Dark Rider

  “Jared.”

  The Duke, not the uncle. The last of her concern vanished as she realized that this man could not be more than thirty. What threat could have been posed by the boy he was then? “You have another name.”

  His brows lifted. “You’re not being fair. You’ve not told me your name yet.” He bowed. “But if we must be formal, I’m Jared Barton Danemount.”

  “And you’re a duke?”

  “I have that honor … or dishonor. Depending upon my current state of dissipation. Does that impress you?”

  “No, it’s only another word for ‘chief,’ and we have many chiefs here.”

  He laughed. “I’m crushed. Now that we’ve established my relative unimportance, may I ask your name?”

  “Kanoa.” It was not a lie. It was the name Lani had given her and meant more to her than her birth name.

  “The free one,” the Englishman translated. “But you’re not free. Not if this ugly one keeps you from pleasure.”

  “That’s none of your concern.”

  “On the contrary, I hope to make it very much my concern. I’ve had very good news tonight, and I feel like celebrating. Will you celebrate with me, Kanoa?”

  His smile shimmered in the darkness, coaxing, alluring. Nonsense. He was only a man; it was stupid to be so fascinated by this stranger. “Why should I? Your good news is nothing to me.”

  “Because it’s a fine night and I’m a man and you’re a woman. Isn’t that enough? I hate to see a woman deprived of—”

  He broke off as he came to within a few yards of her. Then with disgust he said, “Christ, you’re nothing but a child.”

  “I’m not a child.” It was a common and most annoying mistake. She was very small-boned and tiny compared to the Junoesque islanders and was always being thought younger than her nineteen years.

  “Oh, no, you must be all of fourteen or fifteen,” he said sarcastically.

  “No, I’m older than—”

  “Of course you are.”

  He didn’t believe her. It was foolish to argue with a man she would probably never see again. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “The hell it doesn’t,” he said roughly. “I heard what Kalua said about having her first man when she was thirteen. Don’t listen to her. Pay heed to this old one. You have no business swimming out to foreign ships and coupling with sailors.”

  “But it’s entirely proper for you to fornicate with my friends.”

  “That’s different.”

  She snorted inelegantly.

  He blinked, and then his lips twitched as he tried to suppress a smile. “You disagree?”

  “Men always make themselves the exception to every rule. It’s not fair.”

  “You’re right, of course. We’re very unfair to females.”

  She felt a flicker of surprise. She was not accustomed to such easy acquiescense on this subject. Even Papa became defensive when she tried to discuss the issue of man’s injustice to women. “Then why don’t you stop?”

  “Because taking advantage of women makes the world a very comfortable and pleasant place for us males. I’d wager we’ll never be anything but unfair until we’re forced to it.”

  “And you will be. It cannot last forever. Mary Wollstonecraft has even written a book that—”

  “Mary Wollstonecraft? What do you know of her?”

  “Lani was taught by the English missionaries. The Reverend Densworth’s wife gave her a copy of Miss Wollstonecraft’s book, and she gave it to me.”

  He groaned. “Good God, and I thought I was leaving the teachings of those Bluestockings behind when I left London.”

  She frowned in puzzlement. “Bluestockings?”

  “Learned ladies like Miss Wollstonecraft. I never thought they’d invade a paradise like this.”

  “Truth and justice cannot be hidden,” she said earnestly.

  “I see,” he replied solemnly. “Is that what your Miss Wollstonecraft says?”

  She felt a hurtful pang. “You’re making mock of me.”

  He frowned. “Dammit, I didn’t mean—”

  “Don’t lie. You did mean it.”

  “All right, I was mocking you. It’s all I know. I’m not accustomed to talking to youngsters like you.”

  “Well, you don’t have to talk to me any longer.” She started to turn away. “I won’t stay to listen to—”

  “Wait.”

  “Why should I? So that you can mock me again?”

  “No.” He grimaced. “I’m feeling unusual twinges of conscience. I believe I need absolution.” He smiled coaxingly. “Stay and give it to me, Kanoa.”

