She stiffened and gave him a fierce look. “A cold vanilla milkshake with poison in it. Please, take a big sip.”
“Invitations were made to be accepted.”
He pulled her to him and kissed her lightly. Her sharp gasp broke against his mouth. He held her in a loose embrace, one she could easily pull away from, but instead of shoving him away, she twisted her mouth tightly on his, then reached up and pinched his right ear so hard that tears came to his eyes. But he stood absolutely still, refusing to break the kiss, astonished at his impulse and her reaction.
He felt her tremble against him. Slowly her hand dropped to his shoulder and clenched his soft cotton undershirt. Her mouth was as mobile as his own, and just as aggressive. Waves of desire shot through him, stunning him. He was far from being a stranger to desire, but not this scalding, elemental sense of losing himself in her. When he opened his lips, she made a bitter sound of distress but parted her lips for the urgent sweep of his tongue. As she sagged against him, Kash felt his knees weaken with the power of intense, jumbled needs, aching and neglected emotions that wanted to fight their way to the surface.
Rebecca couldn’t believe she was willingly holding him, that her fear and anger had been reduced to a blinding curiosity about the passion behind his dark eyes. His body was a hard wall and yet amazingly fluid, inviting hers to bend into the taut curve of his belly, the deep swell of his chest.
She quivered helplessly when his hands slid up her arms and unfurled along the sides of her neck. Tendrils of fire radiated from his fingertips as he brought his palms forward, brushing the center of her throat. Slowly he angled his hands behind her head, sinking his fingers into her hair and tilting her head up, so her mouth met more deeply with his.
Dragging her hands over his shoulders, she kneaded the hard muscles and felt them flex in response. He was the shadowy force she’d been drawn to all her life; the faceless erotic visitor in her nighttime dreams; the first man who’d ever caused her to forget everything but the primitive need for fulfillment. Her body wanted to curl around his, and every impulse urged her to strain toward him in slow, rhythmic motion.
He broke the kiss at the same moment that she wrenched her head back. She stared up at him in white-faced disbelief, breathing heavily. He realized that he must look the same way to her. He was holding her shoulders, keeping her away, and she had the same defensive grip on his shoulders.
“I want you to be all the good and decent things you claim you are,” he said huskily. “I swear that nothing would please me more.”
She drew shaky breaths, inhaling his musky, masculine scent. “And I wish you had enough faith in human nature to believe I’m not lying about who I am and what I came to Thailand for.”
“You and I have only one choice. We can study each other and try to learn the truth.”
“Study each other?” she echoed, frowning. “Don’t mince words. You intend to investigate me, grill me for information, and try to catch me in lies. What were you trying to learn when you kissed me?”
Regret and anger warred inside Kash. “Just now—the intimacy—it wasn’t planned. In fact, it wasn’t even wise. Congratulations, Ms. Brown, you provoke me in ways no other woman has been capable of. I can’t say I’ve ever been pinched during a passionate embrace—not on the ear, at least.”
Her expression darkened. In a voice that vibrated she said, “I don’t know how we ended up doing that, but we’re not ever going to do it again.”
“I started it, but you were trying to prove something. Are you satisfied?”
“Satisfied that you’re trying to complicate a situation that’s already confused beyond hope. I’ve been kissed before, Santelli, and I’m not a kid. I wanted you to know that.”
“I think you put too high a premium on kissing. It takes a lot more to prove anything to me. Besides, I already assumed you’d been kissed before. In fact, at your age I hope you’ve done considerably better than that.”
“At my age?” Her mouth formed an Oh! of dismay. She swallowed hard and shook her head in disgust. “Is everyone over the age of consent supposed to have a collection of notches on their bedposts?”
Kash arched his brows in mock dismay. He was silently trying to believe that a twenty-six-year-old woman in the modern world—even a minister’s daughter, if her story was true—had never gone to bed with a man. He cleared his throat gruffly. “Not a collection, necessarily, but at least a scratch or two.”
