Sweet Savage Heart (66 page)

Travis’s pleasure mounted as he was given free rein over her body and will. He loved her and wanted her to be a part of him forever. Her nearness, fragrance, and essence were driving him wild, but he wanted to enjoy and titillate her as long as possible. Rapturous sensations attacked him as her hands wandered over his body and her lips responded to his. Her fingers slipped into his hair and drew his mouth more tightly against hers, revealing her rising ardor.

Travis’s hand enticingly roamed across her flat stomach to seek a flaming forest and a vital peak that summoned his exploration and craved his splendid skills, a place where he could heighten their desire and cause them to writhe together with barely leashed passion.

Rana’s hands likewise wandered over his body, stirring
his flaming need to a brighter, higher level. Her fingers teased down his sleek sides and brazenly captured the prize of love’s war that could send her senses spinning beyond reality, beyond resistance or inhibition. Gently and lovingly she stroked it and absorbed its warmth to create more heat. She delighted in its strength and prowess and smoothness. With great satisfaction she felt his body shudder and she heard a deep groan escape his lips as they worked upon hers. This act of total giving and taking and sharing was so much more than she had ever imagined in her girlish dreams.

Unable to restrain himself further, he moved between her parted thighs, where she eagerly welcomed his arrival and entrance. His body was tense and his control strained as he made that first staggering contact. He tried to move calmly, leisurely, but he found it difficult to master his urgency to ride ecstasy’s undulating prairie with her.

As her hand trailed up and down his back, she could feel the rippling muscles that moved as his body did. She felt him enter and withdraw, slowly, then rapidly, then slowly again. She sensed the strain he was experiencing and she arched her body to meet his and set the pace for their entrancing climb. Her responses told him when she was approaching the blissful precipice and he worked skillfully and patiently to drive them over its edge at the same time.

When the triumphant moment arrived, he muffled her cry of victory with his demanding lips. Their mouths and bodies labored and came together as one as they conquered passion’s peak; then like feathers on a gentle breeze, they rapturously floated downward into a peaceful valley of contentment. Still they kissed and held fast to each other, extracting every sensation and emotion their union could provide.

They snuggled together in her bed and held each other, awed by the greater closeness and deeper bond their
lovemaking had inspired. The more they were together for any reason, the more tightly their hearts and souls were bound. Both realized how much they loved and needed each other, in every facet of their lives. Incredibly, each day they were together was better than the day before. They were friends; they were partners; they were passionate lovers. They could talk and share anything, everything. They trusted each other, depended upon each other, and gave to each other. They had grown and changed together, for the better. It was a special union, unique and strong.

Because each sensed how the other was feeling and what the other was thinking, their heads turned at the same moment and their eyes fused. This time they spoke without words, and they made love slowly, tenderly.

By the next day, Harrison knew his plans were coming apart, and he did not know who to blame. He suspected that Fargo and his other hand were dead. Their horses had returned to the corral, empty, and they had been assigned to guard the dam. Yet all he could think about was Rana, or Marissa. He had to get his child back!

Clarissa entered the room and observed her father. “They were all at church this morning, gloating over their triumphs. And here you sit like you’re in mourning. We’re losing, Papa, and you’re to blame. I’d always thought you were so strong and clever, that nothing and no one could defeat you or crush you. Have you forgotten what Marissa did to you? She scornfully rejected you. She started sleeping with Todd Raines, then ran off with that gambler. She was selfish and no good, Papa. When are you going to accept that and forget her?”

“How can I forget her, girl, when our daughter looks just like her? You’re a cold-hearted bitch, Clarissa. She’s my flesh and blood, and I want her. I’m going to kill
Nathan and Travis; then she’ll have no choice but to come home to me. Once she sees how much I love her and want her, she’ll be fine. You’re just worried about your inheritance, you greedy bitch. You’ll have to share everything with your sister. And if you give us any trouble, I’ll kick you out and she’ll get it all. Do you hear me, girl?” he demanded scathingly.