  His eyes no longer appeared cold, and his entire being seemed to exude a glowing persuasiveness that was nearly mesmerizing. She had a sudden desire to take a step closer, move nearer to that warmth.

  “Why … should I?” she asked again.

  “Because you have a kind heart.”

  “You don’t know that I do. You don’t know anything about me.”

  “I know that you were concerned about your friends. Surely that denotes a kind heart.”

  “It’s easy to give kindness to friends. You’re a stranger.”

  His smile faded and he looked out at the sea. “Yes, I am.”

  Loneliness. She had the sudden feeling that he was speaking of a constant state, and felt an odd sense of kinship. She knew about loneliness.

  Foolishness. He was a nobleman, and Lihua had certainly not found anything in him to pity. Yet Cassie found herself saying haltingly, “If you’re asking forgiveness, then I give it freely.”

  He turned to look at her. “Do you? How extraordinarily generous.” When he saw her frown with uncertainty, he shook his head. “No, I’m not being sarcastic. I believe you mean it, and the women to whom I’m accustomed give nothing freely.” He smiled crookedly. “But, then, you’re not yet a woman. You have time to learn the way of it.”

  The flare of annoyance burned away any pity she had felt for him. “It’s no wonder you must pay for your pleasure when you make stupid judgments and your tongue stings like an adder.”

  He chuckled with genuine humor. “My tongue can do other things than sting. I must show you—” He broke off and sighed. “I keep forgetting that you’re not fair sport. I think we’d best discuss something of mutual interest.” He glanced over his shoulder at the palm thicket from which he had emerged. “Is that your horse tied to the tree?”

  “Yes.”

  “A fine stallion. I might be interested in buying him, but first I’ll have to watch him move. I’ve seldom seen a more splendid animal.”

  “He’s not for sale.” She added flatly, “And you’ve never seen a more splendid animal. Kapu is without equal.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “I beg to disagree, but I approve your loyalty. How did you come by him? I’ve never heard of islanders raising horses.”

  “You’ve not been here long. How could you know anything about us?”

  “I’ve annoyed you again.”

  He did annoy her. His easy assurance made her feel uncertain, and his physical presence was most disturbing. She sensed the heat of his body only a few feet away and caught the aroma of musk and leather that surrounded him. So different from the men of the village, who carried the scent of salt and fish and the oil of coconut; different also from her father, who usually smelled of brandy and a lemony cologne. Everything about Jared Danemount was different; she had the impression of tremendous strength in spite of his lithe leanness. His light eyes were either blue or gray and very cool. No, that was wrong, they were hot. No … she didn’t know what they were, but looking into them was making her uncomfortable. She said in a rush, “You think you have a horse finer than Kapu?”

  “I know I have a horse finer than your stallion.”

  She felt another flare of annoyance at his confidence. “Only a fool would make such a claim after one glance at a horse.”

  “I took more than a glance. I’ve never been able to
resist good horseflesh, and I had a chance to examine him very closely while you and your friends were playing on the beach.” He smiled. “It was only when the conversation became so interesting that I was distracted.”

  She stiffened. “How close to him?”

  “Enough to note the usual things—hooves, teeth …”

  “You lie,” she said curtly. “Kapu would never let anyone that close. I would have heard him.”

  “But you didn’t.”

  “And you would not be here now. The last time anyone tried to check Kapu’s teeth, he lost a finger.”

  “Perhaps he likes me. Horses have been known to find me trustworthy.”

  “You lie,” she repeated. It could not be true. Kapu belonged only to her.

  His smile disappeared. “I don’t lie. I may be guilty of many sins, but that’s not one of them.”

  “Prove it. Go bring him to me.”

  “I don’t take orders from children.”

  “I thought as much,” she said, relieved. “You’re afraid of Kapu, like everyone else.”

  “You’re beginning to irritate me.” His tone had taken on a steely edge. “I do not lie, and I’m not afraid of your horse.”

  She glared at him. “Prove it.”

  Studying her intently, he asked, “Why is it so important to you?”