She did a double take and blinked, appearing to grow even more upset. They were plummeting into uncharted territory at dizzying speed. “I believe in keeping my bedroom furniture in mint condition,” she said, her voice rising. “It’ll last longer that way.”
“Or just become a dusty antique, unseen and unappreciated.”
“I’ll marry an antique lover, then.”
“Marry someone closer to your own age. The insurance is cheaper.”
She muttered darkly, and wriggled out of his grip just as he raised his hands to release her.
“What a relief,” he quipped. “I thought you were going to take advantage of me.”
She turned on her heels and walked rigidly into the other room. Pulling open dark russet drapes, she stood in front of the window with her hands clasped tightly behind her back. The curtains framed her against the sprawling and colorful lights of Bangkok at night, a few stories below. The Chao Phraya River was a wide black ribbon winding through the landscape, dotted with the lights of barges and small boats.
“A lovely view,” said Kash, walking up behind her. She held his attention, not the scene outside. For all he knew, tigers could have been dancing in midair. He was watching the woman who had no right to be so vivid in his imagination. “Calming to look at, if you don’t let yourself wonder what’s going on beneath the surface.”
Her shoulders were drawn back proudly. She turned her head toward him, presenting a strong, clean profile. The face that had seemed merely pretty at their first meeting now revealed rare energy and intelligence. “I came to Bangkok because I wanted to find my half sister,” she told him. “But I also wanted to encourage something new about myself, the part of me that’s tired of playing safe.”
Kash moved beside her and forced himself to gaze ahead. “I don’t believe that you’re Mayura Vatan’s half sister. But I may be willing to concede that you, at least, think it’s true.”
“Thanks for small favors.”
“I said I may believe that.”
“Tell me about the Vatan family’s feud with these other people, the … the—what is their name again?”
“Nalinats. They claim Mayura agreed to marry their son. She didn’t. But the Nalinats believe they’ve been dishonored. In Thailand, loss of face is the most terrible insult. There have been some ugly incidents.”
“Against Mayura? What? Please tell me.”
Caution made him brusque with her. “There’s no need for you to know about that—not yet, at least.”
She groaned in frustration. “But these Nalinats are probably responsible for the men who attacked me and robbed my room! Don’t I deserve more information? Why do you have to be so secretive?”
“My client deserves confidential treatment. When I know you better, and I’ve finished checking your background, we’ll talk.”
“You can’t confide in me, but you can kiss me—twice in one day! How well do you have to know a woman before you maul her?”
“I apologize for the first time. It was an unwise tactic, nothing more. Ah, but the second time, the second time was mutual, Ms. Brown.” He cocked a black brow at her accusingly. “I was carried away.”
“Someone like you doesn’t kiss someone like me unless there’s a reason—and it wasn’t my incredible beauty, okay?”
“You give yourself too little credit. But have it your way—I only kissed you in the hope that my fantastic technique and irresistible body would lure you into admitting the truth.” His voice became droll. “I was a miserable failure. Oh, woe is me.?
??
“Good-bye, Santelli. I’ll take care of myself.”
“You said that before, at the brothel. It was an ignorant statement then, as well as now. What do you intend to do—ask the police to watch over you? Expect our embassy to protect you from local thugs each time you leave the hotel? You can report everything to the authorities, which won’t do any good at all, or you can accept my protection.”
After a speechless moment she said between gritted teeth, “Accepting protection from you would be like asking a dragon to toast my marshmallows. I’d get roasted by accident.”
He bit back a laugh. Her eccentric way of looking at life delighted him. “I’ve warmed many a woman’s marshmallows in complete safety.”
“Not mine.”
He dropped his teasing attitude, which was strained, at best. “You’re not safe in Thailand. Regardless of what you think you have to fear from me, someone much less likable than myself is your real problem. If you insist on staying, you must be as quiet about it as possible. No police reports. No wandering about the city alone.”
