The Savage Touch

T H E SAVAGE T O U C H

Marc Leone was altogether too attractive for his own good. Much as he infuriated her, Lee had to admit that; certainly she could not deny how much she was attracted to him herself. But she had to keep the whole situation under control—because nothing was going to deflect her from her real goal in life: to marry a millionaire!

C H A P T E R ONE L E E slipped the strap of her overnight bag from her shoulder and hurried down the aisle, conscious of mild curiosity and an occasional glare of disapproval as she made her way towards the rear of the plane. It was useless to explain to one and all that her taxi, booked several hours earlier, had arrived late, resulting in a dash at breakneck speed to the airport. Oh, lord, the window seat—it would have to be, wouldn't it, Lee decided with a faint grimace as she located her designated row. It simply wasn't turning out to be her day at all! . T h e next instant she registered shock as she encountered a pair of male eyes reflecting lazy mockery and something more than casual interest in their slate-grey depths, and her mouth tightened fractionally as the man released his seatbelt and stepped out into the aisle. Despite her being of average height and wearing four-inch stiletto heels, her eyes barely came level with his throat, and she felt stifled by the height and breadth of him. T h e faint elusive tang of his aftershave teased her nostrils, and she was made shockingly aware of a latent sexuality that succeeded in bringing all her defensive instincts to the fore. Perhaps it was an inner anger that caused her to move too quickly, for the next thing she knew she was falling ignominiously against him. Hard hands steadied her, then she was free, and with a breathless 7

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THE SAVAGE TOUCH

apology she quickly slipped into her seat. H i s silent appraisal was disturbing, and seconds later she raised startled eyes as he leant towards her. ' Y o u r seatbelt,' he drawled, clipping the offending straps together. ' T h a n k you,' L e e acknowledged coolly, deliberately not meeting his gaze, and with a d e t e r m i n e d effort she t u r n e d her attention to the scene b e y o n d the window as the powerful jet eased itself away from the loading bay and taxied out to the runway. O n c e they were in the air she relaxed somewhat, and accepting a magazine offered by the hostess she flipped t h r o u g h t h e pages in search of an interesting article. As m u c h as L e e tried to ignore her companion's presence she was unable to prevent her gaze from occasionally straying in his direction. T h e r e was a sense of h i d d e n strength about h i m , an aura of power that intrigued her, and she mentally labelled him as an interstate businessman in one of the accepted professions, from his apparent absorption with a sheaf of papers extracted from his briefcase soon after take-off. U p o n t o u c h - d o w n at Brisbane airport L e e obediently observed, the hostess's instruction that passengers travelling n o r t h to Townsville and Cairns were required to wait in the terminal lounge for their connecting flight, a n d gathering her belongings together she stood to her feet and joined the q u e u e vacating the aircraft. T h e skin on her back prickled as all the fine body hairs stood on end in defence of t h e m a n standing immediately behind, and she held herself rigidly to prevent the faint shivering sensation that threatened to shake her slim form.

On reaching the g r o u n d L e e was aware of t h e m o m e n t he m o v e d past her, a n d she watched his progress with idle interest. Attired in casual grey trousers and a navy jacket, he exuded powerful m a s culinity from every nerve and muscle. A superb male animal with all the latent qualities sufficient to quicken the beat of m a n y a female heart—including hers, she perceived wryly. Inside the terminal building there was barely time to freshen up and attempt to restore order to her hair. N o t that it m a t t e r e d m u c h , L e e decided as she tugged a b r u s h t h r o u g h its unruly length. Of deep a u b u r n a n d reaching d o w n on to her shoulders, it grew thick w i t h a slight natural wave that had a will of its own, p r e cluding any attempt to s u b d u e it into smoothness. Consequently she adopted a casual windswept style that was the envy of friends who paid exorbitant salon prices to obtain a similar effect. Lee w i t h d r e w a slim compact from her overnight bag and touched a light dusting of powder to her nose, t h e n stood back to inspect the result. It would be all too easy to attach the label of beautiful to her finelyetched features, b u t she discarded such compliments when given, aware with self-criticism that her eyes merged between hazel and gold in colour and were too large and widely-spaced for the size of her face, and her m o u t h was a shade too full. As for her nose—it was average in size, b u t couldn't decide whether to tilt slightly u p w a r d s or not, verging somewhere in b e tween. H e r figure was reasonable, she conceded reluctantly as she cast it a cursory glance, and lifting a h a n d she straightened the lapel of the white jacket she wore over a pencil-slim black skirt. Stepping back from the m i r r o r , L e e caught up her

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overnight bag, checked that she h a d h e r tickets, t h e n e m e r g e d into the d e p a r t u r e lounge. T h e r e was t i m e for h e r to p u r c h a s e a magazine, a n d she quickly selected two as she h e a r d h e r connecting flight a n n o u n c e d over t h e tannoy. H u r r y i n g quickly t h r o u g h the barrier, she crossed t h e t a r m a c a n d b o a r d e d t h e waiting aircraft ahead of t h e other passengers. T h i s t i m e she h a d no intention of being t h e last to e m b a r k . I m m e r s e d in t h e contents of her magazine, she p a i d scant attention to her fellow passengers, a n d she was only vaguely aware w h e n t h e adjoining seat became occupied. It was several seconds before she realised t h a t h e r travelling c o m p a n i o n was n o n e o t h e r t h a n the forceful rugged-looking m a n into whose a r m s she h a d fallen less t h a n t w o h o u r s previously. Coincidence was definitely u n k i n d , for n o w she h a d little option b u t to suffer his presence for a further t h r e e h o u r s . A i r b o r n e , L e e relaxed her seatbelt a n d accepted t h e l u n c h e o n tray t h e hostess placed before her, doing j u s tice to t h e D a n i s h o p e n sandwich a n d coffee, before r e t u r n i n g her attention to h e r magazine. ' D o y o u m i n d if I smoke?' L e e t u r n e d slightly a n d m e t his faintly m o c k i n g smile. ' I ' d rather you d i d n ' t , ' she declared coolly, a n d saw one eyebrow rise in o p e n sardonic query. ' W h y n o t change your seat?' she suggested civilly, a n d w o n dered w h y she was being so contrary. It d i d n ' t w o r r y her in t h e slightest w h e t h e r he smoked or not. ' I ' m sure the hostess would delight in obliging you,' she a d d e d as an unveiled b a r b . Both hostesses h a d each on two separate occasions paused to enquire if everything was to his satisfaction, their c h a r m ultra-bright. L e e found their attention irritated her unbearably—almost

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as m u c h as t h e m a n himself. 'I daresay I can manage to survive without a cigarette for a few h o u r s , ' he m a n a g e d with droll a m u s e m e n t — i n fact his m o u t h seemed to be working against revealing a smile, a n d L e e effected a careless shrug as she r e t u r n e d to her magazine. T h e plane t o u c h e d d o w n briefly at Townsville, t h e n began the final leg to Cairns. If L e e h a d h o p e d her fellow passenger m i g h t have terminated his journey prior to Cairns, she was d o o m e d to be disappointed, a l t h o u g h he m a d e no further a t t e m p t to claim her attention. After leaving the cool wintry climes of Sydney only h o u r s before, the w a r m t h of the tropics was something L e e welcomed with opens a r m s — t h a t , a n d being r e united w i t h h e r sister, was sufficient to b r i n g a wide smile to her lips, transforming her expression as she welcomed Alicia with a generous h u g . ' W h e r e ' s the tribe?' L e e queried laughingly as she retrieved her luggage, a n d Alicia gave a deprecating grin. 'I left t h e m w i t h Stefano's m o t h e r . D r i v i n g d o w n the K u r a n d a R a n g e with t h r e e exuberant little boys is an experience I can well do without. Besides,' the older girl smiled, 'I w a n t e d to get up to date on your affairs.' L e e lifted an expressive eyebrow a n d began teasingly, 'Well, t h e r e ' s a television actor, a doctor, and an airline pilot. N o t forgetting an executive in real estate. W i t h w h o m w o u l d you like me to begin?' She was merely teasing a n d knew Alicia was aware of it, b u t it was doubtful the m a n immediately b e h i n d t h e m took it in t h a t vein. T h e first to move away, Alicia b r u s h e d against h i m

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THE SAVAGE TOUCH

a n d t u r n e d with a m u r m u r e d apology, only to exclaim with recognition. ' W h y , Marc—hello!' H e r face lit with undisguised pleasure. 'I d i d n ' t realise you were d u e back so soon. D i d y o u have a good trip?' H i s rugged features creased into an attractive smile as he acknowledged her greeting. 'Very enjoyable, Alicia.' H i s dark eyes swept towards L e e w i t h lazy mockery. ' A r e n ' t y o u going to introduce m e ? ' 'Yes, of course,' Alicia laughed, her gaze frankly mischievous. ' M y sister, L e e C a r r u t h e r s — M a r c e l l o Leone.' L e e inclined her head briefly. ' H o w do you d o , ' she m u r m u r e d formally, t h e n w i t h deliberate disinterest she indicated, 'If you'll excuse me? I m u s t check w i t h the desk and reconfirm my r e t u r n flight.' T h e slight was intended, a n d with a cool smile she t u r n e d a n d slipped into the slowly-moving stream of people crowding the small airport lounge. W h a t transpired during her absence she h a d no idea, for when she rejoined Alicia there was no sign of t h e man. 'Well, what did you think of h i m ? ' L e e was deliberately vague. ' W h o ? ' T h e y h a d reached t h e car-park, a n d she cast a searching glance for the dark blue station wagon h e r b r o t h e r - i n - l a w owned. ' W h e r e have you parked t h e car?' ' O h really, L e e , ' Alicia m u t t e r e d w i t h an impatient gesture. 'You know very well I m e a n M a r c — a n d t h e car is over t h e r e . ' It wasn't until they were on t h e outskirts of Cairns a n d heading towards the K u r a n d a R a n g e that Alicia d e m a n d e d her sister's response, a n d L e e m a d e a slight grimace of distaste. ' F a r too self-assured for my liking.' ' H e ' s dishy,' Alicia argued emphatically, shooting

L e e a sharp glance. ' H o n e s t l y , w h a t ' s w r o n g w i t h you?' ' H e ' s n o t m y t y p e , ' L e e dismissed blandly. 'Besides, I ' m a career girl, r e m e m b e r ? ' Alicia p u r s e d her lips in frustrated irritation. ' M a r c L e o n e operates one of the m o s t successful tobacco farms in the F a r N o r t h , as well as having various b u s i ness interests in Brisbane a n d S y d n e y . ' ' I p r e s u m e I ' m m e a n t t o d e d u c e from t h a t information that h e ' s ideal h u s b a n d material,' L e e p r o n o u n c e d dryly. ' S o r r y , sister d e a r — h e ' d have to be a m i l lionaire to interest m e . ' ' Y o u ' r e still n o t h a r b o u r i n g t h a t ridiculous n o t i o n , are you?' Alicia frowned, a n d L e e gave a chuckle of amusement. ' T h e y ' r e a scarce c o m m o d i t y these days. A n d y e s , ' she p a u s e d in contemplation. 'When I m a r r y , financial security will b e m y m a i n consideration. W e h a d too m a n y years having to w a t c h every cent for me n o t to give it priority.' Alicia concentrated h e r attention o n t h e n a r r o w w i n d i n g ascent, h a n d l i n g t h e large vehicle w i t h c o m petence. ' W e l l , I t r u s t you'll have t h e good m a n n e r s to be polite to M a r c , ' she said. ' I ' v e invited h i m to dinner tomorrow night.' 'Alicia, if this is a n o t h e r of y o u r m a t c h m a k i n g c a m paigns, I swear I'll strangle you!' L e e exploded e m o t i v e ly, a n d h e r sister laughed. ' O n t h e c o n t r a r y , ' she g r i n n e d , ' M a r c is a frequent guest at o u r h o u s e . ' ' I f he a n d Stefano are s u c h g o o d friends, w h y h a v e n ' t I m e t h i m before?' ' M a r c travels a lot between each tobacco season,' Alicia answered seriously. 'A m a n a g e r r u n s t h e farm for h i m , a n d M a r c ' s involvement is p u r e l y t h a t of

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overseer. His father died several years ago, a n d his m o t h e r alternates her time between her d a u g h t e r in Sydney, preferring to spend the winter in the n o r t h with M a r c . ' ' W h y give me a r u n d o w n on his life-history?' L e e queried with a touch of cynicism. 'Because I think he's just the m a n to b r i n g you to your knees,' her sister responded swiftly. Lee laughed out loud. ' O h lord,' she declared r u e fully. ' Y o u ' r e nothing if n o t brutally honest!' ' I t ' s called sisterly love,' Alicia said complacently. 'Heaven help m e ! ' F o r the remainder of the drive they caught up to date on each other's activities, a n d L e e was scarcely aware of the passing scenery as the station wagon t r a versed the Range. T h i s was her third visit to t h e t o b acco-growing town of Mareeba, a n d she was familiar with the terrain, the abundance of bush-clad hills that levelled out on to a plateau where the air was clean a n d sweet' so far above the sea. D u s k fell swiftly, and a few miles from the township itself the black of night obliterated everything b e y o n d the powerful beam of the vehicle's headlights. ' W e ' r e having dinner with my in-laws,' said Alicia as they reduced speed and entered the built-up residential area. 'I hope you d o n ' t m i n d ? ' ' W h y should I mind?' Lee countered. ' T h e y ' r e very charming people.' 'Stefano and his brother, M a r i o , have been helping their father paint the house, and they insisted we eat t h e r e tonight.' Alicia turned off the main road a n d w i t h i n minutes brought the station wagon to a halt. Almost at once the front door of the house o p e n e d , a n d L e e became immersed in greeting three boyish

pyjama-clad b u n d l e s all vying for h e r attention. 'All right, y o u lot,' a faintly-accented male voice drawled. ' L e a v e y o u r a u n t alone for a few m i n u t e s ! ' L e e m e t the twinkling gaze of h e r b r o t h e r - i n - l a w a n d reciprocated his greeting w i t h a h u g . As they m o v e d indoors a delicious a r o m a teased h e r nostrils, a n d she accepted the glass of wine t h a t was pressed into her h a n d . T h e following few h o u r s L e e found pleasant a n d relaxing. Italian hospitality was second to n o n e , a n d a tiny prickle of envy rose to the surface for the loving family her sister h a d acquired t h r o u g h marriage. It was after ten w h e n they carried the t h r e e small boys o u t to t h e station w a g o n a n d h e a d e d t h r o u g h t o w n to the farm some five miles past the B a r r o n River, a n d , pleasantly weary from the flight a n d t h e combination of good food a n d wine, L e e elected to u n p a c k only t h e b a r e essentials before t u m b l i n g into bed. N e v e r a late sleeper even while on vacation,. she rose early t h e following m o r n i n g a n d showered, t h e n gave Alicia a helping h a n d with t h e boys. Baby J a m e s h a d his breakfast p e r c h e d in a high-chair a n d r e q u i r e d constant supervision despite an assertion that he was capable of feeding himself, while A n d r e w a n d Steve argued over w h o h a d the m o s t fingers of toast to go with their boiled eggs. 'Bedlam!' their m o t h e r groaned in m o c k - h o r r o r . ' T h i s one is definitely going to be a girl,' she i n d i cated, patting h e r stomach, a n d L e e smiled. ' A n d if it's n o t , you'll try again—right?' ' N o t on your life,' Alicia vowed goodnaturedly. 'James was supposed to be Jane. If I d o n ' t win out this t i m e , I shall just give u p ! '

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' H m m , I'll r e m i n d you of t h a t , ' Stefano teased darkly, a n d his wife proffered a sweet smile. ' I t ' s your fault,' she accorded. ' Y o u s h o u l d n ' t have used subtle persuasion by saying h o w nice it w o u l d be to have a m i n i a t u r e replica of m e ! ' ' T i m e to take the tractor out of the p a d d o c k , ' he grinned u n r e p e n t a n t l y , a n d standing to his feet he d r o p p e d a kiss on t o p of his wife's head, smiled at L e e , t h e n gave his offspring a cheery wave a n d took his leave. 'Typical!' Alicia groaned w i t h mock indignation at his departing back, before casting a rueful glance over the table and the cherubic expressions of h e r three sons. ' W h y do you suppose they m a n a g e to get m o r e food on their faces, clothes a n d the tablecloth t h a n in their m o u t h s ? ' L e e laughed, pulling a face at each of her n e p h e w s in t u r n . 'Because t h e y ' r e little piggies, that's why! T h e y d o n ' t need b i b s , they need s h r o u d s that cover t h e m from neck to ankle.' ' T h a t ' s a t h o u g h t , ' Alicia p o n d e r e d . 'Well, I guess we begin m o p p i n g - u p operations. I'll take J a m e s , if you'll fix the other t w o . ' Preparations for d i n n e r began w h e n t h e two y o u n g est boys h a d been p u t d o w n for their afternoon n a p , a n d as evening d r e w close L e e began to wish she could invent a prior engagement. D i n i n g with M a r c L e o n e wasn't her idea of enjoyable e n t e r t a i n m e n t , a n d she deliberately played d o w n h e r appearance by dressing casually in a blouse a n d batik skirt, adding only a t o u c h of lipstick and a dusting of p o w d e r to h e r nose before emerging into the kitchen to give h e r sister some assistance. ' L e e , a r e n ' t you going to wear something m o r e ' —

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Alicia p a u s e d a n d waved a descriptive h a n d — ' e l e gant?' ' I ' m o n holiday,' L e e r e s p o n d e d wryly. 'Being elegantly attired d o e s n ' t figure largely on my list of p r i o r ities.' H e r sister shot h e r a particularly perceptive look before t u r n i n g back to attend to t h e n u m e r o u s saucep a n s on top of t h e kitchen stove. ' Y o u d o n ' t w a n t to bedazzle M a r c , having decided you d o n ' t like h i m , ' she a n n o u n c e d , a n d L e e gave a careless s h r u g . ' H e doesn't affect me one way or the other, a n d if y o u really object to my clothes I'll go a n d change t h e m . ' ' L e e ! ' Alicia protested ruefully. ' Y o u ' r e o n e of t h e few fortunate people w h o w o u l d m a n a g e to look g l a m orous in sackcloth. I t ' s just that I ' ' Y o u want t o m e t o m a k e a n impression, right?' ' Y e s , ' Alicia agreed w i t h engaging frankness. ' M a r c is a gorgeous h u n k of masculinity, a n d y o u ' r e my o n e a n d only sister. It w o u l d be fantastic if you were to m a r r y someone from these p a r t s — t h e n w e ' d be close together, instead of living at opposite e n d s of Australia.' L e e extracted a tablecloth from a n e a r b y dresser a n d began setting the large d i n i n g - r o o m table. ' Y o u k n o w my views on marriage. O n e day—maybe. I want to travel, live a little before settling d o w n w i t h one m a n a n d a life of m u n d a n e c h o r e s . ' ' I t has its advantages,' Alicia defended dryly, a n d L e e laughed. ' I ' v e yet to be convinced of t h a t . ' ' C o n v i n c e d of w h a t ? ' a familiar male voice q u e r i e d , a n d she t u r n e d to m e e t Stefano's teasing smile, h e r features a s s u m i n g a polite mask as she saw his c o m panion.

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'Alicia a n d I were having a discussion,' she answered blandly, a n d silently dared her to enlighten t h e two men. ' Y o u have m e t , I believe?' Stefano indicated, swinging an interested gaze from L e e back to M a r c Leone. 'Yesterday,' M a r c drawled indolently. ' W e travelled on t h e same flight.' H i s frame seemed to diminish the r o o m ' s p r o p o r t i o n s , although h e w a s n ' t m u c h taller t h a n Stefano. H i s attire was casual, yet he still m a n a g e d to exude a sophistication that was m o r e akin to city living. E v i d e n t too was a leashed quality and a measure of cynicism that in different circumstances L e e w o u l d have found fascinating. F o r c e d to acknowledge h i m , she proffered a slight smile. ' M r L e o n e . ' She d i d n ' t a d d any superfluous platitudes, a n d m e t his gaze with deliberate coolness. ' M a r c e l l o , ' he insisted silkily. ' M y friends call me Marc' ' H o w nice,' L e e r e s p o n d e d sweetly, t h e n t u r n i n g back to the dresser she began extracting plates and cutlery. ' H a v e M a r i o a n d Lisa arrived yet?' Alicia queried, directing her h u s b a n d a faintly flustered look. ' N o w , from the s o u n d of it,' Stefano answered calmly. ' M a r c a n d I will d r a g M a r i o into t h e lounge for a drink while you womenfolk organise t h e food.' Do that, L e e echoed silently. T h e less t i m e she had to s p e n d in M a r c L e o n e ' s company, t h e better. If it h a d n ' t have been for Lisa a n d M a r i o ' s company t h e evening would have been something of a disaster. L e e utilised every o p p o r t u n i t y to assist Alicia in serving the food, entered into conversation with t h e notable exception of M a r c L e o n e , which d i d n ' t seem to

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bother h i m a whit, a l t h o u g h t h e r e was one occasion when the slate-grey gaze m e t hers w i t h d i s t u r b i n g scrutiny, and m u c h to h e r chagrin she was t h e first to glance away. ' H o w long d o y o u i n t e n d t o stay u p n o r t h ? ' Lee glanced across t h e table at t h e s o u n d of that sardonic drawl, a n d s u m m o n e d forth a cool smile. ' T h r e e weeks,' she answered in faintly b o r e d tones, and saw his eyes d a r k e n fractionally. 'Perhaps you'll allow me to show you s o m e t h i n g of the area d u r i n g y o u r stay,' he offered, a n d Alicia pounced on the suggestion w i t h t h e tenacity of a terrier being tossed a m e a t y b o n e . ' M a r c , how good of y o u , ' she acknowledged w i t h sickening gratitude. 'Stefano has to disc-harrow t h e paddocks and lay the p i p e s , so t h e r e w o n ' t be m u c h time to spare for sightseeing.' ' M y pleasure,' he accorded civilly, swinging his attention back to L e e . 'Shall we say t o m o r r o w ? ' ' I w o u l d n ' t think o f inconveniencing you, M r Leone,' L e e refused sweetly, giving his n a m e slight emphasis. ' Y o u ' v e just r e t u r n e d from a trip abroad. Surely you have m o r e i m p o r t a n t things to do?' H e r eyes were deliberately lacking in guile. 'I can spare a few days,'" he answered sardonically, and she noted t h a t his eyes were far from indolent. If he could, he w o u l d have shaken h e r a n d taken pleasure from the exercise, L e e t h o u g h t w i t h a faint shiver. ' I t ' s kind of you to offer,' she began politely. ' B u t I want to spend as m u c h t i m e as I can with my sister.' 'Nonsense, L e e , ' Alicia protested. ' Y o u m u s t g o . ' ' M u s t I?' she challenged with a smile. ' I ' m sure Mr Leone will u n d e r s t a n d if I refuse.' S h e t u r n e d t o w a r d s him. ' W o n ' t you?' ' N o , ' he drawled, a n d h e r eyes w i d e n e d in startled

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disbelief. 'Shall we say nine t o m o r r o w m o r n i n g ? ' Of all t h e nerve! Anger t u r n e d her eyes into a fiery gold, b u t there was little she could do other than capitulate, and she did so with apparent graciousness. A l t h o u g h there was the promise of retaliation in the glance she shot h i m as he took his leave some hours later. If it was war he wanted, t h e n that was what he would get!

CHAPTER

TWO

' H A V E a nice day.'

L e e directed her sister a wry glance as she slipped into the passenger seat of M a r c L e o n e ' s large Ford Fairlane. T h e prospect of an entire day spent in his company was something she viewed with the antithesis of enjoyment. ' T h a n k s , ' she acknowledged with m a r k e d irony. 'See you later.' ' A r o u n d five,' M a r c confirmed, his smile warm as he sketched Alicia a wave, t h e n he slid in b e h i n d the wheel and set t h e engine p u r r i n g into life. W i t h i n seconds the powerful car had traversed the drive a n d was picking u p speed on t h e open road heading towards M a r e e b a , and it w a s n ' t until they were almost at K u r a n d a that L e e decided to question their intended destination. ' W h e r e are you taking m e ? ' H e r voice was cool, barely a point or two above an arctic zero, and his swift glance raked her with an intensity that was nerve-racking.

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'As you're d e t e r m i n e d n o t to enjoy yourself, does it matter?' Lee sat erect in h e r seat. ' W e d o n ' t like each other.' ' O n what basis do y o u m a k e t h a t a s s u m p t i o n ? ' 'Oh, for heaven's sake!' L e e expostulated. ' W h a t e v e r motivated this invitation, it w a s n ' t m u t u a l e m p a t h y . ' ' H o w about—you intrigue m e ? ' M a r c drawled, a n d she uttered a brief h a r s h laugh. 'So unoriginal. I m u s t have h e a r d that at least a hundred times.' 'Like bees, the m e n flit a r o u n d t h e h o n e y p o t , ' he drawled with m a r k e d cynicism, a n d she arched h i m a saccharine smile. ' L e t ' s just say I ' m aware of all t h e angles.' 'Really?' His sardonic a m u s e m e n t rankled. ' D o y o u d o u b t it?' she levelled coolly, a n d she b e c a m e incensed by the undisguised mockery evident in his eyes. 'Are you bored, or just deliberately o b t u s e ? ' she d e m a n d e d angrily. ' W i t h hair that colour, y o u c o u l d n ' t possess anything less than a shameful t e m p e r . ' T h e look she gave h i m w o u l d have withered a lesser man on the spot. 'If you'll be so good as to stop t h e car, I'll hitch a ride back. A n o t h e r m i n u t e in your company and I ' m liable to resort to violence!' 'Be warned that I hit back,' M a r c asserted w i t h quiet deliberation. ' W h y n o t take in t h e passing scenery? Soon we'll be d o w n t h e R a n g e a n d into sugarcane c o u n t r y . ' 'Spare me the lyrical spiel. I ' m n o t one of y o u r impressionable dates, willing to h a n g on to your every word,' she snapped angrily. 'Are you usually so—hostile? T h e m a n w h o took

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y o u on w o u l d n e e d to be a h a r d y individual.' ' I ' m usually quite calm,' L e e declared, her voice m o v i n g up a pitch. ' A n d I d o n ' t n e e d any m a n to take me on, as y o u so charmingly p u t it!' 'All that fine fury,' he m u s e d . ' I t could prove a challenge, at t h a t . ' ' M y G o d ! I w o u l d n ' t t o u c h y o u w i t h a ten-foot pole!' ' D i d you have breakfast?' he slanted mildly, and his a m u s e m e n t was almost h e r u n d o i n g . 'Of course. W h y ? ' An eyebrow ascended in silent mockery. ' N o t one of the crispbread a n d black coffee brigade?' 'I have a healthy appetite,' she informed h i m with an expressive sigh, a n d the eyebrow rose even further. ' I t ' s n o t lack of food t h a t ' s responsible for your illhumour?' ' N o , d a m m i t — i t ' s you! she shouted, a n d became utterly incensed w h e n he laughed. ' L e t me out. I'm not going another mile with you!' 'Yes, you a r e , ' M a r c insisted quietly, a n d she threw h i m a v e n o m o u s look. ' I ' m not. N o w , stop this w r e t c h e d vehicle!' W i t h o u t another w o r d he slowed d o w n a n d drew to a halt at the edge of the road, letting the engine idle, and with an angry toss of her head L e e unlatched the door-clasp a n d slid out, giving t h e door a satisfactory slam. T h e t h o u g h t of hitching a ride was slightly daunting, b u t p r i d e lifted h e r head as she m o v e d round b e h i n d t h e car a n d crossed to other side of the road.. To be honest, she h a d n ' t expected h i m to call her bluff, a n d n o w that he h a d she felt vaguely apprehensive.

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After she had walked a few y a r d s came t h e t h o u g h t that she would have to explain to Alicia precisely w h y she was r e t u r n i n g several h o u r s earlier t h a n expected, and alone. D a m n — t h e ensuing a r g u m e n t w a s n ' t something she looked forward to. 'Get in.' Lee swung r o u n d a n d saw t h a t M a r c h a d backed t h e car, and it was not stationary directly opposite. F o r a moment she almost relented, b u t s t u b b o r n p r i d e w o n out a n d she continued walking. 'Whether you get in of y o u r o w n accord or n o t is immaterial,' M a r c ' s voice directed hardily. Lee ignored h i m , glancing back in t h e h o p e t h a t another car w o u l d appear, b u t t h e r o a d was disappointingly e m p t y , a n d she increased h e r stride as she heard the snap of t h e car door. N o t t h a t it m a t t e r e d much, for even if she ran he w o u l d soon outdistance her. 'You are the m o s t exasperating female I have ever met,' his voice c o m m e n t e d b l u n t l y from immediately behind, and the next instant she was b r o u g h t to an abrupt halt as his h a n d fastened on h e r a r m in a b o n e crushing grip. ' Y o u ' v e h a d t i m e to cool d o w n — n o w come and get back in t h e d a r . ' 'Leave me alone!' Marc m u t t e r e d s o m e t h i n g unintelligible, t h e n w i t h out warning he hoisted h e r over his shoulder a n d carried her indignant wildly-kicking form across the road. 'You fiend!' L e e cried, beating angry fists against his back. ' P u t me down!' Within seconds she was b u n d l e d into t h e front seat of the car, t h e n M a r c slid in beside h e r , a n d his expression sent prickles of alarm s c u d d i n g d o w n her spine.

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' I f y o u ' v e finished behaving like a spoilt ill-mannered child, m a y b e we can continue on o u r way,' he declared w i t h chilling b r u s q u e n e s s , a n d h e r h a n d went to t h e door-clasp only to discover it was locked and w o u l d n ' t release. ' L e t me out!' she d e m a n d e d furiously, rounding on h i m . ' I f y o u d o n ' t unlock this d a m n e d door, I swear I'll scream my head off!' ' G o ahead.' W i t h o u t thinking h e r h a n d flew up a n d struck his face, t h e n she u t t e r e d a startled cry as he calmly slapped h e r back. 'You—bastard!' L e e choked, h e r eyes alive with rage. ' T h a t h u r t ! ' S h e raised a h a n d to h e r stinging cheek, u n a b l e to believe he h a d actually struck her. ' I t was m e a n t t o , ' M a r c r e s p o n d e d w i t h icy imperturbability. 'I hate y o u , ' she whispered, a n d he gave a careless shrug. ' A t least that's a fairly healthy e m o t i o n . ' Balling h e r fist, she aimed it at t h a t arrogant jaw, only to fail dismally as he caught h o l d of h e r wrist in mid-air. ' O h n o , y o u d o n ' t , ' he said in a dangerously soft voice. E x e r t i n g p r e s s u r e , he pulled her towards him until h e r face was within t o u c h i n g distance of his own, t h e n with deliberate intent he lowered his m o u t h to hers. T h e r e w a s n ' t a t h i n g L e e could do to stop h i m , and the cry that rose to h e r lips died in h e r t h r o a t as his m o u t h crushed hers in a kiss t h a t p l u n d e r e d to the very d e p t h s of h e r soul. S h e was completely at his m e r c y , a n d t h e r e was one brief horrifying moment

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when she t h o u g h t she m i g h t slip into t h e dark void that threatened her consciousness, for never h a d she been made so frighteningly aware of a m a n ' s latent savagery. Her m o u t h quivered in p a i n w h e n at last he lifted his head, and there was real fear in h e r eyes for an instant before the lids s h u t t e r e d d o w n . 'Look at m e . ' H i s b r u s q u e c o m m a n d h e l d a r u t h lessness that b o d e d ill for a n y o n e d a r i n g to t h w a r t him. His eyes darkened fractionally at h e r d o w n b e n t head, and without a w o r d he c a u g h t her c h i n b e t w e e n t h u m b and forefinger a n d forced h e r into obedience. 'You could goad a m a n to t h e very b r i n k of sanity,' he muttered with ruminative pitilessness. ' B e thankful I retain a firm hold on m i n e . ' It took courage to m e e t his gaze, even m o r e to u t t e r as a last gesture of defiance, ' A m I s u p p o s e d to b o w down in gratitude?' 'And acknowledge defeat?' he q u e r i e d sardonically, then his voice h a r d e n e d m e a s u r a b l y . 'Be w a r n e d I ' m no loser, L e e . ' 'What's that supposed to m e a n ? ' 'I imagine you possess sufficient intelligence to work it out for yourself.' W i t h a quick glance in t h e rear vision m i r r o r he eased t h e powerful car back on to the road, picking up speed as he took t h e coast r o a d leading to M o s s m a n via Ellis Beach. Lee was too emotionally drained to consider m a k i n g polite conversation, a n d t h e t h o u g h t of t h e whole day in his company was galling. A faint b u b b l e of h y s t e r ical laughter rose in her t h r o a t . U n l e s s she was m i s taken she had just been given h e r first lesson in s u b mission. If that was t h e case, M a r c L e o n e was in for a surprise! She h a d no intention of b e i n g b e n e a t h any

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T H E SAVAGE T O U C H

27

m a n ' s t h u m b — m u c h less his. T h e whole t h i n g was ludicrous, especially as she found h i m detestable a n d far too h i g h - h a n d e d for his o w n good. If she d i d n ' t speak to h i m at all t h e n they c o u l d n ' t argue, a n d w i t h that in m i n d she t u r n e d to admire t h e scenery. A vast p a t c h w o r k of green cane fields a n d d a r k - r e d ploughed land provided a startling contrast to t h e bush-clad ranges a r o u n d whose base t h e r i b b o n of b i t u m e n followed t h e coast. N a r r o w steel railway tracks criss-crossed t h e Captain Cook highway w i t h predictable frequency as they linked each farm to t h e m a i n line. ' T h e cane is b u r n t off in workable sections to get rid of u n d e r g r o w t h a n d any v e r m i n , ' M a r c told h e r smoothly. ' I t is mechanically harvested, t h e n loaded on to wagons a n d t r a n s p o r t e d for processing to the Mill.' L e e inclined h e r head slightly in deference, a n d r e frained from telling h i m that she was already aware of t h e process, having travelled this particular route w i t h Alicia a n d Stefano t w o years ago. As t h e car swung d o w n the w i n d i n g incline towards Ellis Beach M a r c leaned forward and switched on t h e car radio, a n d L e e welcomed the intrusion. Sparkling b l u e water stretched out towards t h e h o r izon, m e r g i n g into the azure sky. Queensland was truly a sunshine State, a n d the winterless N o r t h n o t h i n g less t h a n a tropical paradise. At this time of year it was relatively easy to disregard t h e enervating heat of s u m m e r , the flies a n d mosquitoes. S u m m e r also b r o u g h t intermittent rainstorms, a n d the onset of t h e W e t w h e r e t h e continuous rainfall for several weeks on e n d was sufficient to fray even the mildest of tempers.

' T h e work h e r e i s seasonal,' M a r c c o n t i n u e d i m p e r t u r b a b l y . ' C a n e , from J u n e until D e c e m b e r — tobacco concentrating between S e p t e m b e r a n d M a r c h , although t h e farmer has t o p r e p a r e t h e g r o u n d , t h e seedbeds, t h e n plant out prior t o that. H o w e v e r , b e tween April a n d A u g u s t he can relax, working m a y b e as few as t w o days a week checking e q u i p m e n t a n d machinery.' L e e d i d n ' t b o t h e r t o c o m m e n t , a n d for t h e following half h o u r she sat in contemplative silence. If h e r lack of conversation b o t h e r e d h i m , M a r c gave no indication, a n d it w a s n ' t until he t u r n e d t h e car off t h e m a i n highway that she voiced her surprise. ' W h e r e are we going?' ' Y o u ' v e decided t o speak,' M a r c c o m m e n t e d dryly, and she cast h i m a wry glance. 'Sarcasm, Mr Leone?' ' W h a t were thinking of?' he c o u n t e r e d cynically. ' O r should I a m e n d that to who?' T h e smile she gave h i m was singularly sweet. ' O h , who—of c o u r s e . ' ' A h , yes,' he said dryly. ' A n actor, an airline pilot— a m o n g o t h e r s , I believe.' So he h a d overheard her! ' S h o u l d n ' t I have a b o y friend?' she posed, a n d he gave an indolent shrug. 'I imagine they fight each other to get to your d o o r . ' ' O h , t h e pathway is inevitably a veritable b a t t l e field,' she answered with droll h u m o u r . ' N o w e d d i n g ring as yet?' 'A symbol of bondage?' she queried w i t h deliberate sarcasm. ' T h a t ' s not for m e . ' 'Pity,' M a r c drawled, a n d she shot h i m a dark glance, only to find that he was seemingly intent on the road ahead. 'Precisely w h a t do you do for a living?'

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he questioned after several m i n u t e s , casting her a brief searching glance. ' I ' m a hair-stylist.' ' W i t h visions of o w n i n g your o w n salon, I presume?' L e e was aware of his cynical a m u s e m e n t , and it rankled. ' W h a t ' s w r o n g with that?' she demanded. ' A l t h o u g h I d o u b t you would approve of a woman p u r s u i n g a career, w o u l d you?' ' W h y n o t a d d — b e i n g a male chauvinist?' M a r c intoned with deliberate mockery, a n d she gave him a sweet smile. 'I was going t o . ' T h e car slowed perceptively, t h e n veered off to the right t o w a r d s P o r t D o u g l a s . ' T h e r e are w o m e n for w h o m marriage a n d children would prove disastrous,' he slanted, ' b u t you're not one of t h e m . ' ' O h ? O n w h a t premise d o you base that assumption?' ' H a v e y o u never looked in the m i r r o r ? ' he mocked brusquely. ' O n e day you'll come up against a man who'll ' ' S w e e p me off my feet?' she i n t e r r u p t e d with a derisive laugh. ' O h , come o n — y o u d o n ' t believe in that r o m a n t i c nonsense any m o r e t h a n I do!' 'I was going to say—bed y o u , t h e n p u t a ring on your finger before you h a d time to think about it,' he concluded bluntly. L e e felt h e r stomach lurch in an unaccustomed somersault. ' H a v e n ' t you got that the wrong way r o u n d ? ' she m a n a g e d lightly. 'Bridal purity is a rare jewel,' he stated hardily. ' M o s t m e n no longer seek it.' H i s quick glance was

T H E SAVAGE T O U C H

29

dark and unfathomable. ' T h e double s t a n d a r d , ' L e e r e t o r t e d w i t h heavy sarcasm. 'You're no m o n k , ' she accused. ' W h y enforce celibacy on w o m e n ? ' ' T h a t ' s a touchy subject I've no intention of p u r s u ing while driving,' he answered, a n d she r o u n d e d on him with unaccustomed bitterness. 'How typical of a male to cop out!' Marc slowed the car as they n e a r e d t h e small t o w n ship, then t u r n e d t o w a r d s t h e beach a n d d r e w to a halt on the grass verge. He m a d e no m o v e to get o u t , a n d she eyes him rather warily as he leaned t o w a r d s her. 'Okay, so let's a r g u e , ' he berated u n c o m p r o m i s i n g l y . 'It's the one thing we seem to do well.' ' D o n ' t we just,' L e e agreed, overcome by his n e a r ness. All her protective instincts told h e r to get o u t and run as fast and as far away from this d i s t u r b i n g man as her legs would carry her. He was d a n g e r o u s , and totally unlike anyone she h a d ever m e t before. T h e usual tactics she e m p l o y e d w i t h other m e n were proving to be ineffective. 'You were saying?' M a r c p r o m p t e d , his m a n n e r d e ceptively mild, a n d L e e gave a s u d d e n inexplicable shiver as she m e t his eyes. T h e i r expression was far from indolent. 'I need some fresh air,' she declared lightly, a n d he gave a deep throaty chuckle. 'Oh, Lee,' h e chided w i t h a m u s e m e n t , ' I ' m d i s appointed. I t h o u g h t we were a b o u t to do battle.' H e r lips moved in a wry grimace. 'I still retain a vivid memory of the last o n e . ' He regarded her in silence, t h e n reaching o u t a h a n d he traced her m o u t h with a light p r o b i n g finger, t h e n his head moved t o w a r d s h e r s , a n d h e r lips p a r t e d to

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plead, except that it was too late—way too late. Beneath that firm insistent pressure she p u t up a token resistance, t h e n closed her eyes as he began a sensual exploratory invasion of h e r m o u t h . H e r senses leapt, flaring into w a r m t h , a n d she gave a silent moan as his h a n d s slid r o u n d her neck a n d b u r i e d themselves in t h e tangled thickness of h e r hair. His experience was devastating, a n d she h a d to force herself not to r e s p o n d , for therein lay m a d n e s s — a madness she neither wanted n o r could afford. At last he lifted his head, his expression inscrutable as he regarded her in silence, t h e n he smiled as he released her. ' L e t ' s walk along t h e beach a n d work up an appetite for l u n c h . ' W i t h o u t a w o r d L e e reached for t h e door-clasp and slid out from the car. T h e tide was on the way out, a n d without seeing w h e t h e r M a r c w o u l d follow she slipped off her sandals a n d stepped d o w n on to the crisp white sand. A faint breeze stirred her hair and teased t h e hemline of her dress as she walked. H e r lips still tingled, a n d a slowb u r n i n g rage rose in h e r breast. In the past it had been she w h o held t h e w h i p - h a n d in any relationship, and it angered h e r b e y o n d belief to be so easily set down. She u t t e r e d a brief soundless laugh. W h a t was she thinking? She no m o r e h a d any intention of beginning a relationship w i t h M a r c L e o n e t h a n she h a d of flying to the m o o n ! ' Y o u live in Sydney?' 'Yes,' L e e answered cursorily, not really wanting to talk to h i m at all, a n d she missed his faint smile. ' H a v e you any family, apart from Alicia?' She t u r n e d a n d glared at h i m . ' W h a t is this—question a n d answer time?'

