RING OF FIRE. Margaret Way. CHAPTER ONE

RING OF FIRE

Margaret Way

No one must suspect she was heartbroken.

Jo had loved Blair most of her life and his sudden engagement to someone else shattered her.

" Find a man of your own, " Marsh McConnell challenged. He had stood by Jo throughout the engagement party, but she could not follow his advice. The memory of her lost love was too recent.

Marsh's invitation to accompany his young niece and nephew to his Outback cattle station came as a relief. Restored by the wild beauty of the country and Marsh's abrasive, overpowering personality, Jo was surprised to find herself jealous -- of the woman who'd already staked a claim on Marsh!

CHAPTER ONE

Jo thought the night would never end. Only the knowledge that people were watching kept her appalled, suppressed emotions from spilling over. It took an enormous effort of will, an auxiliary discipline she didn't even know she possessed, but anything was better than showing her true feelings. That would have been too intolerable a humiliation. This should have been her night, the beginning of a blissful existence. But all her dreams, the visions she had nourished, had been brutally snatched away from her. The future seemed no more than a wasteland. Over the house she had loved all her life and looked on as a second home hung a pall of misery and rejection. Why didn't the ground simply open and swallow her up? No one would really miss her. Now, much too late, she had found out what manner of man Blair was. The bitter truth was, she still loved him. Nothing could change that. She had given him her heart too long ago and she was stupidly, fiercely loyal, even now. All she had to sustain her through this long, dreadful evening was a desperate kind of pride.

For days now, woman-like, she had made every manner of excuse for him. After all the things he had said, all the promises, it didn't seem possible this was happening. He couldn't be in love with somebody else, unless he was an accomplished deceiver. He had violated her love and her trust, yet every time their eyes met she was frightened by the raw wave of feeling that seemed to link them so powerfully. There was sensuality in those wide-spaced, slanted amber eyes and a kind of repressed laughter, almost as if this big, beautiful, expensive engagement party was no more than a joke and he had turned into someone she didn't even know.

The emptiness, the frozen numbness would come, but for now her shocked reaction was so damaging it was making her ill. Even more surprising were the whispers of 'beautiful' that followed her as she went through the motions of helping Aunt Elizabeth and pretending enjoyment when she really had no idea what she was doing at all. Did no one guess at the fiends of jealousy and betrayal that pursued her? Everywhere she had gone at this big, hectic party, she would have been astonished at the image of sparkling vivacity she was projecting, but the effort was using up all her nervous strength. She had a splitting headache and there was no way she could retire before it was all over. Aunt Elizabeth relied on her. Aunt Elizabeth, too, had once said she was proud to a fault. At least that much-discussed quality in her was coming to her aid. No one here tonight, relatives, friends, almost everyone in the district, could be entirely unaware of her feelings for Blair. It seemed to her now that she had loved him all her life and she had never been one to hide her affections.

Like a nymph, frozen in her secret misery, she stole out into the garden. It was a beautiful, soft night, overhung by a glittering net of stars, pervaded by the summer scent of gardenias. Such beauty, the profound and moving tenderness of night increased her grief. She couldn't resist it. Here on just such a romantic night Blair had taken her in his arms and kissed her into a breathless submission. If she thought of it in this tropical darkness she would start to cry. There were coloured lanterns and lamps in the trees and twenty or more tables set out at intervals on the velvety lawn, but now after supper nearly everyone had gone back inside or were dancing on the terrace. Jo turned her head and as an added torture saw Blair with Julie closely wrapped in his arms. They were moving dreamily to the music that spilled out of the house, Blair's handsome golden-skinned face half hidden in Julie's soft primrose curls. Her sweet, heart-shaped little face was so radiant, so much the face of a woman in love, it was almost impossible to grudge her her place in Blair's arms.

