Enchanted Ecstasy (12 page)

Maleaha gasped and covered her mouth with her hand, thinking she would be sick.

"Imagine if you will, my dilemma," he continued. "I did not want to force any of my men to give up their lives so the rest of us could live, so I devised a plan. Each man would write his name on a piece of paper and drop it into a hat, along with what he was willing to sacrifice. Some chose to part with an arm, while others favored giving up a leg, or an ear."

Kane could see the shock on Maleaha's lovely face, and Clay was looking at him with doubt and disbelief. Jonas was grim-faced as he exchanged looks with Kane.

"W . . . what happened?" Maleaha said in a soft voice, her eyes wide and apprehensive.

"Well," he continued," I, being the commanding officer, could do no less than put my limbs on the line the same as my men, but as you can see, all my limbs are intact, so you know I did not lose in the draw."

Jonas leaned forward, "Who lost, Kane?"

Kane took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I called the doctor to perform the amputation and later on the cook limped around on his one good leg preparing the meal. And as he tasted his own leg, he declared it was quite tasty, but a little tough. He turned to me and in a loud voice declared: 'Never let it be said that I am not tough!' "

Maleaha looked astounded as Jonas and Clay laughed so hard there were tears running down their faces.

"All right, Kane," Jonas said, when he could catch his breath, "You have proved you are a bigger liar than I am."

Clay shook his head. "You both had me believing you. You are the best damn liars I have ever listened to."

Jonas laughed. "I think he means that as a compliment, Kane."

"How about you, Miss Deveraux, did you also believe your father and me?"

"I . . .1 thought, yes, at first."

"Well, it has been a long day for me," Clay said as he stood up. "I will see you next week, Maleaha," he told her as he moved across the room in giant strides. "Nice meeting you, major," Clay said just as he disappeared out the front door with the same suddenness with which he had entered it earlier.

Kane stood up with the intention of taking his leave since the hour was late, but Jonas stalled him.

"Kane, why don't you stay the night? It is late, and there is no reason for you to return to the fort tonight, is there?"

"No, if it will not be an imposition," Kane replied, looking at Maleaha, who now stood by her father.

"We would like to have you stay, wouldn't we, Maleaha?" her father said, reminding her of her duty as hostess, with a look that warned her to be polite.

"Yes, please stay, major," she said, wishing him at the other end of the earth at that moment. "I will show you to your room if you are ready to retire," she added politely.

"You go ahead and go up to bed if you are tired, honey," her father said. "I want to talk to Kane for a while. I will show him to his room later. Which room will you put him in?"

"The yellow room. I will just go and make sure it is ready. Good night, major." ,    "Good night, Miss Deveraux."

Maleaha walked over to her father and kissed his cheek. Seeing the doubt in her eyes, Jonas hugged her tightly. He wanted to assure her that everything would be all right, but he patted her shoulder instead and watched her walk across the room and disappear up the stairs.

After Maleaha turned down the covers and opened the window in the yellow bedroom, she summoned Margaretta to bring fresh water. When she was sure the room was in readiness she went to her own room next door. Maleaha found she was very tired. The evening had drained her. But as she dressed for bed, she doubted she would be able to sleep.

Slipping between the cool bed sheets, she tried to shut off her mind, but thoughts of Kane kept creeping into her subconscious, no matter how hard she tried to think of something else. She found herself remembering how it felt to be in his arms and to be kissed by him. Maleaha did not want to love Kanen Benedict, but she knew by now that she was hopelessly in love with him, and the tears from her eyes wet the pillow she rested her head on.

She threw the covers off and arose, slipping into her robe. She then went out onto her balcony and walked down the steps that led to the patio below.

Kane entered the bedroom and looked about him. This room, like the rest of the house, was tastefully decorated. He could smell the soft lingering perfume that Maleaha had worn tonight, giving evidence she had been in this room.

