Dark Rider

Six

"Is she still down there?" Jared turned, squinting against the brilliance of the morning sun to see Bradford strolling down the deck toward him. His uncle was shaved, exquisitely garbed in beige buckskin trousers and coat by Worth, and amazingly bright-eyed. "What are you doing up so early? I haven't seen you out of your bed before noon this entire journey."

"You exaggerate. I usually let you drag me from slumber on the more interesting occasions."

"But seldom voluntarily."

"True. But, then, we're all spurred to greater effort when something appears on the horizon that intrigues us."

Jared stiffened. "And may I ask what intrigues you?"

Bradford chuckled. "My, how ferocious you sound. What treasure are you protecting from my lustful avarice? The girl or the horse?"

Jared cursed the reaction, which had been purely instinctive. He forced a smile. "The horse, of course. I know where your passion lies."

"Do you? How sad that I'm so transparent," Bradford said. "You didn't answer me. Is the girl still down in the cargo hold communing with our equine friend?"

"Presumably." He glanced away, and his pace quickened as they approached the door to the hold. "Providing the stallion hasn't trampled her."

"Oh, I don't think he'll do that. Even when he was almost mindless with terror, he let her come close." His brow wrinkled in thought. "She gives me hope."

"Hope?"

"I've always envied your way with horses. It's like magic." He made a face. "But magic is not within the grasp of ordinary mortals. What comes so easily to you is impossible for me."

Jared stared at him in astonishment. Bradford had never mentioned any of this and certainly not expressed resentment. "Nonsense. You're the finest horseman I've ever met."

"But I'm not a Kahuna." He smiled. "And perhaps I don't have to be. That young girl in the hold isn't a Kahuna, either, but she has a power of her own."

"What power?"

"I hesitate to say the word." He paused. "Love." He shuddered. "Good God, what an outmoded and maudlin emotion. Yet it gives her a power that's both embarrassing and quite foreign to both of us. We don't understand it and she probably doesn't either. But she's not ashamed to feel it. When I watched her with the stallion, it opened a new door."

"And what's behind the door?" Jared asked mockingly.

"I don't know. As I said, I think it's hope. Though hope is also an outmoded emotion, and I may not be able to recognize it." He stopped as they reached the cargo hold. "But I thought it worthwhile to make the effort to explore."

"Are you going down with me?"

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 brought 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 change 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. "To 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.

"Sleep well." Lani moved gracefully toward the door. "I'll call you when it's time to dress for dinner."

"Lani!"

Lani glanced inquiringly over her shoulder.

"Don't do this. If Papa finds out, he'll be so angry he'll-" She stopped.

"Cast me out?" Lani nodded. "Sometimes risks must be taken. So far you've taken all the risks. Now I must share them. You won't tell Charles, and I don't think Danemount is a man who would take his revenge in.that fashion."

"You don't know anything about him," she said desperately.

"It appears I may be going to learn a great deal regarding his-" Lani stopped, her gaze raking Cassie's expression. "Don't be so upset. All will be well." With a last smile she was gone.

Don't be upset? She was trembling, Cassie realized as she drew the blanket closer about her. Trembling with fear and shock… and rage. Yes, rage. Lani was wrong. This wasn't the way to help Papa. They might not have many weapons, but she did not have to sacrifice herself and-

But for Lani it would be no sacrifice. Sex and love were separate to her, and coupling with Jared would mean nothing. She might even enjoy it.

The rage soared to new heights as she imagined Lani in Danemount's bunk, his hands on her breasts, his hips moving-

No!

She drew a deep breath and tried to block out the vision and the realization it had brought. She did not want to admit her rage was founded on anything but frustration. Yet she had to admit it, or she, would be guilty of avoiding the truth.

You've been robbed of time. You must think clearly and act boldly.

Very well-the rage had been partially caused by jealousy. Her body felt cheated because it was being denied. The emotion had been driven by primitive instinct that had nothing to do with reason. But Lani had said this instinct was not shameful as long as the acts of the body were separate from the mind and soul. She must cling to that truth.

She closed her eyes and forced her tense muscles to loosen. She must forget the picture of Lani and Jared lying together, their bodies intertwined…

"Ah, ladies, you've decided to take pity on me." Bradford rose to his feet and seated Lani, then Cassie at the damask-draped table. "I hoped you would."

"Since you've ordered two extra places set, I'd say you expected we would," Lani said dryly as she shook out her napkin. "And pity has nothing to do with this."

