Savage Conquest Read online

  "You must not tempt me, Miranda," Blazing Star said sadly, passion burning in his eyes. "You cannot be my woman."

  "Why do you speak of what cannot be? Why can't you admit to what there is between us. I need you, Blazing Star," she said boldly. "Can't we share our love for just a short while? I swear I will let you go when the time comes."

  "Do not ask for the forbidden," he said hoarsely.

  Miranda's dark brown eyes filled with tears. "You say I should not love you, but I do. You say I cannot have you, yet I want you more than life itself." Sobbing, she turned and walked to the bed and flung herself face down upon it.

  Blazing Star went to sit beside her. "Do not weep, my love. It is like a sharp lance in my body to see you suffer this way."

  Miranda rolled onto her back and looked up at him. There was no need for words; her eyes said it all. He lowered his head to seal his lips to hers, to fuse their destinies into one.

  Never had Miranda known such excitement and happiness as here in this handsome warrior's arms. His warm breath caused tremors to sweep over her tingly flesh. His hands were'skillful as they roamed her silken skin. Soon there was no spot upon her that did not cry out for him to conquer it and claim it for his own. And as she murmured his name, caressed his muscular, bronzed chest, she knew there was no turning back ...

  PUT SOME PASSION INTO YOUR LIFE ... WITH THIS STEAMY SELECTION OF ZEBRA LOVEGRAMS!

  by Christine Dorsey

  Spirited, impetuous Miranda Chadwick arrives in the untamed New World prepared for any peril. But when the notorious pirate Gentleman Jack Blackstone kidnaps her in order to fulfill his secret plans, she can't help but surrender-to the shameless desires and raging hunger that his bronzed, lean body and demanding caresses ignite within her!

  by Wanda Owen

  After being ambushed by bandits and saved by a ranchhand, headstrong Texas belle Bianca Moreno hires her gorgeous rescuer as a protective escort. But Rick Larkin does more than guard her body - he kisses away her maidenly inhibitions, and teaches her the secrets of wild, reckless love!

  by Carla Simpson

  Determined to find her missing sister, brave beauty Jessamyn Forsythe disguises herself as a simple working girl and follows her only clues to Whitechapel's darkest alleys ... and the disturbingly handsome Inspector Devlin Burke. Burke, on the trail of a killer, becomes intrigued with the ebon-haired lass and discovers the secrets of her silken lips and the hidden promise of her sweet flesh.

  by Vivian Vaughan

  When Mexican beauty Aurelia Mazbn saves a handsome stranger from death, she finds herself on the run from the Federales with the most dangerous man she's ever met. And when Texas Ranger Carson Jarrett steals her heart with his intimate kisses and seductive caresses, she yields to an all-consuming passion from which she hopes to never escape!

  by Rosalyn Alsobrook

  Caught in the middle of a dangerous shoot-out, lovely Leona Stegall falls unconscious and awakens to the gentle touch of a handsome doctor. When her rescuer's caresses turn passionate, Leona surrenders to his fiery embrace and savors a night of soaring ecstasy!

  Available wherever paperbacks are sold, or order direct from the Publisher. Send cover price plus SOC per copy for mailing and handling to Penguin USA, PO. Box 999, c% Dept. 17109, Bergenfield, NJ 07621. Residents of New York and Tennessee must include sales tax. DO NOT SEND CASH.

  For Michael, Angela, and Melanie, whose help and support prevent "warring winds" from destroying my deadlines and creative flow.

  And for my good friend Elaine Raco Chase, whose letters, calls, and wit help me retain my sanity.

  And lastly for my good friend and helper, Hiram C. Owen.

  Alexandria, Virginia

  May, 1873

  The past nine weeks had been difficult for the two young women sitting on the floral sofa in their brightly decorated parlor. Their mother had loved bold color schemes, but the lively shades didn't match the girls' solemn moods. Both were trapped in painful silence as they struggled to come to grips with a horrible truth-Lawyer McVane had just told them that their parents must be assumed dead, at least legally. Joe and Marie Lawrence had gone sailing in early March; only debris of their shattered craft had returned. Even if the girls did not want to accept this agonizing fact, they knew it was time to make some decisions about their current situation. They couldn't spend their lives feeding on grief and false hopes.