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'Is it forbidden to m a k e conversation?' he p a r r i e d dryly, and she swung h e r gaze o u t to sea. 'My life history is very dull, Mr L e o n e . ' 'Marc,' his voice i n s i s t e d — c o m m a n d e d w o u l d be a better word, a n d L e e grimaced. ' D o n ' t you ever give u p ? ' ' N o . ' His quiet denial sent an involuntary shiver of fear feathering the length of h e r spine. ' I ' m twenty-two years old,' L e e told h i m w i t h n o pretence at forbearance, ' b o r n a n d b r e d in t h e city to parents who had long given up having children. Alicia was a complete surprise, a n d my a p p e a r a n c e eight years later an a d d e d b o n u s . U n f o r t u n a t e l y my mother's health suffered soon after my b i r t h , a n d slowly deteriorated. S h e died w h e n I was t e n . D a d followed her four years later,' she said slowly, h e r chin tilting slightly. ' I t was Alicia a n d I against the world, with no other relatives to care for look after u s . Alicia married and m o v e d n o r t h w h e n I was almost seventeen,' she concluded, unwilling to reveal just h o w lonely that first year apart h a d really been. ' D o you flat alone?' ' N o , ' she denied wryly. 'I share a h o u s e w i t h t h r e e friends.' 'Male or female?' 'One female and t w o m a l e . ' It gave h e r great satisfaction to impart that information. 'Convenient,' M a r c c o m m e n t e d dryly, a n d she gave him a sweet smile. 'Yes, isn't it?' 'I suppose you style m e n ' s hair, t o o . ' 'Of course. M o s t hairdressing salons have a d o p t e d the unisex approach. W h y ? ' she q u e r i e d , shooting h i m a swift analytical glance. ' D o y o u n e e d a haircut?' T h e

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sarcasm was deliberate, a n d d i d n ' t go undetected. ' D a r e I t r u s t you?' ' I ' m a professional,' L e e declared angrily. 'I don't allow personalities to affect my work. Anyway,' she a d d e d wrathfully, ' I w o u l d n ' t do your hair no matter h o w m u c h you paid m e ! ' ' H o w paradoxical,' M a r c drawled, and she looked away, too infuriated to reply. T h e natural shoreline curved, creating a bay that was scenically p i c t u r e s q u e , although L e e was in no' m o o d to appreciate its beauty. T h e m a n strolling at her side stirred every unenviable emotion she possessed, and although she had h a d independence forced u p o n her at an early age she h a d never before had contact with anyone quite like M a r c L e o n e . By now most m e n of her acquaintance would have been frozen off by her chilly m a n n e r , b u t he seemed to regard her m u c h as a superior cat b i d i n g its time w i t h a recalcit r a n t m o u s e . A slight glimmer of h u m o u r momentarily lit her eyes. Perhaps if she applied reverse psychology and plied a p p a r e n t adoration? It w o u l d never work, she discounted silently. He was far too astute not to recognise the ploy, and besides, it w o u l d only serve to' arouse his a m u s e m e n t . 'We'll t u r n back a n d have l u n c h , ' M a r c indicated, a n d L e e cast h i m a searching look. 'I guess the reason y o u ' r e so arrogant is a surfeit of responsive w o m e n willing to b o w d o w n to your every wish,' she declared waspishly, a n d his teeth gleamed as his m o u t h curved into a mocking smile. 'Of which y o u ' r e n o t o n e , ' he said cynically. 'I can't stand you,' she retorted. ' W h y on earth I came out with you today I'll never know!' ' I d i d n ' t give you m u c h choice.'

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'None,' she answered t r e n c h a n t l y , stopping in h e r tracks. 'I like to be asked, not—forced into s o m e t h i n g I don't want.' H e r eyes d a r k e n e d , their gleaming depths becoming a fascinating m i x t u r e of hazel flecked with dark gold. ' G o a n d practise your caveman tactics on someone else,' she s n a p p e d furiously. 'I d o n ' t a p preciate them!' His eyes regarded h e r solemnly, a n d his silence was enervating. ' W h a t do you appreciate, Lee? Soft m u s i c , dimmed lighting, and a gentle t o u c h ? ' H i s faint smile held worldly cynicism. 'I t h i n k n o t . T h e r e ' s too m u c h fire beneath the surface for y o u to be content w i t h docile ineffectuality.' Her features lit w i t h fine fury, her chin tilting to a dangerous angle as she r o u n d e d on h i m . ' O h ? On the basis of two days' acquaintance y o u p r e s u m e to know my taste in m e n ? ' she exclaimed. ' W e l l , let me tell you that arrogant overbearing bossy m e n such as yourself come well down on my list. I d o n ' t enjoy being on the receiving end of brutal savagery!' One eyebrow arched in quizzical a m u s e m e n t . ' M y , my,' he derided quietly. ' I t ' s a p p a r e n t you missed o u t on a few badly needed parental spankings. A w o r d of warning, L e e — d o n ' t c o n t i n u e to h a n d it out unless you're prepared to take t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s . ' 'I shake at the very t h o u g h t ! ' 'So you should,' M a r c chided softly. ' I ' m no p u b e scent youth with w h o m you can play childish games.' 'What games do you play?' she challenged sweetly. ' T h e bedroom variety, I'll be b o u n d . Do you keep a tally of all the b r o k e n - h e a r t e d females y o u ' v e carelessly cast aside? Or p e r h a p s they n u m b e r too m a n y to remember?' For a m o m e n t L e e t h o u g h t he m e a n t to strike h e r ,

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t h e n she was fighting wildly as his a r m s dragged her relentlessly close, a n d she struggled valiantly to evade the cruel touch of his m o u t h as it sought and found her own, p u n i s h i n g with ruthless force until she sagged limply against him. Yet still he ravaged the softness of her m o u t h , a n d n o t content, he trailed a searing p a t h d o w n the pulsing cord at her neck to the base of h e r t h r o a t before travelling up to take her lips w i t h pitiless disregard. She was unable to m o v e , caught close against him in a painful grip so that she was aware of every muscle in his powerful b o d y , a n d t h e h a n d that held her head paid little heed to her delicate scalp. It seemed unending, a n d she was almost in tears w h e n the pressure eased, t h e n she gave an involuntary shiver as his lips took on a seducing quality. An answering flame stirred deep inside, and she was powerless to resist a response t h a t rose of its own accord a n d encompassed her entire being. She was mindless, w i t h no t h o u g h t for what she m i g h t be inviting, as of their o w n volition her fingers curled deep into the thick hair at t h e back of his neck. Like a flower opening its heart to the m o r n i n g sun her m o u t h parted a n d clung to his, a n d desire flared as his h a n d s began a practised exploration over her slim curves. T h e r e was no t h o u g h t of denying h i m as his fingers sought a n d found the b u t t o n s on her dress, and she gave a gasp of pleasure w h e n the g a r m e n t was no longer a barrier to his touch. He was in complete control as she pressed her body close against h i m , and she gave a slight m o a n of distress as he lifted his head. ' M a r c ? ' T h e slightly breathless q u e r y held a dazed quality that s o u n d e d strangely bereft, a n d he smiled, b r u s h i n g h e r b u r g e o n e d breasts w i t h gentle fingers.

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35

'Not here,' he m u r m u r e d , his eyes dark as he r e garded her, t h e n he lowered his head a n d gently trailed his lips across h e r forehead. ' L e t ' s go.' Lee was still in a state of b e m u s e m e n t . ' G o where?' His hands moved to the front of h e r dress a n d he began fastening the b u t t o n s . ' T h i s beach is fairly isolated, but I prefer to c o n d u c t my lovemaking in p r i vacy and comfort,' he told h e r softly, his eyes tinged with mocking a m u s e m e n t . ' T h e r e ' s a m o t e l nearby where we can book a u n i t for a few h o u r s . ' Oh God! Like a dash of cold water his w o r d s brought Lee back to h a r s h reality, a n d w i t h it came shame. Shame, a n d a sense of painful degradation. ' N o . ' Was that her voice? A husky denial that sounded alien even to h e r o w n ears. Marc's gaze was disconcertingly level. ' N o ? ' he queried deliberately. 'A few m i n u t e s ago I was getting a definite yes.' A mortifying w a r m t h coloured her cheeks. She searched for a flippant reply, b u t n o t h i n g came to mind, and after several seconds she t u r n e d away from him and stared sightlessly o u t over t h e ocean. E v e n anger was noticeably absent. W h a t could she say—that she was sorry? It seemed ludicrous to explain that this was the first time she h a d allowed any m a n to take such liberties with her b o d y . In the past she h a d always been in control of a situation, never losing her head and able to reject any a m o r o u s advances w i t h o u t much difficulty. Yet for a short while she h a d been transported beyond t h e realms of reality into a world of sensual pleasure w h e r e n o t h i n g registered except the magic of the m o m e n t . Tears rose to the surface a n d h e r lips quivered in the knowledge that she d i d n ' t even like t h e m a n . T h e y

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struck sparks off each other at every t u r n . L e e gave a s u d d e n start as his h a n d caught h o l d of her a r m , a n d she offered no resistance as he t u r n e d her back to face h i m . H i s eyes n a r r o w e d fractionally as he glimpsed h e r expression, a n d reaching o u t , he placed an idle finger b e n e a t h her chin a n d lifted it until she m e t his gaze. ' N o fine fury, L e e ? ' he queried w i t h faint m o c k e r y , a n d she m o v e d out of his grasp. ' I ' m temporarily lost for w o r d s , ' she offered wryly, fighting to regain h e r c o m p o s u r e . ' T h e r e ' s an excellent seafood r e s t a u r a n t r o u n d by t h e h a r b o u r , ' he declared evenly. ' W e ' l l eat t h e r e . ' Food? T h e t h o u g h t of it sickened h e r , b u t it was i m p o r t a n t that he s h o u l d n ' t be aware of just h o w badly shaken she was, a n d in o r d e r to p r e s e n t an unruffled facade she w o u l d eat every m o u t h f u l . T h e y walked i n silence, a n d L e e p a u s e d m o mentarily w h e n they reached t h e grass verge beside t h e road to slip on h e r sandals. It w a s n ' t u n t i l they were almost past t h e hotel t h a t she v e n t u r e d a n y t h i n g by way of conversation. 'Alicia m e n t i o n e d that y o u ' v e just r e t u r n e d from a t r i p abroad,' she b e g a n w i t h distant politeness. ' W h e r e did you go?' ' ' E u r o p e — I t a l y , F r a n c e , G e r m a n y , ' M a r c elaborated blandly. ' W e also spent some t i m e in E n g l a n d , t h e n t o u c h e d d o w n briefly in Singapore—a, total of four m o n t h s in all.' ' I imagine y o u enjoyed yourself.' O h , w h y c o u l d n ' t she be m o r e n a t u r a l , instead of acting like a stiff affronted p r u d e ? H i s glance held faint mockery. 'I have m a d e similar trips in t h e past.'

' A well-seasoned traveller,' L e e c o m m e n t e d , a n d h e gave a brief sardonic n o d . T h e r e s t a u r a n t was little m o r e t h a n a n u n p r e t e n t i ous cafe, b u t the food was well p r e s e n t e d a n d lived up to Marc's recommendation. By the time Lee had cons u m e d t h e first course some of h e r former antagonism for the m a n seated opposite h a d r e t u r n e d , a n d w i t h it a deep b u r n i n g anger at h i g h - h a n d e d n e s s . After today she w o u l d refuse to have a n y t h i n g m o r e to do w i t h h i m , a n d if Alicia c o n t i n u e d her m a t c h m a k i n g c a m paign it w o u l d be to no avail, as L e e i n t e n d e d b o w i n g out of any s u b s e q u e n t invitations t h a t included M a r c L e o n e . O n e that point she w o u l d b e a d a m a n t ! After l u n c h M a r c m e n t i o n e d that t h e r e was a shell collection well w o r t h viewing, a n d w i t h o u t waiting for her acquiescence he calmly led h e r past a small g r o u p of shops to the h o u s e in question. L e e p u r s e d h e r lips as she a c c o m p a n i e d h i m — n o t t h a t she h a d m u c h choice with h e r a r m caught firmly in a grip t h a t t h r e a t ened to tighten painfully s h o u l d she d a r e to resist. T h e look she t h r u s t h i m left h i m in no d o u b t as to her feelings, b u t his expression was grimly set a n d unyielding. Childishly she w a n t e d to w r e n c h away from his g r a s p a n d give vent to a display of unladylike wrath. O n l y the presence of o t h e r s , p r e s u m a b l y t o u r ists like herself, s t o p p e d her. W i t h g r i m d e t e r m i n a t i o n L e e set o u t t o cultivate a n interest in t h e valuable collection, n o t i n g that several varieties h a d b e e n collected from t h e ocean b e d s of t h e G r e a t Barrier Reef. H o w e v e r , t h e vast majority c o m prised t h e work of a lifetime of collecting a n d collating, involving correspondence t h r o u g h o u t t h e world. I t was mid-afternoon w h e n M a r c headed t h e sleek car back on to t h e r o a d t h a t led t o w a r d s t h e m a i n h i g h -

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THE SAVAGE T O U C H

39

'You will,' M a r c evinced pitilessly, a n d she h a d to way. L e e expected h i m to head back via the coast, but physically refrain from hitting h i m . he t u r n e d in t h e direction of M o s s m a n , thus destroy 'I'm a free agent. No one can m a k e me do a n y t h i n g ing her hopes for a speedy r e t u r n to Mareeba. I don't want to!' ' I ' d like to go h o m e , if you d o n ' t m i n d . I seem to 'You'll selfishly destroy Alicia's plans?' he queried have developed a shocking headache,' she invented, insistently. 'Place her in the a w k w a r d position of deliberately glancing ahead, a n d was incensed by his having to explain your absence at s o m e t h i n g arranged mocking response. solely for your benefit?' 'Had enough?' Never in her entire life could she r e m e m b e r being ' O f you—yes!' so angry. H e r fine eyes gleamed w i t h it. 'If—when,' ' P i t y , ' he accorded dryly. 'I have some friends I she amended resentfully, 'we m e e t , I ' d appreciate it if intend visiting in M o s s m a n . ' you will leave me alone!' ' Y o u ' r e t h e m o s t hateful m a n I've ever had the mis'My dear L e e , ' M a r c d r a w l e d , 'you almost s o u n d fortune to m e e t , ' L e e declared with thinly-veiled bitafraid. Are you?' terness. 'Why should I be?' she d e m a n d e d wrathfully. ' W h y ? Because I d o n ' t p a n d e r to your every wish?' 'Admire the scenery,' he advised w i t h evident H e r laugh held h a r s h fury. 'You seem to delight in amusement. ' I t ' s infinitely safer t h a n c o n t i n u i n g an opposing m e ! ' argument you have no h o p e of w i n n i n g . ' ' W h a t a coincidence,' M a r c drawled. ' T h a t ' s exactly 'Oh—go to hell!' what I think of y o u . ' 'Be careful I d o n ' t take you w i t h m e . ' 'After today, I h o p e I never see you again!' T h e words were lightly delivered, b u t L e e strove to 'Unlikely.' control an icy shiver that feathered its way d o w n h e r ' W h y ? ' L e e d e m a n d e d , a n d the glance he directed spine. Marc L e o n e was a law u n t o himself, u n p r e d i c t her held wry h u m o u r . able and totally unlike any m a n she h a d ever met. ' M a r e e b a is a farming c o m m u n i t y where everyone Contrarily she became a polite c o m p a n i o n d u r i n g knows everyone else,' he slanted. ' I know of at least their brief visit to M o s s m a n , a p p e a r i n g so s u b d u e d three occasions within the next week where we're that Marc's eyes n a r r o w e d in silent speculation on bound to meet.' more than one occasion before they took their leave ' N o t if I can help it!' and drove towards M a r e e b a via Biboohra a n d M o u n t An eyebrow rose quizzically. ' A n d risk offending Molloy. Even then she spoke only w h e n r e q u i r e d , a n d your sister a n d b r o t h e r - i n - l a w — n o t to mention their as briefly as possible. friends? I think n o t . ' Her voiced thanks the instant t h e car d r e w to a halt 'I'll develop a headache—an illness—anything,' Lee beside the sprawling dwellings t h a t comprised declared. 'Babysit the children. W h e r e v e r it is I'm supposed to b e , I w o n ' t be t h e r e . ' Stefano's farm were brief a n d totally lacking in sincer-

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ity, and she d i d n ' t glance back one as she m a d e her way indoors.

' N o w , ' she t u r n e d to face h e r sister. ' W e ' v e half an h o u r before Stefano comes in from t h e p a d d o c k . T e l l me all a b o u t it,' she begged. ' A b o u t w h a t ? ' L e e countered calmly, m u c h t o h e r sister's disgust. ' O h , Lee," Alicia groaned. ' S t o p being so d a r n e d vague! Y o u k n o w very well what I ' m talking a b o u t . ' T r y i n g to evade Alicia in such a m o o d was akin to avoiding an avalanche while standing directly in its path—impossible. It was far better to take the bull by the h o r n s , L e e decided with a faint grimace. ' W e drove d o w n to Cairns, t h e n on to P o r t D o u g l a s , ' she said lightly. ' W e h a d l u n c h t h e r e , visited some friends of M a r c ' s in M o s s m a n , t h e n came h o m e via M o u n t Molloy.' ' A n d M a r c ? ' Alicia persisted. ' D i d he ask you o u t again?' ' N o , ' L e e answered coolly. ' A n d even if he h a d , I would have refused. H e ' s too sure of himself by half,' she a d d e d with some heat. ' Q u i t e frankly, I never w a n t to see h i m again.' 'Unlikely,' Alicia c o m m e n t e d wryly. ' H i s farm lies less t h a n a mile from h e r e , b o r d e r i n g the m a i n road. He frequently calls in to see u s , a n d besides, in a c o m m u n i t y as small as o u r s it would be impossible to avoid h i m . ' S h e gave L e e an anxious glance. ' Y o u ' r e not going to be difficult, are you?' ' W h a t d o you m e a n ? ' ' T h e r e ' s a w e d d i n g on Saturday. M a r c ' s b o u n d to be a guest,' Alicia revealed slowly. ' A n d early next week M a r c is giving a b a r b e c u e in h o n o u r of a friend of his w h o ' s been overseas for several years. He ext e n d e d t h e invitation last n i g h t , a n d m e n t i o n e d t h a t it was to include you. If y o u d o n ' t c o m e , you'll offend

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CHAPTER

THREE

T H E two boys were seated a t the table busily engaged in demolishing t h e contents of their plates as L e e entered t h e dining r o o m , a n d their shouts of joy at h e r arrival were seconded by t h e faintly harassed b u t smiling inquisitive glance from their m o t h e r . ' Y o u ' r e just in time to rescue me from a m o m e n t of sheer insanity,' Alicia grinned in welcome. ' F e e d i n g time at the zoo has no parallel to mealtimes in this household!' H e r face a s s u m e d an anxious expression as she m a d e a lightning grab for baby J a m e s ' plate which h e ' d decided to launch into space. ' S e e what I m e a n ? ' she groaned in despair, a n d L e e shook a mock fist at the infant chuckling merrily in his h i g h chair. ' N a u g h t y g r u b , ' L e e a d m o n i s h e d as she knelt to scoop up t h e sticky indistinguishable remains from the floor. 'Any m o r e of those antics, y o u n g m a n , a n d we'll remove you outside to eat w i t h the animals!' James b u r s t into a gale of giggles at this u n likelihood, a n d b e a m e d cherubically at his m o t h e r as she r e m o v e d his b i b a n d cleaned his face a n d h a n d s . ' I n t o the playpen with you, m y m a n , ' Alicia accorded, a n d p r o m p t l y followed words w i t h action, t h e n shooed the two older boys into the b a t h r o o m to wash u p a n d b r u s h their teeth.

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h i m , ' she finished in a r u s h , a n d L e e gave a disbelieving laugh. 'Offend M a r c Leone? He possesses a hide as thick as a rhinoceros! Totally i m p r e g n a b l e . ' ' Y o u will c o m e , w o n ' t you?' Alicia insisted, a n d L e e gave a sigh t h a t defied description. 'I daresay I can m a n a g e to ignore h i m , ' she c o n ceded, knowing it w o u l d be impossible. M a r c was a force u n t o himself, possessing a b r a n d of virile m a s culinity t h a t created an aura all its o w n , from w h i c h no female heart was i m m u n e . A fact w h i c h was b r o u g h t h o m e with a t h u d d i n g jolt the following evening, m u c h to L e e ' s annoyance, alt h o u g h she h i d it well. Stefano's p a r e n t s were far too nice to offend, a n d consequently she went out of h e r way to be pleasant. ' H a v e some m o r e w i n e , L e e , ' M r Brascetti insisted jovially, leaning forward to refill her glass, a n d glancing at her n e a r - e m p t y plate m o v e d his h a n d to e n compass t h e table a n d its contents. 'Chicken? Risotto? Salad? W h i c h can I help you w i t h ? ' ' T h e salad, please,' L e e declared w i t h a smile, a n d he gave a hearty chuckle. ' C o m e — y o u are too thin. H a v e another piece of chicken, h m ? ' He cast M a r c a twinkling glance. ' W e m e n like to feel we have a w o m a n in o u r a r m s , not a collection of skin a n d b o n e . I s n ' t t h a t so, Marcello?' It took considerable effort for L e e to maintain her, expression, a n d the swift glance she spared in M a r c ' s direction only served to heighten her indignation. D a m n him! H e was a m u s e d , she could tell. 'I find L e e ' s physical attributes quite satisfactory,' he drawled, a n d goaded almost b e y o n d e n d u r a n c e she offered w i t h seeming sweetness,

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' M o s t m e n are wary o f w o m e n w i t h a u b u r n hair. T h e y ' r e afraid they m i g h t n ' t b e able t o h a n d l e t h e fiery t e m p e r they imagine m u s t go w i t h it.' She smiled to lessen the sting, aware that everyone else was amused. ' I a m n o t " m o s t m e n " , ' M a r c declared quietly, his own smile n o w h e r e near reaching his eyes, a n d she felt a chill scud icily d o w n h e r spine in w a r n i n g p r e m o n i tion. He h a d already p r o v e d just h o w well he could handle h e r , a n d t h e knowledge irked u n b e a r a b l y . L e e injected just t h e right a m o u n t of awed surprise into her voice. ' M y goodness! In w h a t way are y o u — different?' 'I d o n ' t play games.' She arched an eyebrow in m u s i n g contemplation. 'Really? F o r a professed n o n - p a r t i c i p a n t , y o u appear to be in good physical condition.' ' I t w a s n ' t sport I was referring t o , ' M a r c retorted with droll cynicism, t h u s earning a b u r s t of laughter from Stefano a n d his father, a n d causing L e e to p a r r y outrageously, 'I d i d n ' t imagine for a m i n u t e t h a t you w e r e . ' T h e answering look in his eyes was quickly veiled, and she was grateful not to be alone with h i m . H i s vengeance w o u l d be swift a n d deadly, a n d she w a s n ' t at all sure she h a d escaped. ' C h e c k m a t e ? ' he offered smoothly, his m o v e m e n t s slow a n d u n h u r r i e d as he lifted the delicately s t e m m e d wineglass to his lips, sipping a generous q u a n t i t y with the deliberate savouring action of a connoisseur. It w a s n ' t polite to answer as she w o u l d have liked, so L e e s u m m o n e d forth a friendly smile a n d gave a husky laugh, spreading h e r h a n d s in a gesture of condescension. ' O h , yes,' she agreed, t h e n giving an

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irrepressible grin, she reached o u t a n d h e l p e d herself to some chicken. 'I am h u n g r y after all.' M a r c L e o n e ' s presence was something of a surprise. G o o d friend of t h e Brascetti family he m i g h t b e , b u t he was hardly family. H i s inclusion for d i n n e r could have been motivated by something as innocuous as a desire to even t h e n u m b e r s sitting at t h e table, b u t L e e d o u b t e d it. Alicia, bless her heart, was launching an all-out offensive in the m a t c h m a k i n g stakes, having decided M a r c t o b e t h e n u m b e r one contestant, and was not above enlisting t h e help of h e r m o t h e r - i n - l a w to achieve results. ' O h , L e e , ' Alicia's voice broke into L e e ' s self-imposed reverie, causing h e r to glance across t h e wide table. ' Y o u m u s t n ' t forget to give me y o u r recipe for coq au vin. Stefano has asked me twice in t h e past few m o n t h s to m a k e it, b u t somehow I've mislaid t h e one you gave m e . T h e n I can copy it out for M r s Brascetti.' 'Please, L e e , ' that good w o m a n e n d o r s e d smilingly. 'I would appreciate it.' O h , the indignity of it all! L e e inwardly s q u i r m e d . T h e a t t e m p t t o b r i n g her culinary skills t o M a r c ' s notice was blatant to say t h e least, a n d totally unforgivable. Beneath a slight smile she directed h e r sister a killing glance t h a t promised a reckoning at a m o r e a p propriate t i m e , t h e n acquiesced in a b l a n d voice. ' Y o u can cook?' L e e shifted h e r gaze towards M a r c , a n d after a m o m e n t a r y deliberation she inclined h e r head. ' Y e s , ' she answered mockingly. ' I t ' s a h o b b y of m i n e . ' ' L e e got h o n o u r s in her class,' Alicia accorded with hapless disregard for h e r sister's dark glance. ' H a r d l y t h e preferred pastime of a self-professed

career w o m a n , ' M a r c slanted, his t o n e an audible taunt, a n d L e e rose to the bait w i t h o u t a second thought. ' W h y ? D o e s n ' t the p u r s u i t of such an ordinary occupation have y o u r approval?' M a r c surveyed her in silence, his expression i m possible to discern, t h e n his lips m o v e d to form a smile as Alicia r u s h e d in w i t h the information t h a t attaining C o r d o n Bleu s t a n d a r d could scarcely be considered ordinary. ' I t w o u l d seem t h e m a n courageous e n o u g h t o m a r r y y o u will be well fed, a m o n g other t h i n g s , ' he drawled, taking t i m e to sip wine from his glass. ' T e l l m e , do you sew a fine seam as well?' ' W i t h reasonable adequacy, yes,' L e e s n a p p e d , hating h i m at t h a t m o m e n t w i t h such a d e p t h of emotion that she felt frightened by it. ' P e r h a p s I ' d better w a r n m y bachelor friends,' h e smiled w i t h infuriating h u m o u r . ' Y o u ' r e a positive threat to their carefree existence.' 'I can't think w h y , ' she advanced coolly, m e e t i n g his m u s i n g regard w i t h icy disdain. ' I ' m quite content with my life the way it is, a n d I can't envisage any advantage in giving it up in favour of m a r r i a g e . ' T h e r e , m a k e of that What y o u will, she decided silently. ' T h e epitome of this era's self-sufficient y o u n g w o m a n , ' he c o m m e n t e d idly. 'Brava! I can almost hear t h e echoing cheers of your sister-feminists.' ' H o w typically, boorishly male! T h e double standard rears its contradictory head once again.' She tilted her head slightly, h e r fine hazel eyes b e c o m i n g a fiery gold. ' Y o u ' v e obviously chosen to lead a single life,' she advanced w i t h seeming reason, a l t h o u g h there was

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n o d o u b t a m o n g t h e others p r e s e n t a t t h e table t h a t t h e sparks of war between t h e indomitable darkhaired m a n a n d t h e wilful attractive girl seated o p posite h i m were s m o u l d e r i n g b e n e a t h t h e surface. 'Since y o u ' r e almost m i d d l e - a g e d , ' she continued sweetly, enjoying the b a r b , 'it's unlikely you'll p e r m i t yourself to be t r a p p e d into legal b o n d a g e . ' As a t h r o w away line, she concluded, 'I d o n ' t imagine y o u find it necessary to seek marriage for your—er—physical needs.' M a r c ' s s u b d u e d laughter b r o u g h t an angry flush to her cheeks, a n d the knowledge that she h a d allowed a clash of personalities to r e d u c e h e r usual good m a n ners to something less t h a n acceptable was galling. It was hardly desirable d i n n e r table conversation, a n d she was furious w i t h herself n o t to have exercised restraint. 'Dessert?' L e e glanced towards M r s Brascetti w i t h undisguised relief, a n d t h e m o m e n t passed. It wasn't forgotten, for t h e following m o r n i n g Alicia took L e e to task in no uncertain m a n n e r t h e m o m e n t Stefano h a d left the h o u s e a n d t h e boys were occupied after breakfast. After bearing w i t h an accusatory tirade for m o r e t h a n ten m i n u t e s , L e e t h r e w her h a n d s h i g h in a gest u r e of defeat. ' O k a y — I ' m sorry. H o n e s t l y , ' she added, glimpsing her sister's distress, 'I d o n ' t know w h a t came over m e . W h e n e v e r I ' m in t h a t hateful m a n ' s c o m p a n y , I seem to change into a snapping little bitch t h a t ' s the complete antithesis of the p e r s o n I k n o w myself to b e . ' She glanced over at Alicia w i t h a faintly puzzled frown. ' H e really r u b s me the w r o n g way.'

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' C o u l d it be that y o u like h i m subconsciously, a n d the anger is directed at yourself because y o u feel h e ' s a threat to y o u r carefree existence?' 'Are you m a d ? ' L e e d e m a n d e d , a n d Alicia gave a slight gurgling laugh, a gleam of c o m p r e h e n s i o n lighting her eyes. ' I ' v e b e e n there before, r e m e m b e r ? ' ' J u s t w h a t do you m e a n by that, for heaven's sake?' Alicia's eyes danced. 'Stefano d i d n ' t exactly appeal to me at first, either. In fact,' she a d d e d w i t h a laugh, 'I was quite positive I hated h i m . ' ' Y o u are m a d , ' L e e decided with heavy irony. 'We'll see.' 'Just for that I w o n ' t offer to cook d i n n e r t o n i g h t , ' L e e a n n o u n c e d , a n d caught h e r sister's expression of mock-dismay. 'I i n t e n d e d m a k i n g s o m e t h i n g exotic,' she continued teasingly. ' F r e n c h , ' s h e deliberated. 'Poulet au riz au safran for t h e m a i n course, marquise a l'ananas for dessert, a n d a clear soup to start, I t h o u g h t . ' ' D o n ' t ! ' Alicia groaned. ' I ' m almost p r e p a r e d to go d o w n o n m y b e n d e d knees.' L e e broke into u n i n h i b i t e d laugher. ' W e can't have that. M i n d y o u , ' she a d d e d with an a t t e m p t at fierceness, ' I ' m only cooking because I like p r e p a r i n g food—not for any other reason.' 'Of course n o t , ' her sister sparkled. ' N o w , let's check t h r o u g h the ingredients you need. We may have to go into t o w n . ' 'I'll m a k e some b r e a d , t o o , ' L e e r u m i n a t e d , openingand shutting c u p b o a r d s as she checked their contents against the mental list flashing t h r o u g h h e r brain. ' W i n e — h a v e you got any dry white? A n d kirsch?' ' W i n e , yes. No kirsch,' Alicia told her, a n d L e e shot her a w a r m grin.