  “I don’t like liars.”

  “No, I don’t think that’s the reason.” He shrugged. “But you shouldn’t issue challenges unless you expect them to be accepted.” He turned and moved toward the thicket. A moment later he disappeared into the shadows of the palm trees.

  He wouldn’t be able to do it, she told herself desperately. In the entire world Kapu was the one thing that was fully her own. He would never betray her by yielding to a stranger.

  She heard the Englishman’s soft murmurings, his voice gentle, tender, almost loving, as different from the silken sharpness with which he had spoken to her as dawn from sunset. Then he emerged from the thicket and came toward her … leading Kapu.

  Astonishment and then pain tore through Cassie. Kapu was moving as meekly and contentedly as if she held his reins.

  Jared continued murmuring until he stopped before her and extended the reins. “Your horse, I believe.”

  She could not believe it. She would not believe it. She swallowed to ease the tightness from her throat. How stupid to want to weep because someone else had managed to gain Kapu’s confidence enough to perform such a simple act. Even Lani was able to lead Kapu on occasion. He was still Cassie’s horse. “An easy task.”

  “You didn’t seem to think it easy when you sent me to fetch him.”

  Dear God, Kapu was pushing affectionately at Jared’s back with his nose.

  “Ride him.”

  He shook his head. “I fear I’m not dressed for riding.”

  “Ride him!” she said hoarsely, blinking back the stinging tears.

  He stared down at her and said slowly, “I don’t think you want me to do that.”

  “You can’t do it. I know you can’t.”

  “But you want me to try.”

  She didn’t want him to try, but she had to be sure. She had to know Kapu was not completely swayed from his allegiance to her. “Ride him.”

  He hesitated. Then he stepped to the side, removed his coat, and dropped it onto the sand. He jerked off his cravat and tossed it on top of his coat. “As you like.” He stood before the horse, motionless.

  “What are you waiting for?”

  “Be quiet,” he said impatiently. “It’s not right. I need—” He broke off as he saw her expression. “Damnation!”

  He leaped onto the back of the horse!

  For an instant Kapu was perfectly still.

  Cassie’s heart sank, and her hands closed into fists at her sides.

  Kapu exploded! The stallion reared upright, came down hard, and went into a frenzy of bucking. By some miracle the Englishman stayed on his back.

  She heard him curse as his legs gripped Kapu’s heaving sides. His dark hair came loose from the queue and flew wildly about his face and shoulders. His lips set in a grim line, and his eyes narrowed with fierce intensity. He was everything savage and primitive; no particle remained of the elegant man who had strolled out of the thicket such a short time before.

  Kapu gave up the violent gyrations and bolted toward the palm trees!

  Cassie’s heart stopped. “Watch out. The tree!”

  The Englishman had already divined the horse’s intention and swung his leg across Kapu’s back as the stallion careened by the trunk, missing it by inches. Then, before Danemount could recover his seat, Kapu began bucking again.

  Danemount was tossed over Kapu’s head and landed a few yards away in the sand. Kapu neighed triumphantly and stopped in his tracks.

  Cassie had a terrible idea she knew what was coming. “Don’t,” she whispered. “Oh, no …” She ran toward the palms.

  Kapu turned and thundered toward the fallen man.

  “No, Kapu!” Cassie stopped before Jared, thrusting herself between him and the horse. “No!”

  “Get the hell out of the way!” Danemount said as he rolled over and tried to get to his feet. “He’ll trample—”

  Kapu skidded to a stop in front of her and reared again.

  “Shh,” she crooned. “Easy, Kapu. He’s not the same. He won’t hurt you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

  Kapu reared again.

  Yet she could see signs she was getting through to him. He backed away from her but did not move again when she followed him and laid her hand on his neck. “It’s all right. Everything is fine.”

  It took her a few minutes more of quieting him before she could turn to see if Danemount had come to any harm. “Are you hurt?”

  “Only my pride.” He raised himself on one elbow and flinched. “And perhaps a few parts of my body.”