  Amanda Lawrence shifted to glance at her fraternal twin sister, Miranda. Amanda's light blue eyes were filled with uncommon doubt and sadness as she met Miranda's somber brown gaze. Amanda felt as though she were looking in a mirror. Despite their different coloring-Amanda's flowing curls were light and dark blond, her complexion fair, and her eyes bright blue, while Miranda bore sleek chestnut locks, an olive complexion, and tawny eyes-they could have passed for identical twins. But the two eighteen-year-olds were completely unlike in personality.

  They had always been very close. Amanda knew her sister was more beautiful, but it had never been a source of jealousy or trouble between them. Most men viewed Miranda as a sensual, enticing creature with an aura of mystery and a provocative innocence. Miranda was more than exquisite; she was warm, gentle, and unselfish. She was direct and honest but always tactful, carrying out her social obligations with grace and charm, but preferring close friends and simple events to crowds and soirees. Miranda seemed to be waiting, planning, dreaming of something vital to her existence, her destiny, her happiness.

  A well-bred young lady from a wealthy and prominent family, Miranda concealed her "unfeminine" yearnings for adventure. In truth, she and Amanda could ride and shoot better than most men. Miranda could even fight better than most men, having been taught the "ancient arts" of self-defense by Ling, their Chinese cook's son.. The last thing Miranda Lawrence wanted to be was a refined lady condemned to household chores and a "proper marriage," or so she had proclaimed at every available chance.

  Miranda had never loved the parties, dances, theaters, dashing suitors, elegant clothes, and jewels as the outgoing Amanda did. Amanda would be the first to admit she enjoyed being coy and flirtatious. Why not? Af ter all, Amanda Lawrence was wealthy, a Southern "blue blood," a valuable "catch." And men didn't have to tell Amanda that she was ravishing; the mirror did that. Even so, Amanda Lawrence accepted her beauty and acquired charms as blessings, gifts from Fate to be treasured and used to her best advantage.

  Amanda knew what she wanted from life and was determined to have it. But how she wished the war hadn't destroyed that enviable Old South life style of belles and balls, of romantic duels, of grace and beauty, before she could taste and enjoy them. Dreams of such days had filled her youthful head until the nightmare of war with kin against kin had awakened her to their passing. Amanda felt she had been denied something essential-some loss of history, of ancestry, of heritage. She would never know such times, such daring and romantic men, such elegant evenings, for the Old South was gone forever.

  Perhaps, Amanda mused, it was time for her to mature. She was no longer a child but a woman responsible for her own fate. In these past weeks, Amanda had come to realize life was more than looking and behaving the irresistible lady, more than having fun. Her parents had tried to teach her to be independent and brave, to be basically honest and caring. Suddenly her carefree search for the perfect storybook marriage had lost its magic.

  Amanda had never known real fear before this dire period, and the taste of it was sour. Her parents had always been there as a defense between her and the cruel world. She didn't like feeling vulnerable and, in a brief moment of fear and panic, she had almost surrendered to a protective marriage. But now the initial shock had passed; the intense agony had dulled. Amanda's thinking was clearer and braver; she was ready and
willing to challenge her future. She had spent a great deal of time with her father at his shipping firm, and she recognized that the first step toward her new life was obviously there ...

  "I don't care what Lawyer McVane says, Randy. I'm not going to sell Papa's business," Amanda stated calmly. "I'm going to run it myself," she announced.

  "But, Mandy, you're a woman," Miranda argued. Her beloved sister had always believed she could do whatever she wanted, and she did understand and love the business, but what smug businessman would deal with a female owner? Their only source' of livelihood could be crushed.

  Amanda looked down at her shapely body clad in a lovely gown of sapphire, grinned, and playfully jested, "From my point of view, Randy, I do believe you're right. However, our competitors and customers will soon learn that brains can also be encased in a nicely rounded package." They laughed musically, feeling happy for the first time since they had heard about their parents' accident. Yes, it felt good to laugh and smile again.

