Amaryllis Read Online Free Page A

just say, they’re grateful.”
    â€œI’m sure that’s putting it mildly,” Amaryllis murmured.
    Lucas shrugged. Everyone knew that the museum considered the Western Islands relics to be the most significant contribution ever made to its collections. The artifacts were expected to draw huge crowds, not to mention extremely healthy donations.
    Amaryllis regarded Lucas with somber consideration. “I have to tell you that in my professional opinion, I believe you will be wasting your time on this investigation, Mr. Trent. It’s almost inconceivable that someone has actually been able to use hypnotic suggestion on Miss Locking unless—”
    â€œUnless what?”
    Amaryllis sighed. “Unless she was a willing subject. In which case she’s simply a dishonest, mercenary, untrustworthy employee. Not a victim of a criminally inclined hypno-talent.”
    â€œI thought she was more than just another employee,” Lucas said quietly.
    â€œThe two of you have a personal relationship?”
    â€œNot in the way you probably mean. But, yes, we have a relationship. Three years ago Miranda was engaged tomarry my partner, Jackson Rye. I gave her the VP job in public relations after Rye was killed in the Western Islands Action. I knew she needed the work. And I felt the company owed her something.”
    Amaryllis was silent for a long time. “Very well, Mr. Trent. I’ll sign a contract with you.” She picked up her pen and started to write her name at the bottom of an official looking form.
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œBy the way, have you thought of a cover story to explain my presence at the reception? I’ll need to be quite close to you at all times, you know. Perhaps I could masquerade as a member of the catering staff. Of course, that would mean you’d have to clear it with the company that is handling the food service for the museum.”
    â€œYour cover won’t be a problem.” Lucas studied the tiny, round earrings she wore. “I’m going to take you along as my marriage agency date for the evening.”
    Amaryllis’s pen jolted to an abrupt halt midway through her signature.
    â€œI beg your pardon?” She stared at him with widening eyes.
    â€œIt’s no secret that I’m in the process of registering with a matchmaking agency. Everyone, including Miranda, knows I’m in the market for a wife. I’ll just tell anyone who asks that you’re a candidate for the job.”

Chapter
2

    Lucas Trent, the Iceman himself. He had been right here in her office.
    Amaryllis managed to wait until the door had closed firmly behind her new client before she succumbed to the amazed wonder that she had barely been able to conceal during their conversation.
    Lucas Trent. He had been sitting there on the other side of her desk. She had signed a contract to focus for him.
    Amaryllis sagged weakly in her chair. She still could not believe it.
    The man they called the Iceman had been haunting her for months. It had been a gentle haunting, to be sure, nevertheless she had been intimately aware of his existence in a way she could not explain.
    A year ago a single news photo of him had transfixed her attention. She had picked up the paper one morning and found herself riveted. It wasn’t his business success, or the tales of his exploits during the Western Islands Action that had captured her interest. It was not even the discovery of the artifacts that had intrigued her so much.
    She thought it was something about his eyes.
    It was not as if she had been obsessive about it, sheassured herself. In the months since he had appeared on television and in the papers, her awareness of him had quietly receded to the back of her mind. She’d had more important things to do than dwell on Lucas Trent and she had done them.
    She led a busy life, and the past few months had been especially full. What with ending her relationship with Gifford, quitting