  “You’ll recover. The fall couldn’t have done much damage. The sand is soft as a cushion. Get up.”

  When he didn’t move, she felt a flicker of concern and walked quickly toward him. Her emotions had been in such a turmoil, she had not thought that he might truly be hurt. “Well, perhaps you’d better lie still for a moment. I’ll see if you have any broken bones.”

  He lay back down on the sand. “I admit I like that suggestion better than the others you’ve made recently. Does it amuse you to lure strangers into riding that devil of a horse?”

  “Kapu is no devil.” She knelt beside him and began moving her hands over his limbs. His thighs were all lean, iron-hard muscle, she noted absently, a horseman’s thighs. “He’s just very particular.” She glanced at Kapu, and an intense wave of happiness flowed through her. He was still her own. “He doesn’t like anyone on his back but me.”

  The Englishman’s gaze was fixed on her face. “So I found out.”

  She could afford to be generous now. “You did very well.” Having found no breaks in his legs and hips, she began running her hands over his arms and shoulders. Sleek, smooth, corded muscle … like Kapu’s. She must be hurting him; he was tensing beneath her touch. “Is there pain?”

  “More of an ache,” he muttered.

  “A sprain?” She gently probed his shoulder. “Here?”

  “No, definitely not there.”

  “Where?”

  “Never mind. You can’t help.”

  “Of course I can. I’m very good with sprains. I take care of all of Kapu’s hurts.”

  “I don’t have a sprain and I’m not a horse, dammit.”

  She felt a twinge of pain and tried to cover it with tartness. “No, Kapu is more polite when I try to help him.”

  “The help can be more troublesome than the cure. I don’t—” He broke off when he saw the determination in her gaze. “Christ, do whatever you want.”

  She sat back on her heels. “It’s not as if I want to do anything for you. I feel it my duty since I—” She stopped before she made the admission.

  “Since you made me ride
the stallion,” he finished.

  She didn’t try to deny it. “It was a mistake. I didn’t think.” She pulled a face. “Lani says it’s one of my worst faults and could prove very dangerous.”

  “And who is this Lani? Your sister?”

  “My friend.”

  “Then your friend is very perceptive.” His gaze searched her expression. “Why did you do it? You knew he’d try to throw me.”

  “I wasn’t sure he would,” she whispered. “He liked you. He was mine but he liked you.”

  “And that’s forbidden? How selfish of you.”

  “I love him,” she said simply. “He’s all I have. I was afraid.”

  “I know.”

  He was smiling faintly, and she realized he had somehow sensed the emotions that had driven her. Had she been that transparent? Probably. She had never been good at hiding her feelings. She quickly averted her gaze and moved her hands from his ribs to his abdomen. “When I first saw you lead him out of the thicket, I thought you must be a Kahuna.”

  “Kahuna?” He shook his head. “No, I’m not one of your island priests, and I certainly have no magic.”

  “He’s never behaved like that with anyone else. It took seven months for him even to let me in the same stall with him.”

  “Then you must have done all the hard work. I had only to follow in your footsteps.”

  He was not the sort to follow in anyone’s footsteps. She felt a surge of warmth at the unexpected kindness from a man who said he knew only mockery. “Is it only Kapu?”

  “I have a certain gift. I told you, horses have a fondness for me. Perhaps they realize I possess the same animal instincts and feel a kinship.” He smiled crookedly. “Which brings me to the suggestion that you’d be wise to remove your hands from my body.”

  “Why? I’m not finished.”

  “But I’ve definitely started.” He looked into her eyes and said roughly, “You may be a virgin, but you’re no ignorant miss. You know what arouses a man. I’m beginning to forget how young you are and imagine how tight you’d feel. Get your hands off me.”

  She suddenly realized the muscles of his stomach were clenched and locked beneath her palms. Heat burned in her cheeks as she jerked her hands away. “You’re very rude. I was only trying to help.”

  “If I didn’t believe that, you’d be under me, not over me.” He sat up and said wearily, “Run along back to your village and stay there.”