'Blair! ' Jo said in a whisper that didn't belong to her. My love! My heart's desire! Dearest liar and cheat! Her heart contracted and for a dreadful moment she thought she was going to be sick. It was almost as if she no longer had control. He had never seemed so desirable to her, so handsome, so unattainable. She felt her face give a nervous spasm of pain and she flung out her hand in the age-old gesture of protest and despair. How could he have lied to her? How could he have promised to marry her and make all those plans when all along he had decided in his mind to marry Julie. Only a scoundrel could act with so little decency—a sadist. He was totally different from everything she had believed. She had given him qualities he had never possessed, but how did one go about killing feeling? There was no opiate, no drug she wouldn't have tried then.

Now nearing the end of a brilliant engagement party, she was going to strike the only discordant note and show all these watching, waiting, friends of a lifetime they had been right after all. It wouldn't even cause a sensation, but it would create an unpleasant situation and bring pain to Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Joss when she owed them so much. One day the unbelievable would happen: she would recover—she wasn't the first woman to suffer this blinding assault on her pride and self-esteem. She gave a funny little cry. She couldn't seem to help it. She knew she was swaying. If she could only make it to one of the tables. The last thing she wanted to do was make herself a talking point...

Out of nowhere a man materialised, a tall man moving like a shadow and graceful as a panther taking her in formidably strong arms before she surely sank to the ground. She started to protest, unbearably antisocial in her misery but he ignored her completely.

'Are you all right? '

'I'm sorry! ' Jo was shocked into apologising.

'Oh, for what? '

'I was a million miles away. '

'I should try to get over it! ' •

The tone was so odd she turned her head up to stare at him, only then becoming aware of his identity. 'Mr McConnell! '

'At least you remember my name, but you still haven't answered my question. '

'Of course I'm all right. Why shouldn't I be? '

'You answer that. Here, you'd better sit down for a moment. '

Despite her bravado he had to lead her towards one of the wrought iron tables with its matching white chairs and she was forced to go with him. Just another cruel blow of fate. This man she had avoided like an unwelcome plague from the moment Aunt Elizabeth had welcomed him in the hall. She had been returning from the kitchen and Aunt Elizabeth had called to her delightedly to come meet Julie's cousin, Marsh McConnell. A swift glance had given her the impression of height and strength and dark features too strongly cast. He had a bold look about him, a look of freedom and challenge, like a pirate masquerading in elegant evening clothes. Worse, there was a frightening intelligence in his brilliant dark eyes. Jo knew she would recognise him again —anywhere. He was that kind of man. Smiling a conventional smile, and hardly aware of it, she still managed to convey to him her -unnatural reaction. It saturated the atmosphere: sheer, primitive antagonism not unmixed with a little fear. This man was her enemy. Her look told him that plainly not only because he was part of her rival's world, but because of the way that he looked at her with an insolent challenge as unexpected as it was unprovoked. It seemed strange to her now that he should be the one to rescue her. His voice was at one with his appearance, dark and decisive with a decided hint of steel.

'Put your head down! ' he said curtly. 'It might help. '

'I'm perfectly lucid, thank you. Goodness knows, there's nothing wrong with me. '

'Obviously there is. You were about to faint. '

'I wasn't! ' she said angrily.

'Let it alone! ' He bent her head forward, his fingers stabbing through her thick silky mane.

She wanted to slump right down on the grass, but he was ordering her to breathe deeply and after a few minutes she began to hate him so much she swung up her head. 'Are you usually so domineering? ' she demanded.

'I don't suffer fools gladly! ' His dark eyes slipped over her face and bare shoulders, ran down the length of her body, studied the lovely sea-green dress that matched her eyes but gave her no confidence. 'It's been something of an ordeal, hasn't it? '

'I don't know what you're talking about! ' His words and his tone were so completely at odds, the singular lack of kindness had the effect of sending the adrenalin coursing through her veins, restoring her colour.

'Why do you women bother with play-acting? ' he went on.

'We love it! '

For answer he caught hold of her chin, turning her head so she had to look towards the terrace. 'Go on, look at them. Get it out of your system. '

'How dare you! ' She jerked her head away, a long silky black strand of her hair catching on the button on his sleeve.