"No? I'd judge you to be prone to pity." Bradford nodded to the servant standing by the door to begin serving. "Why else would you choose to grace the bed of a man old enough to be your father?"

"According to Clara, grace did not enter into our union. She claims I seduced him with my barbaric wiles." She smiled. "And my people believe age makes no difference; it only serves to refine and make the act more beautiful."

"Lani loves my father," Cassie said. "And your remark was very rude."

"Yes, it was," Bradford admitted as he reached for the bottle of brandy at his elbow. "Extraordinary. I'm usually the most polite of fellows."

Lani glanced at the bottle. "How would you remember?"

"Are you suggesting my brain is pickled? Not yet. I'm keen as a sword blade until nightfall." He smiled with surprising sweetness. "For instance, I'm fully aware that it's not my charming company that brings you here, but I forgive you."

"Forgive us?"

"You intend to inveigle information from me, do you not?"

Lani hesitated and then said bluntly, "Yes."

"It will be my pleasure to be inveigled… within certain boundaries." He took a long drink of his brandy. "As I told your friend, it offends me to have Jared fight an opponent who has so few weapons. In most circumstances it would offend Jared also. He's a just man."

"I don't believe that," Cassie said flatly.

"You should." He took another drink. "You'll find he's scrupulously honest. I've seen him forfeit a race he desperately wanted to win because of the possibility of chicanery. He's very respected in racing circles. You'll see when we get to England."

"England?" Cassie stiffened. "I have no intention of going to England."

"That's unfortunate, since that's where this ship is going," Bradford said. "Jared decided that it will be some time before Deville manages to make his way from America to France, and it would be wiser to stay at Morland and put his contacts in France on watch. When your father surfaces, we'll leave for France."

"And we're supposed to stay at this Morland and wait?" Cassie asked.

"That's the plan. I regret it doesn't meet with your approval."

"It certainly does not." She was caught off guard by Jared's decision. It would have been much easier for her to escape from the Duke on French soil. She had planned to flee the moment they arrived. How was she to get across the Channel and make her way to Paris?

"But we'll make the adjustment," Lani said. She reached over and encouragingly squeezed Cassie's hand. "Won't we?"

Cassie nodded. "Of course." She turned to Bradford. "How close is this Morland to the sea?"

He burst out laughing. "Do you intend to swim? I wouldn't advise it. Our northern waters are much colder than your warm sea."

"How close?"

"Quite close." He was still chuckling. "Morland is located on a cliff that overlooks the channel."

One advantage. And she might discover more once they reached England. She mustn't be discouraged by this first setback. "How long do you think we'll have to wait?"

He shrugged. "A month. Two. Who knows?"

Months. It seemed a long time, but she might be able to turn the delay to her advantage. Danemount would surely be receiving messages from his contacts in France. If she could intercept any of those messages, she might learn much more than she could on her own.

"Will His Grace be joining us for supper?" Lani asked.

Cassie tensed as her gaze flew to Lani. The disturbing news Bradford had imparted had momentarily caused her to forget Lani's equally disturbing intentions.

"Providing the stallion is calm enough to be left alone," Bradford said. "Are we again to be favored with your company?"

Lani's lips parted in her brilliant smile. "Oh, yes."

Bradford turned to Cassie. "And you?"

Of course, she wasn't going to sit at Jared's table and watch him be captivated by Lani. She intended to stay with Kapu, where she had a place and purpose.

"Yes, I'll be here." The words tumbled from her lips, surprising her as much as they did Bradford. Yet she knew she would not take them back. She could not stay in the cargo hold and not know what Lani was doing with Danemount. "If Kapu can do without me."

"Let's hope he won't deprive us of your stimulating presence."

She glanced at Lani and found her friend staring at her with speculation. She could hardly blame her; Cassie didn't seem to know herself what she was going to do from minute to minute.

Lani turned back to Bradford. "Tell us of this Morland. I wish to know more than the temperature of the water."

That evening Lani wore her yellow silk gown that turned her into a brilliant bird of paradise. At supper she glowed, she smiled, she told amusing stories of island myths and daily doings. Cassie had never seen Lani like that. Freed of Clara's oppressive presence, she bloomed like a golden orchid. She kept both men entertained and intrigued, effortlessly drawing them into her spell. Bradford responded eagerly to her sallies, and even Jared relaxed and displayed a wry humor.

Cassie watched him in fascination as he leaned forward, dark, cynical, yet totally at ease, his gaze on Lani's face. This must be the way he was in his own world, she thought, sitting at dinner tables at Brighton or London.