Clarissa was pushed beyond control. She screamed at him, “I was crazy to lie to you to keep you from making a fool of yourself over Rana Michaels like you did with her whorish mother! That little savage isn’t your child; she’s Nathan’s! That’s right, dear Papa,” she shouted contemptuously when he gaped at her as if she had gone mad before his eyes. She calmly clarified, “Rana is Nathan Crandall’s daughter, not your bastard. Have you conveniently forgotten you were back East for months during that time? And you hadn’t slept with her long before you left. That’s right, dear Papa,” she scoffed again, “I found out about you and Marissa Crandall when I was eight years old. Did you think I was blind and stupid? I knew about her countless visits to your room and I knew what you two were doing. How do you think I learned so much about sex and how pleasurable it is? From spying on you and her. All you cared about was her! You didn’t love me or want me! I was glad when she left, but still you didn’t shower any leftover love and attention on me, love and attention you gave her for nearly two years! I’ve done everything you’ve asked to prove my love and loyalty, but nothing matters to you. I hate you, and I hope they kill you!”

“My God, girl, you’ve lost your mind,” he decided aloud.

“Would you like to hear the entire history of your beloved Marissa?” she asked, then shouted the shocking facts at him before he could respond. “You see, dear Papa,” she finished, “Rana is Nathan’s evil seed; and
that flaming-haired bitch you loved so deeply was so wicked that she slept with her own father.”

Harrison glared at her furiously for her deceit, for he knew she was telling the truth this time. “You forget, you malicious bitch, that Nathan isn’t Marissa’s father.”

“What does that matter? She thought he was!”

“It was a girlish prank, a terrible mistake, and she paid for it. Are you forgetting how many times you’ve slept with men for a variety of reasons?” he taunted just to punish his malicious child. “Marissa was trying to help a friend, and that friend betrayed her. Nothing is worse than betrayal, Clarissa,” he remarked meaningfully. “Frankly, I’m glad she isn’t my daughter. I much prefer her as a wife.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Clarissa screamed in outrage.

Harrison laughed coldly. “Wouldn’t I? Just as soon as I can lure Nathan into a trap, I’m going to kill him myself. Then I’ll sic Monroe and Hayes on Travis. Yes, I should be a happy bridegroom before winter. You’d best look hard for a husband, girl, because I don’t want you around after I marry. Maybe I’ll have a son this time.” He strolled from the room, his laughter echoing satanically.

“Over my dead body, you bastard,” she vowed. It was time to locate Wes and end this madness…

Early Monday morning, the fifth of August, Harrison handed Wes Monroe a sealed letter and told him to give it personally to Nathan Crandall without letting anyone see him or the letter. “I’m going to lure my annoying neighbor into a trap and kill him myself. I’ve ordered my hands out of the area of your cabin so Nate and I can meet and talk privately before I put a bullet in his head. I’ll tell everyone he hunted me down and tried to kill me, and I was merely defending myself. Since he hasn’t made any secret of his hatred and accusations, it won’t seem suspicious. After I’m done with Nate, I’ll let you and Hayes take care of Travis Kincade for me; then your jobs will be over.”

“What about getting control of Crandall’s ranch?” Wes asked, wondering about the abrupt change in plans and Caldwell’s strange behavior.

“I have another way of carrying out my wishes. I don’t want any more trouble over there until I tell you to get rid of Kincade. When that’s done, I’ll give you two a fat bonus and then you can be on your way to your next job. See me about ten tomorrow morning.” Harrison watched with satisfaction as the cocky gunslinger mounted and rode off. Once Nathan and Travis were out of his way, he
would settle matters with Clarissa before claiming Rana as his bride. Evidently she had beguiled Silas Stern into helping her with some plot against him. He was convinced they were working against him, for no one else could have gotten into his safe or known about his plans in time to thwart them. It had been a mistake to let Fargo and Silas fall under his daughter’s spell, but he hadn’t believed she possessed so much sexual prowess and allure, or intelligence and daring. She was a cunning, conniving bitch, and she had been plotting against him for years. Soon she would pay for her treachery and betrayal, he promised himself. He walked to his corral to fetch his horse. He had one task to handle before riding to the cabin, and he had plenty of time.

Wes rode off to find Nathan and carry out his curious assignment. As soon as it was done and Caldwell left his house, he would sneak in to see Clarissa and find out what was going on. He wasn’t ready to leave the area, the job, or settle for only a “fat bonus.”