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'Okay, w h a t ' s t h e plan of action? Shall I b o r r o w t h e station wagon a n d go into t o w n , or do y o u want to escape while I m i n d t h e tribe—or shall we b u n d l e t h e m into t h e wagon a n d all go?' 'All,' Alicia decided w i t h o u t hesitation. 'Besides, with you along, it w o n ' t be so hectic, a n d I need a few things t h a t w o n ' t wait until F r i d a y . ' T h u s followed an action-packed h o u r a n d a half, a n d they r e t u r n e d to t h e farm w i t h barely sufficient time to p r e p a r e l u n c h , which of necessity comprised grilled steaks a n d salad followed by fresh fruit. Immediately after the dishes were dispensed w i t h , L e e began preparations for t h e evening meal. S p u r n i n g Alicia's h e l p , she set a b o u t with painstaking care, deriving real enjoyment from t h e simple d o m estic tasks. P e r h a p s it h a d s o m e t h i n g to do w i t h p o s sessing an artistic b e n t , she m u s e d silently well into t h e afternoon—or p e r h a p s she should have chosen to be a chef de cuisine instead of hair stylist. Engrossed in cutting t h e pineapples for dessert, L e e d i d n ' t hear a vehicle drive into the yard, a n d it wasn't until Alicia's voice m i n g l e d w i t h t h a t of another, deeper a n d definitely male, reached h e r ears as they entered the large kitchen that she glanced up a n d saw M a r c L e o n e ' s tall frame towering beside h e r sister. 'Well, well—how nice to see such a scene of d o m esticity,' M a r c drawled as he strolled across t h e vinylcovered floor to w h e r e she stood. ' D i d you think I was fabricating w h e n I a d m i t t e d I could cook?' L e e questioned defensively. Attired in shorts a n d a sleeveless working shirt that exposed strong muscular a r m s , he emanated a raw vibrancy that h a d every n e r v e - e n d rise quivering to t h e surface,

and t h e fact t h a t he could affect h e r so easily m a d e h e r angry. H i s eyes were openly challenging, their deep grey depths alive w i t h a devilish h u m o u r as his nostrils flared in deference to t h e delicious aroma filling t h e air. ' N o one standing w i t h i n a h u n d r e d yards of this kitchen could d o u b t y o u r ability,' he c o m m e n t e d mildly, and L e e sensed w h a t could follow even before t h e words left Alicia's m o u t h . ' C o m e to d i n n e r , M a r c , ' Alicia insisted, a n d at t h a t m o m e n t L e e could have cheerfully strangled her. ' I t h o u g h t y o u ' d never ask,' M a r c drawled sardonically, his piercing gaze fixed on L e e ' s expressive features. ' I ' l l b r i n g t h e wine. R e d or w h i t e ? ' ' W h i t e , ' L e e said distantly, endeavouring to direct all her attention to t h e task at h a n d . K n e a d i n g t h e d o u g h for t h e long b r e a d sticks gave h e r a certain satisfaction, for she related h e r irritation w i t h M a r c to the d o u g h , employing r a t h e r m o r e vigour t h a n was strictly necessary. A brief wail p e n e t r a t e d t h e air, followed by a n o t h e r , loud a n d insistent, a n d w i t h a rueful grin Alicia excused herself a n d disappeared to attend to h e r youngest son. L e e almost j u m p e d out of h e r skin as a finger b r u s h e d d o w n h e r cheek, a n d she t h r e w M a r c a n angry glance that w o u l d have w i t h e r e d a lesser m a n . ' F l o u r , ' he m o c k e d , his m o u t h twisting into a cynical smile as she studiously ignored h i m . ' M y dear L e e , ' he began softly, 'if my presence at d i n n e r is going to annoy y o u so m u c h , I'll conveniently r e m e m b e r a prior e n g a g e m e n t a n d stay away.' 'Really?' she shot, h e r t o n e heavily sarcastic. 'I

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t h o u g h t y o u ' d come just for t h e sheer hell of it.' An eyebrow rose in quizzical appraisal. ' H a v e you no pity for a bachelor w i t h n o t h i n g m o r e appetising planned for d i n n e r t h a n steak a n d salad w h i c h he m u s t p r e p a r e himself?' ' M y heart bleeds!' 'Callous little w e n c h , a r e n ' t you?' H e r smile was a dazzling mockery. ' I ' m kind to y o u n g children and little old ladies,' she v e n t u r e d sweetly. ' I was right,' M a r c divulged ruminatively. ' Y o u d o need taking in h a n d . ' 'By you? Never!' H i s husky chuckle was almost her u n d o i n g . ' D o n ' t be so sure,' he t a u n t e d quietly, a n d it took all her control to refrain from w r a p p i n g t h e long roll of kneaded d o u g h r o u n d his neck. Alicia's r e t u r n with baby James settled comfortably against one h i p b r o u g h t the b a r b e d exchange to a halt. ' O n e angry y o u n g m a n — h u n g r y , wet a n d alone,' Alicia smiled, h e r glance flicking quickly from M a r c to her sister, a n d sensing an a t m o s p h e r e she deposited James into his high chair w i t h a rusk, t h e n extracted juice from t h e refrigerator a n d p o u r e d some into a spillproof m u g . ' T h e r e , angel, that will keep you occupied for a few m i n u t e s . I t ' s almost time for s m o k o , ' she t u r n e d to M a r c , h e r expression faintly pleading. 'Will you stay?' He softened his refusal w i t h a smile. ' T h a n k s , Alicia, b u t I m u s t get back.' He t u r n e d and playfully tickled J a m e s ' chin, and was rewarded w i t h a gurgling laugh, t h e n with a sketchy salute he m o v e d out the door. Seconds later t h e car door slammed a n d t h e

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engine s p r a n g to life, its m u t e d roar fading rapidly in the distance. ' W h a t were y o u a n d M a r c talking a b o u t ? ' L e e set t h e long m e a s u r e d lengths of d o u g h on to a tray a n d placed t h e m in the oven, t h e n straightening, she m o v e d back to the b e n c h . 'I was adding my invitation to y o u r s in p e r s u a d i n g M a r c to stay for d i n n e r , ' she invented, n o t wishing to invoke a lecture by r e vealing t h e t r u t h of their exchange, a n d to her relief Alicia a p p e a r e d to accept it at face value. T h e r e m a i n d e r of t h e afternoon passed in a whirl of flurried activity, a n d scarcely before L e e realised it was t i m e to change a n d freshen up prior to M a r c L e o n e ' s arrival. A h u r r i e d shower followed by a few m i n u t e s ' deliberation over w h a t she w o u l d wear h a d her reaching for a cream l i n e n dress whose neat tailored lines b o r e an u n d e r s t a t e d simplicity. S h u n n i n g any use of m a k e - u p , she b r u s h e d h e r hair until it shone, its length flowing freely a b o u t h e r shoulders, t h e n she hastily s m o o t h e d a t o u c h of m o i s turiser over h e r face a n d r u b b e d t h e excess into her h a n d s . Slipping her feet into low-heeled backless s a n dals, she e m e r g e d from her r o o m a n d m a d e her way towards t h e kitchen. T h e boys h a d been fed over a n h o u r ago, a n d b a b y James was already asleep—although for h o w long was debatable, Alicia a n n o u n c e d as she p u t the finishing touches to t h e long dining table. ' P o o r little mite—it is his teeth?' L e e e n q u i r e d , a n d she received an affirmative n o d . 'Stefano is almost ready,' her sister informed h e r , then slanting h e r head she a n n o u n c e d , ' T h e r e ' s a car now. I t m u s t b e M a r c ' L e e felt her stomach give an u n e x p e c t e d l u r c h , a n d

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t h e few m i n u t e s it took for M a r c to enter t h e h o u s e were sufficient for h e r to regain her c o m p o s u r e . D r e s s e d in casual trousers a n d an open-necked shirt, he exuded a powerful, r a w - b o n e d force she found difficult to h a n d l e , a n d the greeting she extended was cool a n d faintly aloof. ' T h e w i n e , ' M a r c drawled, placing t w o bottles d o w n on to the b e n c h , a n d his eyes were vaguely mocking as he allowed his gaze to rove u n h u r r i e d l y over her. ' I t ' s a r e c o m m e n d e d vintage which I t r u s t will m e e t w i t h your approval.' L e e r e m o v e d each from their w r a p p i n g , inspected the labels, a n d inclined her head. ' T h a n k y o u . ' Stefano joined t h e m a n d the tension lessened, m u c h to L e e ' s relief, a n d she shooed Alicia out of the kitchen to join t h e m e n in the lounge for a drink. ' G o on,' she u r g e d , sensing her sister's reluctance. 'I'll be t h e r e in a few m i n u t e s . ' Unfortunately, she a d d e d silently, n o t really looking forward to the verbal fencing she knew to be ahead of her. E a c h encounter w i t h M a r c L e o n e seemed to endorse the private war between t h e m , a n d it angered her u n b e a r a b l y that he regarded her feministic ideals with such undisguised mockery. After five m i n u t e s of unnecessary checking L e e d r e w a deep b r e a t h a n d m o v e d t h r o u g h the d i n i n g room t o w a r d s the lounge. T h e r e was no valid reason to delay joining the others any longer, a n d if she waited too long it w o u l d only lend credence to M a r c ' s suspicions that she w o u l d rather not join t h e m at all. She was d a r n e d if she w o u l d give h i m that satisfaction! Consequently w h e n she entered t h e lounge t h e r e was the faint light of battle evident in her eyes, a n d the rigid set of h e r slim shoulders served to emphasise h e r m o o d . ,'Lee,' Stefano greeted affectionately. ' W h a t will you

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have? S h e r r y , or s o m e t h i n g stronger?' S h e n e e d e d something to steady h e r ragged nerves. 'A light sherry will be fine,' she indicated, m o v i n g towards h e r sister, a n d she accepted t h e slim fluted glass Stefano h a n d e d h e r , sipping the contents carefully, her attention centred on M a r c ' s b r o a d chest. S h e d i d n ' t want to lift h e r gaze higher, a n d for t h e u m p teenth t i m e she silently cursed Alicia for inviting h i m to dinner. Conscious of t h e electric a t m o s p h e r e , Stefano m a d e reference to the seed-beds, elicited w h e n M a r c intended to plant out, a n d w i t h Alicia's help e n s u r e d that t h e conversation d i d n ' t develop a lull. L e e ' s c o n tribution was desultory, a n d it was all she could do n o t to give an o u t w a r d sigh of relief w h e n ten m i n u t e s later she excused herself to dish o u t t h e s o u p . T h e meal was a gastronomic delight, although L e e hardly tasted any of the food she p u t in her m o u t h . As each course was dispensed w i t h , Alicia evinced w o r d s in praise until L e e t h o u g h t she m u s t surely scream. It all seemed so contrived, as if the entire evening h a d been deliberately set up to show her in a good light to their guest. ' T h a t was delicious,' M a r c praised, sliding his dessert plate aside, a n d L e e sent h i m a polite smile t h a t nowhere near reached her eyes. ' Y o u m u s t allow me to take you out to dinner. S u c h an excellent meal d e serves some r e c o m p e n s e . ' Oh lord, h o w did she get out of this one? ' T h a n k you,' she acknowledged, adding w i t h s u d d e n inspiration, ' U n f o r t u n a t e l y my tastes r u n to F r e n c h cuisine, and I w o u l d n ' t p r e s u m e to suggest t h e long drive down t o C a i r n s . ' ' T h e r e ' s a very good restaurant in A t h e r t o n , ' M a r c

THE SAVAGE T O U C H

T H E SAVAGE T O U C H

informed her w i t h mockery. 'A little u n u s u a l for a small country t o w n , b u t t h e food is definitely Provencal. I've frequented it on n u m e r o u s occasions, a n d h a v e n ' t been able to fault it. Shall we say t o m o r row n i g h t ? ' ' W h a t a lovely idea,' Alicia e n t h u s e d , h e r expression assuming open delight, a n d L e e experienced total exasperation as she glanced towards the dark-haired m a n whose saturnine features were deliberately bland. 'Alicia will tell y o u t h a t I often cook a meal w h e n ever I ' m here on vacation. I t ' s a h o b b y I enjoy i n d u l g ing, a n d besides, it gives my sister a rest.' S h e s u m m o n e d a smile. ' I t ' s thoughtful of you to suggest it, b u t quite unnecessary,' she concluded evenly. 'I'll be offended if you refuse,' he said w i t h quizzical a m u s e m e n t , a n d she h a d to forcibly refrain from flinging t h e salt-shaker at h i m . ' I n t h a t case, I shall have to accept, s h a n ' t I ? ' H i s eyes gleamed as he said softly, ' I ' m n o t accust o m e d to accepting a refusal.' L e e clenched h e r fists u n d e r cover of t h e table, not trusting herself to speak, a n d Stefano reached for the wine, refilling first M a r c ' s glass, t h e n his own. Almost at t h e e n d of her patience, L e e was about to begin collecting t h e plates together w i t h the intention of taking t h e m t h r o u g h to the kitchen w h e n a thin wail rose from one of the b o y s ' b e d r o o m s , a n d clutching at the excuse to leave the d i n i n g - r o o m , she rose to her feet, declaring that she w o u l d see w h a t ailed h e r youngest n e p h e w . H e r relief at escaping was evident in her expressive features, a n d she scooped up t h e tear-soaked squalling b u n d l e w i t h a conciliatory m u r m u r , watching in b e tween nuzzling his w a r m sweet-smelling neck as t h e

sobs came to a hiccuping halt a n d a d a m p b u b b l y smile creased his face. ' P o o r little m a n , ' she soothed. 'I bet y o u ' r e wet, a n d have a sore m o u t h , to boot.' S h e laid h i m gently d o w n on to t h e b e d a n d reached for a dry towelling square. 'We'll a t t e n d to one end, t h e n deal w i t h t h e o t h e r , h m ? ' She blew h i m a kiss, followed by several m o r e as she changed h i m , t h e n she collected h i m in h e r a r m s and carried h i m o u t to t h e kitchen. H i s tiny a r m s stole r o u n d h e r neck a n d he nestled his head against the curve of her throat. ' P o o r sweetheart, a r e n ' t you?' she m u r m u r e d , reaching out to open t h e c u p b o a r d in which Alicia kept the children's medicine. 'We'll take this in to M u m , I think. She's h a d m o r e practice.' L e e t u r n e d a n d came face to face w i t h M a r c , w h o regarded her thoughtfully for several seconds before remarking w i t h indolent a m u s e m e n t , ' R i g h t at this m o m e n t , y o u look far r e m o v e d from the career-girl image you try to h a r d to project.' 'You are t h e m o s t hateful, egotistical m a n I've ever met!' L e e hissed wrathfully, b e c o m i n g utterly i n censed as he slowly shook his head from side to side. ' Y o u ' d better consign that y o u n g m a n t o m e , ' M a r c declared, m o v i n g to extricate James from her a r m s , 'before he senses his beloved a u n t is o t h e r t h a n t h e gentle female he knows h e r to b e . ' 'I h o p e he t h r o w s up all over you!' M a r c gave a careless s h r u g as he settled t h e child into the curve of his a r m . ' I t w o u l d n ' t be t h e first time. I have a few nieces a n d a n e p h e w of my o w n . ' 'You surprise m e , ' L e e t h r e w w i t h quiet vehemence. 'You d o n ' t look the type to play w i t h t h e young.' H i s look was openly sardonic. ' R e m i n d me to spank you some t i m e . '

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H e r scandalous response h a d of necessity to be curtailed as Alicia entered t h e kitchen, a n d with a m u t t e r e d excuse L e e t u r n e d a n d almost ran to t h e d i n i n g - r o o m on the pretext of clearing the table. T h e chore of washing a n d drying dishes p r o v i d e d a necessary respite from M a r c ' s hateful presence, a n d afterwards w h e n the coffee was m a d e a n d L e e took t h e tray into the lounge she c o u l d n ' t recall one solitary item of conversation w i t h her sister, such was h e r p r e occupation with their guest. T h e m e r e sight of h i m was e n o u g h to revive bitter m e m o r y of his m o u t h a n d the u t t e r devastation it could wreak. T h o s e t a n n e d h a n d s , b r o a d - p a l m e d , their fingers possessing a strength a n d tactile sensuousness that was frightening. T h e r e wasn't a t h i n g he d i d n ' t know about w o m e n . It was t h e r e in his eyes, an indolent cynicism c o m b i n e d with an indomitable will—and she shivered in the knowledge t h a t if he chose to p u r s u e his q u a r r y , it would be to t h e death with no d o u b t over w h o would emerge the victor. L i k e a jungle cat, there was latent savagery in every muscle and sinew, a n d in that m o m e n t she wanted to pack h e r few clothes a n d b o a r d the first flight back to Sydney, and safety.

it was going to do to M a r c ! Reaching out h e r h a n d s , she m a d e a slow twirl, t h e n came to a halt, one eyebrow raised in mocking e n q u i r y . ' I t ' s t h e latest fashion d o w n south,' she explained w i t h a s h r u g . ' G o to any disco a n d you'll see every second girl is wearing just this.' ' T h i s ' was h i p - h u g g i n g long trousers in pale silver satin stretch material, high-heeled backless sandals, a b o d y - h u g g i n g strapless shirred top in m a t c h i n g satin over w h i c h she wore a blouson-styled blouse in floral t r a n s p a r e n t chiffon. H e r m a k e - u p was skilfully a p plied, t h e eyeshadow and mascara bold, t h e b l u s h e r highlighting delicate cheekbones, a n d lip-gloss over rich garnet red gave h e r m o u t h a seductive provocativeness. ' M a r e e b a — o r rather, A t h e r t o n , ' Alicia corrected wryly, 'isn't " d o w n s o u t h " . N o t only will you shock the natives, you'll probably create a riot.' 'And Marc wouldn't approve?' ' M y dear L e e , ' her sister began dryly, 'you look gorgeous a n d very—sexy, a t u r n - o n for any r e d - b l o o d e d male. A r e you sure y o u can handle the inevitable reaction?' ' A h , b u t I'll have m y p r o t e c t o r a t m y side,' L e e advanced with a trace of cynicism, a n d Alicia gave an unladylike snort. ' I f y o u ' r e up to a n y t h i n g — a n d I think you a r e — b e careful,' she w a r n e d . ' M a r c isn't your usual r u n - o f - t h e mill m a n to play careless games with. I m a y be y o u r sister, m a r r i e d , w i t h three children a n d a n o t h e r on t h e way, b u t I ' m still w o m a n e n o u g h to recognise a m a c h o male w h e n I see o n e , ' she a d d e d m u s i n g l y , a n d L e e gave a grimace of distaste. ' M a c h o — t h e w o r d is overrated, a n d used to t h e

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FOUR

' L E E , y o u ' r e n o t wearing that, are you?' Alicia d e m a n d e d in strangled tones, her face creasing w i t h incredulity, a n d L e e hid a satisfied smile. If h e r outfit h a d this effect on Alicia, just think w h a t

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point of nausea. Pick up any film magazine a n d you'll see every male star u n d e r fifty so described.' Alicia's eyes twinkled w i t h irrepressible h u m o u r . ' E a c h to their o w n o p i n i o n — b u t in my book, M a r c is one very m a c h o male!' L e e pulled a face, a n d o p e n i n g a small clutch p u r s e she c o n d u c t e d a quick inspection of its contents, t h e n satisfied, she m o v e d back towards h e r b e d r o o m . ' H e y , w h e r e are you going? M a r c will be h e r e any minute.' ' H e can wait,' L e e declared uncharitably. ' F i v e minutes won't hurt him.' ' B u t y o u ' r e ready!' Alicia wailed, a n d L e e gave an u n a b a s h e d grin. 'I k n o w that, a n d so do you. B u t I ' m n o t eager for this wretched d i n n e r date, a n d I ' m d a r n e d if I'll appear ready a n d willing by hovering on the doorstep waiting for his lordship's arrival!' Alicia shook h e r head. ' Y o u ' r e playing w i t h fire, L e e , if you think you can get t h e better of M a r c ' L e e ' s answering shrug reflected her negligent attit u d e , and with a faint smile she t u r n e d back a n d walked d o w n t h e hall. Almost as soon as she reached h e r r o o m she h e a r d a car door slam, t h e n seconds later t h e , s o u n d of a d e e p male voice greeting Alicia. T h e m i n u t e s ticked by as she leafed idly t h r o u g h a magazine, t h e n w h e n she judged sufficient time h a d passed she stood to her feet a n d took a final cursory glance at her appearance in the m i r r o r . L e e ' s entrance into t h e lounge lacked the impact she expected, for M a r c simply t u r n e d from speaking with Stefano a n d greeted h e r with a m u s e d politeness. Elegantly attired in light grey trousers, a m a t c h i n g

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jacket beneath w h i c h he wore a navy shirt, he b o r e t h e air of a successful m a n whose sophistication seemed slightly out of focus w i t h farm life. Alicia covered L e e ' s lack of conversation w i t h some innocuous anecdotes concerning t h e children, a n d alt h o u g h M a r c h a d very little remaining of his d r i n k , L e e accepted Stefano's offer of a sherry, t h a n k e d h i m charmingly w h e n he h a n d e d her t h e glass, a n d deliberately took h e r t i m e c o n s u m i n g its contents. U n a b l e to delay their d e p a r t u r e any longer, L e e preceded M a r c o u t to t h e car, a n d safely seated she surreptitiously w a t c h e d h i m m o v e r o u n d t h e vehicle and slip in b e h i n d t h e wheel. A sketchy wave to her sister a n d b r o t h e r - i n - l a w , t h e n t h e large car was m o v i n g out of sight past t h e farm buildings on to the road, a n d as it picked up speed L e e experienced a m o m e n t a r y feeling of a p prehension. W i t h it came t h e sure knowledge that she m u s t be m a d to be accompanying M a r c on a d i n n e r date—or a n y w h e r e , for t h a t m a t t e r . Yet she could hardly ask h i m to t u r n t h e car r o u n d a n d take h e r h o m e . B u t this was the last time—positively the last t i m e she w o u l d consent to go out with h i m . A d m i t t e d l y she w o u l d have to resign herself to seeing h i m again, often, if she was to fit in w i t h t h e a r r a n g e m e n t s Alicia a n d Stefano h a d m a d e for h e r enjoyment. Any further invitations from M a r c L e o n e w o u l d be m e t with a firm, a n d if necessary, r u d e refusal! ' Y o u ' r e very quiet.' L e e spared t h e m a n seated beside h e r a swift analytical glance. ' I ' m sorry,' she began w i t h o u t any h i n t of regret. 'I d i d n ' t realise you required me to provide idle chit-chat. P e r h a p s you can suggest something we can discuss in amicable accord that w o n ' t digress into a

6o

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heated a r g u m e n t ? ' she concluded sweetly, a n d coloured a delicate pink at his husky laughter. ' I ' v e no desire to tangle w i t h y o u so early in t h e evening,' M a r c revealed mockingly. 'By all m e a n s be silent—it will give me time to p r e p a r e myself for an inevitable verbal battle.' He leaned forward a n d switched on t h e car radio, t h e n he set t h e vehicle speeding along t h e b i t u m e n until they a p p r o a c h e d Mareeba township. Several cars lined the streets, a n d t h e hotels showed evidence of being well patronised. Past t h e t o w n s h i p ' s restricted limit t h e car picked u p speed a n d m a i n tained it b e n e a t h M a r c ' s c o m p e t e n t h a n d s . D a r k n e s s had fallen a n d t h e r e was little to be seen b e y o n d t h e powerful b e a m of t h e headlights, a l t h o u g h as they drove further inland the t e m p e r a t u r e a p p e a r e d to cool slightly. A t h e r t o n was a small t o w n centred a m i d s t a rural c o m m u n i t y whose m a i n agricultural interests w e r e cattle a n d p e a n u t farming. A F r e n c h r e s t a u r a n t in such a setting was an unlikely b u t r e w a r d i n g b o n u s , for after a quick look at the m e n u L e e cautiously decided it was possible it just m i g h t live up to its expectations. M a r c was accorded a certain deference by t h e staff, and the service given t h e m c o u l d n ' t be faulted. A p a r t from e n q u i r i n g h e r choice, he m a d e no effort to c o n verse, a n d after the first course h a d been dispensed with L e e began to feel the small m e a s u r e of self-confidence she retained m e l t into insignificance w i t h every passing m i n u t e . 'Are y o u playing tit-for-tat?' she e n q u i r e d lightly, a n d caught t h e faint twitch of his lips as he r e g a r d e d her.

' W h a t e v e r gives y o u that idea?' ' Y o u h a v e n ' t said a w o r d since we left M a r e e b a , ' she said dryly, m e e t i n g his thoughtful gaze a shade defiantly. 'As y o u m a d e it plain y o u d i d n ' t i n t e n d to talk, there hardly seemed any p o i n t i n m e m a k i n g the effort.' ' I see.' ' D o y o u , L e e ? ' h e drawled. ' L o o k , ' she began angrily, 'if y o u ' v e invited me o u t simply because of y o u r friendship w i t h my b r o t h e r - i n l a w — d o n ' t b o t h e r again.' An eyebrow rose in quizzical appraisal. ' I s t h a t w h a t you t h i n k ? ' ' W e d o n ' t like each o t h e r , so it's certainly n o t d u e to a mutual empathy!' M a r c ' s gleaming gaze a s s u m e d wicked a m u s e m e n t . ' O h , L e e , ' he t a u n t e d softly, ' h o w can y o u say t h a t ? ' E v e n white t e e t h showed as his lips p a r t e d in a cynical smile. 'I retain a vivid m e m o r y of o n e t h i n g in w h i c h we a p p e a r to be in perfect accord.' She felt h e r cheeks tinge a heated r e d , a n d leaned forward, indignation evident in every p o r e . 'A kiss taken w i t h b r u t a l force? My G o d ' ' I t m a y have started o u t t h a t w a y , ' h e drawled i m p e r t u r b a b l y , a n d she retaliated w i t h barely s u b d u e d fury, 'I b o w d o w n to y o u r u n d o u b t e d expertise, b u t I was in no danger of losing my head!' H i s gaze was direct a n d n e e d l e - s h a r p . 'I d i d n ' t allow you to do so.' L e e was speechless, a m i x t u r e of emotions flickered over h e r m o b i l e features, a n d it was p e r h a p s as well that a t that m o m e n t their m a i n course was b r o u g h t t o the table.

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' S o m e more wine?' M a r c e n q u i r e d smoothly, a n d at her terse nod he filled her n e a r - e m p t y glass. Chicken in breadcrumbs braised in garlic b u t t e r set up an appetising aroma w h i c h L e e found impossible to resist, and ignoring M a r c completely she began doing justice to the plate set before her. T h e restaurant was small, its setting intimate, w i t h candles at each table a n d the m a i n lighting s u b d u e d . Off the main street, it existed by r e p u t a t i o n alone, a n d for a week night it was well patronised. T h e r e was even a space set aside for dancing, a n d L e e became aware that a small b a n d was responsible for t h e backg r o u n d music. W i t h an inward sigh of satisfaction L e e placed h e r cutlery d o w n on to her plate a n d p u s h e d it slightly to one side. T h e dressing on the assorted salad greens h a d h a d an expert's touch, a n d she w o u l d have given m u c h to discover t h e chef's recipe. S h e stretched out an idle h a n d a n d lifted t h e wineglass to h e r lips, sipping the excellent Moselle with t r u e appreciation. ' D a r e I suggest we dance?' L e e glanced across t h e table a n d m e t M a r c ' s ' enigmatic gaze. ' W h y n o t ? ' Setting h e r glass d o w n on the table, she stood to her feet a n d allowed h i m to lead her towards the dance floor. She h a d n ' t bargained for the way her traitorous body w o u l d respond to being held close to his m u s cular frame, a n d she felt her pulse quicken despite a resolution to remain impassive. T h e music lilted slowly a r o u n d t h e room, its m o o d conventional a n d designed no d o u b t to aid rather t h a n impair digestion. L a t e r it w o u l d probably b e c o m e m o r e lively, b u t the m u t e d rendition was soothing,

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and L e e felt some of t h e tension leave as M a r c m o v e d w i t h f l a w l e s s timing. H i s t o u c h was hardly i m personal, b u t she felt disinclined to m o v e o u t of his grasp as they slowly circled t h e small s q u a r e . H e r eyes w e r e level w i t h t h e strong t a n n e d c o l u m n of his t h r o a t , a n d w i t h a small sigh she let h e r h a n d s slowly climb t o w a r d s his s h o u l d e r s , t h e n m o v e to clasp together a r o u n d his neck. S h e could feel his chin b r u s h against t h e t o p of h e r hair—or was it his lips? A n d s o m e h o w she was enfolded very close against h i m . T o o close, she realised m i n u t e s later, a n d m o v e d slightly away from his m u s c u l a r length, u n a b l e to still a faint flush of e m b a r r a s s m e n t . ' S h o c k e d ? ' M a r c queried w i t h a certain wryness as he raked her expressive features. L e e contrived a n o n c h a l a n t s h r u g , b u t d i d n ' t q u i t e m a n a g e it. ' Y o u ' r e a very desirable y o u n g w o m a n , ' he told h e r sardonically. ' S u r e l y you h a v e n ' t reached t h e age of t w e n t y - t w o w i t h o u t being m a d e aware of it?' After a few seconds L e e found h e r voice. ' O f course n o t , ' she acknowledged coolly, lifting h e r gaze to m e e t those dark d e p t h s unflinchingly. H i s eyes never left h e r s , a n d in t h e e n d it was she w h o h a d to glance away. ' O h , L e e , ' M a r c m o c k e d softly. ' Y o u ' r e q u i t e safe— you have m y w o r d . ' ' I ' v e h e a r d t h a t one before,' L e e declared dryly. ' Y o u d o n ' t t r u s t m e ? ' T h e w o r d s were quietly delivered, b u t nonetheless she c o u l d n ' t control t h e shiver of apprehension t h a t feathered an icy trail d o w n her spine. 'I hardly know y o u , ' she offered, a n d he regarded her musingly.

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' W e can easily rectify t h a t . ' L e e ' s chin tilted. ' W i t h w h a t object in m i n d ? I d o n ' t go in for holiday ' she paused, t h e n elucidated with delicacy—'romps.' H e r eyes w e r e a clear brilliant topaz. 'Besides, we seem to strike sparks off each other at every t u r n . ' H i s eyes gleamed with h i d d e n laughter. ' S o you do admit we generate a certain body chemistry?' ' W h a t does that prove?' she parried lightly, a n d caught his cynical a m u s e m e n t . ' D o you want m e t o show you?' T h e t h o u g h t of just h o w easily she h a d s u c c u m b e d to the magnetic p o w e r of his kiss only a few days p r e v i o u s l y was e n o u g h to strengthen h e r resolve to p u t as m u c h distance between t h e m as possible. 'Please, I ' d like to go back to our table.' She m o v e d out of his a r m s a n d preceded h i m across the floor, a n d w h e n she was seated she reached for h e r glass, disposing of its contents with scant regard for its potency. Dessert was served, a n d L e e transferred the delectable fruit salad into h e r m o u t h without tasting a solitary thing. As t h e silence stretched between t h e m , she searched desperately for something to say. ' D o you often travel abroad?' M a r c glanced across t h e table, his expression faintly cynical. 'Yes. N o t always on business, a n d rarely alone.' 'Naturally.' 'Jealous?' L e e gave an indignant gasp. ' W h y should I be? Y o u ' r e the last m a n I ' d consider as a ' ' L o v e r ? ' he inserted deliberately, and she clenched her hands in anger. 'Yes, d a m n you!' She looked at h i m w i t h i m p o t e n t

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fury, t h e n effected a grimace of distaste. ' O h , for heaven's sake, let's e n d this farcical evening. We h a v e n ' t a civil w o r d to say to each other!' ' N o , ' M a r c agreed blandly. ' W e d o m u c h b e t t e r w h e n we d o n ' t talk at all.' ' Y o u ' r e impossible, d o you k n o w t h a t ? ' she d e m a n d e d , a n d was incensed w h e n she h e a r d his h u s k y laughter. ' I w a n t t o g o h o m e . ' ' S i m m e r d o w n , L e e . W e ' r e a b o u t t o b e invaded by a few friends of m i n e , ' he told h e r sardonically, r e t u r n i n g his glance from its sweeping appraisal of t h e room. L e e found it difficult to control h e r features into something resembling politeness as a m a n a n d t w o y o u n g w o m e n joined t h e m . M a r c effected t h e i n t r o d u c t i o n s w i t h ease. 'Daniella, Marita, and John Conti—Lee Carruthers.' ' W h e n did you get back? I t ' s seemed ages since we last saw each other,' Daniella declared with a prettyp o u t . D a r k - h a i r e d with l u m i n o u s b r o w n eyes, she was utterly gorgeous, a n d h a d a figure a n d personality to m a t c h . It was also patently obvious t h a t she r e g a r d e d M a r c in an intimate light. L e e cast a surreptitious glance at M a r i t a , a n d saw that she too was eyeing M a r c with o p e n adoration. T h e likeness between the two girls was startling, so m u c h so that L e e could only conclude they w e r e sisters. ' H a v e you eaten?' M a r c queried smoothly. ' P e r h a p s y o u ' d care to join us?' ' W e ' v e been here for ten m i n u t e s , ' M a r i t a declared, a n d her expressive features creased in p u z z l e m e n t . ' H o w is it possible we d i d n ' t see you?' M a r c ' s smile held faint m o c k e r y . 'Possibly because you d i d n ' t look?'

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'You should have come over to o u r table,' Daniella remonstrated gently, a n d M a r c merely smiled. 'I'll order some m o r e w i n e , ' he said, a n d L e e was aware of t h e close scrutiny she received. It was clear her presence was resented, a n d she sensed t h e t w o sisters were assessing h e r as a possible threat to their chances with M a r c . T h e idea seemed so ludicrous she h a d to suppress the laugh that b u b b l e d in h e r throat. H e r eyes slid towards M a r c , a n d as if he sensed her a m u s e m e n t he directed a slow w a r m smile t h a t m a d e h e r blink. T h e intimated intimacy was evident to everyone present, a n d L e e could almost feel the u n i t e d force of Daniella a n d M a r i t a ' s anger. If M a r c h a d deliberately placed a cat a m o n g the pigeons, he c o u l d n ' t have achieved a m o r e successful result, she perceived wryly. ' D i d your m o t h e r enjoy the t r i p ? ' J o h n queried lightly. It was obvious he was aware of t h e electric a t m o s p h e r e his sisters were creating, a n d from t h e expression of a m u s e d resignation on his pleasant features it clearly w a s n ' t the first t i m e Daniella a n d M a r i t a h a d vied for M a r c ' s attention. L e e ' s hazel d e p t h s deepened to a sparkling b r o n z e as she s w u n g to face h i m , a n d t h e faintly cynical lift of her eyebrows b r o u g h t forth a mocking twist from his m o u t h . Mother? ' I m m e n s e l y , ' he answered amiably, a n d Daniella leaned towards h i m , extending a softened smile. ' D i d she come n o r t h with you, M a r c ? ' ' S h e preferred to spend some t i m e w i t h my sister after being away for several m o n t h s . I ' m expecting h e r next week.' L e e found it difficult to h i d e her a m a z e m e n t , a n d despite her efforts it m u s t have shown, for M a r c

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directed her a sardonic smile. ' E v e r y o n e has a m o t h e r — e v e n m e , ' he t a u n t e d , a n d L e e gave a helpless s h r u g . ' Y o u never m e n t i o n e d h e r , ' she m u r m u r e d , a n d heard Daniella's sharp laugh. ' G o o d heavens, M a r c ' s m o t h e r is a devoted mamma. She spends the winter u p n o r t h wish M a r c , a n d the s u m m e r in Sydney with Angelina. I t h o u g h t y o u w o u l d have k n o w n t h a t . ' L e e cast h e r a cool glance. 'I only m e t M a r c a few days ago,' she said evenly, a n d to her u t t e r consternation M a r c reached out a n d caught h e r h a n d in his, holding it fast in a grip that was vaguely cruel. ' W e ' v e b e e n so preoccupied w i t h each o t h e r , t h e subject of my family never arose,' he declared, a n d his eyes dared her to struggle a n d create a scene. J o h n ' s laughter was g e n u i n e , b u t t h e looks L e e r e ceived from his sisters held bitter enmity, a n d s u d denly L e e felt sickened at the way M a r c was deliberately playing h e r against the other t w o girls. 'If you'll excuse m e , ' she declared, firmly extricating h e r h a n d . W i t h a polite smile she stood to h e r feet and m a d e for t h e p o w d e r r o o m . A n y t h i n g to get away from t h e animosity t h a t h u n g like a s h r o u d over t h e table. It was almost ten m i n u t e s before L e e r e t u r n e d , a n d the sight of Daniella closely w r a p p e d in M a r c ' s a r m s on t h e dance floor hit her like a physical pain so t h a t for an infinitesimal m o m e n t she was devoid of breath. Oh dear God—no! It w a s n ' t possible she was jealous—was it? M a r c L e o n e was t h e antithesis of everything she a d m i r e d in a m a n . He was neither gentle n o r kind, a n d he possessed an indomitable strength t h a t

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she found totally unconscionable. Besides, she h a t e d h i m to a point whereby she could hardly offer a civil word in his presence. Almost as soon as L e e reached their table, J o h n rose to his feet a n d asked her to dance, a n d she accepted, directing h i m such a s t u n n i n g smile he almost reeled from its effect. 'Are you M a r c ' s exclusive p r o p e r t y ? ' L e e glanced at h i m with ill-concealed m o c k e r y . ' W h y , J o h n , whatever gives you that idea?' 'I d o n ' t want to poach on his preserves.' ' Y o u ' r e n o t , ' she declared w i t h succinct sarcasm, and he lifted an enquiring eyebrow. ' S o definite?' L e e gave a light laugh a n d slipped into his a r m s . ' I ' m m y o w n w o m a n , J o h n . N o one has a prior claim on me.' H i s eyes, gleamed appreciatively. ' I ' m glad. H o w a b o u t coming out with m e t o m o r r o w n i g h t ? ' ' C o u l d you ring m e ? ' she suggested. ' I ' m staying with my sister and brother-in-law—Alicia a n d Stefano Brascetti. Y o u know t h e m , I p r e s u m e ? ' 'Of course. A r e y o u on holiday?' H e r answer was a monosyllabic averral, a n d J o h n gave an eloquent sigh. 'Just my luck! A n d to c o m p o u n d it, I suppose y o u ' r e r e t u r n i n g h o m e soon.' L e e ' s m o u t h dimpled. ' I ' v e another t w o weeks yet.' 'Well, n o w y o u ' r e talking,' he e n t h u s e d . 'A lot can h a p p e n in two weeks.' W h e n the music paused for t h e b a n d to take a break, L e e moved back towards their table w i t h J o h n , a n d a devilish i m p p r o m p t e d her to flirt a little. M a r c was already seated, flanked on either side by Daniella a n d M a r i t a , w h o were giving h i m m o r e a t t e n tion t h a n any one m a n deserved, L e e decided as she

slipped into t h e chair J o h n held out for her. 'I'll o r d e r m o r e w i n e , ' said J o h n , shooting a glance at his watch. ' T h e b a r is d u e to close soon.' W h i l e h e was gone L e e m e t a n d m a t c h e d M a r c ' s enigmatic appraisal, h e r smile a brilliant facsimile of her a p p a r e n t enjoyment. A gleam of s u d d e n anger flared in those dark grey d e p t h s , a n d try as she m i g h t she c o u l d n ' t glance away. He h a d no right to look at her like that, L e e p e r ceived some m i n u t e s later w h e n a few sips of wine h a d restored her c o m p o s u r e . B u t t h e damage was d o n e , and w h e n J o h n asked her to dance as soon as t h e music began again she accepted w i t h alacrity. ' P o o r M a r c , ' J o h n accorded w i t h a grin. ' F i r s t Daniella, a n d n o w M a r i t a . ' L e e m a d e a slight grimace. ' W h y " p o o r " M a r c ? ' she d e m a n d e d . ' T w o beautiful girls, each vying for his attention. T h e m a n m u s t b e i n his element!' ' M y dear L e e , ' h e c o m m e n t e d m u s i n g l y , 'despite the fact t h e y ' r e my sisters, those t w o girls are positive man-eaters. Especially w h e r e M a r c is concerned. T h e y ' v e been fighting over h i m since they were in their early teens!' ' H o w — a w k w a r d , for h i m , ' L e e said wryly, a n d incurred J o h n ' s m i r t h . ' O h , Lee!" M a r c can take care of himself. H e ' s managed to elude m o r e w o m e n t h a n I care to c o u n t . ' 'Really?' she queried w i t h contrived disinterest. D e t e r m i n e d t o change t h e subject, she e n q u i r e d , ' D o you live in A t h e r t o n ? Or do you g r o w tobacco?' ' T o b a c c o . O u r farm is several miles away from t h a t of M a r c ' s — t h e other side of D i m b u l a h , in fact. H o w e v e r , it isn't a n y w h e r e near as well established, nor as p r o d u c t i v e . ' ' I ' v e only visited d u r i n g t h e off-season,' L e e b e g a n ,

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sparing h i m an interested glance. ' B u t I believe c u l tivating and curing the crop is h a r d work, a n d n o t for the faint of heart.' ' I t ' s a piece of cake n o w , c o m p a r e d to what it was fifteen years ago,' J o h n related seriously. 'Mechanisation, sophisticated poisons, h a v e almost eliminated the necessity for outside m a n u a l labour. W h e n I was a teenager, t h e r e w e r e u p w a r d s of eight m e n working t h r o u g h the season. D e p e n d i n g o n t h e acreage being g r o w n , t h a t n u m b e r could rise to twelve men working a t e n - h o u r day, six days a week. My mother had to cook h u g e meals a n d p r o v i d e smokos m o r n i n g and afternoon. As well as t h a t , she s t r u n g tobacco to go into the b a r n s , a n d u p o n completion of the picking season she would g r a d e t h e c u r e d leaves. It was hard work,' he elaborated. ' L o n g a r d u o u s h o u r s in the heat of s u m m e r . ' Lee gave a s h u d d e r at t h e grim p i c t u r e he painted. 'I guess I ' m city-orientated,' she smiled, a n d he slanted her a m u s i n g grin. ' T i e d to an office desk, n i n e to five?' he hazarded, and she laughingly shook her head. ' N o , ' she denied. ' S t a n d i n g on my feet all day t e n d ing to w o m e n ' s hair—and m e n ' s . I t ' s an exacting occupation.' ' F r o m which you've w o n t e m p o r a r y reprieve. I hope you'll p e r m i t me to provide some light entertainment,' he said seriously, a n d she gave a n o n - c o m mittal, 'Occasionally, p e r h a p s . A l t h o u g h I owe first priority to Alicia and my small n e p h e w s , ' she a d d e d . ' T h e y ' r e the only family I have.' T h e music took a n u p w a r d swing, emulating t h e latest p o p discs, and with a laugh L e e stepped back a

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pace a n d b e g a n m o v i n g h e r b o d y in t i m e to t h e beat. O u t of t h e corner of h e r eye she saw M a r c a n d M a r i t a follow suit. Daniella was on t h e floor, t o o , w i t h a young m a n Who at first glance seemed m u c h too t a m e for J o h n ' s volatile sister. Eventually there came a break, a n d back at their table M a r c o r d e r e d coffee, declaring a need to curtail the evening. 'I have a full day ahead of me t o m o r r o w , ' he explained, t e m p e r i n g it w i t h a smile as b o t h Daniella a n d M a r i t a e n d e a v o u r e d to dissuade h i m from leaving. ' W h e n will we see you again?' Daniella cajoled a trifle petulantly, a n d he gave an enigmatic s h r u g . 'At Francesca's w e d d i n g on S a t u r d a y , I p r e s u m e . ' ' C o m e t o d i n n e r o n S u n d a y , ' M a r i t a begged. ' M u m and D a d were only asking about y o u t h e other day. T h e y ' d adore t o hear about y o u r t r i p . ' ' T h a n k y o u , ' M a r c slanted equably. 'I'll let y o u know.' H e glanced across t h e table a n d m e t L e e ' s faintly cynical smile. ' I f y o u ' v e finished y o u r coffee, we'll get away.' As L e e rose to her feet, J o h n leaned forward a n d said in an audible u n d e r t o n e , 'I'll ring y o u t o m o r r o w , a r o u n d m i d d a y . ' In t h e car L e e sank back against t h e cushioned seat, and within m i n u t e s they h a d reached the outskirts of A t h e r t o n . T h e dark of night was lightened by t h e m o o n ' s opalescent glow, b a t h i n g the s u r r o u n d i n g t e r rain in a milky half-light that h a d a curious stilling effect. ' Y o u seem to have scored a hit w i t h J o h n , ' M a r c observed sardonically, a n d L e e r e t u r n e d sweetly, 'As you did with his sisters.' H i s husky laughter was galling. ' S h o u l d I apologise

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for their intrusion?' ' G o o d heavens,' she feigned incredulity w i t h o u t t h e slightest difficulty, assuring h i m , 'I welcomed it. T h e i r presence provided some light relief.' ' F r o m me?' 'You guessed it.' 'Pity,' he slanted mockingly. 'Especially as y o u ' r e fated to spend another evening in my c o m p a n y t o m o r row night.' 'Sorry,' she refused disparagingly, ' J o h n beat y o u to it.' ' W h e n he phones, you'll tell h i m y o u have a p r i o r engagement.' ' T h e hell I will,' L e e declared emphatically. J u s t who did he think he was? T h e look he threw her was startlingly level. ' D i d n ' t Alicia tell you about t h e a r r a n g e m e n t s for t o m o r r o w evening?' 'What arrangements are those?' she d e m a n d e d angrily. 'Something you've concocted, no doubt!' 'Alicia, Stefano a n d you are my guests for the evening. I've made reservations at a restaurant in C a i r n s , ' Marc informed her brusquely, his eyes on t h e straight stretch of road ahead. 'Stefano's p a r e n t s are having t h e children overnight.' 'If that's true, why d i d n ' t she tell m e ? ' 'Probably because it slipped h e r m i n d . ' Lee turned slightly to face h i m , h e r features stormy. 'Tell me something—do you always get y o u r o w n way?' His reply was silky-smooth, a n d for some reason it set the butterflies in her stomach fluttering madly. ' I f by that, you mean I go all out for my objective—then the answer is yes.'