'I can see the greed in your eyes! ' he said, negligently loosening her hair.

'Greed—God! ' she broke off, almost in tears. 'Grief. '

'So I was right? '

Jo fell backwards, moaning softly. 'So you were testing me? '

'Yes. '

'Why would you want to be so cruel? '

'There's no simple answer. In this case it might be a kindness. What's the Jo short for—Joanne? '

'Josephine. '

Marsh seemed to find this amusing. 'I suppose you could upset an emperor at that! '

Jo had her eyes closed, her head thrown back for his insolent appraisal. 'I've known Blair all my life. '

'And you regard him as a brother? '

'I don't think this is any of your business. '

'Lady, it is\ I'm all Julie has left in the way of a family and I think she needs a little help. I've heard about you. '

'Just a minute, you're going too fast! ' She opened her eyes and they seemed to glow in the dark like a cat's.

'Really? ' he drawled.

'Yes, really. What do you mean you've heard about me? Tell me before my patience runs out. '

'Let's say, beautiful lady, I'd heard about your black hair and your green eyes and the way you regarded Blair as your property. '

She was literally shaking with anger. 'You may not realise this, Mr Know-All McConnell, but Aunt Elizabeth, Blair's mother, very nearly raised me. '

'As the daughter she never had? '

'I love her dearly. And Uncle Joss. You should have made sure of your facts. '

'Oh, I always do that. I know they've been watching you pretty anxiously all evening. '

'So what? '

'Put their minds at rest. Find a man of your own. ' She looked around her a little wildly, but he put a hard hand on her shoulder. 'Relax. You're a big girl now. You should be able to face up to facts. '

'I know I hate you! ' she choked.

'You put a lot of feeling into that, ' he observed. 'I wasn't sure you could spare any for anyone else but Julie's fiancé. Why don't we go up on the terrace and join them? '

She visibly recoiled from him. 'I couldn't dance with you! '

'But you will. You see, no one is going to hurt my cousin while I'm around. She's a very sweet, gentle girl and she needs a little protection from witches. Anyway, her life hasn't been all that easy. '

From somewhere she found a little mocking laugh. 'I find that hard to believe. I'd heard she was an heiress. '

'There are more important things than money. '

'Blair doesn't think so. '

'That was unforgivable! ' he said harshly.

'So are you! Who are you to take me to task for anything? Why don't you go away and leave me alone. '

'So you can fascinate Julie's man? Fascinate me instead. '

'You're crazy! ' she said, and stood up at once.

'Not at all! ' He stood up to join her and though she was a tall girl she had quite a way to meet his eyes.

'Please tell me what this is all about? ' she demanded.

'I have my reasons, Josephine. Good ones. I saw all the furtive little glances tonight. I'd never trust a woman with green eyes myself. '

'Would you trust any woman? ' she asked scathingly.

'No. Not outside of Julie. '

'Then why don't you marry her yourself? '

'Obviously I don't think of her in that way. Anyway, how do you know I'm not married? '

'Give me some credit! '

'For what? '

'For knowing a married man when I see one. '

'Now this is interesting, ' he drawled. 'What's the poor devil supposed to look like? '

'Not spoiling for a fight! ' she said aggressively. 'A married man is usually more mellow, kinder, more tolerant. Understanding of women. '

'Oh, I understand them all right! ' he returned dryly. 'I even understand your passion for Leighton. '

'You're a very straight shooter, aren't you? '

'When I have to be, and I have a very definite goal in mind—Julie's happiness. You strike me as pitiful. And much more-dangerous! '

Jo made a quick instinctive gesture that was never completed. He caught at her flying hand and pinned her wrist, holding it helpless against him. 'Cats usually fight with their claws, not the back of the hand. Don't you understand anything, you little fool? '

'I'd like you to let me go, ' she said in a deadly kind of voice. 'Let go! '

'I will when you come to your senses. '

'I haven't made a fool of myself up until now. '

'That's what I'm here for, to pull you back into line. You have to admit you were pretty badly shaken. '

'Perhaps I've reason to be! ' she said bitterly.