He removed his blue jacket and draped it over a chair, then he unbuttoned his white dress shirt to his waist. He looked at the bed, with its yellow satin covering, and thought how inviting it was. It had been a long time since he had slept in a comfortable bed. He and Jonas had talked for over an hour, and although Kane was tired, he knew he would not be able to sleep. Walking out onto the balcony he observed the garden below and the stairs leading to it. Kane leaned against the railing and closed his eyes. What was it about this house that made him want to remain here?

Tonight he had found himself telling Jonas things he had never told another living soul, things about his background and his resentment of his father. Jonas had been understanding, so Kane had confided many things to him. The older man had asked him questions but had offered him no advice.

Kane had felt Maleaha's resentment toward him tonight, and he had been troubled by it, even though he knew it was well deserved. He found himself wanting her to look at him with love and respect. He, Kanen Benedict, had lost his heart to an ebony-haired seventeen-year-old, who was bright, intelligent, and overly desirable. Kane was in the depths of hell and feeling tormented. He had no illusions about himself. In the past he had been a user; he had used women, and when he became bored with them he had tossed them aside without giving any thought to their feelings. He had never allowed anyone to get close to him, and he had never been able to talk about himself as he had with Jonas tonight.

Kane remembered hearing once, "He who sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind." Was he now in love, never to have that love returned? Could a man who had lived as he had change? Had loving Maleaha made him aware of his faults? Could he grow to be a man she could respect, and could he win her love?

Kane looked down on the garden below. It was bathed in soft moonlight, and the pleasant aroma of the many flowers in bloom drifted up to him. He saw a movement as a shadow detached itself. He caught his breath, knowing it was Maleaha. She seemed to be unaware of his presence, and he found himself descending the stairs, hoping to have a word with her.

She seemed to be unaware of him as he came up behind her, or so Kane thought, until she spoke to him.

"So, you could not sleep either, major?" she said without turning to face him.

He stared at her unbound black hair and remembered how it had felt soft and silky to the touch. "No, I seem to be restless tonight."

Maleaha turned to face him. With his white shirt open to the waist she saw the curly black hair on his chest. She could feel a tightening in her throat as she felt him pulling at her, although he did not actually touch her.

"Perhaps you would like me to get you a glass of warm milk?"

He smiled. "Do people still try that old remedy?"

"Margaretta swears by it."

They were both making small talk, anything to keep from saying what they were really feeling. Maleaha's hands gripped the trellis that the roses grew on, to keep from reaching out to him. She wanted him to hold her in his arms and kiss her as he had before. How many women besides her had lost their hearts to this man with the silver eyes?

"No, I do not want milk, but you could help me if you would," he said, moving closer to her and staring down into her upturned face.

"How?" she whispered through trembling lips.

"Say you forgive me, Maleaha," he said, using her name for the first time. There was a note of pleading in his voice, but a voice in her head was saying danger, danger!

"I think it is best if we both forget all that has happened in the past. Most probably we will not see much of each other in the future."

Kane took the short step that brought him closer to her and reached out his hand to touch her face, then let it drift down to her throat where he could feel her pulse drumming wildly. His own pulse rate had accelerated.

"Last night I sought to shame you, but when I was successful I felt no pleasure in your shame," she said so softly he could hardly hear her.

Kane was startled by her honesty, and he felt hope fan to life inside him. ' 'I deserved what happened last night. I ask ... no, I
beg
you to forgive me," he said, as his hand drifted up to entangle itself in her dark hair.

"Say that I am forgiven, Maleaha," he pleaded.

"You are forgiven, if it makes any difference to you, major," she told him, loving the sound of her name on his lips.

"It matters a great deal. Do you hate me?"

"No, but I do not like you very well." She could have added that she loved him, but she did not.

"I suppose I should be grateful that you do not hate me, but I find I am sad that you do not like me, even though there is no reason why you should."

Maleaha was unprepared for his next movement. Kane pulled her into his arms, and she closed her eyes, loving the feel of the soft downy hair on his bare chest that tickled her cheek. She was so overcome with weakness that she held on to his shirtfront for support.

"Oh, God help me," he murmured against her ear.