  Miranda gazed at the renewed life in her sister's eyes, thankful it had returned. She asked, "Mandy, are you going to marry Web?"

  Disturbed by the nearly inaudible question, Amanda hesitated before candidly replying, "I don't know, Randy."

  "It isn't like you to be so indecisive. You're not seeing anyone except Weber Richardson. Do you love him?"

  "Do you remember what Mama told us on our eighteenth birthday? She said we would know the right man for us when we met him. She said she knew Papa was to be in her life-circle the moment she looked into his eyes. They loved each other so deeply. Do you really think it happens that way?" Amanda inquired seriously, for no suitor had made her feel and think the way her beloved mother had described.

  "Yes," Miranda responded quickly. "That's why they wouldn't arrange any marriages for us. We must choose for ourselves. What do you think about when you look at Web? Does he make you feel warm and tingly inside?"

  "I've sampled lots of stolen kisses, Randy, but none as good as Web's. He can be so romantic and dashing. Every single girl in town is after him, including many widows and even a few married tarts. It's exciting to know he's chosen me. I'll soon be nineteen, and if I wish to marry well, who's better than Web? Yet . . . "

  Miranda's heart had been racing with panic until her sister wavered. "If you have any doubts, wait until after our birthday," she coaxed.

  "First, I must learn if Web loves and wants me more than he wants Papa's firm. That should come to light when I take over."

  A knock sounded loudly on the Lawrences' door. Their housekeeper cook had been given the day off to allow them total privacy for the meeting with Lawyer McVane, so Amanda rose to answer the summons. She was both pleased and annoyed to find their first cousin, Lucas Reardon, lazing against the portal. As much as she adored this kinsman standing before her, she was eager to continue her conversation with her sister.

  A broad grin claimed Lucas's mouth, creating little wrinkles near the corners of his dark green eyes and full lips. "A bad time to call, Mandy?" he astutely surmised, his grin widening and eyes sparkling.

  "No, and yes," Amanda replied, stepping aside to allow him to enter. "Lawyer McVane just left. Randy and I were discussing the implications of his advice. A glass of sherry, Luke?" she offered.

  Lucas sat in a plush chair, watching both girls with intense interest. Sometimes he wished he weren't related to the radiant beauties but, between the war and the recent accident, they were the only family he had left.

  At one time, Lucas's father had been in business with Joseph Lawrence. But when Joe sided with the .North and his father with the South, all bonds had been severed. Joe had always claimed that he remained neutral, not having the heart to battle either side. But there had been times when Joe's decisions had greatly affected one side or the other. The North hadn't fully trusted him because he was Southern, but Southerners despised any kinsman who didn't aid their cause. Now, Joe was dead and the twins were all alone, except for their cousin.

  Lucas understood how his cousins must be feeling at this moment. It had been only nine years ago when his parents, Sarah Beth Lawrence and Andrew Reardon, had been slain during a battle near their home. Time would dull the anguish, but it would never completely vanish.

  Amanda passed the sherry to Lucas then sat near her sister. "What brings you here today, Luke?" she asked, observing a curious strain in his expression and voice.

  Lucas's smile faded, a worried scowl replacing it. "It's been weeks, my loves. What are you two planning to do with the business? Any offers?" he inquired, sinking back into the cushiony chair, crossing one booted foot over his sturdy thigh.

  "Plenty of offers, but we'll accept none," Amanda announced. "We're keeping Papa's business, and I'm going to manage it. Right, Randy?"

  Lucas's mouth fell open and his leafy eyes became large circles. "You can't be serious, Mandy! A woman in shipping? You'll lose every account within a month. They'll laugh you off the docks."

  Amanda puffed up with pride, jutting out her dainty chin. "I know that business inside and out, Luke," she declared smugly.

  "From the books and your father's mouth, Mandy love. What about the warehouses, the workmen, the ships? You planning to do the rounds on them? The first sailor or loader who caught you alone would toss you on your fanny and take liberties. It isn't safe or smart. I can't allow you to take such foolish chances," he stated firmly.