' W h i c h in this case, is what, precisely?' 'Are y o u really that naive?' L e e ' s face b u r n e d , a n d she stared straight ahead, n o t deigning to offer a n o t h e r w o r d . E v e r y t h i n g she h a d ever recalled to describe h i m t u m b l e d to her lips longing to find a voice, a n d it r e q u i r e d every ounce of effort n o t to lash o u t a n d physically strike him. It took thirty m i n u t e s to reach M a r e e b a , a n d a further five to the turn-off leading to t h e Brascetti farm, a n d those m i n u t e s seemed t h e longest L e e h a d ever spent. As t h e car slowed a n d veered off t h e m a i n road she experienced a feeling of faint relief t h a t within a few m i n u t e s she w o u l d be o u t of M a r c ' s d y n a m i c presence. L e e reached for t h e door clasp t h e instant they d r e w to a halt in t h e gravelled y a r d , only to have h e r flight forestalled as a h a n d grasped her a r m . ' I n such a h u r r y ? ' M a r c drawled, a n d she t u r n e d back in fury. ' T o get away from you—yes!' 'Afraid, L e e ? ' he d e m a n d e d w i t h smiling m o c k e r y , a n d she let o u t an angry gasp. ' W h a t is it you want, M a r c ? A g o o d n i g h t kiss in r e t u r n for p r o v i d i n g an evening's e n t e r t a i n m e n t ? ' E v e n t h e t h o u g h t of those sensuous lips taking possession of h e r o w n was e n o u g h to make h e r limbs b e c o m e weak a n d jelly-like, a n d unconsciously h e r voice became husky. ' O r do y o u have s o m e t h i n g m o r e ' she paused, a n d he finished smoothly, ' I n t i m a t e ? ' H i s eyes gleamed w i t h sardonic a m u s e m e n t a s h e p r o b e d lazily, ' I s t h a t w h a t y o u t h i n k ? ' H e gave a soft laugh, a n d leaning slightly t o w a r d s h e r he trailed gentle fingers d o w n h e r cheek. 'I find y o u very

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transparent. In spite of all that brilliant fury, you r e s p o n d with a passion that b o t h promises a n d provokes.' V e r y gently he touched her lips a n d felt t h e m t r e m b l e as he traced their fullness. ' O h yes, L e e , ' he t a u n t e d , 'I w a n t you—shockingly.' Slowly his fingers travelled d o w n to her throat a n d played distractedly w i t h t h e fine bones before edging d o w n w a r d s . ' W i t h very little effort I could make you want m e — a l m o s t as m u c h . ' Lee moistened her lips w i t h o u t conscious t h o u g h t , unaware of the provocativeness of h e r action, a n d she gave a soundless gasp as his fingers slid b e n e a t h t h e shirred bodice and c u p p e d one creamy breast, t h e n his mouth was on hers, soft a n d deliberately tantalising, playing with her lips until of their o w n volition they parted hungrily to welcome his invasion. There was no awareness of t i m e , only a floating mindless sensation that m a d e h e r ache for complete fulfilment, and a r e t u r n to sanity was w r o u g h t as M a r c disentangled her arms a n d gently p u s h e d her away. 'Go inside, Lee. I'll see you t o m o r r o w . ' H i s voice was husky and faintly sardonic as he leaned across a n d opened her door, and after a second's pause she slid out and almost ran across the grass verge t o w a r d s t h e verandah. T h e front door was unlatched, a n d she stepped inside and closed it behind her without so m u c h as a backward glance, and as she moved quietly t o w a r d s her room she heard the faint noise of a car engine accompanied by the crunching sound of t y r e - r u b b e r on gravel, t h e n there was nothing, only the stillness of t h e night. Lee prepared for bed with the m o v e m e n t s of an automaton, and long after she h a d slipped between t h e cool crisp sheets she lay staring into t h e darkness, r e living with agonising clarity the m e m o r y of h e r s h a m e -

less a b a n d o n in his a r m s . T h e w o r d s — ' w i t h very little effort I could m a k e y o u w a n t m e ' — e c h o e d a n d r e echoed d a m n a b l y inside h e r b r a i n , u n t i l w i t h a t o r t u r e d sob she b u r i e d h e r head b e n e a t h t h e pillow issuing a fervent p r a y e r t h a t sleep m i g h t provide a welcome release.

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FIVE

I N spite o f L e e ' s conviction that t h e evening could only be a disaster, Alicia a n d Stefano's presence e n sured t h a t it was n o t , a n d M a r c a s s u m e d t h e role of an u r b a n e host, projecting a w a r m friendliness t o w a r d s b o t h w o m e n , so t h a t L e e could only w o n d e r if t h e p a s sion they h a d shared t h e previous evening h a d b e e n little m o r e t h a n a figment of her imagination. T h e r e s t a u r a n t M a r c h a d chosen specialised i n Italian cuisine, a n d they enjoyed a leisurely t h r e e course meal before ordering coffee. By t h e n it was almost ten o'clock, a n d mindful of Alicia's condition a n d t h e prospect of t h e w e d d i n g the following aftern o o n a n d t h e ensuing reception a n d dance in t h e Shire H a l l , t h u s entailing another late n i g h t , they decided to e m b a r k on t h e long drive h o m e . On reflection L e e h a d to concede that t h e evening h a d been an enjoyable one, despite M a r c ' s presence, a n d her initial wariness h a d almost disappeared by t h e t i m e h e deposited t h e m h o m e . Q u i t e w h a t she expected w h e n he b a d e t h e m goodnight she w a s n ' t sure, b u t his sketched salute that encompassed t h e m all left her feeling vaguely unsettled.

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Like all the days preceding it, S a t u r d a y d a w n e d bright and clear with nary a cloud in sight, a n d as L e e entered the large concrete-structured c h u r c h with Alicia and Stefano she c o u l d n ' t help t h e surreptitious glance she cast over the congregation. A m o n g so m a n y people it was difficult to distinguish a familiar head, and she felt unaccountably cross w i t h herself for even bothering to look. T h e ceremony was solemn, w i t h t h e a d d e d dignity of a nuptial mass, and it w a s n ' t until t h e guests h a d vacated the church that L e e caught sight of M a r c a n d Daniella and Marita standing possessively close either side of him. Attired in a dark formal suit he was an arresting figure, and Lee felt her heart give an u n a c c u s t o m e d lurch as he turned slightly a n d m e t h e r glance. H i s faint smile did strange things to her e q u i l i b r i u m , a n d she returned the smile with one of her o w n before swinging back to engage Alicia in a bright conversation which had that good w o m a n frowning in perplexity. T h e reception was a large affair w i t h countless guests, and much to L e e ' s discomfiture she found h e r self seated opposite M a r c , w h o was again flanked by Daniella and Marita. No d o u b t a b o u t it, b o t h girls deserved an 'A' for persistence! By some feat of agility, John had managed to seat himself n e x t to L e e , a n d throughout the lavish meal a n d the accompanying speeches and toasts she s u m m o n e d the necessary willpower to project an image of a guest enjoying t h e p r o ceedings. Difficult, when all she was aware of was t h e provocative and positively sickening way Daniella a n d Marita vied for M a r c ' s attention. On m o r e t h a n o n e occasion she had to physically restrain herself from

splashing t h e excellent c h a m p a g n e over their s m u g little faces! C o n s e q u e n t l y , w h e n t h e tables w e r e cleared a n d d i s m a n t l e d so that t h e dancing could c o m m e n c e , L e e d i d n ' t hesitate w h e n J o h n indicated they s h o u l d take to t h e floor. ' Y o u look ravishing.' L e e cast a swift glance over t h e simply styled blue silk dress she wore, t h e n lifted sparkling eyes a n d m e t his earnest smile. ' W h y , t h a n k y o u , k i n d sir. Y o u cut a dashing figure yourself.' 'Francesca looks gorgeous, d o e s n ' t she? L u c k y Tony!' L e e detected a n o t e of envy, a n d s o m e t h i n g m o r e , in his tone. ' Y o u r two sisters are attracting a lot of a t t e n tion,' she said lightly. ' T h e y ' r e b o t h very beautiful.' H i s faint grimace b r o u g h t forth a q u e s t i o n i n g glance, a n d he laughed. ' T h e y ' r e constantly in t h e throes of a private war—over w h o will win t h e inestimable M a r c L e o n e , ' he slanted w i t h droll cynicism. ' O u r presence in A t h e r t o n was no chance h a p p e n i n g , my dear L e e . T h a t restaurant is a favourite h a u n t of M a r c ' s , a n d knowing that he was back from abroad, it was reasonable to assume he m i g h t be t h e r e . As older b r o t h e r , I was p e r s u a d e d against my better j u d g m e n t to escort t h e m . E v e n todays's m a n o e u v r e s r e q u i r e d careful p l a n n i n g , ' he a d d e d mockingly. ' Y o u d o n ' t imagine it's by chance they m a n a g e d to sit beside h i m ? ' H i s laugh held a m u s e m e n t as he g r i n n e d d o w n at her. ' T h e m a n is no fool, a n d he manages to extricate himself with remarkable agility. I d o u b t there's a w o m a n alive w h o could t r a p h i m . '

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'Bravo for M a r c , ' L e e accorded wryly, a n d i n c u r r e d John's mirth.

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' T h e r e isn't a woman in this r o o m u n d e r t h e age of forty who doesn't covet h i m — m a r r i e d or n o t . ' She contrived a scandalised expression. ' W h y , J o h n , are you trying to shock m e ? ' T h e look he cast her was wholly serious. 'Are y o u shockable, Lee?' ' T h a t would depend on what you i n t e n d e d , ' she countered evenly, and saw h i m smile. 'Come to dinner t o m o r r o w n i g h t , ' he pleaded. 'Daniella and Marita have invited M a r c , a n d I n e e d you to provide a distraction.' H i s cheeky grin m a d e her laugh. 'Invitation accepted.' T h e y had only just r e t u r n e d to the edge of t h e floor when a deep voice drawled, ' D o you m i n d if I c o m m a n d e e r L e e for a dance?' She t u r n e d to meet M a r c ' s sardonic smile a n d was on the point of refusing w h e n J o h n acquiesced a n d moved towards his two sisters, so that she h a d little choice b u t to move out on to the floor. 'You could have asked m e , ' L e e s n a p p e d with acerbity, and M a r c cast her a penetrating glance. 'And have you refuse?' ' W h y me? You appeared to be enjoying m a r k e d a d u lation from two very attractive young girls,' she reasoned sweetly: 'Would you believe it was in the form of d u t y ? ' H e r laugh was frankly disbelieving. ' O h , M a r c , ' she chided. 'Duty?' His voice became droll. ' I ' m not u n a w a r e of my potential in the marriage stakes. If I dance m o r e t h a n once with the same girl it will be construed that I m a y be considering putting an end to my bachelor existence,' he elaborated mockingly, and she tilted h e r

head, feigning disbelief. ' T h e great M a r c L e o n e settling d o w n t o m a t r i m o n y — w i t h one w o m a n ? G o o d heavens, w h o w o u l d be fool e n o u g h to have you?' O n e eyebrow slanted in cynical a m u s e m e n t . ' Y o u d o n ' t consider there w o u l d be sufficient c o m p e n s a tions?' 'Possibly,' L e e allowed w i t h a disinterested s h r u g , t h e n a d d e d , ' I n all except one—fidelity. I can't i m a gine it to be one of y o u r virtues,' she finished dryly. 'A reformed rake?' ' R a k e , I agree,' she s n o r t e d w i t h derision. 'Reformed? Never!' ' W h a t were y o u a n d J o h n discussing?' M a r c queried with deceptive mildness, a n d L e e lifted h e r h e a d to m e e t his enigmatic features. ' T h a t ' s an infringement of privacy,' she o p i n e d evenly. ' H o w w o u l d y o u feel if I asked t h e same of y o u a n d Daniella, or M a r i t a — o r any one of the m a n y other y o u n g w o m e n in w h o s e c o m p a n y y o u ' v e b e e n this evening?' H i s s u b d u e d laugh was a h u s k y s o u n d deep in his throat. ' W o u l d you believe fielding several invitations to d i n n e r ? ' ' H o w nice to be so p o p u l a r , ' she r e m a r k e d w i t h pseudo-sweetness. ' A n d John? T h e t w o of y o u appeared to have a lot to say to each o t h e r , ' M a r c drawled, a n d h e r eyes w i d e n e d slightly. 'I d i d n ' t realise we interested y o u to such an extent,' she r e m a r k e d innocently. ' O t h e r w i s e I w o u l d have h a d J o h n stand directly beside y o u so t h a t you could have overheard every w o r d . ' H e r h a n d was caught i n a n excruciating grip. ' D o n ' t

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t r y my patience too far,' M a r c t h r e a t e n e d softly, a n d she gave him a stunning smile. ' W h a t can you possibly do to me in front of a r o o m full of people?' H i s eyes darkened measurably. 'Are you daring m e , Lee?' 'Are you threatening m e , M a r c ? ' T h e instant the glib words left her lips she was sorry, a n d her eyes swept upwards in silent contrition—except that it was too late. There wasn't a thing she could do to stop t h e u n h u r ried descent of his head, nor evade the vaguely cruel seeking mouth as it fastened unerringly over her o w n in a kiss that branded her his sole p r o p e r t y just as surely as if he had made a public declaration to that effect. 'How could you?' Lee gasped timeless seconds later, and his faint smile was without apology. 'Very easily,' he allowed cynically, a d d i n g , ' A n d with complete enjoyment.' 'Do you realise what you've just d o n e ? ' she s n a p p e d in a furious whisper. 'Was it so terrible?' His mockery incensed h e r to a point w h e r e b y she found it difficult not to resort to a childish display of temper. 'You're an utter fiend!' she hissed at last. ' I f you don't let me go this instant, I'll scream!' ' T h e n I shall only have to kiss you again,' he drawled. 'Imagine how that will c o m p o u n d o u r relationship in the eyes of everyone present.' 'I could kill you!' H e r eyes flashed with the desire to do just that, and~she felt a t r e m o r shake her body as an incredible anger coursed t h r o u g h her veins. N e v e r before had any m a n goaded her to such extreme lengths.

' T e l l m e instead w h a t o u r m u t u a l friend J o h n h a d t o say.' L e e felt sure he m u s t be aware of h e r animosity, t h e u t t e r enmity she felt for h i m , yet he a p p e a r e d u n p e r t u r b e d . If a n y t h i n g he found it a m u s i n g , a n d she longed to cause a scene, if only to disconcert h i m . ' H e invited m e t o d i n n e r w i t h his family t o m o r r o w evening,' she enlightened h i m in a waspish u n d e r t o n e . 'I accepted. N o w will you let me go?' ' N o t yet,' M a r c refused quietly. ' I ' l l take y o u t h e r e , seeing t h a t I, t o o , will be dining w i t h t h e C o n t i family.' ' I ' d rather walk t h a n go w i t h you!' H i s m o u t h twisted slightly. ' T h i r t y miles? T h a t w o u l d be carrying feminine p i q u e a little too far.' ' Y o u ' r e an arrogant bastard. My G o d , I hate you!' she whispered bitterly. M a r c ' s eyes h a r d e n e d until they resembled granite flints. ' A r r o g a n t , I'll accept. B u t never insult an Italian's parentage by insinuating that his b i r t h was other t h a n h o n o u r a b l e — u n l e s s y o u ' r e very sure of your facts.' 'I w o n ' t apologise, because my interpretation of the w o r d is different from y o u r s , ' L e e defended stoically. ' I ' v e no intention of shocking t h e guests by d r a g ging y o u outside to r e n d e r t h e spanking you so richly deserve,' he directed hardily. ' I ' m n o t afraid of y o u , ' L e e declared bravely, oblivious of t h e latent anger in t h a t powerful b o d y only inches apart from her own. ' T h e n you s h o u l d b e , ' M a r c said pitilessly. F o r t h e r e m a i n d e r of the evening L e e felt as if she was t h e cynosure of all eyes. T h e r e wasn't a m o m e n t

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when she didn't feel like screaming as she a t t e m p t e d t o talk with Alicia about inconsequential m a t t e r s that were far removed from anything t o d o w i t h M a r c . Everywhere she t u r n e d she could almost feel t h e p h y sical lance of Daniella's stabbing glance, a n d sense t h e abject curiosity of several w o m e n ' s conjecture. It was a damnable situation, from which it was a relief to ' escape, although it d i d n ' t e n d t h e r e , for Alicia's i n trigue d e m a n d e d an answer—several, it t r a n s p i r e d . 'What o n earth h a p p e n e d between you a n d M a r c ? ' Lee's loving sister d e m a n d e d t h e instant Stefano set the station wagon m o v i n g on to the road, a n d with a heartfelt sigh L e e a t t e m p t e d to give an explanation. ' H e was being n o m o r e objectionable t h a n u s u a l , ' she began, anger still very m u c h to t h e fore, a n d Alicia demanded, 'But why?' 'I guess I m u s t have said s o m e t h i n g , ' she shrugged. 'And being the m a n h e is, h e decided t o publicly humiliate m e . I t ' s as simple as t h a t . ' 'What did y o u say, for heaven's sake?' 'Several things,' L e e r e c o u n t e d dryly. ' N o t all of which I can r e m e m b e r . ' ' H m n , ' her older sister c o m m e n t e d in monosyllabic disapproval, and Stefano's. chuckle a n d reference to the wedding itself b r o u g h t a b o u t a necessary distraction so that they reached h o m e w i t h o u t once m a k i n g further reference to M a r c L e o n e . T h e farm belonging to the C o n t i family lay several miles to the west of D i m b u l a h , a n d it took m o r e t h a n half an hour to reach it in M a r c ' s powerful car. L e e had predetermined that she w o u l d present a polite facade d u r i n g t h e entire t i m e she was t h e r e , a n d

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t h r o u g h o u t t h e drive she h a d remained silent, i n c u r ring an occasional glance of a m u s e m e n t from M a r c . In view of w h a t h a d taken place t h e previous evening, L e e was u n s u r e of her reception, a n d it was i m mediately a p p a r e n t on arrival t h a t b o t h Daniella a n d M a r i t a h a d decided t o treat h e r a s a n a r c h - e n e m y . J o h n ' s i n h e r e n t good m a n n e r s w e n t well b e n e a t h the surface, b u t she could tell t h a t he was perplexed a n d u n s u r e h o w t o treat her. Only M r a n d M r s C o n t i were oblivious t o t h e u n d e r c u r r e n t s , a n d their greeting was w a r m h e a r t e d a n d generous. I n s i d e t h e h o u s e L e e was led t o t h e lounge a n d encouraged to accept a glass of wine, a n d she sipped t h e pale rose in t h e h o p e it w o u l d provide a necessary boost to h e r shaky c o m p o s u r e . M a r c took a seat n e a r b y , his long m u s c u l a r frame even at ease e m a n a t e d a raw masculinity t h a t was i m possible to ignore. He resembled a lazy jungle cat whose very indolence m a s k e d a dangerously lethal instinct a n d an intrinsic ability to c o n q u e r its q u a r r y . A l t h o u g h w h o or w h a t t h a t was r e m a i n e d a mystery to all except himself. ' J o h n , ' Daniella suggested w i t h a p p a r e n t k i n d n e s s , ' w h y d o n ' t y o u show L e e a r o u n d t h e farm?' ' W o u l d you like that, L e e ? ' B e g i n n i n g to feel stifled by t h e a t m o s p h e r e inside t h e r o o m , L e e agreed with an alacrity that b r o u g h t a smile to J o h n ' s pleasant features, a n d i n c u r r e d a faint h a r d e n i n g in t h e dark eyes of t h e m a n seated beside her. B u t she was b e y o n d caring w h a t M a r c t h o u g h t , a n d replacing h e r glass on a nearby table she stood to h e r feet a n d followed J o h n outside. 'I fully expected you to ring a n d say y o u ' d decided n o t to come t o n i g h t , ' J o h n b e g a n as soon as t h e y were

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a few yards away from the house. 'For heaven's sake, why?' L e e d e m a n d e d . His answering laugh was entirely without h u m o u r ' M a r c , ' he elaborated simply as he led the way towards a large group of outbuildings situated almost a hundred yards from the house. ' L a s t n i g h t he stamped you as his property as clearly as if h e ' d m a d e an announcement to that effect.' Lee felt sickened at his w o r d s , a n d a t t e m p t e d to explain. 'You're wrong,' she began. ' H e provoked a wild unreasoning anger that resulted in me being rude,' she added ruefully. ' W h a t y o u saw was his r e a c tion, and a deliberate a t t e m p t to humiliate me for daring to oppose him.' 'And that's all?' 'Yes.' She uttered a brief laugh. 'Please, d o n ' t let's mention his name again.' Impulsively she t u c k e d h e r arm inside his. 'Show me t h e farm. H a v e you any chickens or ducklings? I ' m completely softhearted when it comes to any of N a t u r e ' s y o u n g . ' They spent a pleasant t w e n t y m i n u t e s w a n d e r i n g around the farm, and L e e r e t u r n e d to the h o u s e feeling far more relaxed a n d carefree. On entering t h e lounge she met Marc's swift appraisal w i t h a deliberately guileless smile, a n d p u s h i n g back an u n r u l y lock of hair behind her ear, she m u r m u r e d to J o h n , 'Would you m i n d if I used the b a t h r o o m , or s o m e where where there's a mirror? T h e breeze seems to have caught at my hair.' 'You can use my b e d r o o m , ' Daniella interposed swiftly. 'I'll show you where it is.' Lee accepted the offer with a slight smile, t h e n followed the other girl as she led the way to a r o o m at t h e other end of the house.

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'Marc Leone is mine.' T h e words tumbled out of Daniella's m o u t h t h e instant they entered h e r b e d r o o m , a n d L e e d r e w a deep calming b r e a t h as she t u r n e d to face her. 'Really?' she queried gently, u n s u r e w h y she was being so evasive. ' L e a v e h i m alone,' Daniella said unsteadily. ' Y o u have no right to h i m — y o u ' r e only h e r e on holiday.' L e e slid h e r fingers t h r o u g h t h e u n r u l y length of h e r hair, p u s h i n g it into careless o r d e r , t h e n she t u r n e d from t h e m i r r o r w i t h a m i x t u r e of pity a n d exasperation. ' F o r all I k n o w , M a r c m a y w a n t to r e m a i n h e a r t whole a n d fancy-free,' she said carefully. ' I t h o u g h t y o u liked J o h n , ' Daniella b u r s t o u t , a n d L e e gave a light s h r u g . 'As you p o i n t e d o u t , I ' m on holiday. Besides, a lasting relationship w i t h any m a n is the farthest t h i n g from m y m i n d — a n d t h a t includes b o t h y o u r b r o t h e r a n d M a r c ' S h e m a n a g e d a smile a n d s t e p p e d t o w a r d s t h e door. 'Shall w e r e t u r n t o t h e lounge?' T h e r e were t h r e e other guests for d i n n e r , m a k i n g a total of ten seated a r o u n d the long family d i n i n g table. T h e food was excellent, w i t h ravioli to start, followed by chicken a n d a c c o m p a n y i n g salad greens. D e s s e r t was a m a n g o chiffon pie served w i t h w h i p p e d c r e a m , a n d L e e expressed her appreciation. ' T h i s really is delicious,' she c o m p l i m e n t e d c h a r m ingly. ' W o u l d y o u m i n d if I asked for t h e recipe?' 'Of course n o t , ' M r s Conti r e s p o n d e d , her pleasure at L e e ' s praise evident. 'I'll write it o u t for y o u before y o u leave.' ' L e e is s o m e t h i n g of a g o u r m e t cook,' M a r c i n formed t h e m lazily.

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' H o w — u n u s u a l , ' M a r i t a offered w i t h a trace of spite. ' S h e doesn't look the domesticated t y p e at all.' ' A n d you are, of course?' J o h n teased, t h u s incurring his sister's wrath. 'I can cook just as well as Daniella can,' she declared peevishly, and he laughed. 'I know. I suffered from b o t h your efforts while M u m was visiting her sister in Brisbane for t h r e e weeks. Steak and salad every night of t h e week.' Daniella pulled a face at h i m . ' Y o u ' r e perfectly horrid! It wasn't nearly as b a d as t h a t . ' ' S p r e a d that sort of story a r o u n d , a n d I'll never m a r r y t h e m off,' Mr Conti g r i n n e d , a n d his wife lifted her hands in mock-dismay. ' T h r e e children, each of t h e m over t w e n t y - o n e . As yet, all are unmarried. I ' m beginning to despair of ever becoming a g r a n d m o t h e r . ' L e e found herself saying in all seriousness, 'Marriage is becoming an o u t d a t e d institution.' J o h n began to laugh, his eyes gleaming w i t h a m u s e ment as he taunted, 'Are you trying to shock everyone by pretending y o u ' d prefer living in sin to tying the legal knot?' She gave a rueful grimace in realisation t h a t s h e ' d plunged head first into a controversial subject. ' N o t necessarily,' she allowed cautiously. 'I h a p p e n to prefer a career.' 'You d o n ' t intend to m a r r y at all? A pretty girl like you?' M r s Conti declared incredulously. 'I d o n ' t believe it!' ' W h a t about love?' M a r c drawled. ' D o e s n ' t such an emotion fit into your schedule?' 'I deal in reality, not idealism. L o v e is a euphoristic complexity of emotions no sane p e r s o n w o u l d w a n t to invite.'

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'I d o n ' t agree,' M a r c a r g u e d in a silky voice, a n d she m e t those dark gleaming eyes w i t h careless d i s regard. ' I f t h a t ' s so, w h y h a v e n ' t y o u m a r r i e d ? ' W i t h indolent ease he reached o u t a h a n d a n d lifted his glass to his lips, took a sip of its c o n t e n t s , t h e n slowly swirled t h e wine r o u n d t h e base of t h e glass, his eyes never leaving hers for a second. ' T e l l m e , L e e , ' he t a u n t e d softly. ' W h a t qualities w o u l d y o u insist u p o n in a h u s b a n d ? ' L e e swallowed t h e s u d d e n l u m p that rose in h e r t h r o a t . ' W e a l t h , health a n d w i s d o m — i n t h a t o r d e r , ' she q u i p p e d lightly. 'Financial security w o u l d be my n u m b e r one priority.' ' T h a t lets m e o u t , ' J o h n sighed w i t h a n i m p u d e n t grin, a n d she laughed. ' E v e r y o n e , I imagine. I refuse to settle for a n y t h i n g less t h a n a millionaire.' 'I assume that if one came along, y o u ' d snap h i m up in a trice?' M a r c insisted silkily, a n d L e e was s u d d e n l y aware of t h e silence s u r r o u n d i n g t h e table. ' P r o v i d i n g he w a s n ' t over fifty, I ' d use all my feminine wiles.' ' A n d what w o u l d he get in r e t u r n , this mythical millionaire?' he p u r s u e d relentlessly. ' M y loyalty,' she said evenly. ' A n d fidelity.' ' Y o u ' d give up y o u r career, a n d live wherever he chose to reside?' ' G l a d l y . ' W h y was everyone looking so—expectant? T h e entire conversation was merely h u m o r o u s conject u r e , yet there w a s n ' t a smile to be seen. Almost as if they knew something that she d i d n ' t . ' A n d m a r r y at short notice?' ' W h y w o u l d t h e r e be any reason to wait?' ' T h a n k y o u , L e e , ' M a r c acknowledged mockingly.

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H i s dark gleaming gaze swept r o u n d the table. 'Congratulations are in order, d o n ' t you agree?' Lee frowned, then vaguely disquieted, she d e manded, 'What do you m e a n ? ' Marc's smile was frankly cynical, his eyes deadly. 'You've just agreed to become my wife.' Lee heard the words, b u t for a few seconds they failed to register, then, sure t h e whole thing was a hoax, she allowed her m o u t h to relax into a w a r m smile. Whatever game he was playing, she was d e termined to call his bluff. ' H o w can I be sure y o u qualify?' she challenged. His eyes never left her face. ' E v e r y o n e in this r o o m will attest that what I've said is t r u e . F o r additional verification, you have only to ask your sister a n d brother-in-law.' Somehow she managed to control an awful sense of foreboding that rose like gall in h e r throat. 'I think this joke has gone far enough,' she voiced unsteadily, and glimpsed his twisted smile. 'I wasn't joking, Lee.' Slowly she let her gaze w a n d e r r o u n d t h e table, seeing with frightening clarity t h e answer reflected in everyone's face. 'I need a d r i n k , ' she said shakily, trying to buy time in which to think. F o r the life of her she couldn't recall exactly w h a t she h a d said. As far as she was concerned the whole conversation h a d begun as a farcical episode that h a d roots in a childish vow she had evolved somewhere a r o u n d t h e age of twelve. Just how foolish—and dangerous—she was yet to discover! 'Refill your glasses,' Mr Conti b a d e heartily, being among the first to recover. ' W e m u s t drink a toast to M a r c and Lee's future happiness.'

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E v e r y o n e looked s t u n n e d , b u t n o n e m o r e s o t h a n L e e , w h o was beginning to believe she h a d d r e a m e d t h e whole t h i n g . S o m e h o w M a r c was standing beside h e r , his a r m curving r o u n d h e r waist in s u p p o r t , a n d a glass of wine was placed in her h a n d . ' D r i n k s o m e , ' he b a d e quietly. ' Y o u ' r e as pale as a ghost.' ' S h o c k , ' L e e m u r m u r e d . ' A m I s u p p o s e d to smile?' ' I t w o u l d help. I ' m not exactly Bluebeard.' ' T h i s is insane,' she w h i s p e r e d tentatively. ' H o w can you ' 'Save t h e a r g u m e n t s for later.' T h e wine helped to provide a necessary haze in which L e e m a n a g e d to pass t h e ensuing h o u r a n d a half before M a r c declared it was time for t h e m to leave. W o r s t of all h a d been the look of reproach on J o h n ' s kindly face, and secondly, the thinly-disguised rage that was directed t o w a r d s her from b o t h Daniella and Marita. I t was with considerable relief that L e e b a d e M r and M r s Conti goodnight a n d followed M a r c o u t t o t h e car. T h e silence stretched from five m i n u t e s into ten as t h e large vehicle sped quickly t h r o u g h t h e dark countryside. ' N o t h i n g to say, L e e ? ' M a r c drawled, a n d she slowly t u r n e d to face h i m . ' I ' m speechless,' she answered wryly. ' I n c r e d i b l e , ' he slanted sardonically. 'I expected a verbal onslaught at the very least.' ' W h e n d o you intend telling t h e m t h e t r u t h ? ' ' W h a t t r u t h ? ' h e queried u n c o m p r o m i s i n g l y . She r o u n d e d o n h i m i n u t t e r exasperation. ' T h a t w e ' r e n o t really engaged, of course!'

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' W r o n g , ' M a r c disputed in a dangerously quiet voice. ' T h e r e were several witnesses to my proposition—and your acceptance.' 'You can't m e a n to say you were serious?' L e e d e m a n d e d incredulously. 'Perfectly. W e r e n ' t you?' 'No. T h e whole thing was just a joke!' 'By midday t o m o r r o w the grapevine will have successfully taken care of the p r o b l e m , ' he shrugged wryly. ' T o add fuel to the proverbial fire, my m o t h e r is d u e to arrive in Cairns on the late afternoon flight from Sydney. W e ' l l drive down to Cairns after lunch, shop for an engagement ring, then meet the plane. She'll be delighted,' he slanted musingly, 'having despaired of ever seeing me married. I ' m organising a barbecue on T u e s d a y evening to welcome h o m e a very good friend of m i n e w h o ' s been overseas for several years. It will be an excellent opportunity to a n n o u n c e o u r p e n d i n g marriage.' ' H e y , just a m i n u t e ! ' L e e expostulated. ' I ' m not coming to Cairns with you, nor am I going to be p r e sented to your m o t h e r as your—fiancee!' H e r eyes glittered with a bitter consuming anger. ' A n d if you dare to make any a n n o u n c e m e n t , I'll deny it. I will!' she threatened wildly, a n d clenched her h a n d s together tightly in her lap to prevent from lashing out at him. M i n u t e s later t h e car slowed and t u r n e d off the m a i n road, and L e e swung r o u n d to face h i m . ' W h e r e are we? W h y are you stopping?' she d e m a n d e d trenchantly, a n d her heart almost faltered and stopped at the expression on his face. G r i m and forbidding, he positively frightened her as he b r o u g h t the car to a halt and switched off the ignition.

' C o m e inside, L e e . I'll make some coffee, and we'll talk.' ' I ' m not getting out of this car!' M a r c gave an exasperated sigh that behoved great forbearance. ' T h i s is my farm,' he declared brusquely, and leaned an a r m on the steering wheel as he t u r n e d towards her. ' I ' d prefer to conduct this discussion inside the house.' His lips twisted into a cynical smile. 'Rest assured I have no ulterior motive in m i n d . Y o u ' r e quite safe, L e e , ' he drawled. Am I? she thought wryly. My emotions are in a bad e n o u g h state as it is, b u t whenever w e ' r e alone they shred into a t h o u s a n d pieces. To refuse to go inside would seem churlish—and childish. 'Very well,' she agreed, reaching for the door clasp. 'But not for long.' M a r c d i d n ' t answer, and with a feeling of trepidation she slid out of the car a n d followed h i m towards the long sprawling dwelling situated several yards distant. T h e moonlight cast long dark shadows, and L e e gave an involuntary start as a canine growl sounded far too close for comfort. 'Quiet, Bruno!' M a r c ordered, and the animal i m mediately subsided with a whimper. 'Alsatian,' he r e vealed as he led the way indoors. 'I have t w o . ' 'Security?' she tendered briefly. ' O u t here?' He switched on lights, providing a welcome illuminating glow, and his expression assumed sardonic amusement as he paused for her to reach his side. ' T h e r e ' s a lot of expensive e q u i p m e n t on a farm this size. Machinery alone r u n s into several thousands of dollars.' He gestured towards a spacious, comfortably furnished room. ' G o and sit down. I'll set up the Percolator.'

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L e e glanced a r o u n d with interest, noting that for a bachelor establishment it was extremely well kept. L o a t h to sit alone, she followed h i m t h r o u g h what was obviously the dining-room and into the kitchen. A gleam of appreciation lit her eyes as she took in the m o d e r n styling. It was a housewife's dream, with a wall oven, ceramic-topped benches, capacious r e frigerator and deep-freeze, and a dishwasher. T h e r e were an a b u n d a n c e of cupboards, a central work-table, and sufficient electrical gadgets to please the most fastidious of women. 'Like it?' At the sound of his drawling query, L e e swept her gaze towards him. ' W h o w o u l d n ' t ? ' she answered simply, and he inclined his head. ' D o you want a conducted tour over the rest of the house?' ' N o — t h a n k y o u . ' She s u m m o n e d forth a slight smile. 'I imagine it has the usual n u m b e r of r o o m s . ' M a r c removed the lid of the percolator, s p o o n e d in a quantity of g r o u n d coffee beans, added water, t h e n flicked the switch before t u r n i n g back to face? her. 'Plus a few a d d e d advantages,' he told her. 'A billiard room, sauna and spa pool—for my m o t h e r ' s benefit. She suffers from r h e u m a t i s m . ' Lee swallowed convulsively. She felt ill at ease, and' very m u c h aware of the powerful magnetism he p r o jected. W h e n he chose, M a r c could exert a practised c h a r m to which she was particularly vulnerable. It was? almost as if he had the power to reach out and touch her without even moving a muscle. As a lover he would be dynamic, combining tenderness with a hint of cruelty, a savage passion that could wreak havoc

with an inexperienced heart. To love such a m a n would be folly—a one-way p a t h to self-destruction. ' H a v e I suddenly grown a beard?' M a r c taunted, r u n n i n g a h a n d along his jaw, and his eyes gleamed with quizzical laughter as a faint tinge of pink coloured her cheeks. L e e held his gaze, determined n o t to let h i m see h o w unsettled she was, and her voice was even as she queried, ' W h a t game are you playing, M a r c ? ' ' W h a t makes you think I ' m playing a game?' he countered, and she d r e w a deep uneven breath. 'You deliberately a n d very cleverly led me into an a r g u m e n t earlier this evening. T h e entire conversation revolved r o u n d a hypothetical circumstance, and you know it.' He t h r u s t hands into his trousers pockets and let his eyes roam at will over her slender frame, lingering with indolent insolence on the slight rise a n d fall of her breasts beneath the thin silk blouse before travelling slowly up to her m o u t h , t h e n coming to rest on the twin points of gold fury glaring at h i m with indignation. ' Y o u ' r e the first w o m a n I've offered to m a r r y , ' M a r c told her with amused cynicism, and L e e thrust her h a n d s behind her back as she clenched t h e m t o gether in nervous tension. 'Why? D e a r G o d , am I supposed to be h o n o u r e d ? ' His eyes held hers relentlessly, their gleaming depths darkly brilliant, and the edges of his m o u t h twisted into a slight m u s i n g smile. ' I t ' s quite simple,' he drawled. 'I want you.' L e e momentarily closed her eyes a n d simultaneously took a backward step. 'Why—marriage?' she d e m a n d e d unsteadily. 'I can't imagine you experiencing

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any difficulty getting a woman into b e d . ' She gave a hollow laugh, a n d her eyes assumed a wild expression. 'Daniella a n d M a r i t a would leap at the chance!' He inclined his head in silent mocking agreement. 'But not you, L e e — e h ? ' ' H o w can you know that?' H i s humourless laugh was faintly derisive. 'I haven't reached the age of thirty-five without gaining a vast experience of w o m e n . ' ' A n d y o u ' r e always right, of course!' 'Invariably,' he mocked relentlessly. ' W e w o u l d n ' t be having this conversation if I was w r o n g . ' A s u d d e n b u b b l e of uncontrollable laughter escaped her lips. ' P e r h a p s you should try harder. You m i g h t succeed in wearing d o w n my resistance.' ' I s that an admission?' T h e laughter choked to a halt. ' N o — d a m n you!' H e r voice emerged as a stricken whisper. T h e need to get away from h i m was p a r a m o u n t , and without thinking she t u r n e d and ran. H a r d hands caught hold of her shoulders before she h a d taken m o r e t h a n a few steps, a n d she struggled impotently, experiencing a mixture of fear and u n a c countable rage. T h e r e wasn't a thing she could do to effect an escape, and after a few m i n u t e s she gave up even trying, resigning herself to stand quiescent within his encircling a r m s . Subtly his powerful grip eased, a n d he slowly t u r n e d her r o u n d to face h i m , lifting her chin so that she had to look at h i m . ' L e t me go, M a r c , ' she pleaded shakily, her eyes widening into pools of deep topaz as she m e t his inscrutable gaze. ' W h a t are you afraid of, Lee?' he d e m a n d e d quietly, ' M e — o r yourself?'