'You mean Leighton is a cheat? '

He nearly threw her away from him and she fell back saying nothing. 'Well? '

It was a kind of compulsion to draw sympathy from even this very formidable man, but somehow Jo resisted the impulse, protective of Blair to the end. 'You came to an engagement party, didn't you? ' she parried.

He seemed to relax. 'All right, then. Don't take it so hard. I guess we all run into an emotional crisis at some time in our lives. Leighton doesn't strike me as a rare prize, but he seems to know how to make Julie happy. '

'Brilliant! ' she said acidly.

'Little bitch! '

'That's the really great thing about women! I don't think I can go back up there. '

'Why not? ' Unexpectedly he tilted her chin. 'You're the best looking woman at the party. '

'That's not such a big deal as you think! ' She stared back at him, trying to retain her self-control. A panic of tears was just behind her eyes. He obviously didn't know it, but she felt badly injured for all her so-called beauty. Blair didn't want her. She might even have said it aloud, for he was looking down at her strangely, without the strong dash of contempt he had shown her up until now.

'For God's sake! ' he burst out explosively, the man of steel. 'Why tear yourself to pieces like this? Come with me and forget your troubles. '

'You seem to forget I don't like you! '

'So what? I don't like you either, but I'm going to fight to keep you by my side. To the victor belong the spoils. Since we've been out here Leighton hasn't taken his eyes off this area. Why don't we give him something to think about? '

'You're mad! ' she said, then checked in alarm, for he loomed towards her, pulling her into his arms, seeking her mouth and kissing it hard.

'No! ' he warned her against her trapped mouth. 'You're as good as bound and tied. Make it look as if you're enjoying it. You want to save your reputation, don't you? It's a moonlit night and you're essentially a siren! '

Loathing was pulsing between them and an angry passion. Jo's heart was beating feverishly, unevenly, and the fragrance of gardenias was so heavy in the air the waxy blooms might have been crushed up between them. She was furious with Marsh, still madly in love with Blair, yet this man's sensual technique was crashing through her aversion in hot, swirling waves. He was holding her, kissing her with such intimacy that she could have killed him if she didn't feel like falling.

When he released her he was laughing softly. 'I somehow don't think you enjoyed that! '

'I don't like to associate with pirates. '

'I've tried every civilised means of stopping you from coming to pieces. What does a furious embrace matter? All anyone could say is: Lucky Jo, she can pick any man she likes! '

'You're not exactly my type! ' she snapped.

'Thank God for that! Now are you coming back to the party? You look much better. Your eyes are sparkling and your mouth looks full and soft and thoroughly kissed. '

'You're very unusual, Mr McConnell. One of the world's outspoken souls. '

'Make it Marsh! '

She took her eyes from his face and powerful body. 'If you can put up with me for the rest of the evening the least I can do is put up with you. '

'There now! ' he said mockingly, and laughed, a strangely attractive sound. His teeth were very white in his piratical dark face and Jo realised some women might find him extraordinarily exciting.

'Where do you come from? ' she asked him. 'You don't seem to fit any ordinary background. '

'Don't you know? '

'Incredibly, no. I didn't even know you existed until a few hours ago. '

'When I'd heard all about you! ' he jeered softly.

'From whom? '

'Eventually I'll tell you. Leave your hair alone, it looks fine. Don't ever cut it. Some man is going to want to strangle you with it. '

'You've got me badly miscast, ' she said.

'I don't think so. If you're as sweet and demure as you're trying to make out you shouldn't have worn that dress. It's a show-stopper. '

'It's in perfectly good taste. '

'And it tells in a word that you've a very beautiful body. '

'Thank you. Do I thank you? '

'Don't turn those calculating green eyes on me. '

'You're the last creature on earth I could picture as a friend, ' she said coldly.

'Since when have men and women been friends? '

'Blair was my friend! ' she said baldly, and stopped.

