"She was his mistress, wasn't she?"
"Well, yes, for a while. But that was before he married you. I would have thought—well..." She trailed off.
"Jared and I aren't a honeymoon couple," Corinne said.
Dayna faced her squarely and said, "I must be rude now and ask you something that is none of my business. Do you love Jared?"
"Yes."
"Well then, you will have to fight for him," Dayna replied, a twinkle in her blue eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"You're a very beautiful woman, Corinne. If Jared knows you want him, he won't look elsewhere. Another woman wouldn't have a chance with him."
"Do you really think so?"
"Of course. Why don't you start now? Go get his attention away from Naneki. It's late, and no one would think it odd if tiie two of you retired soon." Dayna winked and Corinne blushed.
"What about you?" Corinne asked, hoping she would see Dayna again. "Will you be leaving soon?"
"Heavens, no. One of the best parts about a luau is finding a place to bunk down for the night. Just about everyone stays until morning and then helps clean up."
"I didn't know that."
Dayna laughed. "You'll have people sleeping all over yoiir house, and in the stable, too," she smiled. "Now go on. I'll see you in the morning before I leave. You can meet my escort, Mark Carlton, then."
Corinne left the table and approached Jared slowly. She still didn't know what to say to him. She nervously fingered her necklace, then realized she had the perfect excuse to speak to 'him.
"Jared." It took him several moments to take his eyes oft Naneki, but he finally turned to her. "I wanted to thank you for the opals. They're beautiful."
"If you like them, I'm glad. If not—" He shrugged as if to say he didn't care.
"I do like them, Jared," she said quickly, and added, "Honestly."
He took her arm and walked her to the bench swing, a few feet away. Oh, why was she so nervous?
"The opals suit you," Jared said casually without looking at her. "They compliment your coloring. You have picked up quite a tan while I was gone."
"I'm sorry if you don't like it."
"Oh, but I do. Your skin has darkened, but your hair has lightened. You look very exotic now."
"Is that good?'
"Good Lord, woman, nothing could hurt your beauty. Are you just being naive, or are you fishing for compliments?" Corinne's chin rose perceptibly and Jared chuckled. "Don't get your dander up. I was only teasing."
She relaxed and decided to broach the subject that had worried her so often of late. "Why did you stay away so long?"
He glanced at her curiously for a moment, but then looked out over the ocean.
"There was some trouble with the hotel job. One of my workers nearly lost a leg in a bad fall. I couldn't very well take off with him laid up in the hospital, not knowing whether he would lose the leg or not."
"Is he all right?"
"Yes. He'll have a limp the rest of his life, though. A few other things kept me in the city after that."
"What?"
"It's personal, Corinne."
She drew up. "You mean because of me?"
"No, damnit," he said with exasperation. "If you must know, I was looking for John Pierce. He and I had some unfinished business."
"Did you find him?"
"He's left the island."
"For good?" she asked.
"Apparently," Jared said, frustrated. "I also learned that his land is up for sale." Then his tone lightened. "But enough of that. Akela tells me you helped quite a bit with the luau. I appreciate it. Things must have been pretty hectic around here all week."
"I enjoyed it."
"You must be tired after such a long day."
He was looking at her again with those piercing blue-gray eyes. Was he asking her or telling her?
"I'm ready for bed."
She smiled. "I am, too."
They bade good night to their guests and went inside. Walking through the patio was difficult. Children had already been bedded down there on the big rug and the sofas, and a few adults, too, were already sleeping. Jared led her over and around little bodies and big ones, and when they reached the top of the patio stairs, they saw that the living room was already filled.
The corridor to the bedrooms was quiet and empty.Florence had gone to bed much earlier with Michael. Malia hadn't lasted long, either, excitement having caused her to be up at dawn.
Jared stopped at Florence's door to bid Corinne good night. He had decided not to press her. He had made a terrible blunder that morning, a stupid blunder, and he was sure Corinne was still angry. But Corinne went on to his room and entered. Jared stared after her in surprise. She went to the dresser and lit a lamp, then removed the gardenia from her hair, breathing deeply of it before putting it down.
Jared came into the room slowly, watching her. "You moved back in here?"
She glanced at him demurely. "I hope you don't mind."
"No, of course not," Jared answered, wondering how on earth he would get through the night without touching her.
Corinne went on nervously as she took off her necklace. "Naneki is back. She has been since you left, so there are no extra rooms. And I don't think Florence and I would be too comfortable sharing her small bed."
"Corinne, I said I didn't mind," he interrupted. "Anyway, you belong in here."
She turned away from him, moving her long hair aside. "Would you unfasten my muumuuT'
He started to unfasten her gown and slowly her slender back was revealed. Her neck was so tempting, he wanted to lean forward and caress her with his lips, to taste her silken skin. Would she jump away from him and be enraged? He kept his control and then turned away and began undressing.
Corinne crossed to the closet and stepped out of her muumuu and her underthings. Naked, she took a long time searching for a nightgown, hoping Jared would at least look at her. Finally she could stall no more, and withdrew a dark green negligee of luxurious satin.