She wanted to scream at h i m that it was b o t h — b u t most of all it was her own wayward emotions she wanted to rage against. Some of the conflict m u s t have been evident in her expressive features, for suddenly she was free, and she flinched as he lifted an idle h a n d and p u s h e d back a lock of her hair that had fallen forward into t u m b l e d disarray. 'Coffee,' he directed wryly. 'It'll create a necessary diversion.' ' I ' d rather go h o m e , if you d o n ' t m i n d . ' H i s m o u t h twisted into the semblance of a smile. ' ' S o o n , I give you my word. But first we m u s t clear up a few p o i n t s . ' 'You can explain that it was all a mistake,' L e e ventured. 'Blame it on m e . ' ' T h i s is something I take full responsibility for,' M a r c declared dryly. 'A m o n t h from n o w you will have achieved your objective.' 'But I d o n ' t want to get m a r r i e d — m u c h less to you!' she cried. ' I t would be like living with—with dynam i t e , ' she added wildly. H i s laughter began deep in his chest, t h e n r u m b l e d to the surface in genuine amusement. 'At first, perhaps,' he allowed devilishly. 'But afterwards it will be very good—I p r o m i s e , ' he added softly. ' T h e r e ' s m o r e to marriage than sexual satisfaction,' L e e vented swiftly. ' A n d what about children?' she asked in desperation. ' I ' m not ready to make that sort of c o m m i t m e n t . ' 'You already have, in a way I consider irrevocable.' 'But you can't hold me to it!' she exclaimed. 'I'll explain ' ' T o o late,' he declared implacably. 'By tomorrow most people will have heard of our e n g a g e m e n t . . T o

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deny it so soon will only raise doubts as to your ' 'Sanity?' L e e d e m a n d e d , anger u p p e r m o s t . 'You hold all the cards, d o n ' t you?' she accused bitterly. ' T h e important ones,' h e acknowledged. ' S o , to prevent myself from appearing an u t t e r fool, I become engaged to y o u , ' she said heavily. ' F o r how long, M a r c ? ' 'As long as it takes,' he answered cynically, and she deliberated silently, trying to find some rational remedy. T h e t h o u g h t occurred that she h a d only two weeks left of her holiday. After she h a d r e t u r n e d to Sydney it would be relatively easy for M a r c to explain that the bogus engagement was over. Suddenly the solution seemed so simple she almost laughed o u t loud. 'I d o n ' t have m u c h choice, do I ? ' she capitulated reluctantly. M a r c merely smiled, and reaching into a nearby c u p b o a r d he w i t h d r e w cups a n d saucers a n d placed t h e m beside t h e percolator. 'Sugar? Milk or cream?' he asked blandly, a n d she answered abstractedly, following h i m into the lounge when he h a d p o u r e d their coffee. ' I f I ' m to meet your m o t h e r , ' L e e began after taking a few sips from h e r c u p , ' s h o u l d n ' t I k n o w m o r e about you?' His gaze was openly sardonic. 'Statistics?' 'She'll think it strange that I know practically nothing of your family background,' she declared wryly, shooting h i m a dark glance. ' I m a g i n e being presented with a girl p u r p o r t e d to be your son's fiancee w h o is ignorant of everything except his n a m e , age a n d financial status!' M a r c drained the contents of his cap a n d set it

down on a nearby table, then he leaned back against the cushioned sofa exuding a relaxed ease L e e would have dearly liked to emulate. ' M y father died ten years ago,' he told h e r lazily, his dark eyes inscrutable as he regarded her. 'I had just begun to carve a niche for myself as a business consultant in Sydney, which of necessity had to be shelved for a few years while I came h o m e and took over the reins on the farm. W h e n my sister married and moved d o w n south, M o t h e r missed her terribly, so at my suggestion she n o w divides her time equally between us. T h e farm is set up as a family trust, a n d r u n very profitably with the assistance of a manager w h o resides on the property. H e ' s employed on a salary basis with a share of the profits, which ensures that he works very h a r d to achieve success,' he revealed dryly. ' H e ' s responsible for employing workers and cultivating the crop, which enables me to be absent for as long a n d as often as I choose. Consequently I manage to direct my own consultancy firm in Sydney for several m o n t h s of each year,' he concluded, and L e e m e t his level gaze unflinchingly. ' A m I to surmise that y o u ' r e not wholly e n a m o u r e d of farm life?' she queried lightly, a n d his answering laughter was husky a n d faintly dry. 'I was b o r n on this farm. F o r almost as long as I can r e m e m b e r , tobacco has played a large part in my life, although not necessarily by choice. H e n c e a privileged education in boarding schools a n d university. If it wasn't for my m o t h e r ' s sentimental attachment I would have sold the farm years ago.' He gave a careless shrug. 'As it is, I manage to combine b o t h interests with some success.' ' Y o u ' r e very fond of your m o t h e r , a r e n ' t you?'

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' S h e ' s a very special lady,' M a r c declared significantly. 'I would like your word that you w o n ' t do or say anything to cause her distress.' L e e looked at h i m carefully. ' D o you expect me to portray a loving fiancee?' H i s smile was faintly quizzical. 'Will you find that so difficult?' She finished the last of h e r coffee a n d replaced the cup on to its saucer, t h e n stood to her feet. ' I ' d like to go h o m e . I t ' s quite late, and I ' m tired.' W i t h o u t waiting she walked out to the kitchen and placed the cup a n d saucer in the sink. ' I n so m u c h of a h u r r y to get away from m e ? ' L e e t u r n e d r o u n d to face h i m , and her heart skipped a beat at his close proximity. 'Please, M a r c ! ' H e r nerve-ends began to tingle as he leaned forward and caught hold of her chin. 'You'll behave yourself for my m o t h e r ' s benefit?' ' I ' m n o t totally insensitive.' 'I d i d n ' t say you w e r e , ' he said wryly, a n d she shifted her gaze to a point beyond his shoulder. ' C a n we go n o w ? ' If she d i d n ' t get away from h i m soon she'd scream! Every nerve and fibre cried out for his touch, a n d she h a d to physically restrain herself from swaying towards h i m . W i t h o u t a w o r d M a r c t u r n e d and led the way out to the car, and Lee slid into the passenger seat with p r o found relief. T h e distance of half a mile was covered in a m a t t e r of m i n u t e s , a n d as soon as t h e tyres crunched to a halt she reached for the door clasp. ' N o goodnight kiss?' M a r c mocked in a husky drawl, a n d she reiterated fiercely, ' T h e r e ' s no one a r o u n d to see.' 'I'll take one just the same.'

' Y o u ' r e insufferable!' she choked, hating h i m at that moment. 'You protest too m u c h , ' he chided pitilessly as he leaned forward and b r u s h e d his lips across her cheekbone. H i s m o u t h captured hers in a h a r d compelling kiss that lent no pretence to gentleness, t h e n she was free. ' T o m o r r o w , ' he reminded her deliberately. ' O n e o'clock.' L e e refrained from slamming the car door b e h i n d h e r , and forced herself to walk up the few steps to the front door instead of r u n n i n g as she would have liked to d o . In h e r b e d r o o m she sank down on to the b e d in a gesture of defeat. She felt completely enervated, and instinctively certain that she h a d unwittingly played right into M a r c ' s h a n d s . W i t h a weariness that had little to do with lack of sleep she slipped off h e r shoes a n d changed out of her clothes, then slid between the sheets in the h o p e that t h e dark curtain of sleep would obliterate the evening's events, for she had no desire to dwell on the consequences.

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As M a r c h a d predicted, news in a small c o m m u n i t y spread with amazing speed, and w h e n he called to collect L e e shortly after lunch for the drive down to Cairns her greeting was superficially w a r m . ' T h a t smile of yours is quite something,' he observed musingly as he set the sleek Fairlane moving swiftly out on to the m a i n road. 'You should do it m o r e often.'

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L e e shot h i m a wry glance. ' D o you realise what you've done?' 'You refer to o u r engagement?' ' W h a t else?' H e r eyes sparkled with p e n t - u p rage. ' M y sister has waxed lyrical over the news from the time the p h o n e first rang just after breakfast.' H e r voice rose a fraction. ' H a v e you any conception what I've had to p u t up with?' H e r eyes rose heavenward in pious supplication. ' M y G o d ! If I h a d stayed in that house another m i n u t e I would have exploded!' 'As bad as that?' M a r c queried sardonically, a n d she could cheerfully have hit h i m for displaying such cynical amusement. 'You've stirred up a h o r n e t s ' nest,' L e e snapped with asperity, 'and p u t me right in the midst of it. Alicia m u s t have taken twenty calls this morning—all from women d e m a n d i n g to know if h e r sister h a d worked some mystical spell over a m a n they considered to be their particular property! It m u s t be some harem you keep,' she finished with ill-disguised bitterness. 'I plead guilty to a collection of female friends,' he drawled mockingly. 'But referring to t h e m as part of a h a r e m is totally erroneous.' ' Y o u surprise m e , ' she c o m m e n t e d with m a r k e d sarcasm. ' I ' m labelled as some sort of libellous witch, while y o u emerge scot-free. If this m o r n i n g was anything to go by, I feel inclined to wear a placard a r o u n d my neck with the w o r d s " n o t g u i l t y " emblazoned in h u g e lettering.' ' M y m o t h e r will love y o u . ' ' T h a n k s , ' she said dryly. ' T h a t t h o u g h t cheers me no end.'

' S o it should.' L e e glanced across the space between t h e m , her expression speculative. 'You seem inordinately attached to her.' ' M o s t Italians are very family-conscious,' he explained tolerantly. ' C h i l d r e n are the focal point of their p a r e n t s ' existence. It's a philosophy gained from age-old tradition.' H i s wide m o u t h curved into a softened smile. 'I think you'll see what I m e a n w h e n you meet her.' 'You were horribly spoilt,' L e e proclaimed, a n d incurred his laughter. ' Q u i t e the opposite,' M a r c said wryly. 'I h a d to work doubly h a r d to achieve any favours, owing to my father's wealth. Everything received was earned the h a r d way, and I was taught never to take anything for granted.' 'A spartan u p b r i n g i n g . ' It explained the vague cruelty, the worldly cynicism in his m a n n e r . 'Necessary,' he shrugged indolently. ' I t achieved its objective.' W h e n they reached Cairns M a r c parked the car in the main street, t h e n he leaned across to unlock her door. T h e slight contact sent goose-bumps shivering d o w n her spine, and she slid quickly from the car to pause on the pavement as she waited for h i m to join her. Tall and lithely built, with his rugged looks he did strange things to her equilibrium. F o r one brief m i n u t e she almost wished there was some sentiment motivating the purchase of a ring. T h e n she quickly stifled such t h o u g h t s , mentally questioning her sanity. M a r c L e o n e was the last m a n she w o u l d think of marrying!

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'Any particular preference as to stones or design?' L e e looked at him blankly for a few seconds, t h e n as his words penetrated, she gave a slight shrug. ' W h a t does it matter? Something inexpensive.' M a r c ' s grip on her elbow tightened fractionally as he led her into an elegantly appointed showroom, a n d his presence elicited the immediate solicitous attention of the manager. ' M r L e o n e ! H o w can w e help you?' L e e darted M a r c a faint smile, her eyes frankly mocking as she deduced the reason for his frequent patronage. 'Gifts of jewellery for services r e n d e r e d — darling?' she murmured the instant the manager was out of hearing. 'Careful, m y sweet,' M a r c warned dangerously. ' I ' m n o t beyond quieting that vicious little t o n g u e of yours.' ' A n d shock that poor m a n ? ' she effused prettily. ' M a r c , h o w could you!' H i s dark glance h a d a riveting effect. 'Very easily,' he answered, a n d her eyes became faintly m u t i n o u s . ' S t o p it, L e e , ' he cautioned. 'I d o n ' t make idle threats.' 'I stand in fear a n d trembling,' she r e s p o n d e d wryly, t h e n gave a faint gasp as he bent d o w n and took her m o u t h in a kiss that was mercilessly hard. 'You bastard!' she whispered t h r o u g h bruised lips, t h e n h e r eyes widened in disbelief as he deliberately b r o u g h t his m o u t h down again in pitiless resolve. 'I warned you about the careless u s e of that p a r ticular w o r d , ' he declared silkily, a n d it was all she could do not to lash out at h i m . ' I ' m sorry for the delay. T h i s selection h a d to be retrieved from our vault. I t ' s n o t often we have a call

for such high quality g e m s . ' L e e stared blankly ahead, dimly aware of M a r c a n d the manager as they conferred over the contents on the black velvet tray that had been placed on top of the counter. T w i n spots of colour b u r n e d brightly on her cheeks, and it took all her resolve not to t u r n a n d walk away. A hollow laugh rose silently in h e r throat. W h e r e could she go that he w o u l d n ' t follow? M a r c L e o n e observed no conventional rules whatsoever. 'Yes, the solitaire,' M a r c instructed. 'As you say, it's flawless and expertly cut. I like its fiery yellow sparkle. It reminds me of my fiancee's eyes. T r y it on, darling.' L e e t u r n e d towards h i m , h e r tortured gaze centring on the ring he held out, t h e n it swung rapidly u p w a r d s to meet those dark mocking depths. W i t h o u t a word she obediently held out her h a n d for him to slip it on, although she inwardly cringed from the contact of cold metal against her finely-boned finger. It felt like a manacle, a n d for a wild uncontrollable m o m e n t she experienced the feeling that it was there to stay. ' T h e y o u n g lady has very delicate h a n d s . T h e ring will need to be correctly sized,' the m a n a g e r vent u r e d , and M a r c gave a brief affirmative nod. 'I trust you can attend to it this afternoon? Shall we say—four o'clock?' ' I t ' s far too expensive,' L e e burst out the instant they were out of the shop. 'A ring is essential,' M a r c declared bluntly as he led her towards the car. ' A r e n ' t you forgetting it will be examined, assessed and admired countless times by family—yours, and m i n e — n o t to mentioned an a b u n d ance of friends?' He unlocked the door a n d held it open as she slid inside, t h e n he strode r o u n d a n d

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slipped in behind the wheel. 'Of course,' L e e m u r m u r e d bitterly, and her eyes glittered with ill-concealed animosity, 'I should have r e m e m b e r e d your elevated status in the community. A paltry bauble would hardly be fitting for the fiancee of M a r c L e o n e , would it?' H e r eyes swept up to meet his. 'I shall have to endeavour to do it justice—although I can't promise I w o n ' t feel t e m p t e d to wrench it off! I dislike being b r a n d e d as any m a n ' s exclusive p r o p e r t y . Especially yours,' she finished resentfully. F o r a few timeless seconds the air was perfectly still, t h e n in seemingly slow motion his head lowered, his h a n d s moving to hold her prisoner as he kissed her. T h e r e was a leashed savagery in the way his m o u t h forced hers apart, and she was powerless to stop the p l u n d e r i n g force that threatened to devour her very soul. If he had wanted to w o u n d her deeply he could not have chosen a better m e t h o d than that cruel public demonstration. W h e n at last he pulled back, her eyes were large shimmering pools of drowning topaz in a face that had become pale and strained. W o r s t of all was her m o u t h , bruised, faintly swollen, and trembling with a kind of n u m b e d pain that seemed to be slowly spreading over her entire body. 'Dio!' M a r c husked emotively as he raked her whitened features, t h e n with a gesture of restrained violence he leant forward and ignited the powerful engine, reversing expertly before swinging the large car into the stream of traffic. L e e sat in a state of suspended limbo, too enervated to take note of where they were heading. She told herself she d i d n ' t really care. Oh G o d , her head ached. H e r whole body, in fact. Shakily she lifted a h a n d to

h e r temple, resting her elbow against the car door for support as she t u r n e d unseeing eyes out over the swiftly passing hinterland. Wearily she closed her eyes, hoping to blot out the hard indomitable features that seemed to have etched themselves permanently in her brain. Somehow she stirred alive a latent cruelty t h a t was almost primitive. Never had she felt so vulnerable, so ready to weep, in her entire life. L e e wasn't even aware that the car slowed and came to a halt until she felt a h a n d b r u s h back a length of hair b e h i n d her ear, a n d she t u r n e d with sudden fear, h e r eyes focusing with difficulty on the h a r s h planes of M a r c ' s compelling features. She felt the touch of his fingers as they trailed gently over the delicate bones of her face, and gave an involuntary shiver as they slowly traced the outline of her bruised m o u t h . ' D o n ' t ! ' T h e t o r t u r e d sound left her lips as a barely audible whisper that went on to beg, 'Please—leave me alone.' ' D o you think I haven't tried?' M a r c queried wryly as he moved to cup her face with his h a n d s . ' I ' m continually t o r n between the desire to h u r t and kiss you.' 'You do b o t h — w i t h unparalleled excellence,' she accorded shakily, and her whole body began to tremble as he moved close. 'You realise there can be only one r e m e d y ? ' H i s eyes h a d become so dark she felt she might d r o w n in t h e m , and she m a d e one futile attempt to escape. Only it was too late—way too late. H i s m o u t h touched hers briefly with such incredible gentleness it was all she could do not to cry. T h e n , feather-light, it travelled up to press closed each eyelid in t u r n before seeking first the sensitive curve of her

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ear, stirring alive a w a r m sensual flame as he nuzzled t h e lobe a n d the delicate hollows beneath. Slowly, achingly, his lips continued their devastating trail down the sensitive cord of her neck, wandered at will over the fine bones at the base of her throat before travelling up the other side to render similar treatment, until with a t o r m e n t e d groan L e e twisted her head so that h e r m o u t h could meet those seeking lips. N e v e r in her life h a d she been kissed quite like this, for it was like being m a d e love to—an ultimate experience in erotic seductiveness, so incredibly sweet that she never wanted it to end. It was M a r c w h o was in total control, m o u l d i n g her m o u t h with his own, s h a p ing it, p r o b i n g with infinite sensitivity, obliterating past onslaughts as he sought to appease a n d arouse her bruised emotions. W h e n at last he lifted his head, it was she w h o m o v e d to recapture his m o u t h , and her eyes wore a faintly bewildered air as he gently disentangled her a r m s from about his neck. ' Y o u ' r e beautiful,' M a r c said quietly, a n d his eyes roved in a slow intimate appraisal that b r o u g h t a b l u s h to her cheeks. L e e shook her head, a n d attempted to fight off the feeling of b e m u s e m e n t that seemed to have settled u p o n her. 'I had too m a n y years at school being called alternatively " R e d " a n d " C a r r o t s " to believe t h a t , ' she volunteered solemnly, a n d gave a wry smile at his faint chuckle. 'Really,' she assured h i m . ' Y o u r skin is the colour of p u r e honey and quite without freckles.' She wrinkled her nose a n d a mischievous sparkle lit h e r eyes. ' O h , I have a few,' she told h i m . ' I n places h i d d e n from general view.'

' H m , ' M a r c p o n d e r e d teasingly. 'I shall take delight in discovering t h e m for myself when we have m o r e privacy. Be warned I intend kissing each and every one of t h e m . ' H i s eyes gleamed with wicked devilry, and she h a d to look away, flustered a n d embarrassed at the m e r e t h o u g h t of h i m placing his m o u t h there. ' W h a t time is it? D o n ' t you think we should be going?' T h e words came out in a slight r u s h as she struggled to sit u p r i g h t upright in her seat. ' U n u s e d to conducting intimate conversation with a m a n , L e e ? ' he slanted with a trace of mockery. ' G o o d heavens, n o , ' she assured h i m far too quickly. ' I ' m quite w o r l d l y - w i s e a n d unshockable.' H i s eyes darkened measurably as he took her chin between t h u m b a n d forefinger, tilting it so she h a d to look at h i m . ' I f I t h o u g h t that, I ' d m a k e you beg for mercy.' L e e swallowed convulsively. ' S t o p it, M a r c , ' she pleaded shakily. ' R i g h t at this m o m e n t I d o n ' t possess the strength to fight you.' ' M y , m y , is that an admission?' F o r a long time L e e could only look at h i m , then she offered carefully, 'You have the advantage of superior physical strength, a sophisticated life style I couldn't h o p e to emulate despite having lived in a city most of my life. Besides, you seem to delight in deliberately taunting m e , ' she added. 'Almost as if you want to drive me to the very limit of my e n d u r a n c e . H o w do you expect me to react? W i t h a limpid smile as I t u r n the other cheek?' ' T h a t would be totally out of character,' M a r c d e clared, a n d b e n d i n g forward he kissed her briefly before straightening back in his seat. ' C o m e on, let's walk for a while, t h e n we'll head back to t o w n . '

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T h e immediate s u r r o u n d i n g s h a d escaped her, b u t n o w L e e glanced out of the window with interest a n d saw that they were parked in a small layby near the caravan park at Ellis Beach. T h e r e was a p a t h leading d o w n on to the sand, and she slipped from the car a n d began walking t h r o u g h the encroaching u n d e r g r o w t h . It was a lovely day, the sun beginning to lower in an azure sky, b u t to her unacclimatised skin it felt w a r m despite the slight breeze that feathered gently against h e r , tugging her hair into attractive disarray as she reached the foreshore. W i t h o u t t h o u g h t she b e n t d o w n a n d removed her slim-heeled sandals, t h e n holding t h e m in one h a n d she w a n d e r e d d o w n towards the water. Blue a n d inviting, the tide was on the t u r n , its incoming vigour dispersing, a n d L e e gave in to an u n c o m m o n u r g e to feel the wet sand beneath her toes. 'Are you trying to get rid of m e ? ' Feeling free a n d energised, she glanced r o u n d and laughed, her eyes frankly teasing as she took in his immaculate trousers and shoe-shod feet. 'Be daring,' she suggested quizzically. 'Roll up your trousers a n d come with m e . ' ' Y o u ' r e an i m p u d e n t child,' he grinned. ' B u t I'll try to be indulgent.' ' H o w uncharacteristic of y o u , ' she smiled, holding out her h a n d . ' I f you h u r r y , I'll wait for you.' H i s quiet chuckle b r o u g h t a s u d d e n knot in her s t o m ach. If only she could capture this m o m e n t a n d p r e serve it! He was an enigma—so vital he appeared almost invincible, with a strength a n d virility that was frightening. Yet there were times when he exhibited unexpected gentleness, and she wondered rather sadly if she really knew h i m at all.

' T e l l m e about your childhood.' L e e felt her h a n d become lost inside his large one, and she t u r n e d to gaze out towards the horizon. ' T h e r e ' s not m u c h to tell,' she said evenly. ' M y father died shortly after I was b o r n , leaving my m o t h e r to cope as best she could w i t h two y o u n g children. Despite being relatively poor, Alicia and I h a d a happy childhood. M o t h e r refused to go out to work a n d leave us in anyone's care, so she took in sewing at h o m e to earn sufficient m o n e y to pay the rent a n d feed and clothe u s . ' ' W e r e there no relatives w h o could have helped?' L e e shook her head. ' D a d ' s parents lived o u t west,' she explained matter-of-fact. 'I believe they were well off, a n d d i d n ' t approve of their son m a r r y i n g a city girl w h o m they considered not nearly good e n o u g h for h i m . After his funeral, my m o t h e r never heard from t h e m again. Sad, really,' she declared p e n sively. 'I was only fourteen when she died, b u t I r e m e m b e r her being full of fun a n d life. Alicia a n d I may n o t have had m u c h in the way of material possessions, b u t we h a d all the loving care it was possible to have.' ' A n d afterwards?' M a r c p r o m p t e d . 'Alicia was already working,' she revealed slowly. ' A n d I left school just as soon as I could. An a p p r e n tice hairdresser's wage is fairly m e a g r e , b u t we managed between u s . T h e n Alicia m e t Stefano when he was in Sydney on holiday, and they m a r r i e d soon after.' ' W h i c h left you to cope alone at what—sixteen?' 'I wasn't exactly helpless,' L e e protested. 'Alicia a n d Stefano wanted me to m o v e n o r t h and live with t h e m for a while, b u t I couldn't have d o n e that.

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Besides, I h a d a natural talent with hair, a n d a vision of climbing out of mediocrity. Living in a small country t o w n was hardly conducive to furthering a successful career.' ' A n d is it?' She glanced u p w a r d s a n d m e t his dark inscrutable gaze. 'I like to think so. I've worked h a r d and saved every cent I can. In another year I should have sufficient m o n e y to b u y my o w n salon. O h , not in the city itself,' she added wryly. 'But a few years on the o u t skirts a n d I should be able to choose one of the wealthier inner s u b u r b s . T h e n I shall really achieve my objective.' ' D o u b l e Bay, perhaps? I have an a p a r t m e n t t h e r e , ' M a r c revealed, a n d L e e gave a slight grimace. 'Very nice,' she said ruefully. 'I suppose it's a p e n t house suite c o m m a n d i n g a fabulous view.' H e r eyes lit with faint irony. 'Ideal for entertaining your n u m e r ous w o m e n friends.' 'Of course,' he answered h u m o r o u s l y . 'Although I prefer one at a time—orgies t e n d to be exhausting.' T h e t h o u g h t o f h i m with another w o m a n m a d e her feel physically ill, a n d in a strained little voice she said, ' L e t ' s go back.' Unconsciously she tugged at her h a n d , wanting to be free of him. T h e peace they had shared was broken, a n d a lot of her former antipathy r e t u r n e d . ' W e have to make ourselves presentable to meet your m o t h e r . I d o n ' t imagine she would a p preciate bare feet a n d w i n d b l o w n hair,' she concluded dryly. 'Was it a reference to orgies, I w o n d e r ? ' M a r c q u e s tioned mildly. 'Surely you recognise a joke?' H i s a m u s e m e n t was evident, a n d she felt her stomach muscles tighten painfully.

'Of course. Even the great Marcello L e o n e isn't s u p e r h u m a n , ' she mocked, a n d glimpsed his b r o a d frame shake shake with silent laughter. ' W e ' r e back to square one, I take it?' ' W e r e we ever out of it?' she countered, a n d he paused briefly to pull her close against him. ' O h yes, my sweet.' H i s breath fanned tendrils of hair that lay across her forehead, t h e n his m o u t h was on hers, possessive and frighteningly knowledgeable as it moved back a n d forth in a m a n n e r that was d i s ruptively sensual. L e e was silent d u r i n g t h e short drive back to Cairns, and she endeavoured to hide her reluctance as M a r c slid the magnificent solitaire d i a m o n d on to her finger. ' W e ' v e t i m e for a quick drink before heading out to t h e airport,' he indicated as he led her along t h e pavement, a n d L e e inclined her head in silent apathy. ' C h a m p a g n e , ' he decided, giving the order t h e instant they were seated in a nearby hotel lounge. W h e n h e r glass was filled, L e e sipped the contents and let her gaze wander idly as she attempted to gather together some courage. If M a r c ' s m o t h e r was anything like h i m , she felt she needed all t h e help she could get. ' S o quiet,' M a r c mocked with a trace of cynicism. ' W h a t ' s going on inside that head of yours?' L e e glanced d o w n at the exquisite ring splaying a myriad brilliant colours from its m a n y facets. 'I should thank you,' she proffered solemnly. ' N o one could d o u b t its excellence. I t ' s perfectly splendid.' ' I ' m glad you approve,' he inclined dryly. ' N o , really,' she said with quiet sincerity. ' I t ' s p r e cisely what one would expect from a m a n of your wealth a n d position. I shall g u a r d it carefully.' A n d r e t u r n it just as soon as this fiasco has reached its con-

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elusion, she added silently. ' D r i n k u p , L e e , ' M a r c instructed brusquely. ' I realise y o u ' r e a b u n d l e of nerves at the prospect of m e e t ing my m o t h e r , b u t right at this m o m e n t I ' m having the greatest difficulty in restraining myself from giving you a good slap.' L e e ' s tension increased measurably as she stood by M a r c ' s side watching the stream of passengers vacate the large Boeing, and any preconceived ideas she h a d about M r s L e o n e were dashed to the g r o u n d as a slim, middle-aged w o m a n separated herself from the crowd. ' M a r c ! H o w good it is to see you again!' L i g h t grey eyes creased with ill-disguised affection as she p r e sented first one cheek a n d t h e n the other for his w a r m embrace. ' L e e , my dear—how are you?' T h e smile she gave was genuine, a n d without ceremony she leaned forward and afforded her son's fiancee an unaffected greeting. 'I can see w h y M a r c felt compelled to sweep you off your feet.' She looked from one to the other of t h e m and gave a gentle laugh before t u r n i n g back to L e e . 'Welcome to the family, L e e . ' L e e felt as if her powers of speech h a d temporarily deserted her, a n d the smile she gave M r s L e o n e was slightly hesitant. ' Y o u have no idea h o w nervous she's b e e n , ' M a r c remarked, a n d his m o u t h twitched with h u m o u r as he slipped an arm across L e e ' s shoulders, t h e n according his m o t h e r the same gesture, he t u r n e d and moved towards the luggage bay. ' I ' m not surprised,' M r s L e o n e laughed softly, sparing h i m a somewhat wry smile. ' Y o u ' r e every bit as forceful as your dear father was. I can imagine L e e wondering what sort of w o m a n m o t h e r e d you!' M a r c ' s husky laughter b r o u g h t forth an infectious

grin from that good lady, and L e e could only w o n d e r that this was the same m a n w h o had shown her such unprincipled passion. Startling, too, was the k n o w ledge that he h a d given his m o t h e r advance warning of the engagement. T h e luggage stowed in the boot, M a r c set the car in motion and m o v e d out from the airport terminal on to the m a i n highway heading west towards the K u r a n d a Ranges. Conversation became a sparkling exchange between m o t h e r a n d son, into which L e e was d r a w n with a naturalness that wasn't feigned, so that she began to feel a w a r m affinity towards the w o m a n w h o m a d e no secret of her delight over her son's pending marriage. Consequently the h o u r ' s drive to M a r e e b a seemed to take scarcely any time at all, although it was with a sense of relief that Lee viewed their i m m i n e n t arrival. 'You'll stay for dinner, Lee?' M r s L e o n e glimpsed her slight hesitation, and insisted charmingly, ' O h , please do. We have so m u c h to talk about.' T h a t ' s debatable, Lee brooded, u n s u r e that a tete-atete with M a r c ' s m o t h e r was a wise m o v e , yet it would seem churlish to refuse. ' T h a t would be lovely,' she accepted politely. T h e large car slowed and t u r n e d into the driveway, to come to a halt beside the paved p a t h leading up to the house. 'I love coming h o m e , ' Mrs L e o n e enthused, a n d cast her gaze over the neatly-cut lawn s u r r o u n d i n g the large sprawling dwelling. T u r n i n g slightly, she c a p t u r e d Lee's attention. ' M y late h u s b a n d acquired this land t h r o u g h a Government-sponsored ballot m o r e t h a n thirty years ago. Do you see that house just beyond the barns? T h a t was our first h o m e , built originally as

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three rooms a n d a d d e d to five years later, and yet again. T h i s place,' she indicated the m o d e r n brick structure immediately in front of t h e m , 'comprises everything I ever dreamed of, and is the culmination of m a n y h o u r s s p e n t poring over countless plans, designs and samples. T h e irony of it is that the house was only completed a year before my h u s b a n d ' s death, so he h a d little o p p o r t u n i t y to witness my enjoyment of it.' L e e m a d e an appropriate m u r m u r i n g comment as she walked with the other w o m a n towards the front door, remarking on the splendidly kept garden and flower borders that lined the path. 'Yes, they are lovely, aren't they?' M r s L e o n e agreed. ' W i t h practically no rainfall t h r o u g h o u t most of t h e year it's impossible to grow anything without constant water-sprinkling, b u t the tropics lends itself to an a b u n d a n c e of colourful blooms that make the effort rewarding.' O n reaching the tiled verandah M r s L e o n e paused to extract a key, t h e n pulling back the insect screen she unlocked the door and stood aside for L e e to precede her. M a r c followed immediately at their rear with a suitcase in each h a n d . 'I'll take these t h r o u g h to your r o o m , t h e n we'll have a drink.' L e e avoided his eyes, a n d directed a smile somewhere in the vicinity of his chin. ' N o w , my dear, let me look at you,' said M r s L e o n e the instant h e r son was out of sight. H e r smile was w a r m , her expression sincere as she reached out a n d caught hold of Lee's h a n d s . 'You d o n ' t know h o w glad I am that M a r c has finally decided to get m a r r i e d . ' She gave a tinkling laugh that was infectious. ' I ' d

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almost given u p , believe me!' T h i s was going from bad to worse, Lee perceived. T h e older w o m a n was so genuine in her affectionate appraisal, it would have taken a harder heart than L e e possessed to give any hint that m i g h t destroy her illusions. Aloud, she offered, ' I t came as a surprise to m e , too.' ' W h a t surprised you, darling?' L e e heard that deep drawling query and t u r n e d slowly to see M a r c strolling towards t h e m . T h e endearment rankled, and it showed in the sparkling gaze she cast h i m . 'Your proposal,' she answered with a light smile that began and ended with the m o v e m e n t of her lips. ' H m , ' he began musingly, coming to stand close beside her. 'I t h o u g h t I ' d been most persuasive.' ' O h , you were,' she agreed w i t h droll vivacity, a n d he gave a husky laugh. 'However, you d i d n ' t imagine my intentions were honourable,' he slanted with a m u s e d cynicism, a n d M r s L e o n e ' s eyes lit impishly alive. 'You have to allow you have an impressive track record,' she teased. ' L e e can't be blamed for thinking otherwise.' ' D e a r L o r d ! ' M a r c raised his eyes heavenward. ' D o the two of you intend taking sides against me? I need a drink to bolster my morale.' H i s amused chuckle did strange things to L e e ' s composure, a n d she was forced to suffer his a r m about her waist as they moved t h r o u g h to the lounge. C h a m p a g n e was fetched, and a touching toast to their future happiness d e m a n d e d all L e e ' s acting ability as M a r c linked his a r m t h r o u g h hers and d r a n k first from his glass t h e n from hers, silently d e m a n d i n g

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that she do the same. 'I'll just p o p t h r o u g h to the kitchen and prepare something for dinner,' M r s L e o n e declared, rising to her feet. 'Steak and salad, I think, followed by fresh fruit.' 'I'll come and h e l p , ' L e e said quickly, b u t M a r c ' s m o t h e r laughingly shook her head. ' M u c h as I ' d love your company, L e e , ' she refused, ' I ' m sure M a r c will appreciate it m o r e . ' H e r smile was w a r m and slightly audacious as she glanced from one to the other. 'Fifteen m i n u t e s — I ' l l give you a call.' 'You haven't finished your champagne,' M a r c drawled as the silence between t h e m grew, and L e e shot him a level look. ' T h e reason for drinking it doesn't exactly enthrall m e , ' she declared evenly, and glimpsed his cynical amusement. 'I have you very m u c h at my mercy, eh?' he slanted, and her eyes widened measurably as he extracted her glass from her nerveless fingers. Indolently watching her reaction, he deliberately lifted the rim to his m o u t h , taking care to select the part where she h a d placed her lips only m i n u t e s before. ' D o you have to behave so blatantly?' she d e m a n d e d fiercely, a n d his eyes gleamed with silent laughter. ' W h a t do you think of my mamma?' he parried mockingly, and L e e swallowed her anger with difficulty. ' S h e ' s nice,' she declared with complete sincerity. ' Q u i t e the opposite of her son, in fact?' 'Totally,' she agreed with succinct sarcasm. He replaced the glass down on to a nearby coffee table, t h e n caught hold of her h a n d a n d pulled her close, winding his a r m s r o u n d her slim form, his ex-

pression lazily mocking. ' D o n ' t , M a r c , ' L e e pleaded desperately as he lowered his head down to hers. 'Are you begging?' M a r c t a u n t e d softly, his m o u t h bare inches above her own. 'Please.' T h e single w o r d left her lips as an imploring whisper, a n d she pushed against his shoulders in an attempt to p u t some distance between t h e m . 'Your mother ' ' O h , L e e , ' he chided softly, his eyes wicked as he b r u s h e d his lips over her temple. ' T h a t ' s the very reason she left us alone. M a m m a fondly imagines that being so newly engaged we can hardly manage to keep our hands off each other.' H i s vibrant glance roved intimately over her expressive features. ' T h e very least we can do is to give her reason to suspect you've been very thoroughly kissed in her absence.' ' I t ' s not fair!' she cried, unbearably provoked, a n d he laughed. ' W h y ? Because you can't retaliate?' 'Yes—damn you!' 'Relax,' M a r c bade pitilessly. 'You m i g h t find you enjoy it.' ' T h a t would be impossible!' H i s eyes hardened fractionally. 'Shall I prove just how wrong you are?' L e e felt her stomach tighten painfully at the h i d d e n threat, and she moved her head in an attempt to evade what she envisaged to be a brutal assault. H a r d fingers slid with careless disregard t h r o u g h her hair to hold fast her head, t h e n his m o u t h closed over hers, blotting out everything save the taste of his kiss and the evocative seducing quality as his lips staked their possession.

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L e e t h o u g h t she h a d experienced every innovation in the n u m e r o u s times he h a d kissed her, b u t she was mistaken. T h i s time t h e r e was a savage sweetness that almost m a d e h e r want to cry. Part of her wanted to b e lieve the magic his touch evoked was m o r e than m e r e sensual mastery, a n d t h e other p a r t slowly died in the knowledge that it was deliberate. By his o w n a d m i s sion he wanted her to appear bemused, generating an aura of dreamy e n c h a n t m e n t for his m o t h e r ' s benefit. D i n n e r was a friendly a n d intimate family meal d u r i n g which M r s L e o n e sought to fill in whatever gaps her son had left out in L e e ' s life style. T h e r e were m o m e n t s w h e n L e e was aware of M a r c ' s slanting gaze as she conversed with his m o t h e r , a n d it took all her effort to direct h i m an occasional w a r m smile. W h e n t h e dishes h a d been dispensed with they h a d coffee in the lounge, t h e n as soon as she could do so L e e excused herself on the pretext of a headache and indicated that she wished to leave. ' M y dear, you should have m e n t i o n e d it before,' M r s L e o n e said w i t h concern. ' M a r c will take you h o m e , a n d I ' m sure a good n i g h t ' s rest will h e l p . ' H e r face creased into a w a r m smile. 'I'll look forward to seeing you t o m o r r o w evening. T h e b a r b e c u e , ' she enlightened gently, a n d L e e said quickly, 'Yes, of course. Is t h e r e anything I can do? Perhaps I could come oyer in t h e afternoon a n d help with preparations.' 'Enjoy being a guest, L e e , ' M a r c ' s m o t h e r twinkled irrepressibly. ' I t will probably be t h e last time. Besides, I have a bevy of relatives and friends w h o will each bring something. T h e r e ' s really only salads to p r e p a r e . T h e m e n take care of cooking t h e meat o u t doors.'