Maleaha tried to understand his meaning, then fearing she would reveal her true feelings for him, she struggled to get out of his arms.

Kane released her quickly. He did not want to frighten her with his need for her, and he did not want her to think he was treating her other than with the greatest respect.

"I will wish you a good night, Maleaha. Most probably I will be gone when you get up in the morning. I want to thank you for a lovely evening, and for your hospitality for the night." He turned and left her, and her heart cried out to him not to go. Maleaha wanted to feel his strong arms around her once more, but she knew the danger to herself and closed her eyes.

He had seemed sincere when he asked for her forgiveness. Maleaha was mixed up inside. Why had he accepted her father's dinner invitation? She doubted she would ever know the answers, and she had so many questions. Why did she love this man? Surely there were other men she could have chosen to love who would have loved her in return. But then, she had not chosen to love Kanen Benedict, she had not even known of his existence until four short weeks ago, and yet she felt she would love him forever.

Maleaha did not sleep well that night. She tossed and turned feverishly upon her bed. The next morning she dressed before dawn, went to the stable, and saddled her horse, thinking a ride would clear her mind. Perhaps when she returned to the house, Major Benedict would be gone.

10

July was settling over the land, and the heat burned the green grasses of spring to a brown straw color. Even the occasional rain did not bring any relief from the scorching heat.

The fort was in an uproar, for the Arapaho had struck again, only this time they were not satisfied to just cause mischief. They had raided a small dirt farm, and the farmer, his wife and two children were dead—burned alive by the Indians. The surrounding territory was up in arms, demanding that the soldiers at the fort perform their duty and protect the citizens.

Kane had been called to Colonel Johnson's office, and he knew what the colonel wanted to see him about. He had been out on patrol for two weeks in a row without ever sighting the Arapaho, who were making fools out of the cavalry, as well as the United States Government.

When Kane reached the office, Colonel Johnson motioned for him to take a chair. Kane was weary, having only returned from his latest patrol late the night before.

"We have got to find these renegades, major. I'm under tremendous pressure from everyone, and who can blame them? If the cavalry can't be called on to protect the citizens, who can they turn to, I asked myself?" He leaned forward. "Do you know the answer I came up with, major?"

Kane shook his head.

"Mangas, major. Mangas is our only help."

Kane was on his feet in a flash. "But how will we find Mangas? I happen to know Jonas Deveraux has gone to Spain on a cattle-buying trip."

"I believe you already know the answer to your question, major. As before, Maleaha will be your guide."

"No," Kane said, forgetting that he was speaking to his commanding officer. "I will not allow her to be placed in danger as she was before. You cannot know what faces her at Mangas's hands should he get her in his camp."

"Major, I do not fully understand your objections, but I have already sent word to Maleaha, asking her to help us find Mangas. She sent word back to me that she would be here before dawn tomorrow morning."

Kane's mind rejected the idea of placing Maleaha in danger. He would fight the colonel on this.

"I request permission for time off to go and talk to Miss Deveraux, sir."

"Permission denied, major. Maleaha has already said she will accompany you in the morning, and I will not have you trying to convince her otherwise."

"You cannot know what you have asked of her, colonel. She will be in grave danger from Mangas if you permit her to go with me."

"What kind of danger, major?"

"I am not at liberty to say, sir. You will just have to trust my word on this."

"And you will have to see my position, major. Maleaha is the only one who can help us in this. I would like to think you will be able to protect her through whatever danger you think she might face. I need her help, and I will not permit you to try and talk her out of going. Is that clear?"

Kane stood at attention, masking his anger. How dare Maleaha agree to go to Mangas's camp, knowing the danger she was placing herself in. He wished she was within his reach right now so he could shake some sense into her.

"I cannot obey that order, sir. I will do all within my power to talk her out of going."

"That is insubordination, major. I could have you court-martialed, you know?"

"Yes sir, I know, and I want to go on record as having told you there is a danger to Miss Deveraux. Her father will not be pleased when he learns what you have done," Kane said, grasping at straws.

