Savage Conquest Read Online Free Page A

coloring was a
mixture of lemonade and aged brandy. Her eyes were
as striking as a peaceful summer sky.
    "I caught your name, sir. What business do you
have with Joseph Lawrence? As I said, he-he was
killed in a recent accident," she told him hoarsely,
eyes dewy.
    Reis could tell she was upset by her words and her
previous behavior. Then again, he was also unnerved
by this vision of beauty. He quickly detected her
spark of courage and pride. Reis Harrison, an exYankee officer presently employed by President
Grant as a special agent, was accustomed to getting
his wishes, one way or another. Right now, Reis
found this female more intriguing than his case ...
    Killed? Reis mentally echoed. "May I extend my condolences, Miss..." He tried to obtain her
identity once more.

    "Amanda Lawrence, Mister Harrison." She took
his cue.
    "Wife or sister or daughter?" he inquired anxiously, praying her answer wouldn't be his first
query.
    "Joseph Lawrence was my father, Mister Harrison. I'm the new owner and manager of Lawrence
Shipping. So if your business concerns the firm,
you'll have to deal with me now," she informed him
crisply, anticipating a mocking attitude.
    Reis read her emotions accurately and smiled. "I
have no qualms about dealing with a woman, even if
she is extremely beautiful. I do hope you don't use
your distracting charms to take advantage of a client.
Shall we get acquainted and discuss our business
over lunch tomorrow? I just arrived and wanted to
introduce myself. Shall we say noon at the Windsor?"
    At his bold flattery, surprise registered on Amanda's face. When she read no trace of guile in him, she
smiled. "If all male customers and clients take my
news as well as you did, Mister Harrison, I shall
consider myself a believer in miracles. Thank you. I
would prefer to discuss these matters tomorrow, as I
have guests tonight."
    "At your convenience, Miss Lawrence. It is Miss?"
he pressed.
    Amanda laughed softly and parried, "It is Mister,
isn't it?"
    "If there's anything better than a breath of fresh
air, it's a charming and witty lady," he teased. He boldly reached for her left hand and held it up to view
the third finger. "Why that finger's naked I'll never
understand, but I am most grateful," he murmured.

    Not to be outdone, Amanda audaciously repeated
the action on his hand. "Since many men don't wear
gold bands, is there a Mrs. Harrison?" she brazenly
inquired, refusing to break their locked gaze.
    "Not yet. Would you care to apply for that
position?" he asked mirthfully, eyes glittering with
appreciation. His cheery mood was contagious and
his easy smile was infectious.
    "Shouldn't we get acquainted first?" Amanda
fenced deftly, warming and tingling all over.
    Reis's glowing eyes eased over Amanda, then he
chuckled. "Is there some dark secret about you which
might change my mind? A nasty temper? Some
hideous scar? Perhaps you're a witch?"
    The smoldering fire in his gaze ignited her very
soul. Amanda laughed at his comical look. The
conversation was ridiculous, but so much fun. "The
truth is out, sir; alas, a witch."
    As Reis trailed a finger over her lips, he murmured,
"What but truth could pass such sweet lips. A
bewitcher indeed." Neither had kissed a total
stranger before, but both were sorely tempted.
    "Is there some problem, Amanda?" a frigid voice
asked from down the hallway as Weber noisily
approached them, having missed Reis's words but
not his interest in Amanda.
    Amanda quickly stepped aside, as if guilty of some
offense. Weber joined them and Amanda eased her inexplicable tension by introducing the two men.
"Weber Richardson, meet Reis Harrison. Reis and
my father were friends, Web. He came to pay his
respects and to discuss some family business. As I
said, we'll chat tomorrow," she stated to an astute
Reis. "Web is also a friend of the family," she added
nonsensically.

    "Haven't we met before, Harrison?" Weber asked
suspiciously. His eyes