“You just want an excuse to keep track of me twenty-four hours a day.”
“That’s true. But think of this, also. I have a definite reason for keeping you safe. Anyone who hurts you may well have designs on my client. So consider yourself part of your so-called half sister’s security plan.”
“Take me to meet her.”
Kash shook his head, and felt regret. Rebecca Brown looked so wistful, suddenly. “That’s out of the question.”
“Why? I’m harmless! A harmless cartoonist from Iowa! I grew up in a small town with a kindly, overprotective Methodist minister for a father! I have a house with a front-porch swing and flower beds in the front yard! I’m disgustingly wholesome!”
“That remains to be seen.” He recalled the smooth, sweet heat of her mouth, and knew that she was far from harmless, at least to him. “This discussion is closed. Accept my assistance, please. I’ll provide you with a loan to replace your clothes and personal items. I’ll also arrange a new passport and traveler’s checks. You and I will get to know each other. Perhaps you’ll come to trust me.”
She was seething, her fists clenched by her sides, her whole body rigid. “Perhaps you’ll trust me, and I’ll finally meet Mayura. What you’re saying is I have to do what you want or there’s no chance I’ll see my half sister.”
“Exactly. Sorry.”
She dragged her answer out unhappily. “I suppose I accept, then.”
“Good.” He walked toward the door, passing the neatly made queen-size bed while a surge of loneliness mingled with pure arousal. Even Rebecca Brown’s anger was enticing. But only time would ease the awkwardness and resentment between them.
“One of my men will be outside your room all night,” he said over his shoulder.
“Making certain I don’t leave?” she called hotly.
“Making certain no one tries to harm you. But if you leave, yes, he’ll go with you. By the way, I’ll arrange for a few hundred dollars to be sent up to you. Pocket money.”
“You have a larger pocket than I do,” she said.
“I want my captive cartoonist to know how generous I am.”
“Exactly what do you expect me to do while I’m under your protection? Under your protection,” she repeated in a resentful tone. “That’s a nicer way of saying ‘under your thumb.’ ”
“I only want a chance to get to know you. I’m not such a cynical judge of people, despite what you think. But I am cautious.” Kash nodded to her, and said with droll formality, “May I call you by your first name, Ms. Brown?”
“It’d be ridiculous not to, since you and I seem to be stuck together like Siamese twins.”
He laughed sharply. “With a tendency to be joined at the lips.”
Rebecca shook her head. “No more of that. If that’s what you expect as part of this arrangement—”
“Don’t.” The word was spoken low and fierce, a sound like leather snapping. His eyes glittered with rebuke. “Don’t accuse me of that kind of manipulation. And don’t portray yourself as some sort of helpless maiden. If I ever kiss you again, you’ll be an eager partner. Just as you were tonight.”
She looked at him somberly, then nodded. “You didn’t deserve that accusation,” she admitted. “I apologize.”
“Good enough. I admire your honesty.”
“You don’t admire it enough, or you’d take me to see my half sister.”
He groaned in exasperation. “Good night, Rebecca.”
“Good riddance, Kashadlin.”
“Please, call me by the name all my trapped victims use. Kash.”
“Kash. Gee, I feel as if I really know you now. It makes my heart all warm and fuzzy. Like a tarantula.”
“You have a wonderful way with words, Rebecca. Have you ever thought of having the acid level on your tongue checked?”
“I express myself through my cartoons.”
“Ah, a poison-pen cartoonist. I see.”
Kash started toward the door again, but halted by a heavy, upholstered chair, where he spied a slip of paper peeking out from underneath. He knelt on one knee to retrieve it. Rebecca ran over excitedly. “They missed something! Thank goodness! I don’t care what it is, I’m glad to have it!”
Kash straightened, while she leaned close to him and peered over his shoulder. The paper was folded. He opened it and studied the malevolent dragon sitting on its haunches with its tail curled over one shoulder. Kashadlin Santelli was written underneath in big, looping script.