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W i t h a smile L e e m a d e her farewells, and conscious of M a r c immediately b e h i n d she stepped down the p a t h towards the gate. O n c e they were out of earshot she offered quietly, ' T h e r e ' s no need for you to take me in the car. I t ' s n o t far, I'll walk.' H i s negligent s h r u g was unrevealing. ' W h a t e v e r you want. B u t not alone, L e e , ' he drawled, and her r e s ponse was swift a n d bore traces of barely-concealed anger. 'Of course—forgive m e . You m u s t play the p a r t of an adoring fiancee. In that case, I elect the car. It will m e a n less time spent in your c o m p a n y . ' His mocking salute as he held o p e n the door was almost e n o u g h to make her scream, a n d in the few m i n u t e s it took to reach Alicia a n d Stefano's farm she d i d n ' t u t t e r a single word. ' Y o u ' r e a spitting b u n d l e of fury,' M a r c c o m m e n t e d cynically as he switched off the ignition, and leaning an a r m on the steering wheel he t u r n e d towards her. 'I gather I ' m the cause?' ' W h o else?' Reaching out a h a n d , he tilted h e r chin a n d glimpsed her sparkling gaze. ' P o o r little girl,' he chided mockingly, and bending his head he b r o u g h t his m o u t h close to h e r s , successfully stilling her struggles as she fought to evade him. L e e ' s voice rose slightly in desperation. ' D o n ' t , ' she begged. 'I c o u l d n ' t bear it.' ' N o t kiss you?' M a r c drawled, seeking the delicate hollow b e n e a t h a sensitive earlobe w i t h his lips. ' O h , b u t I shall—whenever and wherever I please.' 'I hate you,' L e e whispered against his m o u t h the instant before it closed over hers, a n d she was p o w e r less to halt its ravaging possession.

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It seemed an age before he disentangled her a r m s from about his neck a n d moved away. L e e felt e m o tionally drained, too enervated to do m o r e t h a n look at h i m t h r o u g h stricken eyes that m i r r o r e d her inner feelings far too readily. 'I love the way y o u hate,' M a r c m u r m u r e d as he trailed a gentle forefinger over her lips, tracing the outline of her m o u t h before moving over a cheekbone to p u s h back a swathe of her hair that h a d fallen forw a r d , partially covering her face. ' G o inside, L e e , ' he b a d e quietly. 'I'll see you t o m o r r o w , about six.' She managed a strangled response as she reached blindly for the door clasp, then she was o u t of the car a n d almost r u n n i n g towards the verandah b o r d e r ing t h e front of the house, a n d she d i d n ' t look back once.

like wildfire, so that t h e a n n o u n c e m e n t part-way t h r o u g h t h e evening h a d come as no surprise to anyone. T h e array of food was nothing short of magnificent, comprising tender young lamb roasted on a revolving spit, chickens, pizzas, a variety of salad greens, garlicbuttered bread rolls, as well as t h e traditional barbecued steaks a n d p e p p e r e d pork sausages. Elaborate cakes and a large bowl of fresh fruit salad comprised dessert, a n d liquid refreshments consisted of casked wine, beer a n d a variety of spirits. ' L e t ' s dance.' It wasn't a suggestion, it was a comm a n d , and L e e tried to instil some w a r m t h into her smile as she moved across the lawn with M a r c . Several couples were swaying together in time to t h e music, and with a sigh she p e r m i t t e d herself to be enfolded close against M a r c ' s h a r d frame. She rested her head against his chest a n d felt his breath stir her hair as his lips b r u s h e d across the top of h e r head. A strange lethargy crept into her limbs, a n d she controlled the faint shivering sensation that threatened to shake her body. T h e r e was a certain danger in relaxing her guard, for it w o u l d be all too easy to enjoy the heady delight of being held in M a r c ' s a r m s . Lulled by a quantity of good food and a surfeit of wine, L e e cast caution to the winds as she slowly lifted h e r arms and clasped her h a n d s r o u n d his neck. Idly she let her fingers trail t h r o u g h t h e hair that grew low on his n a p e as her b o d y m o v e d sinuously with his in time to the music. T h e subtle change in his hold as he arched her even closer m a d e her shockingly aware of h i m in a way that left her in no d o u b t of his arousal. L e e felt her senses begin to flare alive as his lips trailed over her hair to h e r temple, t h e n hovered close to her ear.

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' Y O U ' R E very quiet.' L e e t u r n e d slightly a n d m e t M a r c ' s faintly mocking gaze. ' I ' m tired,' she declared equably, a n d saw his m o u t h curve into a lazy smile. T h e y were standing together in the floodlit gardens adjoining the house, s u r r o u n d e d by groups of talking, laughing guests intent on enjoying themselves. M u s i c flowed from strategically m o u n t e d speakers, providing a pleasant background to what was u n d o u b t e d l y a splendid party. It was difficult to judge the n u m b e r present, b u t L e e calculated a h u n d r e d as a conservative estimate. N e w s of t h e engagement h a d spread

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' D a m n all these people,' M a r c cursed huskily. ' I ' d like to have you all to myself—preferably in b e d . ' Slowly she disentangled her a r m s from a r o u n d his neck and let t h e m slide down his chest. T h e effort it cost her to lift her head and meet his dark gleaming gaze was almost m o r e t h a n she could m a n a g e . ' T h a t ' s one place I'll never b e , ' she said evenly, although there was n o t h i n g even about her rapid pulse-beat. T h e m e r e t h o u g h t of that h a r d muscular body divested of clothing lying next to hers created an evocative enough image without p u r s u i n g the intimacies he would demand. W i t h studied indolence he let his eyes rove over her face, lingering at the tiny pulse that t h r o b b e d near her temple, t h e n allowed it to slide slowly d o w n to t h e edge of her m o u t h . ' L i a r , ' he accused softly. ' Y o u want to be there almost as m u c h as I need you there.' ' N e e d — w a n t , ' she choked. ' W h y wrap it up? It all comes down to lust—sheer physical assuagement.' G o a d e d beyond endurance, she couldn't help adding, 'If you think that by having a ring p u t on my finger I'll let you—use m e , t h e n you're mistaken!' She felt the ache of u n s h e d tears a n d p u s h e d against his chest in an a t t e m p t to p u t some distance between t h e m . ' S t o p acting as if I were about to rape you,' M a r c drawled, and she gave a mirthless laugh. ' O h , y o u ' r e m u c h too subtle for that. Y o u possess a m a s t e r ' s degree in sensual expertise,' she accorded bitterly. ' W h a t is it about me that attracts you, Marc? Do I present a challenge because I d o n ' t grovel for your attention?' She cast her eyes wildly over the guests. ' H a v e you looked at t h e w o m e n here tonight? Half of t h e m envy m e , b u t it's the other half I worry about.

Given the slightest chance they'd scratch my eyes out!' ' Y o u ' r e becoming hysterical, a n d without cause.' H i s gaze h a r d e n e d fractionally as he raked her features. ' H o w can you say t h a t ? ' ' W h a t do you want to hear? T h a t I've lived the life of a m o n k ? ' he d e m a n d e d dryly. 'I have a healthy sexual appetite, and I w o n ' t deny there have been several w o m e n in my life.' H i s lips curved to form a mocking smile as he d r e w her close. ' R e m e m b e r my so-called exalted place in the c o m m u n i t y , ' he taunted. 'All these young w o m e n you're referring to come from respectable families, with staunchly protective fathers,' he added with wry cynicism. ' H a r m so m u c h as a hair of their d a u g h t e r s ' heads, and I ' d be h o u n d e d by a posse of rifle-toting papas' L e e d i d n ' t b o t h e r to c o m m e n t , a n d she would have given anything to simply t u r n and walk away. F r o m M a r c L e o n e , the p a r t y — t h e whole town. ' L e t ' s rejoin some of the guests,' M a r c suggested tolerantly, and stepping back a pace he let his a r m fall over her shoulders as he t u r n e d her towards the house. T o everyone present they m u s t have appeared a n ideal couple, L e e t h o u g h t wryly. Certainly t h r o u g h o u t what remained of the evening M a r c rarely left her side, and his attentiveness couldn't be faulted. T h e r e was no chance of her being left alone to parry the barely-concealed animosity engendered by Daniella a n d Marita. T h a t w o u l d come later, w h e n they h a d the opportunity to get her alone. T h e threat was t h e r e , nonetheless, and L e e felt almost inclined to challenge b o t h girls to pistols at dawn. T h e guest of h o n o u r , Carlo Morelli, was a charming m a n in his mid-thirties w h o h a d little difficulty fitting

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into the easy friendship he h a d previously shared with everyone present. H i s regard for M a r c was apparent, and he m a d e no secret of the fact that he found L e e utterly captivating. ' T r u s t M a r c to claim you first,' Carlo declared, his attractive features assuming an expression of mockregret. 'If only I h a d come h o m e sooner, I ' d have wooed you away from h i m . ' ' N o t a chance, my friend,' M a r c told h i m with a dry smile, and L e e tilted her head slightly in teasing speculation. ' H e ' s a very persuasive m a n , Carlo. I've scarcely h a d a m o m e n t to think straight since we first m e t . ' T h e other m a n ' s laughter held genuine a m u s e m e n t . 'A force to be reckoned with, eh?' He glanced towards M a r c and indicated the guests with an encompassing gesture. 'I guess the next occasion we all get together will be for your wedding. H a v e you set a date yet?' L e e opened her m o u t h to protest, only to hear M a r c say blandly, 'Soon. T h e r e are a few m i n o r details to work out.' ' A t the risk of a refusal, what say we make up a party a n d drive to A t h e r t o n for dinner one night this week?' H i s smile became faintly mocking. ' O r do you want to be alone?' ' I ' d like that,' L e e said quickly, and glancing up at M a r c she gave h i m a beguiling smile. ' W h a t do you think, darling?' H i s answering smile held indolent amusement. ' W h y not?' he agreed. 'Shall we say T h u r s d a y ? ' 'Excellent. I'll ring you t o m o r r o w and we'll arrange the details.' ' N o t t o m o r r o w , ' M a r c declined. ' L e e a n d I are taking a day trip over to G r e e n Island. We'll fit in

with whatever arrangements you make for T h u r s d a y evening, a n d meet you inside the restaurant a r o u n d seven.' ' W h y did you tell Carlo we're getting married soon?' L e e d e m a n d e d in an u n d e r t o n e t h e instant they were out of earshot. ' W h a t did you expect me to say?' M a r c slanted her a dark gleaming glance that held a m u s e d cynicism. ' T h a t I have a fiancee w h o has no intention of attending her own wedding?' 'But w h y soon?' she insisted with a frown. 'You could have h i n t e d that it might take place towards the end of the year.' 'At the height of the tobacco season?' he queried. 'Six m o n t h s from now?' He gave a deep throaty chuckle. ' T h e y ' d question my restraint.' ' W h a t about m e ? ' she queried in a furious whisper. 'I hardly know you. Surely I should be given time to remedy that?' ' W h y get so angry over something you insist will never h a p p e n ? ' M a r c countered smoothly, and she clenched her teeth against the tirade she longed to heap u p o n his arrogant head. 'Because I hate the idea of everyone thinking I can't wait to m a r r y you,' she flung furiously. 'According to gossip, you're the catch of the decade, and I can only be interested in your money!' H i s gaze was disconcertingly level. 'But you are—by your own admission. R e m e m b e r ? ' D e a r G o d , h o w could she forget those foolishly goaded words about only marrying a millionaire? Except the bluff had backfired, and with every day that passed she found herself getting deeper a n d deeper into the mire.

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'I hate deceiving everyone,' L e e said wretchedly. ' M y sister—your m o t h e r . It isn't fair!' 'If you continue to frown, it will be imagined we're about to have our first fight,' M a r c drawled, a n d she stifled a bitter laugh. ' T h a t ' s all we ever do—fight, argue! We can't agree on anything!' ' O h , I can think of several occasions w h e n we've been in perfect accord,' he said musingly, a n d it was all she could do not to hit him. ' S t o p it, M a r c . Otherwise I'll walk out of h e r e , ' she threatened emotively. 'Be warned I ' d follow you,' he drawled in a voice that was dangerously quiet. ' A n d there would be no d o u b t about the o u t c o m e . ' 'You c o u l d n ' t leave your guests,' L e e flung with a bravery she d i d n ' t feel. ' W h a t would they think?' H i s negligent shrug was uncaring. 'I d o n ' t need to explain my actions to anyone. As to what they m i g h t t h i n k — I imagine they would d r a w their o w n conclusions.' 'You really d o n ' t care, do you?' she choked. ' Y o u ' r e a hard, unfeeling brute!' 'I h a v e n ' t achieved success by being negative,' M a r c told her hardily, and she felt sickened by his inflexibility. ' N o , ' she agreed slowly. 'You size up your objective, choose a course of action, t h e n sweep aside everything that stands in your way. M a y b e one day you'll come up against someone who'll refuse to give in. T h e one thing I regret is that I w o n ' t be a r o u n d to see your downfall.' 'You make me sound like a Satanic monster,' he inclined mockingly.

'You play by your own rules, M a r c . M a y b e it's time you revised t h e m . '

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On previous occasions w h e n L e e had travelled n o r t h for her holidays something h a d always transpired to prevent a trip to G r e e n Island, a n d she couldn't help the feeling of anticipation as the launch left Cairns early on Wednesday m o r n i n g a n d headed out towards the small tropical isle. In a strapless sun-frock of jade towelling material that showed off her cream-textured skin to advantage, she presented an attractive figure as she gazed out over the s p u m e of sea water spreading from t h e stern. A light breeze teased the length of her hair, lifting a n d ruffling it into disarray, and she t u r n e d slightly as she felt a h a n d b r u s h a stray lock back behind her ear. 'I should have b r o u g h t a scarf,' L e e grinned r u e fully, a n d was unable to prevent t h e faint quickening of her heartbeat as she caught M a r c ' s answering smile. He looked incredibly fit in dark shorts a n d a black short-sleeved shirt left u n b u t t o n e d almost to the waist. ' Y o u suit the casual windblown look,' he remarked with lazy mockery, and she wrinkled her nose at him. ' A m I m e a n t to take that as a compliment?' 'Are you fishing for one?' ' N o , of course n o t , ' L e e said evenly, unaccountably h u r t that he should think her deliberately provocative. She swallowed convulsively a n d t u r n e d her gaze back out over the ocean. M a r c h a d the power to w o u n d in a way she h a d t h o u g h t was impossible, for no m a n h a d ever m a d e her feel so vulnerable or so emotionally at o d d s . As it was, he was constantly in her t h o u g h t s . If she wasn't careful she'd join the m u l titude of w o m e n who h a d fallen hoplessly in love w i t h

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h i m , a n d that would never d o . She gave a s u d d e n start as she felt his h a n d curve over h e r shoulder a n d trail to her nape. M o r e t h a n anything she wanted to beg h i m to stop the subtle t o r t u r e his touch evoked, b u t doubtless he would be amused and that would be m o r e than she could bear. T h e only defence she had was anger, b u t self-respect and a m o d i c u m of good m a n n e r s forbade her to resort to such a display in the presence of others. ' Y o u ' r e t r e m b l i n g , ' M a r c asserted quietly, a n d it took considerable effort for her to t u r n and smile. ' A m I? I can't think w h y . ' She cast her gaze back towards the rapidly disappearing coastline. ' T h e hills are very dark against the skyline, aren't they?' ' T h e y form part of the Great Dividing R a n g e , ' M a r c informed her, and she missed the s u d d e n gleam that appeared in his dark eyes. L e e was supremely conscious of his fingers effecting an evocative massage beneath the heavy swathe of her hair, a n d m o r e t h a n anything she wanted to feel the touch of his m o u t h on hers. It was crazy, b u t right at that m o m e n t she was oblivious to everything b u t the desire to be close against h i m . N o t h i n g else m a t t e r e d , a n d the knowledge that he had the power to r e n d e r her so malleable m a d e her angry. In fact, it was almost funny w h e n she could see the h u m o u r of the situation. H e r e she was engaged to the m a n a n d to all intents and purposes supposedly e n r a p t u r e d at the t h o u g h t of m a r r y i n g h i m , yet inside she was an emotional wreck torn between the desires that flamed her b o d y a n d the rational logical part of her m i n d that u p h e l d her moral inhibitions. After a lengthy silence she said the first thing that came into her head. ' H o w long have you k n o w n Carlo?'

'All my life. We went to school together, t h e n on to college a n d university,' M a r c revealed, moving his a r m to rest across her shoulders. ' W h e r e has he been these past few years?' ' G e n u i n e interest, L e e ? ' he t a u n t e d softly. ' O r merely a conversational gambit?' She swallowed t h e s u d d e n l u m p that rose in h e r throat. 'Both. We can hardly spend the entire day without talking, a n d we've exhausted my life and yours. Besides,' she said with s u d d e n anger, 'he reminds me of you—he projects unenviable cynicism.' H i s soft chuckle did little to ease her ruffled comp o s u r e . 'Really? Is that h o w you see me—as a conformed cynic?' H i s m o u t h moved to form a wry smile. 'Perhaps I am. As for Carlo, he's h a d rather a h a r d time of it. H i s wife died a few m o n t h s ago of cancer.' L e e ' s features softened with genuine sympathy. ' H o w sad,' she said quietly, and her eyes widened slightly as M a r c lifted a h a n d to touch h e r cheek. 'Life is sad,' he opined with a touch of mockery. ' W e all struggle for survival, one way or another. I t ' s p a r t of our existence.' 'Tell me something about G r e e n Island,' she said a trifle desperately, and he smiled, his dark eyes agleam with h i d d e n amusement. 'We'll arrive there soon, t h e n you'll be free of our fellow passengers. I imagine the instant we're alone you'll become your usual self. H a v i n g to guard your tongue is proving something of a strain!' His silent laughter was almost the very limit, and she d i d n ' t bother to speak so m u c h as a w o r d until the launch reached the wharf at G r e e n Island. Lee felt as if she h a d been transported into a tropical paradise as she stepped on the Island's sandy

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shore, for evident were an a b u n d a n c e of p a n d a n u s trees, their wide-spreading palms providing shade a n d a welcoming coolness. Holiday cabins lent a carefree atmosphere, and there was a well-equipped shop and restaurant to cater for the guests' needs. Bright music was emitted from concealed speakers, mingling with the laughter and noise, a n d it was impossible not to catch t h e m o o d the organisers endeavoured to project. ' I t ' s like another world,' L e e c o m m e n t e d , and t h e smile she cast M a r c wasn't contrived. 'Shall we declare a truce?' T h i s t i m e she d i d n ' t take offence at his mocking a m u s e m e n t , a n d tucking an a r m t h r o u g h his she broke into an irrepressible grin. ' W e can b u t try. W h o knows? We m i g h t surprise ourselves!' H i s m o u t h curved into a relaxed smile as he gazed d o w n at her. ' W h a t do you want to do first?' 'You m e a n to say I get to choose?' ' O h , I think I can allow you that consideration,' he drawled, a n d she wrinkled h e r nose at h i m . 'Well, after two h o u r s on the launch, I vote we u n d e r t a k e some exercise. C a n we walk a r o u n d the Island?' 'Why not?' ' T h e n lunch,' L e e elected. 'A swim, a n d an h o u r or two sunbathing. W h a t time does t h e launch r e t u r n to Cairns?' ' T h r e e o'clock.' 'Lovely,' she declared, feeling suddenly carefree. T o d a y would be special, she felt it in her bones. Besides, w h e n M a r c set out to be charming he could melt h e r animosity into insignificance. D u r i n g their stroll along t h e sandy shore, L e e

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paused constantly in search of shells, although an u n d a m a g e d conch was a rare find owing to the Island being almost totally s u r r o u n d e d by a coral reef. T h e sun's w a r m t h caressed her skin, and w h e n they had come full circle she p u s h e d fingers t h r o u g h her hair in an endeavour to restore some order to its t u m b l e d tresses. 'You look beautiful,' M a r c told her softly, and his smile did crazy things to her equilibrium. ' L e t ' s eat, shall we?' T h e restaurant was larger t h a n L e e expected, a n d her appetite was sharpened by the fresh sea air, so that she ate heartily of t h e mixed seafood dish that was placed before her, a n d washed down with a light white wine it was one of the finest meals she h a d tasted in a long while. 'I feel incredibly lazy,' L e e groaned as they w a n dered along the p a t h leading d o w n to the beach, and M a r c gave a husky chuckle. 'Serve you right,' he declared, showing no sympathy at all. 'You w o n ' t be able to swim for at least an h o u r . ' 'I intend stretching out on my towel, and I shall probably fall asleep,' she said, sliding her sunglasses down from their resting place on top of her head. ' W h a t do you have planned?' H i s slanting mockery set the butterflies in her s t o m ach t u r n i n g wild somersaults, a n d she was glad of the darkened protective lenses shading h e r eyes. ' O h , I shall stand guard, I think,' he said lazily. ' I f I disappear into the bar you'll have to fight off a few a d m i r e r s , ' he finished dryly, a n d she glanced at h i m with a frown. ' D o n ' t tell me you haven't noticed?' he queried cynically. "I was too busy admiring t h e scenery,' she said

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honestly, a n d he laughed. ' Y o u ' r e a very eye-catching piece of scenery y o u r self,' he declared wryly, a n d she pulled a face at h i m . ' M a y b e I should check the female population,' she felt inclined to tease. 'You t e n d to radiate a certain masculine charisma all your o w n . ' ' I s that an admission?' 'I d o n ' t intend inflating your ego. Y o u ' r e impossible e n o u g h as it is!' 'Cheeky little thing, aren't you?' M a r c drawled. 'I . w o n d e r if you would dare to be so i m p u d e n t if we were alone.' ' D o n ' t spoil it,' L e e begged quietly. 'I hate it w h e n you become cynical.' She reached into her beach bag a n d extracted a large towel which she quickly spread out on the sand, t h e n beneath his steadfast gaze she stripped off t h e strapless frock to reveal a bikini in jade silk stretch fabric. Retrieving t h e straps of t h e h a l t e r - t o p , she tied t h e m r o u n d her neck, t h e n slid gracefully d o w n to lie full length on her towel. Seconds later she gave a startled gasp as a blob of cold cream landed between h e r shoulder-blades, a n d she lifted h e r head a n d swung r o u n d to face h i m . 'You'll b u r n , ' M a r c explained dryly. 'Relax, a n d I'll apply some sunscreen cream.' Relax? He h a d to be joking! L e e closed her eyes a n d tried to ignore the swift gnawing ache that took over the lower region of her stomach as his h a n d s began a soothing massage that d i d n ' t stop at her shoulders. Lightly they moved d o w n towards h e r waist, t h e n curved lower over the gentle swell of h e r hips. W h e n he began on t h e backs of her thighs she was almost at screaming point. ' W h e n y o u ' r e ready to t u r n over, I'll complete the task.'

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'I can manage to do the front myself,' she declared in a muffled voice, a n d heard his husky laughter. 'Pity,' he drawled. ' T h a t ' s something I was looking forward t o . ' L e e t u r n e d her head away from h i m , a n d was grateful for the curtain of hair that partially concealed her face. She was aware of the faint rustle of clothing and surmised he was shedding his shorts a n d shirt to take advantage of the sun. L u l l e d by the quantity of food a n d wine she h a d c o n s u m e d , L e e dozed for a while, t h e n stirred and rolled over on to her back, blinking slightly as a shadow loomed across her slim curves. 'Stay still,' M a r c c o m m a n d e d softly, a n d her eyes widened as they focused on h i m . Clothes h a d h i n t e d at his physical fitness, b u t n o w devoid of any apparel except the brief black swimming t r u n k s that hugged his hips, he presented an awe-inspiring figure. T a n n e d skin covered tightly-muscled sinew, displaying a raw virility that m a d e her catch her breath. L e e felt t h e massaging touch of his fingers on h e r midriff a n d she tried to remain blase w h e n they slid d o w n over her stomach. T h e n slowly she felt t h e m move to her throat, a n d she unconsciously held her b r e a t h as they m o v e d down towards t h e swell of her breasts. T h e next instant she gave a soundless cry as his fingers slid the silky material aside to expose the creamy fullness beneath, t h e n she gave a shocked gasp as he lowered his m o u t h to one delicate rosy t i p . H i s touch sent a wild spiral of sensation sweeping t h r o u g h h e r body, a n d in one lurching m o v e m e n t she p u s h e d his head aside as she struggled to sit u p . Incredible anger lent her strength, a n d within seconds she was free a n d

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on to h e r feet as she strove to control her ragged breathing. A b o u t to r u n , she felt her h a n d caught in a merciless grip, t h e n the next instant she was pulled d o w n beside h i m . ' D o n ' t look so offended,' M a r c said bluntly, a n d w h e n she refused to look at h i m he placed a h a n d b e n e a t h her chin and tilted it so that she h a d no choice. ' N o one witnessed it, a n d even if they h a d , it isn't so very terrible.' ' L e t me g o , ' she said shakily, unable to meet those dark eyes. ' W o u l d you rather I ' d kissed you?' A slow b l u s h tinged her cheeks. 'I d o n ' t like public displays of—passion,' she explained, a n d felt her lips tremble as his eyes roved over her face with lazy mockery. ' M y dear Lee,'. M a r c said softly, his teeth gleaming white as his lips parted in a cynical smile, 'you haven't experienced my passion. So far, I've behaved with gentlemanly restraint.' H i s a m u s e m e n t was t h e last straw, a n d with an inarticulate cry she broke away from h i m , then shakily discarding her sunglasses she slid to her feet a n d ran d o w n to the water's edge. T e a r s shimmered, b l u r r i n g h e r vision, a n d she blinked rapidly in an effort to dispel t h e m . T h e coolness of the sea acted like a b a l m to her tort u r e d nerves, a n d she sank beneath its surface, t h e n emerged to swim strongly away from the shallows. If it were possible she would have liked to swim out of sight of the wharf, b u t these were tropic waters in which several breaks in the coral reef allowed free p a s sage of the ever-prevalent danger of sharks. It was all of thirty m i n u t e s before she r e t u r n e d to

shore, a n d she was conscious of M a r c ' s intent scrutiny as she m o v e d towards h i m . 'I was just about to come a n d get y o u , ' he drawled as she reached for her towel, and his eyes sharpened as they fell to the thin trickle of blood seeping from her foot. ' D i d you scrape against some coral?' L e e patted herself dry, t h e n spread out t h e towel a n d sat down. W i t h a careless shrug she glanced d o w n at h e r foot. 'I d o n ' t r e m e m b e r . It could have been a shell.' She reached forward a n d d a b b e d at the graze with t h e edge of her towel, feeling it sting for t h e first time. 'Little fool,' M a r c said brusquely as he leaned t o wards her. 'A coral graze can easily become infected. L e t me see it.' He took her foot between his hands a n d examined it carefully, t h e n her breath caught in her throat as he b e n t d o w n and placed his m o u t h to the wound. ' W h a t are you doing?' H e r voice came out as a scandalised gasp, and she couldn't help the faint s h u d d e r ing sensation that ran t h r o u g h her b o d y as he sucked h a r d against her flesh. ' T h e r e , that should help. I've some antibiotic cream at h o m e that will prevent any infection,' he told her smoothly. ' I t seems an awful fuss to make over a small graze.' She m e t his gaze w i t h difficulty, and discovered it was impossible to read his expression. 'You'll do as I suggest,' he declared evenly. ' G o and get changed. T h e launch leaves in an h o u r , a n d we've yet to visit the u n d e r w a t e r observatory.' L e e gave a rueful grimace as she smoothed back her wet hair. 'I think I'll take a shower in t h e changing shed. If I d o n ' t get the salt out of my hair, it will dry

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into an uncontrollable m e s s . ' Catching up her beachbag, she rose to her feet a n d headed towards the p a n d a n u s trees without so m u c h as a backward glance. T e n m i n u t e s later she emerged feeling cool a n d r e freshed, and with her sunglasses in place she strolled towards the wharf where M a r c stood waiting. T o g e t h e r they walked along the long jetty towards the u n d e r w a t e r observatory, a n d there L e e was exposed to a wonderland of exotic colour as m a n y s p e cies of tropical fish were revealed in all their natural splendour. Several other visitors crowded the n a r r o w walkways, a n d L e e was supremely conscious of M a r c ' s presence. M o r e t h a n once she b r u s h e d against h i m , and t h e touch of his a r m as it rested about her waist b r o u g h t a w a r m t h tingling t h r o u g h her veins that was beyond her control. T h e r e t u r n trip seemed to take no time at all, a n d on reaching Cairns L e e followed M a r c to the car, slipping into the front seat with a sigh of pleasure that wasn't contrived. 'Thank you for a lovely day.' H i s smile was without mockery as he leaned forward to switch on the ignition. 'Very politely said,' he slanted musingly. ' L e t ' s head somewhere for a few drinks before dinner.' ' D i n n e r ? But I ' m not dressed to eat out,' L e e p r o tested, a n d coloured slightly as his gaze roved over her in an indolent intimate appraisal. 'You look fine to m e . In fact,' he opined provokingly, 'knowing precisely what y o u ' r e not wearing b e neath that sun-frock is enough to make me want to forgo food in favour of you.''

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' I ' d prefer to go h o m e , if y o u d o n ' t m i n d , ' she managed quietly. ' I ' v e had a succession of late nights recently, and we're dining out again tomorrow evening.' 'I do m i n d . H o w e v e r , I intend delivering you safely h o m e before ten,' M a r c informed her, and with competent ease he slid the large Fairlane out into the m o v i n g stream of traffic. ' N o arguments?' he taunted several minutes later when he had parked the car outside a hotel, a n d L e e gave a slight shrug. ' W h a t ' s the use? You d o n ' t take any notice of them.' M a r c directed h e r a long h a r d glance, t h e n his lips curved into a lazy smile. 'Poor Lee! I ' m not entirely the b r u t e you think m e . L e t ' s have a drink, t h e n we'll eat. I fancy pasta—how about you? After coffee, we'll head h o m e , I promise. 'Lasagna al forno?' H i s faint chuckle b r o u g h t forth an answering smile. 'Done.' It was almost eight when they began ascending the K u r a n d a R a n g e , a n d replete with good food a n d wine L e e lay her head back and closed her eyes. ' H e y , sleepyhead—wake u p ! ' A deep voice invaded her d r e a m s , a n d she struggled u p r i g h t , r u b b i n g her eyes as she tried to orientate herself with her surroundings. 'Are we h o m e already?' ' W e are—although mine, not y o u r s , ' M a r c said musingly. 'I want to tend that foot first. If I ' m not mistaken, you'll fall into b e d having forgotten all about it.' ' I t doesn't even h u r t , ' she protested as she followed h i m indoors, a n d she sat quiescent as he bathed a n d

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dressed the w o u n d . 'All right, Sleeping Beauty,' he smiled. ' N o w I'll see you into b e d . ' L e e felt her eyes widen into enormous pools, then became shuttered as she glimpsed his a m u s e m e n t . T h e next instant she was swept up into his arms a n d he carried her out to the car as if she weighed little m o r e t h a n a child. ' G o o d n i g h t , little girl,' M a r c t a u n t e d softly the m o m e n t he b r o u g h t the car to a halt in Stefano's driveway. L e e gazed at h i m in b e m u s e m e n t , her lips soft a n d tremulous as his m o u t h settled briefly on hers. 'I'll collect you a r o u n d six tomorrow evening,' he told her, leaning across to open h e r door. 'Sweet dreams, cara.'

h a d n ' t been apparent the previous day. L e e h a d dressed carefully, choosing a simple strapless dress in white silk whose skirt was pencil-slim a n d split almost to m i d - t h i g h on one side, the bodice d r a p ing over her bosom in a soft blouson style from a n a r r o w gathered b a n d . Slender high-heeled shoes with thin shoestring straps curving r o u n d the back of her heels and across her toes added an elegance that was enhanced by the addition of a delicate lacy shawl. Apart from the magnificent d i a m o n d adorning her left h a n d she wore a slim gold chain at h e r neck a n d a matching bracelet at her wrist. H e r m a k e - u p was understated, except for eyeshadow and mascara that highlighted her eyes, and a bold red outlined the generous curves of her m o u t h ' W h a t would you like to drink?' M a r c queried, a n d after a brief perusal of the wine list L e e decided she would prefer something light and fairly innocuous. 'Sauternes?' He gave the order to the hovering waiter, t h e n settled back in his chair to regard her with thoughtful contemplation. 'I hope I ' m the one you dressed to impress?' he slanted with faint mockery, and she m e t his gaze a shade defiantly. 'I b r o u g h t mainly casual clothes with m e , ' she explained. 'If I ' d known I was embarking on a m a d social whirl I would have packed something m o r e suitable.' M a r c ' s m o u t h curved into a teasing smile. ' W h a t you're wearing is guaranteed to have a devastating effect on the opposite sex,' he assured her sardonically. 'I only hope Carlo and J o h n can stand the strain.' ' A n d you, Marc? Or d a r e n ' t I ask?'

CHAPTER

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' W E ' R E the first to arrive,' L e e declared as she slipped into the chair M a r c held out for her. ' D o you know w h o is coming with Carlo?' ' T h e Conti sisters, I believe,' he revealed wryly, a n d L e e experienced a vague feeling of unease. 'Daniella a n d Marita?' ' B o t h , ' said M a r c with a slight smile. 'I imagine J o h n will make up a reluctant fourth.' Attired in formal clothes, he exuded a sophistication she found a trifle frightening. T h e r e was an air of leashed strength that was compelling, an intensity that

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H i s lips twitched with wry h u m o u r . 'I think y o u ' r e aware of t h e effect you create.' It was as well the waiter appeared at that m o m e n t with the wine, a n d after a few bracing sips L e e felt ready to deal with whatever the evening would bring. ' H e r e they are n o w , ' M a r c m u r m u r e d , and she glanced across the room to see Daniella a n d Marita being led towards t h e m by Carlo and, as M a r c had predicted, J o h n . 'You beat us to it, I see,' Carlo declared on reaching t h e m , a n d M a r c directed a lazy encompassing smile. 'Only by a m a t t e r of five m i n u t e s . ' L e e forced a measure of enthusiasm into h e r voice as she greeted the two Conti sisters, only to have it r e t u r n e d in a bright superficial m a n n e r . Both girls were elegantly attired in the latest fashion, a n d their m a k e - u p was flawless. Daniella had opted for a figure-hugging black dress that clung to her generous curves in a way that left nothing to the imagination, a n d M a r i t a h a d chosen a m o r e tailored look in deep cream linen. After consuming the first course L e e sat back a n d lifted her wine-glass, savouring the contents with enjoyment. ' Y o u ' r e very quiet tonight,' J o h n c o m m e n t e d , leaning close, a n d she t u r n e d with a faint smile. 'I d o n ' t m e a n to b e , ' she said lightly, a n d she caught Carlo's chuckling a m u s e m e n t as he leaned across the table. ' W h a t were you dreaming of, Lee? W e d d i n g gowns a n d intended h o n e y m o o n destinations?' A slight tinge of pink crept up to her cheeks that wasn't helped w h e n Daniella entered into the conver-

sation with barely-concealed p i q u e . ' H a v e you set the date yet, M a r c ? ' ' T h e first Saturday in J u n e , ' he said sardonically, his eyes brilliant as he dared L e e to deny it, a n d she kept the faint smile in place with difficulty as M a r i t a exclaimed, 'But that's only three weeks!' ' W h a t ' s the rush? W e imagined the wedding t o b e m o n t h s away,' Daniella declared, a n d her eyes swept over L e e with barely concealed insolence. ' I n d e e d ? ' M a r c drawled, t h e n t u r n i n g t o L e e h e directed her a w a r m smile. ' M o r e wine, darling?' ' T h a n k you.' So she did possess a voice, after all! F o r a few crazy m o m e n t s L e e t h o u g h t it h a d deserted her. She felt so shaky, she d o u b t e d she could lift t h e glass to her lips without spilling its contents, and she sat in silence, too stunned to offer anything by way of conversation. ' I ' d like to dance with your beautiful fiancee,' Carlo intimated to M a r c . 'You d o n ' t m i n d ? ' H i s eyes bore a silent challenge, and M a r c m e t his gaze with a startlingly measured look. 'You will have to ask L e e . ' Carlo's smile became vaguely sardonic as he t r a n s ferred his attention. 'Well, Lee?. Could you bear to dance with m e , do you think?' P u t like that, h o w could she refuse? Lee stood to her feet, removed her shawl and placed it over the back of her chair, t h e n allowed h i m to lead her towards the small dance floor. ' T h a n k you,' she said quietly as she slipped into his arms, and he gave a wry smile. ' F o r rescuing you?' ' H o w did you guess?'

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H i s slight smile held sympathy and a h i n t of pity. 'I h a p p e n e d to be looking at you w h e n M a r c d r o p p e d his bombshell,' he said dryly. ' A m I right in supposing it was a total surprise?' H e r monosyllabic confirmation m a d e h i m grimace. 'I can't say I blame h i m . Given a similar o p p o r t u n i t y , I ' d do exactly the same.' 'I beg your p a r d o n ? ' L e e asked, casting h i m a startled glance. ' O h , L e e , ' he chastised mockingly, ' d o n ' t you ever look in a m i r r o r ? ' 'Several times day, every day of my life,' she r e s p o n d e d cynically, a n d he laughed with genuine amusement. ' A n d what you see is so familiar, y o u ' r e beyond analytical j u d g m e n t , h m ? ' ' T h e r e ' s always something about ourselves w e ' d like to change,' she imparted with unexpected wisdom, a n d Carlo's expression softened. 'Just what would you like to change, for heaven's sake?' ' M y t e m p e r . ' T h e choice was unequivocal, a n d h e gave a s u b d u e d chuckle. ' S o you possess a t e m p e r . ' Carlo shook his head slightly, a n d his expression assumed mocking a m u s e m e n t . ' Y o u argue with M a r c ? ' 'Incessantly.' 'After a surfeit of w o m e n w h o fall over themselves to please h i m , you u n d o u b t e d l y act like a breath of fresh air,' he said drolly, a n d she directed h i m a mischievous grin. ' M o r e like a gale, I ' d say!' ' D o you love h i m ? ' T h e query shocked her into silence for several

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m i n u t e s , t h e n she ventured carefully, ' W h a t makes you ask that?' 'Because I think y o u ' r e afraid of h i m . ' 'A little healthy awe, p e r h a p s , ' she said lightly. 'But hardly fear.' ' N o ? ' H i s dark eyes were far too perceptive as they raked her mobile features. ' Y o u lack the glow of a w o m a n w h o has known a lover. I rather think y o u ' r e what's k n o w n as a sweet old-fashioned girl.' L e e swallowed, t h e n managed a smile. 'I think we should get back to the others.' Carlo laughed out loud. ' H o w adroit,' he said m u s ingly. 'Are, you imagining M a r c m a y be jealous?' 'I d o n ' t think so,' she said evenly. 'Daniella a n d M a r i t a never stood a chance, my dear,' he told her dryly, a n d she gave a slight start in confusion. ' D o n ' t misconstrue the friendship. It goes back a long way, and you have my word that M a r c ' s interest has never been other t h a n brotherly.' Releasing his hold, he t u r n e d and led her back to their table, and as soon as she was seated she reached for her glass, needing the slight boost the alcohol would provide. D u r i n g the m a i n course Daniella took pleasure in returning to t h e subject of the proposed wedding, and her interest extended far beyond the b o u n d s of casual contemplation. ' H a v e you chosen your gown yet, Lee? W h i t e is a little too ' she paused delicately, 'insipid, with your colouring. C r e a m would be far m o r e flattering.' 'Yards of lace,' M a r i t a insisted. ' A n d a long veil. Your hair will have to be professionally styled.' H e r scrutiny was hardly kind. ' H a v e you tried wearing it up?'