Corinne turned towards Jared before she put the gown on, and found him staring at her as if mesmerized. She smiled to herself and averted her eyes. Ever so slowly, she slipped the gown over her head and pulled it down.
Jared stood motionless as he watched Corinne walk enticingly to the bed and slide under the covers. Didn't she know what she was doing to him? She was tempting him beyond endurance.
"Aren't you coming to bed, Jared?"
Corinne's voice was seductively sweet, and he realized he hadnt moved for several minutes. He tore away the rest of his clothes and walked over to the bed.
"Confound it, woman, do you know what you're doing to me?" he demanded harshly. "I can't stand it anymore!"
She was silent. Then slowly she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest.
Corinne thought she would die with wanting him, with the need to have him drive into her, claim her. It was the only assurance she had that he felt something for her, even if it was only desire. She tore off her gown and tried to pull him down with her, but he held her back.
"No, dndi," he said huskily. "I want to savor you. God, how I've longed for you, dreamt of you." Slowly, he pushed her down and lay down by her side with one leg over hers, possessively.
And then he began to torture her with sweet, exquisite kisses that drove her wild. His lips pressed hers with tender passion, while his hand scorched her skin. Her body demanded release, but still he prolonged the delicious torture. At last she could bear it no more and grasped his hot, steel-like shaft and urged him to her.
Jared groaned at her touch and moved on top of her. "Oh, my Kolina—" he breathed.
He buried his lips in the curve of her neck at the same time he buried his throbbing manhood within her. In only seconds Corinne was swirling, spiraling upward to the climactic moment of explosion. Her fulfillment was complete because Jared joined her in that instant of bliss. The shattering moment was theirs together.
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Corinne sighed deeply-when Jared moved to her side and pulled her close. No words were spoken, but none were needed.
Chapter 42
Corinne woke late to discover that she was alone. She dressed quickly and made the bed lovingly, remembering each moment of what had happened there the night before. She picked up the clothes Jared had left lying on the floor. They were a mess. He hadn't even bothered to empty his pockets. She laid some coins and loose pieces of paper on the dresser, then pulled a small box from another pocket. It was a jewelry box, and she couldn't resist opening it. The solid gold heart that gleamed up at her was lovely. Slowly she read the engraved inscription.
Corinne quickly closed the box and put it back in the pocket. Then, quickly, she replaced the other items in the clothes and hung them up. He mustn't know she had seen the necklace.
She was trembling. What did it mean? / would marry you again, and without regrets. Of course he regretted the first time. But now? Without regrets. Could it mean he loved her?
"Then why didn't he give me the heart necklace?" she whispered to herself.
The answer was obvious. He had changed his mind. It was only lust that had prompted the inscription. Not love. He had realized that he didn't love her. Therefore, he was not planning to give her the gold heart.
Corinne spent the rest of the day waiting for Jared to approach her. But there were guests to attend to, and he was kept constantly occupied.
After dinner, when Jared went out to the stable, Corinne got a shawl and went out to the backyard. She sat in the bench swing, hoping Jared would join her when he finished. It wasn't too long before she heard him cross by the front of the house and enter there. Akela would tell him she was
out back. It wouldn't be long now. But he didn't come, and finally she went to seek him out.
Jared put the heart necklace in his pocket and smiled as he left the bedroom. He had hoped to find Corinne there, but then assumed she had gone for a walk. He waited for her in the living room. It was peaceful, their guests having departed long ago.
Jared grew impatient when Corinne didn't return. He paced the room, then opened the front door and stood there gazing out at the bright moon. It reminded him of that long-ago promise he had made her, of a walk on the beach, and the added promise of making love under the stars, with moonlight shining down on her.
Then he smelled the strong fragrance of gardenia behind him, the bloom Corinne always wore in her hair. Her arms slipped around his waist and Jared smiled and turned to capture her lips. But the lips parting beneath his were not Corinne's.
Jared drew back, his eyes growing dark. "What are you doing, Naneki?"
She pouted. "Well, she not only one who can wear the gardenia. Why you no come to me anymore?"
"I am married now, and my wife is more than enough woman for me."
"She no good."
"That's enough, Naneki," Jared said coldly, pushing her away from him.
"You love her then?"
"Yes, damnit, I love her!" Her hurt expression made him soften his tone. "Look, Naneki, I told you long ago to find a husband. Why don't you give Leonaka a chance? He cares for you."
"Leonaka?"
"Yes, didn't you know?" When she shook her head, he continued. "That's because you never gave him any encouragement. But he loved you even before you married Peni."
Her face brightened. "Leonaka good, strong man."
"Yes, he is."
"I think I take him laulaus tomorrow. That encourage him, huh?"
Jared laughed. "It certainly will. Now go on to bed."
Jared should have been hurt that Naneki could transfer her affections from him to another so easily, but he wasn't He loved Corinne. He couldn't stand waiting any longer, and he left the house to find her. He would tell her how much he loved her.
But Corinne wasn't outside. She was locked in their room, crying on the bed where just last night she had found such joy. That was all gone now, and would never return. Why did she have to come in when she did, and see Naneki and Jared embracing? Corinne had felt her heart wrenched from her, and without waiting to see any more, she had run to the bedroom and locked herself in.