“Oh, darn,” Rebecca said softly. “I’m sorry.”
“Considering the day’s circumstances, I understand.”
“Darn, I’m sorry,” she repeated solemnly, sighing. “I forgot to add the horns.”
Kash feigned an icy look but had to fight a smile. Even though the dragon was evil and buffoonish, it had been drawn with great skill and detail. At least he knew he’d won her attention. “Such a labor of love,” he said dryly.
“I wanted to capture the real you,” she muttered.
He folded the paper carefully. “May I keep it?”
“Go ahead. I’m sure I’ll be drawing more. It helps me work out my feelings toward you.”
“A series of personal portraits. I can hardly wait to see how I develop.”
He opened the door and stepped out, then pivoted to say good night. For along moment they looked at each other, sharing the day’s intensity, the night’s underlying sensuality, and for the time being, the promise of future meetings that would probably be as unpredictable as this one. “Eat well, sleep well, and rest,” he instructed. “I’ll be back in the morning.”
“Be still, my heart,” she said flatly.
Less than half an hour later Rebecca heard a knock at her door. Warily she went to it, tightly wrapped in a thick white robe the hotel maid had brought. “It is Kovit, miss,” a tentative bass voice said politely.
She grimaced. Her bodyguard, courtesy of Kashadlin Santelli. Santelli’s spy. She opened the door and peered out. Kovit handed her a package neatly wrapped in delicate gold paper. “From Mr. Santelli,” he explained.
She thanked him, locked the door again, and went to her bed. When she unwrapped the package, she smiled darkly. He’d sent her drawing pads and pencils. And a note, written in sweeping black script as commanding as it was elegant. Her fingers played across the note repeatedly. Dragons can be dangerous or friendly, it said. Depending on your point of view.
Four
“Good morning, Rebecca. Dreaming about dragons? Here I am, back to breathe fire on your upstanding Iowa marshmallows.”
Kash’s smoky voice whispered against her good ear. The effect was so erotic, he might have been in bed with her. Startled, Rebecca squinted in the darkness and tried to wake up. She held the phone from the night-stand against her ear, and his voice was definitely coming from the receiver, but she glanced around the room just to be certain she was alone. A tingle ran up her spine.
>
“Where are you?” she croaked, rubbing a hand over her eyes, then reaching for the light. Her hand paused, then dropped back to the warm sheets. The fantasy of imagining him behind her in the darkness, leaning over her, his lips almost brushing her ear, was blatantly tantalizing. She didn’t want to ruin it, she admitted.
“I’ve left my cave and come back to the hotel. I’m in the lobby. Where are you?”
“In bed, asleep.”
“You talk very clearly in your sleep, then.”
She finally got her wits together enough to notice the clock. “It’s only six!”
“I’ll be up in five minutes. We have a lot to do. A lot to learn about each other, isn’t that right?”
“Umm, the first thing you should know is that the last time I willingly got out of bed this early, I was having my diapers changed.”
“Well, if you insist, I’ll bring the talcum powder and—”
“Don’t expect me to speak or walk normally for hours.”
“This is somehow different from last night?”
“Santelli, it’s not nice to make fun of a person who’s still asleep.”
“You’re probably smiling. It seems to me that your natural inclination is to smile often and for no apparent reason.”
She frowned at the easy way he found her strings and pulled them. “Try it sometime. You might learn something nice about the world.”
“I’ll settle for learning more about you.”
“Just more, not something nice? I am a nice person, Girl Scout material, honest, kind, brave, and trustworthy. I swear. My half sister will like me. So introduce us, hmmm?”
“It’s only one minute after six, and she’s already starting,” he said ruefully. To her he ordered, “Turn in that merit badge for patience.”
“I bet you were never a Scout.”
“Noooh,” he agreed, with a grim edge to his voice. “Not even close. I was busy stealing, fighting, and trying to stay alive.”