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'I t h o u g h t of wearing satin,' L e e declared with evident seriousness, although anyone w h o knew her well would have seen t h e danger signs in the way her eyes deepened to a clear brilliant topaz. 'Perfectly plain, and a picture h a t — n o veil. A n d , ' she a d d e d for good m e a s u r e , 'I insist on roses for a bridal bouquet.' Carlo's eyes lit with h i d d e n laughter, although she d i d n ' t dare spare M a r c a glance. Daniella looked decidedly p u t out, a n d M a r i t a was seemingly intent on forking small fastidious mouthful of food into h e r mouth. It w a s n ' t until after they h a d finished dessert that M a r c indicated L e e should dance with h i m , and it was on t h e tip of her tongue to refuse. After a m o m e n t a r y pause she rose to her feet, a n d her indecision b r o u g h t a faint tightening of his m o u t h . 'A little m o r e enthusiasm w o u l d n ' t go amiss.' L e e glanced up a n d m e t his dark grey eyes, t h e n deliberately looked away. ' Y o u ' r e insufferable,' she said conversationally. She even smiled for the benefit of anyone looking on. ' I f you think by giving a date to our supposed w e d d i n g you can coerce me into m a r riage, t h e n y o u ' r e mistaken.' ' Y o u positively sparkled in Carlo's a r m s , ' M a r c drawled, pulling h e r close against h i m . H i s hands were low on her back, m o u l d i n g her to his long length with deceptive strength. ' W e r e you watching? D i d n ' t Daniella and M a r i t a provide sufficient distraction?' H e r t o n g u e was waspish, b u t she c o u l d n ' t help it. ' I f you d o n ' t behave, I'll ' ' W h a t , M a r c ? ' she d e m a n d e d . ' I ' v e been slapped, kissed senseless, a n d I've suffered bruises as evidence

of your b r u t i s h n e s s . ' H e r voice choked slightly. 'Perhaps I can be forgiven for asking what else you have in store for m e ? ' W i t h o u t a word he released her, then taking hold of her h a n d he led the way back to their table and collected her shawl. His smile was a facsimile of polite civility as it encompassed the four people sitting at their table. 'If you'll excuse us? Carlo, John—please remain for the rest of the evening as my guests.' T u r n i n g slightly, he raised his h a n d a n d received immediate attention from a hawk-eyed waiter. W h e n the bill was settled he inclined his head, t h e n holding L e e ' s h a n d in an excruciating grip he m a d e his way to the entrance. Outside, she attempted to w r e n c h herself o u t of his grasp, a n d her cry of pain was very real. ' M a r c — y o u ' r e h u r t i n g me!' ' N o t half as m u c h as I ' d like t o , ' he m u t t e r e d emotively. ' O h , this is impossible!' She tugged at t h e ring on her finger, only to sag forward against h i m in pain as he tightened his grip. ' T a k e that off, a n d I w o n ' t be responsible for my actions.' T e a r s welled up b e h i n d her eyes, clouding h e r vision, a n d she said shakily, ' L e t m e go, M a r c ' W i t h a gesture of disgust he released her h a n d , a n d his eyes h a r d e n e d as he watched her attempt to ease the severe bruising. A b r u p t l y he reached forward and unlocked the car. ' G e t in.' T h e instant she was seated the door closed with a decisive snap, a n d she d i d n ' t offer so m u c h as a w o r d as he slid in b e h i n d the wheel. Part of her was terrified he would alleviate his anger by driving at breakneck

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speed, b u t m i n u t e s later she h a d to credit h i m with m o r e control as he set the large vehicle m o v i n g along the highway. Gradually L e e flexed her ringers, feeling t h e m one by one and failing to find any lasting damage. Surreptitiously she w i t h d r e w a handkerchief and d a b b e d the gash her ring h a d caused, winding the soft linen square r o u n d her finger to stem the stickiness trickling d o w n towards her palm. Slowly she eased h e r head back against the headrest and closed her eyes. If she d i d n ' t the tears would overflow, and to have M a r c witness her crying w o u l d be untenable. She wasn't conscious of the miles that b r o u g h t t h e m steadily closer to Mareeba, a n d as the car slacked speed and eased to a h a l t her h a n d automatically went to the door-clasp, only to falter as she became aware of her surroundings. T h e r e w e r e n ' t any farm buildings in sight, only a density of. trees within her peripheral vision. Slowly she swung r o u n d towards M a r c , her gaze remarkably steady. 'Whatever you want to say, at least get it over w i t h . ' ' W o r d s , Lee?' H i s harsh laugh was self-derisory, and she gazed sightlessly out the window. T h e silence stretched between t h e m until L e e could bear it no longer. 'Please take me h o m e . I've no idea where we are, otherwise I ' d get out a n d walk.' ' D o you imagine I ' d let you?' S h e lifted a h a n d in a gesture of helplessness, t h e n let it d r o p d o w n on to her lap. 'I really d o n ' t know,' she said shakily. 'I only know we can't go on like this.' 'I c o u l d n ' t agree m o r e , ' M a r c declared hardily. L e e felt stifled by his presence, t h e explosive anger beneath the surface of his control, a n d she stared blindly out the windscreen as she fought off the stupid

threat of ignominious tears. W h e n she felt a h a n d touch hers she c o u l d n ' t help the audible gasp that left her lips. T h e next instant the interior light snapped on, a n d even as she pulled away M a r c leaned forward a n d captured h e r wrist. His husky string of oaths blistered her ears, and she pulled her h a n d away and shakily r e w o u n d t h e h a n d kerchief. ' D o n ' t touch m e — I couldn't bear it,' she choked desperately, a n d the next instant her face was caught and she had no option b u t to look at him. 'Dear God!' M a r c m u t t e r e d huskily as he glimpsed her stricken features. W i t h o u t a w o r d he released her seatbelt, flicked a lever that sent his seat moving back from the wheel, t h e n reached out and lifted her on to his lap. H i s gentleness was t h e last straw, a n d t h e tears overflowed to slip d o w n her cheeks a n d soak his shirt. 'Dio,' he cursed emotively. ' F o r the love of heaven, d o n ' t cry!' ' I ' m n o t , ' L e e denied shakily as she attempted to move away from him. H a r d l y aware of what she was doing she b r u s h e d wretchedly at h e r cheeks, t h e n she heard him give a husky groan as his head lowered down to hers. Gently he caught hold of her h a n d s , t h e n his lips moved over each cheek in t u r n before trailing down to close possessively over her m o u t h . L e e withstood the seducing sensuality of his touch for as long as she could, then with a m o a n of despair she parted her lips to allow his h u n g r y possession. She had no awareness of time or place as he sought to bring alive the flame deep within, and she gave a silent gasp as she felt his h a n d s slip t h e silky material

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of h e r dress down to expose her bosom. 'Sweet heaven, y o u ' r e beautiful,' M a r c groaned, lowering his head to the deep valley between each creamy breast. G e n t l y he moved his m o u t h from one to the other, sending deep pleasurable sensations radiating wildly from every nerve. J u s t as L e e t h o u g h t she c o u l d n ' t stand another second, he began a sensitive exploration of first one rosy peak before moving to the other, teasing until she m o a n e d an entreaty to desist. H a r d l y aware of what she was doing, she u n d i d the b u t t o n s on his shirt, a n d the feel of the dark springy hair against her fingertips evoked an irresistible desire to have h e r b o d y touch his without any restrictive clothing. 'Marc—please ' H a n d s caught hold of her shoulders a n d he gently p u s h e d her away. ' T h e offer is very t e m p t i n g , my sweet, and I m u s t admit if I listened to my baser instincts I ' d take advantage of you right here and n o w . ' He leaned forward and planted a brief h a r d kiss on her trembling m o u t h . 'Instead, I'll take you h o m e . ' H i s brief laugh held bitter irony as he glanced at her state of deshabille. ' T h e n I'll go and take a cold shower.' Gently he caught hold of the bodice of her dress a n d pulled it up over her bosom, t h e n with a harsh sigh he t u r n e d and switched on the ignition. L e e slowly came down from the sensual plateau to cruel reality, and she closed her eyes as wave after wave of embarrassment flooded t h r o u g h her body. D e a r G o d , she t h o u g h t shakily, what had she done? H o w could she have had so little self-control? W i t h a broken sob she covered her face with her h a n d s . She had behaved like a shameless w a n t o n in his arms, without t h o u g h t of any consequences. If it h a d n ' t been

for M a r c calling a halt to their lovemaking . . . Oh G o d , it d i d n ' t bear thinking about. 'Lee—for heaven's sake,' M a r c groaned as he brought the car to a halt in the driveway outside Stefano's house. ' D o n ' t look so tragic. You've d o n e nothing of which you should be ashamed.' He reached forward a n d caught hold of her chin, tilting it so she was forced to look at h i m . ' H o w can you say that?' she whispered in agonised disbelief. ' Y o u ' r e n o t h i n g b u t a b a b e , ' he said with a slight smile, and traced her lips with an idle finger before reaching across a n d opening her door. ' G o inside like a good girl, and I'll see you t o m o r r o w . ' T o m o r r o w ? L e e knew she would never be able to face h i m again. ' G o o d n i g h t . ' W a s that her voice? It sounded so distant and far away. W i t h o u t a backward glance she slid out from the car and ran up the p a t h to the front door. Luckily Alicia a n d Stefano were already in bed, and with the m o v e m e n t s of an a u t o m a t o n she carefully locked up a n d m a d e her way d o w n the hall to her room. Slowly she cast off her clothes and slid between the sheets, to lie staring sightlessly up at the darkened ceiling until the first pink fingers of the new day's dawn crept over the horizon.

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As Friday progressed, L e e became increasingly vague and introspective, incurring Alicia's speculative concern on m o r e t h a n one occasion. T w i c e M a r c h a d phoned, b u t L e e refused to take either call, insisting Alicia should say she was busy outside with the children, or in the shower—any feasible excuse would do, just so long as she d i d n ' t have to speak to h i m .

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'Have you and Marc had an argument?' L e e concentrated on folding freshly l a u n d e r e d towelling squares into a neat pile a n d studiously avoided m e e t i n g h e r sister's discerning gaze. ' W h a t makes you think t h a t ? ' ' O h , come o n , L e e — t h i s is Alicia, r e m e m b e r ? ' If only it was s o m e t h i n g as simple as an a r g u m e n t ! T o r n between taking h e r sister into h e r confidence or settling for a half-truth, L e e decided on t h e latter. It was less complicated. 'I think M a r c a n d I are seeing too m u c h of each o t h e r , ' she said pensively. ' E v e r y t h i n g has h a p p e n e d so fast, I h a v e n ' t even b e c o m e accustomed to being engaged, let alone considering getting m a r r i e d . ' ' H e ' s decided on a date?' L e e n o d d e d , h e r features serious as she t u r n e d to m e e t h e r sister's expressive solicitude. ' T h e first S a t u r d a y in J u n e , ' she said, a n d h e r eyes clouded m o m e n t a r i l y . ' I ' d like to disappear,' she m u t t e r e d w i t h an earnestness that b r o u g h t Alicia's eyebrows ascending h i g h into h e r forehead. 'As b a d as that? W e ' d b e t t e r organise a plan of action, because unless I ' m mistaken M a r c will arrive on t h e doorstep—if n o t before d i n n e r , t h e n certainly after,' Alicia declared dryly, a n d L e e gave a wry grimace. ' P e r h a p s I could develop a migraine?' ' T h a t , c o m b i n e d w i t h t h e necessity for an early night. Y o u could have a snack a n d miss d i n n e r , just in case he comes while w e ' r e eating.' L e e frowned slightly. ' D o you think it will w o r k ? ' 'I d o u b t it,' Alicia r e s p o n d e d matter-of-factly. ' M a r c is no fool. If he suspects h e ' s being given t h e r u n a r o u n d , h e ' s just as likely to ignore everything I say.'

' T h e n I ' d better make i t look authentic,' L e e d e t e r m i n e d , feeling slightly n o n p l u s s e d at the prospect. At seven o'clock L e e h a d showered a n d was in b e d , and to all intents and p u r p o s e s attempting to sleep. It h a d been dark for almost twenty m i n u t e s , a n d it wasn't difficult to p r e t e n d she needed the rest. Slowly she allowed h e r t h o u g h t s to drift, recounting events from that fateful day two weeks ago w h e n she h a d first m e t M a r c . In some ways it seemed almost as if she had k n o w n h i m from a bygone age, a n d fate h a d somehow taken a h a n d in forcing recognition. T h e s o u n d of tyres c r u n c h i n g on gravel b r o u g h t her sharply o u t of her reverie, a n d she felt every muscle begin to tense in expectation of M a r c ' s imminent arrival. She gave a hollow laugh that was self-derisory. M a y b e it wasn't M a r c at all! B u t every perceptory sense told h e r it was, a n d she tried to breathe evenly in an endeavour to still the wild beating of her heart. M i n u t e s passed—five, or possibly even ten, she had little idea of the passage of t i m e . At the faint sound of approaching footsteps she closed her eyes in s u d d e n p a n i c , t h e n reasoned that it m i g h t possibly be Alicia coming to tell her that M a r c had left—except she h a d n ' t h e a r d t h e noise of a departing car. O h G o d — i f h e came into her bedroom, s h e ' d die! Silently she p r a y e d he would merely knock, a n d on receiving no answer would quietly leave. L e e felt she should have known better, as s e c o n d s later the door opened after a brief p e r e m p t o r y knock, t h e n t h e flick of a switch brought an invasion of light. 'Alicia tells me you have a headache,' M a r c d r a w l e d . He advanced slowly into the r o o m , dwarfing it significantly, so that all she was aware of was t h e size of

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h i m and t h e latent energy he projected. ' D o you d o u b t it?' H i s answer seemed a long time coming, a n d it took considerable effort for L e e to hold his penetrating gaze. ' W h y did you refuse to come to the p h o n e ? ' he asked in a voice that was deceptively mild. 'I was outside with the children,' she offered stoically, a n d saw his eyes harden fractionally. ' A n d the second time?' ' W h a t is this—the t h i r d degree?' F o r a while he just looked at her, t h e n he threatened softly, 'I would shake you until every b o n e rattles in your body, do you know that?' ' W h a t ' s stopping you?' L e e choked bitterly, and he lifted a h a n d and raked it t h r o u g h his hair in a gesture of impotent rage. 'All right, L e e , I'll allow you benefit of the d o u b t . ' H i s eyes raked her mercilessly until she felt compelled to look away. 'I came by to issue an invitation to dinner t o m o r r o w evening. Alicia and Stefano have accepted, a n d Carlo will also be t h e r e . ' She remained silent—in fact, she d o u b t e d she was capable of uttering so m u c h as a word, and she could have wept when he t u r n e d and left the room as abruptly as he had entered it. M i n u t e s later she heard an engine start, followed by the sound of a departing car. L e e fully expected Alicia to p u t in an appearance for a r e s u m e of their encounter, and sure e n o u g h there was a tentative rap at her door. 'Are you all right?' L e e endeavoured a carefree smile as her sister entered the room, and failed miserably. 'Yes, of course.' ' H e d i d n ' t b u y it, did he?' Alicia c o m m e n t e d with a

wry grimace, a n d L e e shrugged. 'I d i d n ' t really expect h i m t o . ' ' N o w that he's gone, do you want to get up and watch television? H a v e some coffee, p e r h a p s ? ' ' N o , ' she said wearily. ' T h a n k s all t h e same, b u t I really am tired. I'll have an early night, if you d o n ' t mind.' ' G o o d idea,' Alicia c o m m e n d e d with false briskness. 'I'll see you in the m o r n i n g . ' She paused at the open doorway a n d said slowly, 'I p r e s u m e M a r c told you we're dining at his place t o m o r r o w night?' L e e acquiesced with a n o d of her head, and w h e n the light snapped shut a n d the door was closed she t u r n e d on to her stomach and b u r i e d her head beneath the pillow in a gesture of u t t e r hopelessness.

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L e e was unable to fault a single aspect of the following evening. M r s L e o n e h a d p r e p a r e d an elaborate dinner comprising no fewer t h a n four courses, and as a h o s tess she was utterly captivating, her charm totally u n contrived. Alicia a n d Stefano were their usual friendly selves, a n d Carlo provided a welcome relief, ensuring that the conversation never developed a lull, so that after the initial half h o u r L e e felt some of her inner tension relax. As for M a r c , he played the role of an attentive fiance to perfection, allowing his gaze to linger just that fraction longer t h a n necessary w h e n ever he looked at her—which was often. H i s smile held a w a r m t h , a d e p t h that appeared genuine, a n d L e e could only marvel at his acting ability. It was w h e n L e e was in t h e kitchen giving M r s L e o n e assistance in making coffee almost at the close of the evening that the w e d d i n g itself was broached. ' M a r c tells me he intends making arrangements for

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early in J u n e . O h , L e e , I ' m so pleased it's to be soon,' that good w o m a n enthused. 'I feel like a young girl myself just thinking about all the plans we m u s t m a k e , ' she sparkled warmly as she took d o w n cups and saucers, t h e n she t u r n e d and extracted a magnificent gateau from a nearby cupboard. ' M y piece de resistance,' she grinned. ' T e r r i b l e for the waistline, b u t w h o cares? N o w , before we join the others, I have a suggestion to make. Will you come into town with me on M o n d a y ? We can wander r o u n d the shops, sit over coffee, and talk. J u s t the two of u s , ' she added kindly. ' M a r c has been like a caged lion these past few days, a n d it's been impossible to get anything out of him. In any case, n o w the date has definitely been decided u p o n , it's really up to you and me to iron out the finer details. I'll call for you a r o u n d ten, shall I? In fact, I think we'll stay on for lunch as well. An h o u r or two w o n ' t be anywhere near long enough. N o w , ' she said, casting the tea-wagon a swift glance, 'shall we take this into the lounge?' L e e dreaded the m o m e n t they m u s t depart. She h a d n ' t spent a m i n u t e alone with M a r c t h e entire evening, a n d she was u n s u r e exactly what he intended w h e n Carlo rose to his feet and m a d e his farewells. Alicia a n d Stefano quickly followed suit, a n d L e e m o v e d with t h e m towards the front door, conscious with spine-tingling awareness of M a r c ' s lazy speculative gaze. Expecting any second to hear h i m declare he would take her h o m e later, she felt contrarily disappointed w h e n he walked down t h e p a t h and held open the rear door of Stefano's station wagon for her to slip inside. H i s , ' G o o d n i g h t , darling,' held a tinge of mockery, a n d t h e brief kiss he bestowed on her surprised m o u t h

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was hard a n d vaguely cruel. Sunday was an anti-climax, passing as it did with incredible slowness, with L e e on tenterhooks as she waited for the p h o n e to ring or the familiar sight of M a r c ' s sleek Fairlane to pull into the gravelled yard. She showered before d i n n e r a n d took special care with her appearance in case he should stop by. W h e n n i n e o'clock came a n d w e n t with still no sign of h i m , she gave up and went to bed. Precisely at ten the next m o r n i n g M a r c ' s car pulled into the driveway with M r s L e o n e b e h i n d the wheel, and L e e m e t h e r at the door with an enthusiasm that was genuine. ' G o o d girl, y o u ' r e ready,' M r s L e o n e smiled warmly. 'I do like punctuality. O h , w e ' v e so m u c h to d o , the time will pass like wildfire. I w o n ' t come in, Alicia,' she refused with a smile. ' L e e a n d I will get away.' It was difficult n o t to respond to the older w o m a n ' s friendliness, a n d after several m i n u t e s of restraint, L e e cast caution to t h e w i n d and entered into t h e spirit of t h e day's enjoyment, permitting herself to be carried along without t h o u g h t to the consequences. Between coffee and lunch they h a d colours, material and style decided u p o n with regard to the bridal party's apparel. T h e question of where the reception should be held was solved without hesitation, for there was only one hall large enough to accommodate all the guests M r s L e o n e insisted m u s t b e issued a n invitation. 'We'll go down to Cairns towards the end of the week and s h o p for your trousseau. T h e n there's your going away outfit. A suit would be nice—cream linen,

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perhaps? I t ' s so fashionable this season, a n d will be marvellous to wear on t h e plane.' L e e controlled her surprise w i t h difficulty, a n d M r s L e o n e p u r s e d her lips in dismay. ' O h dear. M a r c h a s n ' t told y o u , has h e ? ' W i t h considerable effort she forced a smile, a n d v e n t u r e d lightly, ' D o n ' t keep me in suspense.' 'Hawaii. Y o u ' r e flying out early the m o r n i n g after the w e d d i n g to connect with the flight from Sydney.' M r s L e o n e ' s distress was evident. ' O h , L e e , forgive m e ! I d i d n ' t m e a n to spoil the surprise of your honeym o o n destination.' Oh dear, what could she say? 'I promise I'll act s u r prised,' she m a n a g e d with an insouciance she was far from feeling, t h e n c o m p o u n d e d it by adding, ' I ' v e always w a n t e d to visit there, as I've h e a r d so m u c h about it.' 'You'll love it. M a r c a n d I spent a week t h e r e two years ago. I t ' s so different from anywhere else in the world. All that w a r m sunshine—do you know the t e m perature varies by only a few degrees all year r o u n d ? ' It was a further t w o h o u r s before M r s L e o n e considered they h a d completed all she h a d set out to do, a n d by the time L e e arrived back at the farm her head felt as if it d i d n ' t belong to her at all. ' G i v e your sister my love. I'll contact h e r in a day or t w o . ' M r s L e o n e ignited t h e engine a s L e e slipped o u t from t h e seat. ' G o o d heavens, I almost forgot. H o w careless of m e ! ' she exclaimed with remorse. ' M a r c asked me to tell y o u that he'll call for y o u at seven. He m e n t i o n e d something about having a few drinks in town. G o o d b y e , my dear, I have so enjoyed our day together.' Sketching a cheery wave, she eased the car forward, leaving L e e to gaze after its departing rear

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with a m i x t u r e of amused bewilderment. As she went indoors she determined that as unpleasant as t h e prospect m i g h t b e , she was going to have to insist some sanity be introduced to t h e whole crazy situation. A n a r g u m e n t with M a r c wasn't something she looked forward t o , for he h a d p r o v e d beyond d o u b t that he was a formidable o p p o n e n t . Consequently L e e dressed with care for t h e evening ahead, choosing a d e m u r e dress in white-spotted black voile with a neckline that came right up to her throat, its slim collar piped with contrasting white. Short sleeves a d d e d a tailored effect that was enhanced by a n a r r o w white belt at her waist. Slim-heeled white shoes completed t h e outfit, a n d at the sound of a car pulling into t h e yard she cast a final cursory glance at h e r m i r r o r e d image, t h e n caught up a small clutchpurse a n d moved out into t h e lounge. M a r c exuded forceful vitality in casual suede trousers a n d a dark open-necked shirt, and his i n d o lent appraisal as she entered the room held a touch of mockery that became rapidly m o r e evident as they reached t h e car. ' H m m , t h a t perfume packs a n evocative p u n c h , ' h e m u r m u r e d sardonically as he eased t h e large vehicle out on to the road a n d headed it towards t o w n . 'Save it, M a r c — I ' m n o t in t h e m o o d for subtle sarcasm.' ' M y , m y , ' he mocked lazily. ' T h a t was spoken like a true c y n i c ' 'I spent the day with your m o t h e r , ' L e e told h i m , staring at the rapidly moving countryside beyond the car window. 'Doubtless she related most of the d e tails?' ' M a m m a a n d I share a fine r a p p o r t , ' he drawled,

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a n d she r o u n d e d on h i m w i t h a vehemence that surprised even herself. ' M a r c , we have to talk,' she exploded. 'I simply can't go on like this!' 'I quite agree,' he granted imperturbably, slanting h e r a glance that held amused tolerance. 'But for an h o u r or two we'll endeavour n o t to argue—in fact, we w o n ' t m e n t i o n anything that's likely to cause dissent.' ' T h e y say silence is golden,' L e e q u i p p e d with u n accustomed flippancy, a n d M a r c gave a husky chuckle. 'We'll have a drink at t h e first hotel, the walk u p t o w n to the beer-garden at the G r a h a m , ' he suggested, and she merely inclined her head in silent acquiescence. S o m e h o w L e e m a n a g e d to maintain an amicable front during the ensuing t w o h o u r s , although it wasn't easy in view of what was to come. M a r c deliberately set out to be an u r b a n e companion, a n d that he succeeded only served to a d d fuel to the proverbial fire.

CHAPTER

NINE

' M A R C , it's going to have to stop,' L e e protested fiercely t h e instant the car m o v e d out on to the m a i n highway. She felt ready to scream with frustrated anger, a n d clenched h e r h a n d s in an effort to control her temper. 'You resemble a volcano a b o u t to e r u p t , ' h e drawled, sending h e r a sidelong glance. ' S i m m e r d o w n , darling,' he advised musingly. ' D o n ' t call me that!' she exclaimed with u t t e r fury,

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and gave a gasp of pain as he reached out a n d caught hold of her h a n d s in a grip that h u r t . ' S t o p it, L e e , ' he c o m m a n d e d brusquely. ' Y o u want to talk—fine. We'll discuss it w h e n we get h o m e . Rationally, over coffee. So control that t e m p e r for ten m i n u t e s , ' he instructed tersely. 'I d o n ' t w a n t coffee,' she refused ungraciously. ' I ' m not going to allow you to a t t e m p t to confuse m e . ' H i s brief glance was openly sardonic. ' O h , Lee! So I can confuse you?' Y o u k n o w y o u can, she t h o u g h t in stormy silence. All too easily. S h e couldn't answer h i m , a n d she kept her lips tightly closed against t h e stream of angry words that rose in h e r throat like bitter gall. ' O u t you get.' ' I ' m not coming inside,' L e e declared mutinously. Darkness s u r r o u n d e d t h e m , and she gave an involuntary shiver as an awful sense of foreboding crept insidiously over her. M a r c m a d e n o a t t e m p t t o touch h e r , a n d she s u p pressed t h e t h o u g h t that he couldn't care less whether she came indoors or n o t . In any case, what did she have to fear? H o w e v e r u n s c r u p u l o u s M a r c was, he would scarcely t r y to seduce h e r w i t h his m o t h e r in the house. As if he could read h e r t h o u g h t s , he slid out from the car and m a d e his way towards t h e h o u s e , leaving her little choice other t h a n to follow. Inside, he tended to the lights and led the way t h r o u g h to the kitchen, and without t u r n i n g he filled t h e percolator and set it to simmer. L e e watched with scant patience as he took d o w n two m u g s and extracted the sugar bowl, feeling slightly intimidated by his height and b r e a d t h in the confines of the room.

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'Okay, L e e , ' he drawled, swinging r o u n d to face her. ' L e t ' s have it.' H i s eyes were dark, their expression enigmatic, a n d she h a d no idea w h e t h e r his m o o d was calm or otherwise. ' T h i s — e n g a g e m e n t y o u m a n i p u l a t e d , ' she r u s h e d quickly. 'Everything is getting out of h a n d . Y o u r m o t h e r is talking about wedding arrangements, a n d y o u ' r e doing nothing to dispute it!' H e r eyes flared with ill-concealed rage as she glared at h i m , a n d h e r voice rose incredulously. 'You even let everyone assume the marriage is imminent!' 'I fill all your self-professed requirements of a h u s b a n d , ' M a r c intoned with deceptive mildness, his gaze disconcertingly level. ' I ' m also willing to m a r r y y o u — so w h y n o t comply?' ' O h , y o u ' r e being deliberately evasive,' L e e cried, sorely tried. 'I d o n ' t want to m a r r y anyone, least of all you!' ' W h y are y o u so afraid, L e e ? ' he t a u n t e d softly, a n d she t u r n e d away from h i m with a gesture of impotent rage. ' I ' m going back to Sydney as p l a n n e d at the e n d of the week,' she said unsteadily. 'After a decent interval, you can tell everyone we've decided to part. I ' m sure you'll think of a suitable reason,' she continued quickly, fixing her gaze on a spot at the far e n d of t h e r o o m . 'You w o n ' t lack for sympathy,' she a d d e d w i t h a trace of bitterness. ' T h e r e are at least ten w o m e n who'll leap at t h e chance to take my place.' F o r a long time M a r c merely looked at her, t h e n he offered slowly, ' R u n n i n g away w o n ' t achieve anything.' ' I ' m not r u n n i n g away! I came here for a holiday,' she explained angrily as she swung r o u n d to face him. ' H o p i n g to spend most of my time with my sister.

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Instead, I've b e e n pressured into accepting i n n u m e r able invitations I never wanted in the first place.' H e r voice gathered m o m e n t u m . 'As it is, I've hardly seen Alicia at all these past two weeks, except for an h o u r or two each m o r n i n g . ' ' T h e n r e t u r n to Sydney as planned,' he directed uncompromisingly. 'However, the engagement stands.' 'Why?' H i s expression became vaguely cynical. ' Y o u know the answer to that,' he told her wryly, and she gave a derisive laugh. ' L u s t , Marc? You can alleviate that without m u c h effort, surely? After all, any w o m a n will d o . ' ' G o d in heaven,' he breathed emotively. ' Y o u ' d try the patience of a saint!' Reaching out, he caught hold of her shoulders in a cruel grip a n d pulled her towards him. 'I think it's about time you were taught a lesson, L e e , ' he opined hardily, a n d before she could do m u c h else other than utter a startled yelp, she found herselfbeing hauled unceremoniously across his powerful thigh and on the receiving end of several hurtful slaps to a particularly vulnerable p a r t of her anatomy. T h e instant L e e was free she flew at h i m in a rage, arms flailing wildly as she struck out with her fists, aiming for any part of that muscular frame she could make contact with. ' H o w dare you! O h ! ' W o r d s t e m porarily failed her. 'I hate you!' Strong hands caught hers and held t h e m w i t h effortless ease, bringing her wildly struggling body to a halt. ' I n that case, I have n o t h i n g to lose,' M a r c averred harshly as he pulled her close, t h e n his m o u t h was on hers, p u n i s h i n g in a way t h a t m a d e h e r want to die. It went on a n d on, until L e e t h o u g h t she m u s t

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surely slip into the black void which threatened to engulf her. He held her so tightly she felt her ribs m i g h t crack, a n d after a while she lay quiescent in his a r m s , too emotionally and physically drained to a t t e m p t an escape. W h e n at last he released her she stood silent, h e r vision becoming b l u r r e d with t h e tears t h a t welled a n d trickled slowly down her cheeks. U n a b l e to bear h i m witness her humiliation, she t u r n e d away, and would have r u n if her legs could have supported her. H e a d b e n t , she reached blindly for a nearby chair, t h e n to her u t t e r h o r r o r she felt h e r body sway of its o w n accord a n d she gave a frightened cry. T h e next instant she was airborne, held firmly against a rock-hard chest, and M a r c ' s husky string of oaths m a d e her blanch as he carried h e r from t h e room. L e e felt too weary to b o t h e r taking note of where they were heading, a n d she was dimly aware of creamp a p e r e d walls a n d a hallway, then the quiet snapping sound of a door closing b r o u g h t her head u p w a r d s as she shakily b r u s h e d back a curtain of hair from off h e r face. ' M a r c , p u t me down!' H e r voice gained strength as she glimpsed the r o o m ' s furnishings, a n d it rose in panic w h e n her eyes caught sight of the large double bed. ' W h o s e room is this?' ' M i n e , ' he informed her dryly, a n d moving towards t h e b e d he pulled back t h e coverlet a n d laid h e r down. 'Stay there. I'll be back with some coffee.' H i s tone brooked no a r g u m e n t , a n d L e e d i d n ' t have the strength to disobey h i m . W h e n he r e t u r n e d seconds later she struggled to sit u p r i g h t , a n d took t h e m u g h e extended w i t h b o t h

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h a n d s . T h e sweet h o t milky b r e w b r o u g h t some colour to h e r cheeks, reviving her as she slowly sipped t h e contents. H e r m o u t h felt stiff a n d faintly bruised—not to mention other parts of her body which h u r t w h e n ever she moved. Enervated to a point beyond even tears, she was sure if he touched her t h e cracks t h r e a d ing her delicate eggshell-like facade would splinter a n d expose her vulnerable heart. Shakily she held out t h e empty m u g a n d m o v e d to swing h e r legs towards t h e floor. ' T h a n k you, I ' m all right n o w . ' S h e stood to her feet and instantly regretted the action, for it b r o u g h t her close to M a r c — m u c h too close. 'Will you please take m e home?' Very gently he lifted a h a n d and p u s h e d back a lock of hair b e h i n d her ear, t h e n his fingers trailed d o w n to her chin, tilting it slightly so she h a d little option b u t to look at him. Slowly he lifted his other h a n d a n d cupped her face, and his expression was impossible to fathom as he let his gaze wander over her finely-boned features. H e r lips moved of their o w n volition, b u t no s o u n d emerged, and she moistened t h e m with the edge of her tongue. H i s eyes flared momentarily, t h e n darkened with an emotion she was afraid to define. ' M a r c — please!' W a s that her voice? It sounded like the w h i s per of a disembodied being and totally unrelated to herself. ' D o n ' t say anything,' he husked quietly as he b r u s h e d his lips across her forehead. Softly he feathered a butterfly kiss to each eyelid in t u r n , t h e n trailed down to the edge of her m o u t h . L e e felt her lips tremble, a n d a slow pulsing ache began deep in her stomach as he teased t h e m lightly

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w i t h tantalising evocativeness so that unconsciously she strained towards h i m , parting h e r m o u t h a n d inviting his possession. T h e taste of his kiss b r o u g h t a response she was unable to hide, and her arms crept slowly up to wind a r o u n d his neck. T h e feel of his hands on her body set each n e r v e - e n d tingling alive until her whole being felt like a tightly-tuned string. She was aware of a h u n g e r in h i m t h a t was no less t h a n her o w n , a n d she wanted m o r e than this partial slaking of their emotions. T h e r e was no t h o u g h t to deny him w h e n his h a n d s moved to release the long zip fastening at the back of her dress, a n d she gave a small sigh w h e n the clip on h e r bra freed t h e fullness of her breasts. As his lips travelled d o w n from the hollow of her throat to t h e rising swell below she began to quiver, a n d w h e n he took a rosy peak into his m o u t h she experienced a shaft of such incredible pleasure that it was all she could do not to cry out. Scarcely being aware of doing so she let her fingers m o v e to u n d o t h e b u t t o n s on his shirt, a n d w h e n it h a d been discarded she began creating subtle patterns with her fingertips on the m a t of hair covering his chest, arousing forth a husky growl from the d e p t h s of his throat. T h e i r slow appraisal of each other's bodies assumed an intimacy from which there could be no drawing back, a n d as if in a d r e a m L e e became aware they were no longer standing. A heady floating sensation seemed to r e n d e r her limbs to jelly as he carried her to the b e d , a n d her eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of t h e naked emotion evident in the instant before he covered her m o u t h w i t h his own. L e e was lost beneath t h e mastery of his touch, as

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with u n d o u b t e d expertise he sought to b r i n g alive each sensual pleasure centre. W i t h his m o u t h a n d his h a n d s he created havoc in parts of her body no m a n h a d p r e viously been p e r m i t t e d to explore. Vaguely she became aware of an increasing urgency in his leashed strength, then his legs were between her own and there was no mistaking his intention. D e a r God—no! In blind panic she began to struggle, his name on her lips. ' M a r c ' H e r cry was stilled by his m o u t h , a n d h e r silent scream sounded no m o r e than a t o r t u r e d m o a n in h e r throat. It wasn't h e r imagination that she felt his body stiffen. 'Dear G o d , ' M a r c b r e a t h e d in a barely audible groan. ' W h y d i d n ' t you tell m e ? ' Lee moved h e r head from side to side in an effort to escape the tearing pain, and as it began to subside she gave a w h i m p e r of protest as she felt his powerful body move. ' D o n ' t ! ' T h e single plea emerged as a begging whisper. ' T h e worst is over, darling. T r u s t m e . ' W i t h a gentleness that b r o u g h t a sob to her lips he set about using all the expertise at his c o m m a n d to r e awaken her desire, and at last their spirits rose in one accord to a t u m u l t u o u s crescendo, t h e like of which she had never d r e a m e d possible. L e e supposed she m u s t have slept, although it couldn't have been for long, and she came drowsily awake to the touch of lips playing a provocative t u n e along the sensitive cord of her neck. S h e felt deliciously lethargic, yet alive in a way that b r o u g h t a dreamy sparkle to h e r eyes as she t u r n e d h e r head slightly.

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' W h a t am I doing here?' she smiled, genuinely b e m u s e d , a n d M a r c ' s m o u t h twitched w i t h h u m o u r . ' Y o u m e a n you d o n ' t k n o w ? ' he queried teasingly, a n d as his eyes flared w i t h renewed passion she hastily hid her heated cheeks into the curve of his neck. T h i s time his lovemaking was slow and languorous, a n d t h e ecstasy he aroused reached an inevitable conclusion that was no less satisfying than before. Endless m i n u t e s later, M a r c slid off the b e d and scooped her into his a r m s . ' W h e r e are you taking m e ? ' L e e queried breathlessly a s h e m o v e d out into t h e hallway. ' M a r c ? ' A n u n b i d d e n t h o u g h t occurred. ' H a v e you n o shame?' she whispered tremulously. ' W h a t if your m o t h e r ' ' M a m m a elected to stay w i t h friends overnight,' he" slanted quizzically. 'Oh.' H i s m o u t h curved to form a m u s i n g smile. 'Just— " o h " , Lee?' F o r the m o m e n t she could think of nothing to say, a n d his husky laughter b r o u g h t a faint blush to her cheeks. O p e n i n g a door on his left, M a r c stepped into the r o o m a n d flicked a trio of switches that b a t h e d everyt h i n g in a s u b d u e d glow from several m u t e d strategically-placed lamps. L e e glanced a r o u n d w i t h a feeling of awe, noting the beautifully-styled spa-pool set on a slightly raised dais, the lush green deep-piled carpet, a n d t h e eye-catching walls with their alternate panelling of m i r r o r s and silk-embossed neptunian-designed tapestries. T h e gentle surging water from the pool provided t h e only sound, a n d L e e c o u l d n ' t help the appreciative m u r m u r t h a t escaped h e r lips as M a r c lowered h e r d o w n into t h e silken w a r m t h .