Colonel Johnson looked uncertain for a moment. "I would risk Jonas's displeasure if it will bring an end to these raids and drive the Arapaho from this land and restore peace once more."

Kane was silent as he wondered how he would protect Maleaha. He already knew he would be unable to keep her from going.

"Would you prefer that I confine you to the fort and send Lieutenant Maxwell in your place, major?"

"No sir," Kane said quickly, knowing if Maleaha must go he had to be there to protect her.

"Very well then, I suggest you try and get some rest, since you will be riding out early in the morning."

Maleaha had not easily given her consent to go to Mangas's camp. She was fearful of the consequences, but she felt it was her duty to help in any way she could, and if Mangas could be persuaded to help the army, maybe together they would deal with the Arapaho.

Her father had left over two weeks before for Spain, and he had wanted her to accompany him, but she had not wanted to go on a long sea voyage at this time. Jonas had been prepared to cancel his trip until Maleaha told him she might meet him in Paris next spring. She knew she would miss her father terribly, but deep inside she knew she did not want to go because she hoped she might see Kane again.

The next morning she waited for Kane outside the fort gates. She felt nervous. She had not seen him since the night he had spent at the ranch.

Kane was grim-faced as he rode through the gates at the head of his troops. He saw Maleaha and Lamas waiting for him. Once again she was dressed in her buckskins. He saw her nudge her mount in the flanks and she joined him at the front of the column, while Lamas fell in behind her. Kane was still angry with her and offered no form of greeting, but stared straight ahead.

They rode for over an hour at a fast pace before Kane gave the word to slow down. It was only when they had slowed their horses to a walk that Kane spoke to her in a quiet voice that could not be overheard by the others.

"Why did you feel it was necessary for you to come along, Miss Deveraux?"

Maleaha looked at him quickly, not understanding the anger she heard in his voice.

"I can assure you, major, it was not for the pleasure of your company. I, like many others, would like to see an end to this upheaval."

"Let me make one thing clear, Miss Deveraux. I am in charge this time. You will do as you are told, with no questions asked. Is that clear?"

"I understand, major. I will not challenge your authority as long as it agrees with what is best for all concerned."

The muscle in his jaw twitched, a sure sign that he was angry with her. This was the major as Maleaha understood him. He had been different the last time she had seen him, asking her forgiveness. She could easily handle this man, but she was unsure of herself with the man he had been in her garden the other night.

"You will obey my orders, or else return home at once."

"I have told you before, I do not answer to you. I am not on the army payroll," she told him angrily. And then she went a step farther. "I can always go home like you suggested, and then how would you find Mangas?"

Kane gave her a scalding glance. "I wish to hell you
would
go home. I am not the least bit happy about your coming along this time, Miss Deveraux."

"How would you find Mangas without me to lead you to him?"

"Lamas could lead me to Mangas. It is not necessary for you to come along, and if you were not so stubborn you would see that."

Maleaha smiled smugly, "Lamas could lead you to Mangas, true, but he could not talk Mangas into helping you, and perhaps I can."

Kane was about to object but he clamped his mouth shut, knowing she was right. At that moment he would have liked to shake her until her teeth rattled. He remembered Jonas telling him what could happen should Mangas get his hands on Maleaha, and he was determined that Mangas would not touch her as long as he was alive to prevent it.

"Major, is it understood that I will take only you to Mangas's camp, the same as before?"

"Yes. Is the village located in the same place as before?"

"No."

The sun was just rising, painting the sky with its glorious golden hue. Kane looked about him, filled with the beauty of the land. He wondered just when he had begun to love this enchanted land. When had he stopped resenting New Mexico? It felt almost as if in accepting this land, it had adopted him, and accepted him as surely as if he had been a native-born son.

Kane glanced sideways at Maleaha, who was looking at the distant mountains. She was lovely in her soft buckskins. How right it felt to have her riding beside him. For the first time in his life he wanted someone to belong to him. He wanted to put down roots, to build a home. How good it would be to awaken every morning with her lying beside him. A lump came into his throat, thinking how good it would be to lie beside her and take her into his arms, making her truly his. He wanted to stamp her as his possession, so that all other men would know she belonged to him.