She was a fool ever to believe in happiness. The love between Jared and Corinne was a thing of the past.
Jared returned to the house after a futile search outside and went to their room. It was locked.
"Corinne?"
"Go away, Jared."
He shook his head, baffled. "Open the door."
Corinne jumped off the bed and came to the door so he could hear her clearly. How dare he come to her after just leaving his mistress?
"I told you to go away, Jared. Last night was a mistake, and it's not going to happen again."
"What in damnation has got into you?" he roared in disbelief.
The anger in his voice made her answer, "I've come to my senses, that's what! I had forgotten how much I hate you, but I won't forget again."
God, it wasn't true—it wasn't! But it was better if he thought so.
Tears flowed again, just when she thought she had spilled them all. "I do mean it, Jared. You can have your room back in the morning. Tonight—go sleep with your mistress! I don't want you, but she certainly does."
"Corinne—"
"No!" she stopped him. "I've had enough, Jared. You either take me back to the city in the morning or I'll walk!"
Jared backed away, bewildered and furious. Then anger took over completely.
Twice. She had made an utter fool of him twice. She had always hated him and she always would. There would not be a third time. He would take her back to the city. He would escort her right to a ship. He would see that she got on it. To hell with Corinne!
Chapter 43
JARED went to summon Corinne. The carriage was waiting and a cart was attached to carry the luggage to the harbor. In a very short while Corinne would walk out of Ms life. He ought to be glad to be rid of her and the rage she inevitably caused him. But he didn't feel glad. He felt lost.
The baby's cries drew Jared to Florence's room. He knew he would find his wife there. Both women were trying to soothe the child at the same time, obviously without success.
Jared shook his head as he came into the open room. "If everything is packed, ladies, I'll start taking your things downstairs."
"Not now, Jared," Corinne answered curtly without looking his way.
"Well, it will have to be soon. Your ship leaves in about three hours."
"I don't care about the damn ship!" She turned to him. Her eyes were wide. "Michael is sick."
"You know there won't be another ship until the fourteenth."
"Whenever," she said absently and turned back to Michael.
"Have you sent for a doctor?"
"I was just going to go," Florence answered.
"Nonsense," Jared replied. "Your place is with your chUd. I’ll send Soon Ho."
He started to leave the room, but Corinne stopped him. "Jared. I want Dr. Bryson. Michael knows him. And tell him it's an emergency."
Jared frowned. "Where is his office?"
"On Alakea Street."
"Very well," he replied. "But I want you to come downstairs with me. With both of you fussing over the boy, you're probably frightening him."
"No, I'm staying here."
"Go on, Corinne," Florence said sternly, with a meaningful look.
"All right," she agreed reluctantly. "But only until the doctor comes."
After Soon Ho was sent on his way, Jared joined Corinne in the living room. "You look as if you could use a drink," he offered.
"I could, thank you."
She sat on the edge of a chair, clasping her hands in her lap and keeping her eyes on the stairs. Jared watched her as he made the drinks. She seemed terrified.
"The boy will be all right."
"Of course he will."
He handed her the glass and noticed her hands trembling. "What's wrong with him?"
"We don't k
now. He's burning with fever, and he wont stop crying."
"That could be any number of minor things, Corinne," he tried to reassure her.
"It could also be serious!" she snapped. "I'm sorry, Jared. I'm just worried about him."
"I can see that."
Corinne lapsed into silence and Jared watched her. He wanted to soothe her. Damn, he wanted to offer her his love.
"Corinne, there is no reason for you to leave on the fourteenth, or ever." She wasn't listening to him, but to the crying that continued upstairs. "Did you hear me?" - Finally she glanced his way. "What did you say?"
"I said there is no reason for you to leave. You can stay here."
"With you?"
"Yes."
Her eyes focused on him now. They were a dark emerald. "And share you with Naneki and God knows how many other women? No thank you."
"Share me?" he asked in surprise. "I haven't had another woman since I married you."
"Spare me, Jared," she said bitterly, and her eyes darkened even more. "I happen to know differently."
"What?"
"I saw you!" she shouted, all the pent-up pain and anger coming out. "You and your mistress kissing!"
Jared stared at her several moments, but then it all became clear to him. He laughed. "That was nothing. She came up behind me that night, but I thought it was you. I kissed her without looking, but stopped as soon as I knew I didn't have you in my arms."
"I don't believe—" Corinne jumped up when Michael's cries grew louder.
She ran to the stairs, but Jared stopped her. "I don't want you up there, Corinne."
She tried to yank her arm free, but he held her fast. "Stop it, Jared. He needs me."
"Don't be ridiculous, Corinne. Florence can take care of him."
"I want Michael."
"If it's serious, then you could get sick as well. I won't have it."
"I don't care what you'll have!" Her voice rose frantically. "Now let go of me!"
"Corinne, stop it!" Jared said harshly. "All that boy needs is his mother. My God, you've become obsessed with that child. Can't you see that?"
"Obsessed!" she screamed and started crying. "Yes, I'm obsessed. Because Michael is my baby! Do you understand now? He—is—mine!"