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' L i k e it?' She t u r n e d h e r face towards h i m with an enchanting smile. ' W h o could help b u t like it? It's incredible.' 'Another first, L e e ? ' M a r c d e m a n d e d gently, and she felt suddenly shy of this large m a n w h o could b o t h t o r m e n t a n d delight w i t h amazing ease. T h e past few h o u r s h a d seemed like a d r e a m , a fantasy in which she h a d been an ethereal participant, and she never wanted it to end. ' W h a t ' s going on in t h a t funny little h e a d of yours?' he d e m a n d e d , and m o v i n g close he c u p p e d her face and bestowed a lingering kiss. 'Does it embarrass you to be here with me like this?' H i s m o u t h moved back and forth on hers, gently at first, t h e n w i t h an increasing a r d o u r , awakening a matching h u n g e r that seemed to spring from the very d e p t h s of her soul. 'I never want to be apart from you,' he said huskily. ' W e belong together. Kiss m e , ' he c o m m a n d e d softly, a n d when she t o u c h e d her lips against his in a butterfly caress he gave a throaty chuckle and held her away. ' M y darling L e e , ' he chastised devilishly, 'I shall have to teach you to do better t h a n t h a t . ' L e e felt her eyes w i d e n as he moved to the pool's side, and her lids veiled her confusion as he levered himself out. 'You can look n o w , little M i s s P r i m , ' he teased laughingly as he hitched a towel about his hips. Colour seemed to suffuse her entire body, a n d she proffered defensively, 'Perhaps you w o u l d n ' t m i n d t u r n i n g your back? I ' d like to get o u t . ' M a r c ' s eyes gleamed w i t h h i d d e n laughter as he tossed her a towel, t h e n he obediently t u r n e d away and within seconds L e e was out of the pool a n d h a d enveloped herself in t h e h u g e fluffy towel. I t ' s a little late for modesty,' his voice drawled

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lazily, and she glanced up a n d saw his eyes twinkling wickedly in the m i r r o r e d reflection before he t u r n e d to face her. ' C o m e back to b e d , ' he bade gently, although t h e r e was n o t h i n g gentle a b o u t the way he was regarding her, and a wave of incredible shyness swept over her so that she h a d difficulty in finding her voice. 'Please,' she m a n a g e d at last. ' I t ' s awfully late. I m u s t go h o m e . ' M a r c gazed at her unwaveringly for what seemed an age, t h e n he m o v e d with catlike fluidity, his stance relaxed a n d totally at ease as he crossed to h e r side. L e e was aware of his latent masculinity to a point w h e r e she found it almost impossible to breathe n o r mally, a n d every nerve in her body tingled vibrantly alive as he curved an a r m r o u n d her waist a n d hugged her close to his side. ' W e have to talk,' he declared, moving w i t h her t o wards the door. ' A l t h o u g h I m u s t a d m i t it's t h e last thing on my m i n d at the m o m e n t . ' His wry smile went unnoticed as he b r u s h e d his lips over her hair. W h e n they reached t h e b e d r o o m M a r c d r e w her over to the large bed, and L e e felt her b o d y begin to tremble as they sank d o w n on to it. Gently he moved h e r hair aside, t h e n his lips sought h e r vulnerable n a p e , seducing in a way that m a d e her discard all h e r inhibitions as she t u r n e d into his a r m s . Cradled closely beside h i m , Lee stared into the shadowed darkness. M a r c ' s even breathing indicated that he was asleep, and she was afraid to move lest she disturbed h i m . Soon, she decided silently. T h e m i n u t e s ticked slowly by, a n d with each came an increasing sense of turmoil as her m i n d registered the implications of her own folly. D e a r G o d , it d i d n ' t bear thinking about. A silent

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groan escaped h e r lips. H o w could she have been so blind as to have let M a r c seduce h e r — a n d without so m u c h as a token resistance? R e m e m b e r i n g the intimacies she had p e r m i t t e d b r o u g h t shame, and an abject humiliation. A master of sensual expertise, M a r c had utilised all the skill at his c o m m a n d to bring about her seduction. O n e thing for sure—she couldn't stay here! T h e t h o u g h t of facing his possible rejection was sufficient to galvanise her into action. H a r d l y daring to b r e a t h e , L e e eased t h e sleep-heavy arm that p i n n e d her body close to his, t h e n gradually she began to inch carefully away t o w a r d s t h e side of the bed. A n y m i n u t e she expected M a r c to stir, and as she slipped her feet to t h e floor she felt her heart p o u n d , a n d sound seeming so loud that she was sure he m u s t hear it. W i t h stealthy cautious steps she located her clothes, donning t h e m w i t h deliberate slowness, resisting the temptation to fling t h e m on and flee the house and the compelling m a n w h o owned it. T h e r e was one b a d m o m e n t when L e e emerged outside and encountered B r u n o keeping guard at the bottom of the steps. F o r a heart stopping second she thought he was going to bark, b u t quick thinking saved the day, a n d she m u r m u r e d his n a m e in a quiet authoritative voice and bade him stay. It was slightly m o r e t h a n half a mile to Alicia a n d Stefano's farm, yet her breathing when she reached their driveway was as ragged as if she h a d r u n all t h e way. Relief at having escaped from M a r c b r o u g h t a r e lease of tension, a n d with it came reaction. A shaking mass of nerves, L e e barely m a d e it to h e r r o o m before

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she collapsed in a heap on her bed. She was too n u m b to cry, a n d she sat for an u n d e t e r m i n e d length of time staring blankly at the opposite wall. T h e first pale streaks of dawn, accompanied by the rooster's crow jarred her subconscious, a n d displaying an icy calm L e e stood to her feet and systematically set about packing. T h e n she gathered a fresh change of clothes and m a d e for the b a t h r o o m , completing h e r shower a n d attending to her toilette with concentrated dedication. ' L e e , y o u ' r e an early b i r d this m o r n i n g . I expected you to sleep late.' L e e t u r n e d from her passage d o w n the hall and m e t Alicia's w a r m smile. Shaking her head, she said quietly, 'Are the children awake?' ' N o , praise be. A l t h o u g h I ' m expecting an ear-splitting yell any m i n u t e . Shall I make some coffee? We m i g h t manage five m i n u t e s of peace, if w e ' r e lucky.' Resolve lent h e r strength. 'I have to leave, Alicia,' she began without preamble. ' A n d it has to be today.' H e r sister's face ran a g a m u t of emotions. ' T h e r e ' s nothing I can do to dissuade you?' she queried carefully, and L e e shook her head. ' A m I p e r m i t t e d to ask why?' L e e lifted a h a n d a n d ran shaky fingers t h r o u g h the length of her hair. ' I ' d rather you d i d n ' t . ' 'Just one question—does M a r c know y o u ' r e going?' L e e t u r n e d away a n d began walking towards her room. ' I ' v e packed everything, as you can see.' She waved an encompassing h a n d , t h e n let it fall to h e r side as she crossed to t h e dressing-table. ' I t ' s that bad?' Alicia d e m a n d e d gently, her eyes clouding with concern as she saw her sister make the studiously careful m o v e m e n t s of an a u t o m a t o n .

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'Worse.' 'Give me your ticket reservation,' Alicia instructed quietly. 'I'll ring t h r o u g h to Cairns a n d change it to today's midday flight.' T h e i r eyes m e t in the mirror, and the sisterly b o n d had no need of w o r d s . 'As far as Stefano is concerned, we're off to Cairns for a day's shopping. We'll simply d r o p the children off at his parents' house on the way t h r o u g h t o w n . '

CHAPTER

TEN

IT was all so simple that afterwards L e e could only wonder at the ease with which she managed to escape. D u r i n g breakfast the children provided a welcome distraction, although she was scarcely conscious of their demands as most of it passed right over her head. Only when the p h o n e rang just prior to their departure did L e e experience a few hellish seconds, and her eyes riveted on the receiver as Alicia answered, her expression assuming that of a cornered animal until a silent negative shake dismissed the caller as being M a r c . Safetly past the M a r e e b a township a n d on to the highway leading towards K u r a n d a , L e e began to relax somewhat. Alicia, bless her heart, chattered about inconsequential things that h a d little bearing on anything, so all that was required of L e e was the uttering of a monosyllabic c o m m e n t here and there. T h e large station wagon pulled into the car park adjacent to the Ansett air terminal in Cairns with less t h a n ten m i n u t e s to spare until check-in time, a n d while Alicia locked up L e e extracted her luggage from

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the boot and carried it the short distance to the office. Several people milled a r o u n d the entrance, and inside the q u e u e of fellow passengers waiting at the baggage check-in necessitated a moderate delay before L e e was able to rejoin her sister. 'I left my ring in t h e top left-hand drawer of the dressing-table,' L e e said matter-of-factly. ' I ' d a p preciate it if you would give it to M a r c whenever you h a p p e n to see h i m next.' At Alicia's nod, she walked towards a nearby desk and joined the q u e u e awaiting seat allocations. 'Shall I get you a magazine to read on the plane?' L e e shook her head. 'I'll write within the next few days,' she said, deadly calm, and she even managed to s u m m o n something resembling a smile, although from the look on Alicia's face the attempt wasn't entirely successful. 'Ring me instead. Reverse the charges,' her sister insisted anxiously. ' T h e whole thing was a charade from start to finish,' L e e told her stoically. T h e h a n d holding her ticket was surprisingly steady. Outwardly she was calm, and a p parently unaffected by the wrenching turmoil gnawing at her insides. ' I ' m an utter m e s s , ' she mocked silently, 'and not a soul could tell.' Oh G o d , if only she could dissolve into tears! She daren't p e r m i t h e r self the weakness, otherwise her shrewdly astute sister m i g h t guess the t r u t h . ' I s there any message y o u ' d like me to give M a r c ? ' Alicia ventured carefully, and L e e shook her head. ' Y o u ' r e very dear to m e , b u t please d o n ' t interfere.' T h e a n n o u n c e m e n t of her flight came over the tannoy, and m i n u t e s later she was giving Alicia a h u g prior to walking out on to the tarmac to board the plane.

T h e flight south was uneventful, a n d L e e d i d n ' t utter so m u c h as a w o r d except for a monosyllabic acceptance or refusal of the hostess's ministrations. D u r i n g the stopover in Brisbane she remained on board, unaware of anything or anyone on the plane, and u p o n t o u c h d o w n in Sydney she collected her luggage and s u m m o n e d a taxi with the motions of a robot. Only Sam was h o m e , and she treated his stunned surprise with a forced grin. 'If you care for me at all, just get me a drink—a stiff one.' She d r o p p e d her suitcase, t h r u s t d o w n the overnight bag, and sank into a chair. ' O n e gin and tonic coming u p , ' S a m declared with droll cynicism, moving to the cabinet a n d unscrewing a selection of bottles. ' H e r e , ' he advised, h a n d i n g her the glass. ' D o I melt out of sight and leave you to your misery, or do I join you?' 'If you disappear, I'll kill you!' L e e began with a fierceness that b r o u g h t Sam's eyebrows soaring t o wards his hairline. ' T h a t bad?' 'I should never have gone on holiday.' ' I ' m amazed,' Sam drawled lazily. 'I t h o u g h t you were i m m u n e . ' Lee glanced at h i m without comprehension, and he smiled. ' F r o m the opposite sex, sweetheart,' he explained, and she scowled. ' D o n ' t be ridiculous!' ' H e m u s t be quite something if you t u r n e d tail and scuttled h o m e . ' 'I did not scuttle—I merely chose to r e t u r n earlier than intended,' she insisted with m a r k e d aloofness, and he laughed. 'Honey, this is Sam, r e m e m b e r ? ' he mocked gently.

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'Big brother Sam,' she said with some asperity. 'A girl's best friend—adviser, advocate and protector.' ' T h a t ' s all y o u ' d ever let me b e , ' he answered wryly, lifting a glass to his lips and draining half t h e contents in one long swallow. ' D o we quietly drink ourselves into oblivion, or do you want to talk?' ' L e t ' s go out,' L e e begged, a slight edge of desperation in her voice. 'All four of us. Somewhere bright and noisy. Please,' she added, and missed the gleam of anger that flashed momentarily in S a m ' s eyes. ' W h y n o t ? ' H e watched her diminish her drink with total disregard for its effects. 'Ease u p , L e e , ' he advised bluntly. ' T h a t stuff is pretty p o t e n t . ' 'I d o n ' t need a lecture, Sam.' ' G o d d a m n h i m to hell!' T h e words came out in an angry r u s h , and her eyes widened fractionally, swift comprehension and sadness twisting her lips into a better smile. ' H e ' s invincible—the original dark angel.' L a u g h t e r choked in her throat. ' T h e flames of hell w o u l d n ' t touch him!' T h e front door banged, accompanied by a light banter of male a n d female voices, and by the time Carl and T r u d i burst into the lounge Sam's face was an enigmatic mask. 'By all that's holy, what are you doing h o m e ? ' ' L e e , what happened? I s something wrong?' T r u d i d e m a n d e d , her pert features assuming concern as she scrutinised her friend. ' W e ' r e eating o u t — o n m e , ' Sam intimated, collecting Lee's empty glass a n d his own. ' G e t changed into something suitable—we're going to sound out a few of t h e city's discos.' ' T h a t ' s an offer I w o n ' t refuse,' T r u d i decided with a twinkle of a m u s e m e n t . 'Carl?'

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' O h , definitely,' t h e tall lanky y o u n g m a n responded unhesitatingly, and L e e felt moved to tears. Like the t r u e friends they were, they rallied without reservation. 'Half an h o u r ? ' she queried lightly. 'I need a shower after being in a plane for nearly five hours.' ' N o t a m i n u t e longer,' Sam a n n o u n c e d with mock severity. 'Otherwise I'll withdraw my offer.' ' W h e r e are we going to eat?' T r u d i d e m a n d e d . ' H o w about Angelo's? I love Italian food.' Sam glimpsed the fleeting spasm of pain flicker momentarily across Lee's expressive features. 'Chinese,' he said firmly. ' I ' m paying, r e m e m b e r ? ' On the surface L e e was a sparkling companion, laughing, and later w h e n they danced, she was one of the most energetic on the floor. Only the very discerning would have guessed the effort it cost her to m a i n tain an air of such cheerfulness, b u t it h a d the desired effect in p r o m o t i n g exhaustion so that she slept soundlessly until seven the following m o r n i n g . ' Y o u ' r e not going in to work?' T r u d i exclaimed with disbelief as Lee set about making herself breakfast. ' W h y not?' L e e parried. ' W h a t else can I do?' 'But y o u ' r e not expected back until M o n d a y ! ' the other girl wailed. 'Besides, you look ghastly.' ' T h a n k s ! T h a t ' s just what I need to improve my morale.' ' O h , you know what I m e a n , ' T r u d i said quickly, and L e e lifted an expressive eyebrow. 'Do I?' ' W a n t to talk about it?' T r u d i offered tentatively, but L e e shook her head. ' N o t yet.' She s u m m o n e d a slight smile, unaware of the h a u n t e d expression in her eyes that m a d e her appear strangely vulnerable. ' I ' d better h u r r y if I ' m to

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make the eight o'clock train.' F o o d was a b h o r r e n t , and she sipped the strong black coffee, then discarded half the contents down the sink. In her room she quickly dressed, applied a m i n i m u m of m a k e - u p , then slipped her feet into backless sandals before catching up her shoulder-bag. A sketchy wave as she passed the kitchen was meant to encompass the trio sitting a r o u n d the table, then she opened the front door a n d emerged out into the cool m o r n i n g air. A p a r t from expressing initial surprise at Lee's r e t u r n , her co-workers accepted her presence with grat i t u d e , for the city salon was heavily booked and an extra pair of hands m a d e the work-load considerably lighter. T h e day passed quickly, and the next, with L e e p o u r i n g all her energy into work, and in the evening she retired to her room soon after dinner pleading the necessity for an early night. She was aware that her friends were anxious about her well-being, b u t she h u r t too m u c h inside to reveal any confidences. All she wanted to do was to crawl into some protective shell and hide until her raw emotions began to heal. T h e r e were times d u r i n g the following days when she t h o u g h t she might be going out of her m i n d , for M a r c ' s forceful image crowded all h e r waking m o m e n t s , and even sleep brought little respite. M o r e t h a n once she woke from turbulent dreams that ass u m e d nightmarish proportions, so that she tossed and t u r n e d until m o r n i n g and rose feeling totally enervated. L e e had imagined that with time it would get better, b u t it only became worse as each day progressed. T h r e e weeks, and still she resembled a walking zombie! She h a d lost weight, valuable p o u n d s that reduced her sylph-like figure to positive thinness, and

sleep was something she was only able to covet for a few scant h o u r s each night. W o r k h a d proved no panacea for grief, n o r had throwing herself into an exhaustive social whirl. Sam, Carl, and T r u d i saw to it that she was rarely alone, and already m e n t i o n of a party had been casually tossed in h e r direction as she h a d entered the spacious old house in s u b u r b a n M o r o u b r a less than ten m i n u t e s previously. In spite of having spent an exhausting day at work she supposed she would g o — anything was better than spending an evening in lonely isolation. 'Lee!' Sam's voice called from b e h i n d the closed door. ' C a n you come out? T h e r e ' s someone here to see you.' W h o on earth could be calling at this time of day? L e e puzzled with a frown. Slipping her feet to the floor, she threw down the letter she h a d b e g u n to Alicia, straightened her skirt, ran her fingers quickly t h r o u g h the length of her hair, t h e n emerged out into the hall. T h e only other occupant in the lounge besides Sam was a tall dark-haired m a n whose b r o a d frame was achingly familiar, a n d L e e came to a s u d d e n halt a few steps inside the room. 'Hello, L e e . ' F o r a heart stopping m o m e n t she t h o u g h t her voice had become frozen in her throat, then the constriction seemed to lessen, and she gave a slight nod. ' M a r c , ' she acknowledged with icy politeness, t h e n seeing his faintly raised eyebrow, she effected the necessary i n t r o ductions. ' S a m H e t h e r i n g t o n — M a r c L e o n e . ' M a r c ' s eyes never left hers, although their expression was inscrutable. His casual attire reflected an elegance d u e to s u p e r b tailoring, and her pulse began to race crazily just at the sight of h i m .

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' D o you want m e t o stay?' L e e glanced abstractedly towards Sam, a n d for a m o m e n t she remained undecided. ' N o — t h a n k s , ' she refused slowly, and with a curt n o d Sam walked to t h e door, t h e n he halted and t u r n e d towards M a r c . ' I f you h u r t her again, I'll kill you!' L e e spared h i m an anguished glance, t h e n t h e door clicked shut a n d she was alone with the one m a n she t h o u g h t never to set eyes on again. ' W h a t are you doing here?' she d e m a n d e d in a voice that was faintly breathless, and the fact that his p r e s ence h a d such a devastating effect on her m a d e her incredibly angry. M a r c stood regarding h e r silently for what seemed an age, t h e n he drawled silkily, 'You have a very—loyal friend.' She flushed slightly at his tone, and h i d d e n sparks t u r n e d her eyes to molten gold. ' S a m regards me as a sister.' O n e eyebrow ascended in a cynical gesture. ' H i s affection goes beyond brotherly love.' ' Y o u r perception amazes m e , ' L e e t h r e w disparag-. ingly, a n d M a r c inclined his head with undisguised mockery. W i t h concentrated effort she held his gaze, a n d d e m a n d e d , ' I s this a social call? I ' m rather busy.' He looked at her in silence, his regard deep a n d incredibly solemn before declaring softly, ' Y o u know w h y I ' m here.' ' D o I? Forgive m e , b u t I d o n ' t possess mental telepathy.' M a r c ' s eyes narrowed fractionally. ' D i d you imagine I ' d let you disappear?' She gave a slight shrug. ' W h y n o t ? ' She shifted her attention to a spot some distance away, t h e n r e t u r n e d it to t h e t h i r d b u t t o n on his dark b r o w n shirt.

'You know d a m n e d well why not!' L e e felt warm colour tinge her cheeks, a n d it took all her resolve to force coolness into her voice. 'Conscience, M a r c ? ' she slanted with a p p a r e n t u n concern, and was immediately aware of his anger. ' L e e , ' he began dangerously, a n d she broke in furiously, ' O h , for heaven's sake! I ' m not a naive y o u n g teenager. W h a t — h a p p e n e d wasn't such an earth-shattering experience.' Liar, she discounted mentally, t h e n she m e t his gaze with renewed determination. 'I guess I should be grateful to you for destroying a m y t h , a n d releasing my inhibitions.' M a r c ' s husky oath sent a chill tingling d o w n the length of her spine. ' D a m m i t , L e e , have you any idea h o w I felt w h e n I discovered y o u ' d gone?' ' O h , should I have waited until m o r n i n g ? ' she parried with saccharine sweetness. 'Forgive m e — I ' m unversed in the ethics regarding such m a t t e r s . ' H i s eyes were frighteningly bleak. ' M y G o d , I could shake you until your teeth rattle!' He t h r u s t his hands into his trousers pockets, a n d L e e suppressed a shiver. 'I was equally responsible for what h a p p e n e d between u s — m o r e so, p e r h a p s , t h a n you.' Catching her h a n d s together b e h i n d h e r back, she m e t his eyes unflinchingly. ' D o n ' t w o r r y — I ' m n o t pregnant.' ' I s that w h y y o u think I ' m here?' h e d e m a n d e d savagely. ' T o check on the outcome?' W i t h o u t seeming to move, he was suddenly within touching distance. ' I s n ' t it?' F o r a m o m e n t she t h o u g h t he was going to strike h e r , a n d she took an involuntary step backwards at the same t i m e as his h a n d s descended w i t h biting

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strength to grasp each shoulder. ' M a r c , ' she protested painfully, ' y o u ' r e h u r t i n g m e ! ' ' N o t half as m u c h as I ' d like to!' W i t h an angry m o v e m e n t he thrust h e r away from h i m , t h e n he lifted a h a n d to his hair, raking it emotively into unruly disarray. ' T h e only time y o u ' r e not spitting at me like an angry kitten is w h e n I have you in my a r m s , ' he drawled with wry cynicism. ' W h e r e I'll never be again,' Lee insisted quickly, a n d saw his lips twist into a mocking smile. ' N o ? Somehow I think it's inevitable.' 'Never!' She was so incensed she stamped her foot. ' I ' m n o m a n ' s possession—much less yours. D e a r G o d , y o u ' r e so impossible, no sane w o m a n could bear with you!' ' T h i n k of the making up we'll do after o u r m a n y fights,' M a r c drawled, a n d L e e gasped in outrage. ' W e hate each other,' she threw vehemently, and he gave a soundless laugh. ' ' N o t all the time, L e e . ' ' W h a t does that prove?' she demanded. ' Y o u belong to m e . ' T h e very quietness of his voice m a d e h e r shiver, a n d she shook her head slowly. ' N o . ' T h e denial come from her lips as an anguished whisper. ' G o away, M a r c , ' she begged. ' O u r relationship has been disastrous from start to finish. I just want to forget it ever h a p p e n e d . ' F o r a long while he simply stood still, his eyes dark with an emotion she was unable to fathom, t h e n at last he said quietly, ' D o you think you can?' U n a b l e to face h i m , she t u r n e d away and gazed out the window at the fading light. W i t h i n a few m i n u t e s it would be dark. If only M a r c would go, she t h o u g h t with something verging close to desperation. M u c h longer, a n d she'd break d o w n , and she h a d no wish for

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h i m to witness her tears. Scant seconds later she sensed h i m move to stand b e h i n d her, and every last nerve-end began to quiver as she felt him b r u s h aside her hair, then his lips touched her vulnerable n a p e in a feathery caress, and she held her breath as he traced the gentle curve of her neck. A silent m o a n escaped her as he t u r n e d her r o u n d to face h i m . ' D o n ' t M a r c , ' L e e begged. 'Please.' ' D o n ' t — w h a t ? ' he taunted softly. 'Kiss you?' He gave a harsh laugh, and his eyes darkened measurably. 'I m i g h t as well try not to breathe.' H i s head lowered and his lips b r u s h e d hers, tantalising, evocative, a n d she felt the familiar aching need course t h r o u g h her limbs, rendering t h e m weak and totally malleable. Of their o w n volition her hands crept up over his shoulders to clasp together b e h i n d his neck, a n d w h e n his m o u t h fastened hungrily on hers there was no t h o u g h t to deny h i m . It was only timeless m i n u t e s later that c o m m o n sense r e t u r n e d , a n d with it a certain a m o u n t of anger, so that she broke the embrace a n d attempted to step away from him. ' T h i s isn't going to solve anything, M a r c , ' she began with determination, and saw t h e faint gleam of a m u s e m e n t in his eyes as he regarded her. ' I ' d say it's a step in the right direction.' ' W h a t direction is that?' she d e m a n d e d , her hazel eyes steady, and his m o u t h twisted into a wry smile. ' W h y did you r u n away, Lee?' he parried quietly. 'You achieved your objective,' she reiterated defensively. ' L e t ' s just say I d i d n ' t plan on staying a r o u n d for a repeat performance.' ' I s that what you t h o u g h t I h a d in m i n d ? ' His d e m a n d was silky-smooth and dangerous. ' O h , y o u ' r e pretty persuasive, M a r c , ' she said bit-

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terly. ' A n d experienced,' she added with a harsh laugh. ' M y G o d , I d i d n ' t really stand a chance, did I? Like a peach, ripe for the picking!' ' S t o p it!' M a r c c o m m a n d e d brusquely, giving her an ungentle shake, and she struggled to get free, b e coming enraged at her impotent efforts as he effortlessly stilled her flailing a r m s . 'I hate you!' L e e spat in a fine temper. ' D o you u n d e r s t a n d — I hate you!' M a r c ' s h a n d s tightened with painful intensity over her slim shoulders. 'You really are the most s t u b b o r n , wilful, blind young w o m a n it's ever been my misfortune to m e e t , ' he growled emotively. ' I ' m t o r n between slapping your delightful rear, a n d kissing you senseless.' L e e ' s eyes sparked with ill-concealed fury. 'If you lay one finger on m e , I'll never forgive you!' H i s silence was enervating, t h e n without warning he hauled her close a n d his m o u t h crushed hers in a pitiless assault that became mercilessly brutal as he ravaged her soft lips, leaving her gasping a n d s o u n d lessly m o a n i n g for breath. At last it came to an end, and he flung her away in disgust. 'You bring out the beast in m e , ' he t h r u s t bluntly a n d without apology. O n e h a n d lifted a n d he ran a h a n d roughly t h r o u g h his hair. 'Heaven help me!' H i s husky oath was self-derisory. 'I came down here clear in my m i n d what I wanted to say. Yet within t e n minutes w e ' r e engaged in a full-scale verbal war, and I've resorted to treating you with nothing less than brutality.' ' I t ' s hopeless,' L e e . m u t t e r e d t h r o u g h painfully bruised lips, and her stomach lurched as his h a n d s caught hold of her waist. ' W h a t is hopeless is o u r being apart,' M a r c declared bluntly, his eyes dark with ill-concealed passion, and L e e offered shakily,

'Yet together we fight like d e m e n t e d animals.' 'Only because we're, b o t h too d a m n e d p r o u d to admit we love each other.' L e e stood absolutely still, her heart almost seeming to stop for an instant before beginning to p o u n d with a t h u n d e r i n g beat. 'Are you trying to say 'I love you,' M a r c finished softly. ' Q u i t e shockingly, in fact,' he acknowledged a trifle wryly. 'If y o u ' d waited, I would have told you.' H i s eyes gleamed, the love light unmistakable,in their d e p t h s . 'I fell asleep with t h e vision of kissing you awake and imparting that fact. Instead, you stole off in t h e early hours of the m o r n i n g . ' H i s m o u t h tightened a fraction, a n d his h a n d s clenched painfully about her waist. ' W h e n I rang the farm it was to discover from Stefano that you and Alicia had departed an h o u r previously for a day's shopping in Cairns. It wasn't until evening that I was acquainted w i t h the fact that you were by then in Sydney.' At h e r gasp of pain he gave a husky exclamation a n d drew her close. 'Perhaps it was as well there were a few t h o u s a n d miles separating u s , ' he m u s e d dryly, 'otherwise I think I would have killed you.' L e e tentatively slid her arms a r o u n d his waist, and allowed herself the giddy pleasure of resting her head against that b r o a d expanse of chest. ' W h y d i d n ' t you p h o n e , or write m e ? ' she asked, her voice muffled, a n d some of the h u r t she'd suffered was evident. ' D o you imagine I d i d n ' t want to?' M a r c groaned, enfolding her close against him. ' O h G o d , L e e , it was all I could do n o t to get the next plane after y o u . ' H i s lips b r u s h e d the top of her head, a n d his u r g e n t need of her became achingly obvious. ' T h e one thing that stopped me was the knowledge that you needed breathing space. My pursuit of you h a d been intense,' he elaborated w i t h a trace of mockery. 'I swept you

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way out of your d e p t h , mindless of your fears or d o u b t s . If I ' d come after you too soon, y o u ' d have only imagined I was browbeating you into s u b m i s sion.' He p u s h e d her gently away from h i m a n d tilted her chin. 'I knew my m i n d , and I was almost certain I knew yours,' he smiled gently. 'All you needed was time—time alone in which to think.' L e e digested his words in silence, and unable to r e strain the need to h u r t h i m a little, she m u r m u r e d , ' W h a t if y o u ' r e wrong?' F o r an instant there was naked pain in those dark d e p t h s , a n d she shook her head in anguish, at once contrite. ' O h M a r c , n o , ' she said brokenly, a n d clasping her arms a r o u n d that h a r d muscular frame she hugged h i m close. 'I love y o u — I think I always have. T h e s e past few weeks have been hell,' she enlightened in an aching voice. 'I t h o u g h t I ' d never see you again, a n d I wanted to d i e . ' . M a r c grasped her chin firmly and lifted it to meet his gaze. 'Little vixen,' he berated roughly. ' F o r a m o m e n t I almost ' L e e placed a h a n d over his m o u t h , silencing h i m . 'Forgive m e , ' she begged, her eyes filling with tears. ' K n o w i n g you h a s n ' t been easy,' she began by way of explanation. 'You never once indicated h o w you really felt—not even after t r a p p i n g me into an engagement. I t h o u g h t you were just playing with m e , amusing y o u r self at my expense,' she ended miserably. H i s kiss was long a n d entirely satisfactory, leaving her b e m u s e d and breathless. 'I was lost almost from the first time I set eyes on you,' M a r c m u s e d with a smile, ' T h e r e you were—late, flustered, and startlingly beautiful.' H i s slight chuckle was disarming. 'I held my breath all the way to T o w n s ville,' he revealed, pausing to bestow a brief h a r d kiss on

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her parted mouth. 'It seemed too good to be true when you travelled on to Cairns and were m e t by Alicia. Even t h e n I determined I would have you—with typical male egotistical conceit,' he added wryly. ' I ' d amassed sufficient experience to be sure I Could break down your resistance. H o w e v e r , you defied me at every t u r n — infuriating me to a point whereby I was hardly r e sponsible for my actions. No matter how often I resolved to treat you gently, you inevitably moved me to a savagery I h a d never imagined myself capable of. N e v e r before have I wanted to kiss a woman and beat h e r — b o t h at the same time!'

'You did,' L e e r e m i n d e d him drolly. ' F r e q u e n t l y . ' M a r c ' s s u b d u e d laughter b r o u g h t an answering smile. ' W i t h two such combustible parents, I rather fear for our children,' he declared with dry cynicism, and she felt her cheeks tinge a telling pink. ' W h e n are you going to m a r r y m e ? ' he d e m a n d e d gently. 'I wasn't aware that I ' d been asked.' 'You d o u b t my intentions?' L e e placed a placating h a n d on his a r m . ' T h e first time d i d n ' t count, M a r c ' ' M i n x ! ' he chided with a lazy grin. ' D o you want me d o w n on b e n d e d knee?' ' N o . ' A laugh gurgled in her throat. ' T h a t would be asking too m u c h . ' ' L e e C a r r u t h e r s , will you do me the h o n o u r of b e c o m ing my wife?' he d e m a n d e d with u n d u e solemnity, a n d her heart seemed to take wings and soar heavenward. ' O h yes, please!' 'Saturday?' H e r face paled slightly. ' S o soon?' ' W h y not? I have the licence, an a p p o i n t m e n t with the priest at four o'clock on Saturday afternoon. My m o t h e r has a guest list for the wedding, a n d just as

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soon as I p h o n e her, she'll begin contacting t h e m . ' Consternation widened her eyes. 'A church wedding? M a r c , I haven't a suitable dress. T h e r e ' s a h u n dred things to d o , and I haven't even done one of them!' she wailed. 'Nonsense. We'll have time to shop for something suitable before catching the plane t o m o r r o w . ' 'Marc ' ' S h h , darling. D o n ' t make obstacles where there are n o n e , ' he remonstrated softly. ' G o a n d change while I ring your sister. W e ' r e going out for the evening to celebrate—candlelit dinner, champagne. Somewhere quiet and intimate.' ' A n d afterwards?' M a r c leant d o w n a n d kissed her with bruising intensity. 'Afterwards, my sweet, I deliver you h o m e , and go on to my apartment. T h e next time I have you in my bed I want it to be with you as my wife.' A soft smile lit her features, and her eyes sparkled with devilish h u m o u r . ' S u c h restraint—how noble, M a r c ! ' 'You'll pay for that remark,' he growled, p u s h i n g her firmly from h i m , a n d she laughed, delighting in teasing him. ' I s that a threat or a promise?' 'Both,' he declared succinctly. ' N o w , go before I change my m i n d a n d exact due penance.'

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drive d o w n the Range to Cairns, from where they would fly out to Hawaii the following m o r n i n g for a glorious two weeks. 'You d o n ' t need t o , ' L e e told h i m solemnly a m a t t e r of minutes after entering their motel unit close to the Esplanade in Cairns. 'I d o n ' t n e e d to—what?' M a r c drawled teasingly as he came to stand behind her. 'Are you implying I shouldn't make love to you?' H i s arms curved r o u n d her slim form and he drew her back against h i m , his h a n d s lightly caressing her breasts, a n d she t u r n e d to face him. ' G o so far away, or have a h o n e y m o o n at all,' she said softly, her eyes very bright at the glimpse of s l u m bering passion in those dark eyes regarding her so intently. 'Practising being a thrifty wife so soon?' he q u e s tioned lightly, moulding her close so that she was aware of every muscular curve. 'I can well afford it, my sweet.' ' I t ' s n o t t h a t , ' she said in a muffled voice, and he frowned slightly. ' T h e n what is it? D o n ' t you like Hawaii? We'll go somewhere else.' ' T h a t ' s just it,' L e e burst out. ' W e d o n ' t need to go anywhere. M a r c , I ' d be just as h a p p y to stay here in Cairns, or oyer at G r e e n Island. D o n ' t you see?' she implored. 'As long as we're together, it doesn't m a t t e r where.' His m o u t h twisted into a gentle smile, then it wasn't gentle at all as it fastened on hers in a kiss that t r a n s ported her to a dreamlike realm of sensual awareness, so that she felt strangely bereft w h e n at last he lifted his head. ' I ' m inclined to agree with y o u , ' he m u s e d a trifle

On reflection, L e e h a d little recollection of the fortyeight hours* preceding her marriage to M a r c , for the details were a hazy glow. Even the ceremony itself held a dreamlike quality, and the reception afterwards passed in a b l u r of faces, food she hardly tasted and a quantity of superb wine. It was after ten before they were able to tear t h e m selves away from family and friends a n d begin the

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wryly. 'However, t h e first few weeks after marriage are rather special, a n d besides,' he grinned tolerantly, 'I rather fancy showing you the sights of that magnificent group of islands—in between other things.' L e e ' s eyes gleamed mischievously alive as she tilted her chin. ' S u c h as?' ' M a k i n g love to you—often,' M a r c declared emotively, a n d she laughed a little, delighting in provoking him. ' T h e n y o u ' d better make a start, h a d n ' t you?' ' I s that an invitation?' ' D o you need one?' F o r an instant there was a m o m e n t a r y glimpse of something like regret in his dark eyes, and with perceptive u n d e r s t a n d i n g she placed a finger across his lips. ' D o n ' t , M a r c , ' she begged. ' T h e past, with all its misunderstanding a n d h u r t , is gone. " T o m o r r o w is t h e first day of the rest of our lives". T h a t ' s very true, d o n ' t you think?' He lifted his h a n d s a n d gently c u p p e d her face, and his voice became husky with emotion as he spoke. ' Y o u ' r e beautiful, do you know that? An inner beauty that has no connection with the shape and look of you'.' He lowered his head and softly placed his m o u t h against hers in a fleeting sensual caress. ' D e a r G o d in heaven, I love y o u , ' he groaned huskily. ' O h , M a r c , ' L e e whispered, 'you're my life. W i t h o u t you, I ' m lost.' She reached up and w o u n d her arms around his neck, pulling his face d o w n close to hers. 'Kiss m e , love m e , ' she begged with unconscious yearning, revealing without shame, 'I need you.' T h e r e was strength and unconcealed passion in his response, a h u n g e r that only she could assuage, and she almost cried out loud with the joy of it as his lovemaking took her to the heights of sensual ecstasy, a n d beyond.

The Mills & Boon Rose is the Rose of Romance COLLISION by Margaret Pargeter After the heartless way Max Heger had treated her, Selena wanted to be revenged on him. But things didn't work out as she had planned. D A R K REMEMBRANCE by Daphne Clair Could Raina marry Logan Thome a year after her husband Perry's death, when she knew that Perry would always come first with her? AN APPLE F R O M E V E by Betty Neels Doctor Tane van Diederijk and his fiancee were always cropping up in Euphemia's life. If only she could see the back of both of them? COPPER L A K E by Kay Thorpe Everything was conspiring to get Toni engaged to Sean. But she was in love with his brother Rafe - who had the worst possible opinion of her! INVISIBLE WIFE by Jane Arbor Vicente Massimo blamed Tania for his brother's death. So how was it that Tania soon found herself blackmailed into marrying him? B A C H E L O R ' S WIFE by Jessica Steele Penny's marriage to Nash Devereux had been a ' paper ' one. So why did Nash want a reconciliation just when Penny wanted to marry Trevor? C A S T L E IN SPAIN by Margaret Rome Did Birdie love the lordly Vulcan, Conde de la Conquista de Retz - who wanted to marry her - or did she fear him? KING OF C U L L A by Sally Wentworth After the death of her sister, Marnie wanted to be left alone. But the forceful Ewan McNeill didn't seem to get the message! A L W A Y S THE BOSS by Victoria Gordon The formidable Conan Garth was wrong in every opinion he held of Dinah — but could she ever make him see it? CONFIRMED B A C H E L O R by Roberta Leigh Bradley Dexter was everything Robyn disliked. But now that she could give him a well-deserved lesson, fate was playing tricks on her! If you have difficulty in obtaining any of these books from your local paperback retailer, write to: Mills & Boon Reader Service P.O. Box 236, Thornton Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 3 R U Available August 1981