'And you didn't win. '

'Who said I expected to? Your cousin Julie got him. '

'That much we know. Let's go up. ' He took her arm and led her back across the lawn, and there was a kind of dangerous excitement in playing this part. It might even help her get through what remained of the night. The rosy glow of light from the terrace threw his profile into stark relief. It might have been a sculpture in bronze, very bold and strong. The forehead rounded and wide, nose and chin aggressive, the mouth moulded and very clearly defined, the head heavy and well shaped, covered in crisp black waves that would curl if left to grow just a fraction longer. Just the kind of man to set up vibrations.

'Well, what do you do? ' Jo persisted, to calm herself. 'Background and so forth? '

'I have a property out West, ' he uttered off-handedly. 'If you play your cards right I might even ask you out! '

'I won't come. '

She was suddenly under his black, brilliant scrutiny. 'What if I implore you, Josephine? '

'After tonight, I never want to see you again! '

'That's a nuisance! '

'And don't make fun of my name! '

'It's charming and it suits you—somehow! '

'What do you want to see me for? ' she demanded.

'Oh, maybe to keep you safely out of the way. '

They had reached the terrace and without hesitation he took her in his arms, a very dominant kind of man. 'Simply behave as though you're enjoying yourself. '

Jo sighed and half rested against him. 'Do you like torturing women? '

'Just a moment—I don't remember any other woman complaining! '

'I suppose it's your bank balance! '

'I'll tell you when the time comes! ' His arm tightened around her and he guided her very expertly towards the other dancers. 'Breathe deeply. It's great for jittery nerves! '

'Then there's always the chance you'll crush me. Your grip is defying me to escape. '

'In another minute you'll be glad of it. '

She didn't see them until a soft voice asked directly behind her shoulder:

'Enjoying yourselves, you two? '

Jo could feel her colour ebb away, but somehow she was turning around to return Julie's rather tentative smile. Her glance shifted to Blair for a split second and she wanted to cry. Whether this was an engagement party or not she knew him too well not to miss, the masked hostility in his expression. His amber eyes were piercing her face, and she couldn't begin to understand it. He looked jealous and far from pleased, this seducer of women. It didn't make sense. Through a daze she heard Marsh McConnell make some particularly hypocritical remark about enjoying himself immensely, then he was steering her away determinedly, Jo was shaking with the strain. She should have been thanking him, but she could only think of Blair as he had been with the sun on his hair and his skin, the way he had of fitting all of her moods. This man was too strongly masculine, too blunt and forceful, too cruelly mocking, yet the slender bones of her body seemed to melt against him as though his hard powerful body was lending her strength.

'Good girl! ' he murmured, bending his dark head over her.

'I can't take it any more, ' she said shakily.

'You're doing just fine. '

She lifted her head at this unexpected approval and outrageously, in front of a dozen watching eyes, he brushed her mouth with his own. 'That's for you, you poor little devil! '

'Go to hell! ' she returned, equally quiet. 'I'm not grateful for any of this. '

'You ought to be, but then you're very spoiled. '

'And you're as clever as three foxes. Who filled your ears with tales of me? '

'What matters is I took good notice. Here comes Leighton to switch partners and I won't let him. '

She shuddered in violent reaction and his black eyes narrowed dangerously. 'Let's pretend I'm out to win your gorgeous hand. '

'You're taking the wrong road. '

'Let's wait and see what happens! '

In the end, Julie defeated him, speaking directly to him, her voice affectionate and confident. 'Marsh, I haven't danced with you all evening! '

'Then we'll have to change that this minute. I've never seen you look prettier. '

It was more than Jo felt she should bear, but Julie was smiling at her like a friendly little girl, her blue eyes just a little fussed. 'You don't mind, do you, Jo? '

'Of course not. I was getting a little tired anyway! '

'Lovely! ' Marsh McConnell commented satirically.

'You know what I mean! ' Her green gaze hit his hard.

