faded. But it’s a natural act, and to desire it is also natural. We cannot choose what moment it will strike us. Next you will be preaching of sin, like Clara.”

  “You don’t think … it’s not …” Cassie trailed off and then said, “Papa.”

  “You’re not betraying him by feeling lust. Danemount is a splendid peacock of a man, and the forbidden is always the most attractive to a woman.” Lani took her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. “No matter what you feel, will you not do everything necessary to try to save your father?”

  She stared at her in astonishment. “Of course.”

  “Then stop being stupid.”

  Lani was, as always, tearing through all the bewildering doubts to get to the truth. Cassie laughed shakily and gave her a quick hug. “I will. It’s only sometimes … I get confused.”

  Lani nodded grimly. “It’s not surprising when Clara and your father have always tried to impose their foreign ways on you.”

  “Not Papa,” she said quickly. “How can you say that?”

  “Because it’s true. Charles will always be foreign to me and our island.” She added simply, “It does not matter. I love him still. I am content.”

  If he holds the woman in as much honor as you obviously do, then he would have wed her.

  Lani’s words were close to the charge that Danemount had made. But Lani had always said that wedding vows were of no importance to her. For the first time Cassie was beginning to question that claim. “He does love you, Lani.”

  “But he does not understand and accept me.” For an instant Lani’s expression was wistful, and then she smiled with an effort. “He gave me a friend who does, though … when she doesn’t forget my teachings and become stupid.”

  “I’ll try not to be stupid again.” She shakily smiled back at Lani. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

  “You’re growing up. Everything is simple and clear when you’re a child. Then for a while everything becomes muddied. Thank God the clarity comes back in time.” Her smile faded. “But you’ve been robbed of time. You must think clearly and act boldly if we’re to save Charles.” She glanced over her shoulder at the knock on the door. “Your tub. We’ll talk later.” She opened the door to let the sailor with the tub enter. “I’ll go get the coconut oil and rub you down after your bath. You’re shriveled as a fish washed up on the beach.”

  • • •

  “Roll over,” Lani said as she sat back on her heels beside the bunk. “I want to rub some oil into your back and that bruised shoulder.”

  “You shouldn’t wait on me,” Cassie protested even as she rolled over onto her stomach. It felt so good to be clean again, and Lani’s gentle touch was strong, loving, and made her feel treasured. “I can do it.”

  “It’s easier for me, and being busy helps me to think.” Lani’s hands moved slowly, delicately, rubbing the fragrant oil into her flesh. “Your muscles are knotted. Relax.”

  She was relaxing, surrounded in a haze of soothing affection and warm coconut oil.

  She was close to dozing off when Lani spoke absently, “I may have to couple with the Englishman.”

  Cassie went rigid with shock. “What? Lord Bradford?”

  “No, the Duke. The uncle is not dangerous to us.” Lani’s fingers massaged the line of Cassie’s spine. “I’ve not decided, but it may be the wisest course.”

  “You’re not making sense,” Cassie said dazedly. She must have misunderstood. Lani’s tone was as casual as if she had just told Cassie she was going to plant tomatoes in the spring. “Why would you want to do that?”

  “I didn’t say I wanted to couple with him. I said it might be the wisest course.” Her index and forefinger moved in circles up and down Cassie’s back. “We’ll gain nothing by fighting with the English on this journey. It would be better to spend our time seeking out weaknesses and trying to alter Danemount’s purpose.”

  “Impossible.”

  “Nothing is impossible. The woman in a man’s bed can often change his mind.” Lani gently spread the oil over Cassie’s bruised shoulder. “This bruise isn’t as bad as I feared when I saw you crash against the ship. You’re lucky you didn’t crack the bone.”

  Cassie scarcely heard her through the thoughts whirling through her head. “You mustn’t do this. You won’t cha
nge his mind. He’d take your body and still go after Papa.”

  “So what will I have lost? My body will still be my own, and I’ll forget the Englishman and walk away. And you may be wrong. Foreigners have strange thoughts about coupling. It affects their minds as well as their bodies. Danemount is ruthless but not completely without softness. He treats Lord Bradford with kindness.” She made a face. “And that must prove a great trial to anyone’s patience. Yes, there are many advantages. If I couple with him, my chance of finding out what’s going on when we reach France is much greater than if I’m locked away from him behind closed doors. We may need that information. Also, even if I can’t persuade him not to kill Charles, he may find the killing more difficult if he has been intimate with his enemy’s mistress. This is not a bad thing.”

  “It’s a very bad thing,” Cassie said harshly. “You know Papa wouldn’t like it.”

  “True.” Lani sighed. “Charles also has strange ideas of pride in possession. That’s why I’ve never yielded to another man since I came to him. If I decide to do it, it will be kinder not to tell him.”

  “You won’t do it.” Cassie turned over and sat up. “I know you won’t do it.”

  Lani smiled serenely. “I shall if I deem it wise.”

  “You’re doing it for me.”

  Chuckling, Lani stood up and reached for a blanket in which to wrap Cassie. “Tb save you from the attentions of this wicked scoundrel? Don’t be absurd. You’re strong enough to save yourself, and neither of us is important right now. I do this for Charles.” She leaned forward and kissed Cassie on the forehead. “Now sleep for a few hours. I’ll go to Lord Bradford and tell him we’ll be delighted to join him for dinner. Perhaps we’ll learn something that will prove valuable.”

  “About how to pleasure his nephew?” Cassie asked bitingly. “You’re far more beautiful than Lihua. You should have no trouble.”

  “Perhaps a little trouble.” Lani rose to her feet. “At present he has a passion for you, and it’s necessary to shift his interest. But a man seldom refuses an invitation to couple with a woman.”

  Certainly not a woman as beautiful as Lani, Cassie thought with an inexplicable pang.