Australian Outback Kings / The Cattle King's Mistress / The Playboy King's Wife / The Pleasure King's Bride Read Online Free Page A

accept.
    â€œWhat are you going for?” Tommy asked, giving her more time.
    The mesmerising blue eyes released her as they targeted his brother again. “The head park ranger wants to borrow the Sarah King diaries on the local Aboriginal tribes. Background reading. I said I’d drop them in to him.”
    â€œWell, that fixes one trip for you, Miranda,” Elizabeth King said brightly, her face beaming satisfaction.
    â€œBut, Mrs King, the day after tomorrow…” Miranda frowned. “I see this week as very busy, getting myself familiarised with the workings of the resort and checking the intake of staff for the season. Much as I appreciate the offer, Nathan—” she quickly constructed a look of apologetic appeal “—I have barely arrived and…”
    â€œBest to go while you can, Miranda,” Elizabeth King interjected firmly. “Besides, it won’t be taking up Samantha’s time or using one of Tommy’s pilots. This is much the more economical arrangement.”
    Which neatly whipped the mat out from under Miranda’s feet, since insistence on some other time would cost the resort money.
    â€œA dawn trip, Nathan?” his mother went on, having dispensed with any further protest from Miranda.
    â€œOh, I daresay we can catch the sunrise,” he answered.
    Miranda sat seething as they settled the arrangements between them, totally ignoring whether what was being decided suited her or not. The arrogance of wealth, she thought, moving people around like pawns to their will. She barely quelled the urge to make a stand against them. The problem was she wasn’t familiar with the outback and firsthand experience of it probably was important in handling her job well.
    And, in fact, she wouldn’t be objecting at all if it wasn’t Nathan she had to accompany. He rattled her. She didn’t feel in control with him. Get a grip on yourself, Miranda , she sternly berated herself. Like it or not, she had to deal with Nathan King, and maybe getting to know him better was the best way. He might lose his attraction on closer acquaintance.
    â€œI’ll have you back at the resort by noon,” he assured her.
    Six hours close to him. “Thank you,” she said, her heart fluttering in agitation.
    â€œWhat do you think of it?”
    â€œPardon?” What was he referring to?
    His eyes glinted with amused mockery, making her even more nervous. Did he sense how she felt about him?
    â€œThe resort. Since you’ve always held a city position, I wondered how it looked to you. I presume Tommy took you on a tour of it this afternoon.”
    â€œThe accommodation sectors are exceptionally well planned,” she could answer with confidence. “The homestead is brilliantly located, and the decor very attractive. Everything looks top class.”
    One eyebrow rose challengingly. “No sinking heart feeling? No uneasy twang of, What have I done?”
    She laughed and shook her head. “More, How marvellous! I’m really looking forward to taking over and making the best of it.”
    â€œA new world for you.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œMost people hang onto the world they know.”
    â€œI guess I’m not most people.”
    â€œAn adventuress? Looking for something different?”
    â€œMore satisfying a need for something different.”
    â€œThen I hope all your needs are satisfied here.”
    â€œThat would indeed be Eden.”
    He laughed, his whole face springing alive so strikingly, Miranda was totally captivated by it. Her mind was zinging from the quick repartee between them and her body was pumping adrenaline so fast, every part of her felt highly invigorated.
    His eyes literally danced with pleasure, shooting tingles of it into her bloodstream as he remarked, “I tend to think Eden is what we fashion for ourselves. It seems to me that’s what our choices are about…aiming for what will give