At the end of the meal Jared turned to Cassie while Lani was talking to Bradford. "You're very quiet. You've been sitting there watching and scarcely saying a word. Should I be worried you're planning on poisoning me again?"

"No." Quiet was a fitting word for her, she thought in disgust-quiet and mouselike and nondescript in Lani's shadow. She said stiltedly, "I don't feel like talking."

His eyes narrowed. "And you don't feel like being here. Why are you?"

"I have to eat somewhere."

"So you choose my table?"

"Lord Bradford invited us."

He looked at her skeptically before glancing back at Lani. "Your friend is very splendid tonight and obviously trying to be… obliging."

"Yes."

"A lovely gown."

"Papa bought it for her."

"How kind of Papa." He added with sudden harshness, "He should have taken the trouble to purchase something of equal quality for you. That gown you're wearing is quite detestable. Don't you have anything else?"

"Yes, but they're all much the same." She was wearing the same gray silk gown she had worn that night at the cottage. How odd that his cruel condemnation on such a trivial subject could hurt her. "Clara chose them. Papa knew that it didn't matter to me."

"It should have mattered to him." He took a drink of his wine. "You look like a nun wrapped in a shroud. It's an abomination."

"Then don't look at me," she said.

"I have to look at you." A little of his wine spilled on the damask cloth as he set the wineglass down with some force. "And why in Hades aren't you fighting me? Are you ill?"

"No." But perhaps she was ill. She felt stifled, and beset by a queer nagging pain every time she looked at Lani. At any rate, she could bear no more tonight. The legs of her chair screeched as she abruptly pushed it back. "It was a mistake to come. I shouldn't be here. I have to go see if Kapu is all right."

"No, you don't. I have one of the men watching him." He shook his head as he saw her eyes widen with alarm. "From a distance. He was only to watch and come get me if he thought the horse was becoming restless."

She breathed a sigh of relief. Events were clouded enough without her having to worry about Kapu trampling someone. "You need not bother. I'll change and go to him now."

"I said you don't need to go," he uttered between his teeth.

Ignoring him, she nodded to Bradford and murmured a quick good night to Lani, then almost ran from the room.

Danemount caught up with her before she reached the door of her cabin. His hand fell on her shoulder, and he whirled her to face him. "Why?" he demanded grimly.

His hand felt heavy, warm and disturbing. She shrugged it off and stepped back. "I told you why I'm going to Kapu," she said, her gaze fastened on his cravat. "Because he needs me."

"You know that's not what I mean. Why is your friend Lani shining like a crystal chandelier, giving us sweet smiles and sweeter words?"

"What difference does it make? You seemed to enjoy it."

"Of course I enjoyed it. She's a charming woman… and an honest one. Which is why I don't understand all this."

"Don't worry, she won't poison you. She disapproved of my putting the laudanum in Clara's syllabub." She tried to turn away, but his hands tightened on her shoulders. "Let me go."

"In a moment. Look at me."

"I don't want to look at you. I've seen enough of all of you tonight."

"You'd rather stare at your horse, no doubt."

"Yes."

"Christ." He drew a deep breath and said with measured precision, "Very well, we won't talk about Lani. Tell me your reason for coming to supper tonight."

"It was a mistake."

"And what reasoning engendered the mistake?"

"I wasn't thinking clearly. I wanted to see-" What? Lani as alluring as Venus. Danemount attracted in spite of himself. If that was her intention, she had certainly got what she wanted. Why had it made her so confused and miserable? "I don't know."

"I think you do know."

"Then you're a fool." She tore away from him. "And I don't want to talk about it. Leave me alone."

He gazed at her a moment before saying slowly, "By God, I wish I could."

He turned and walked away from her.

And back to Lani-beautiful, wonderful Lani, who would give him much more than sweet smiles tonight if he asked it of her.

She ran the short distance to her cabin. Lani was doing what she thought best. Lani was the wisest person she knew. If she thought this way would help Papa, then who was Cassie to argue with her?

So why did she feel this torment? It made no sense that-

A growl, low and menacing…

Her head swiftly lifted, her gaze flying to the horizon. Thunder? The moon was shining brightly overhead, but in the distance she could see a churning mass of clouds.

"No, please, don't come closer," she whispered. Storms meant pitching decks and loud thunder. Kapu would go crazy in a storm. There was even more danger for him in the confines of the stall than in the water. If he became excited, he might break a leg or ram his head-

To devil with bothering to change her gown.

She turned and ran toward the cargo hold.