Wes slid off his horse near Nathan’s house. He hadn’t noticed anyone nearby during his cautious approach, nobody except the graying blond man sitting on his front porch reading. Wes said, “Here’s a message from Mister Caldwell. He wants a private meeting with you. He gives his word on your safety, so don’t be afraid to go, old man.”

Nathan stared at the villainous hireling who had delivered Harrison’s surprising and mystifying message. Then he read: “Meet me in one hour at the shack near my eastern boundary and we’ll settle our problems once and for all. I’ll make you one final offer and if you reject it, I’ll make certain you aren’t troubled again. There are some secrets between us, Nate, and it’s time we aired them. If you want to know the truth about why Marissa
left home with Michaels, come alone and come quickly. Once you hear the truth, you’ll know why I’ve hated you for years and sought revenge. I’m tired of all our fighting, and this is a better way to settle matters. I’ll be waiting, if you’re brave enough to face me.”

Nathan watched Caldwell’s man depart and read the message again. He wondered what Marissa had to do with their conflict. She had often visited Clarissa to help her with her studies or to watch her… Had something happened to his daughter over there? Was Harrison responsible for his child’s running away? What “secrets"? he asked himself.

Rana and Travis were out riding. Neither Mace, nor Todd, nor Cody was nearby this morning. Harrison had told him to come alone, but he had not said to keep the meeting a secret. If Caldwell were planning to harm him, he wouldn’t have sent a written message for others to see. Evidently Harrison wanted to play some clever word games. Why not? he speculated. Maybe he could withdraw some important information. After all, he had been letting others take all the risks and do all the work of saving his ranch. And that crude animal of a messenger had taunted him about being afraid, singeing his manly ego. His side had been winning all the victories lately; maybe Harry wanted to capitulate in private.

He stuffed the letter into his pocket and retrieved his gun belt. Strapping it on, he walked to the corral, saddled his horse, and left, carelessly forgetting to tell anyone where he was going or why. He wanted to be early so he could hide and study the meeting area. If Harrison were setting a trap, he would be very careful and not fall into it. Besides, he needed time to locate the cabin.

Silas entered the house and took the stairs by twos to see what Clarissa wanted. She was still standing at the
window after inviting him to enter the room. Turning, she smiled seductively. “Silas, we have some business to discuss. I need your help with a little problem. How would you like to help me get rid of Papa so we can marry and take over this ranch?” she asked calmly as she removed her dressing gown and let it float provocatively to her feet. “Close the door and lock it. I’m sure you don’t want to be disturbed while you’re… talking to me.

Silas Stern gaped at the naked beauty who had made such astounding suggestions, unable to move or speak. He watched her come forward gracefully, then step behind him to close and lock the door herself. She moved before him and smiled enticingly as she began unbuttoning his shirt. “Relax, Silas. Papa will be gone for at least an hour. Surely you’re tired of him bossing you around and treating you as if you had no brains or feelings. He’s threatening to kick me out if I refuse to marry this old friend of his. I can’t, Silas, because I want you. But if I tell Papa, he’ll laugh at me and punish both of us.”

When she started pressing kisses on his throat and chest, he shuddered and groaned. Once she had his shirt off, his hands went to her breasts and began to fondle them. Clarissa knelt to pull off his boots, then unfastened his pants and sensuously removed them with a wanton smile. As she slowly rose, her hands played ticklishly over his eager body. She drew him to the bed and pushed him down upon it. “You will help me so we can marry, won’t you, my love?” she wheedled.

Silas smiled happily. “I’ll do anything for you, Clarissa.”

Grasping his head, she pulled it to her breast. “We’ll make plans later, my future husband. Right now, I want you too much to think clearly,” she lied provocatively, having decided that Wes was too dangerous and she was not sure she could depend on him or trust him. But Silas
was weak and bewitched. He would aid her and then she would find a way to kill him.

Wes tied his reins to a corral post and walked to the Caldwell house. No one was around, so no one saw him or questioned him. He slipped inside the house and went looking for Clarissa. He stood outside her door and listened to the revealing sounds coming from within. Having heard enough, he returned to the front porch to await Jackson, who arrived shortly to meet him.