  "Don't be such a pessimist, Luke. You should know I can take care of myself. According to McVane, Randy and I own the business now. What I don't know, I'll learn, or I'll find someone who does know. Perhaps I'll hire a strong man who can do the rounds for me," she teased, eyes twinkling with merriment.

  "Make sure he's an honest one, or he'll steal you blind while your nose is in those books," he warned seriously.

  "If you're referring to Web, drop it, Luke. He's only taking care of things until Randy and I get matters settled. He made us an excellent offer, but we're not selling. For now, I can use Web's assistance. One day you'll have to tell me why you two dislike each other," she insisted, probing for a response which he refused to give.

  Lucas and Amanda discussed and debated this topic for a long time as Miranda quietly listened and watched. She was amused by the verbal battle, for she already knew what the outcome would be.

  Miranda studied Lucas as he conversed with her sister. Miranda and Lucas were very close; he was a friend, a teacher, a companion, a confidant, a partner in daring adventures. At twenty-seven, her handsome cousin still possessed a boyish mien and boundless energy. His dark green eyes glowed with a vitality she envied; they almost seemed to burn brightly from some inner fire. Lucas was strong and agile, which discouraged other men from provoking him. But her cousin rarely fought, for he was intelligent and perceptive. He could talk himself out of most troubles.

  Lucas had a combination of traits which made him very attractive to women. He had a most enchanting and winning grin-when Lucas Reardon smiled, it was with his entire face, his entire being. His sable hair fell into a natural part down the middle then winged backward as the feathers near a hawk's throat. Just above his collar, his thick hair curled upward, almost impishly. Yes, Miranda decided to herself, Lucas Reardon was a man to stir a woman's heart, body, and soul-if she weren't his blood kin. Next to Amanda, Lucas was the most special person in her world; there wasn't anyone she admired or trusted more than Lucas.

  In a humorous display of defeat, Lucas threw up his hands and shrieked, "I yield, love. Just remember I'm around if you need me."

  All three joined in shared laughter. Miranda asked, "Luke, what are you writing now? I haven't noticed any articles in the paper recently."

  Lucas sighed heavily. "I quit the paper, Randy. I wasn't doing any good there. It'll be years before the North listens to our side of the war. With that damn cartoonist, Nast, and his other jaundice-eyed cohorts, still portraying us as barbarians in Harper's Weekly, the South might never be vindicated or understood. You'd think he did enough damage
to us during the war. Did you know that even their school books now carry the Northern bias against the South? Sometimes I think those journalists and newspapers did more to continue the war and hostilities than the soldier. How do they sleep at night after writing and publishing such injurious trash? What about truth and honor?"

  "What can you do about it, Lucas?" Amanda questioned, knowing how much it meant to Lucas to set the records straight.

  "I just wish there were some way to get reports or books to the Northern people. All they hear and read is how bad it still is down here. They're led to believe we're savages ready for another uprising. They take minor events and exploit them. The only path to lasting peace is for both sides to learn the truth about each other. And I want to be the pathlighter," he eagerly announced.

  "But how?" Miranda asked, listening intently.

  "I've worked and waited a long time to get into a position to be of use to the South. As Richelieu said, 'The pen is mightier than the sword.' I have a plan to strike a heavy blow at our Yankee conquerors. When it's in motion, I'll tell you two all about it," he revealed conspiratorially then winked at Miranda.

  Miranda witnessed the mischievous look on Lucas's face, one she had come to know well. "Give, Luke; what's so funny?"

  Cuffing her chin, he would only whisper, "You'll be the first to know, Randy. I just might have a vital role for you."

  Following a light dinner, the three carried their desserts into the parlor to sit before a warm fire. The weather had turned slightly chilly, and the three sat on the floor near the fireplace as they chatted and enjoyed the treats prepared earlier by the housekeeper. Amanda still insisted on formal evening meals in the dining room, including proper clothing, silver, crystal, china, and candles, but tonight they also enjoyed the serene atmosphere of the sitting room.