They rode until early afternoon, then Kane raised his hand and called out to his sergeant.

"Company halt, sergeant."

"Company halt," the sergeant called out in a loud blusterous voice.

"Company dismount, sergeant."

"Company dismount," the sergeant echoed.

The soldiers dismounted amid the crackling of leather and the jingling of spurs. Maleaha slid from the back of her horse, to walk along beside Kane. His footsteps could be heard as his spurs jingled with each step he took. Maleaha's moccasin-clad feet made no noise as she took faster steps to match his long strides.

"Do we take the long way around this time, Miss Deveraux?"

"I am afraid so, major."

Kane removed his gloves and tucked them into his belt. "There is every need for haste, you know?"

"I am aware of that, major, but I cannot take you the direct route to the Jojoba village."

Kane gave her a disdainful glance.

"Company remount, sergeant," he called over his shoulder.

"Company remount," came the reply.

It was almost sundown when Kane gave the order to make camp. Maleaha unsaddled her horse and spread her blanket about thirty paces away from the rest of the camp. She was beginning to feel uneasy, being the only female among so many men. It was at best an awkward situation.

Lamas laid his blanket beside hers, and, reaching into his leather pouch, he removed the roast meat and homemade bread Margaretta had prepared for him and Maleaha.

Maleaha took the food Lamas handed her and took a bite.

"Someone comes," Lamas told her. His keen hearing could pick up every sound.

Maleaha was surprised when she recognized Lieutenant Maxwell. He smiled shyly and sat down on a huge rock.

"I have been wanting to speak to you, ma'am. I was wondering if you think Mangas can be persuaded to help us find the Arapaho?".

Maleaha noticed the way he looked at her. There was no mistaking the look of interest in his soft brown eyes. She had met him briefly at the ball and had even danced with him once.

"I don't know, Lieutenant Maxwell. That remains to be seen."

"Miss Deveraux, I have admired you for some time now. I think you are very lovely." Then he lowered his head in embarrassment. "I also think you are very brave. I know of no other woman who would ride unafraid into Mangas's camp."

Maleaha smiled at him. "How many women do you know with my qualifications, Lieutenant Maxwell?"

He grinned. "Not a one, ma'am, and no one I know is as pretty as you, either."

Maleaha could not keep from laughing. He seemed so sincere. Most probably he was older than her by some three or four years, and yet he appeared so young to her.

Kane stood in the shadows, feeling angry at the scene he was witnessing.

"Lieutenant Maxwell, who gave you permission to leave camp?" Kane said in a velvety-smooth voice.

The young lieutenant snapped to attention and looked shamefaced. "I am sorry, sir, I had not thought . . ."

"No, you did not think," Kane interrupted him. "You might want to pass the word that Miss Deveraux is off limits to all soldiers, and that is an order."

Maleaha watched as the lieutenant walked away quickly, feeling very foolish for being reprimanded in front of her. She felt pity for him, thinking the major could have been a little nicer to him.

"You were a little harsh with him. He was not doing anything wrong," she declared hotly.

His eyes flashed dangerously, "Miss Deveraux, I would appreciate it if in the future you would not hold private conversations with my men. It will be hard enough for them to keep their minds on their duties with you along to distract them, much less if you encourage them to seek you out privately."

Angry words tumbled to her lips, but she never got the chance to voice them because he turned his back and walked away from her.

Maleaha had a good mind to ride away and leave him to find Mangas on his own. She stood up and angrily kicked a stone. Her reward was the pain that shot through her foot. Sitting down on her blanket, she rubbed her aching foot.

Lamas had watched all the proceedings with his usual look of boredom, but he could not help the look of amusement that washed over his wrinkled old face.

"Lamas, that man makes me so angry I have half a mind to go home and let him try to find Mangas on his own."

Lamas shrugged his shoulders. "He is a good man."