'Let me get something to revive you! ' Blair released his fiancé e and caught at Jo's hand, twisting it painfully. 'Jo's built for speed, not for stamina. She was like that as a little girl! '

Julie gave rather a feverish little laugh and pressed close to her cousin's tall, rangy body. 'Blair told me all about you, Jo. I know we're going to be friends! '

'Why not? ' she returned flippantly. 'I'll tell you my side! '

'Behave yourself, Jo! ' Blair said, and laughed, his amber eyes full of a vaguely malicious glitter.

A steady drift of dancers were coming out of the house and Marsh looked at Jo with black, challenging eyes. 'Don't go too far away! '

'I won't, I promise. '

This seemed to satisfy Julie, for she laughed softly and turned her slight, petite body into her cousin's arms, staring up at him and already plying him with questions.

'Let's get out of here! ' Blair muttered beneath his breath.

'I've nothing to say to you. '

'It would be just like you to create a scandal. Don't do it here. '

The effrontery and unfairness of this almost took her breath away, and he took advantage of the moment to turn her back towards the floodlit garden where a few couples were strolling leisurely. Despite herself, her bones were melting at his touch. 'Please, Blair. You won't be able to do this now you're very nearly a married man. '

'Who the hell does he think he is? ' he growled.

'Marsh McConnell? '

'What's he after, a quick affair? '

In her anger she was stammering. 'Honestly, Blair, you'll never cease to surprise me. You've demonstrated more than adequately that you don't care what I do with the rest of my life. '

'Keep your voice down! ' he muttered angrily.

'Why, so you can keep up this ghastly pretence? '

'I care about her, ' he said almost petulantly.

'God, I hope so. He'll kill you if you don't. '

'And what's it to him? '

'In his own words, he's all the family she's got. You know the story, I don't. You just sprang it on us all. Your mother is, reeling from the shock! '

'Mother's all right! ' he said carelessly, adored and indulged from his very first breath. 'I'd much rather it were you, Jo, but you can't help me. Try to understand. '

'I'm sorry I can't! ' she said, leaden with misery. 'Only last week you told me you loved me. '

'I haven't changed! '

He tried to take her hands, but she drew back from him violently. 'Am I supposed to be grateful for that? I trusted you with my life. Now you calmly bring Julie, a stranger, into our lives and get your mother to throw a big engagement party. There doesn't seem any excuse or pardon for your behaviour. What's this to be, a marriage of convenience? I thought they'd gone out of style? '

'They'll never go out of style, ' he answered cynically. 'There's too much to be gained. I'm ambitious, Jo. Julie can help me, and she's a sweet little thing. She knows how to dress and she'll make a nice little bit of window-dressing. Life with Julie won't be any hardship, and it won't affect us! '

Jo shook her head helplessly, utterly dismayed at his reasoning. 'You can't really mean this, Blair. I can't work with you now. You must realise that. '

He turned and faced her, a slim, very elegant man and for one moment a bitter anger blazed in his eyes. 'I know you, Jo. There's more passion in your little finger than Julie's whole body. She's nearly sexless compared to you. '

'But this is cruel! You can't go into a marriage feeling like that. She has some rights too. She deserves someone who loves her. She's madly in love with you! '

'She'll never know the difference! ' Blair looked back at her steadily and his whole attitude was reflected in his amber eyes.

'I don't suppose she will! ' Jo returned in a low voice.

'So you see, darling, I haven't abandoned you. How could I? You and I are a team. You're necessary to the business. You're a talented designer and I've big plans for expansion. With some real money behind me I could branch out into new markets. Leighton & Associates of Melbourne—we could make it a big name. All the clients like you and you're a terrific asset with the men. '

'I can't be when the man I love is going to marry someone else. '

'Don't be a drivelling idiot, darling. My marriage will be a business arrangement like everything else. '

'You mean you don't intend to share the same bed? '

'I very much doubt if I could get out of that. I mean, after all, the price has to be paid. '

'You sound amused! ' she said incredulously.

'I wish it was catching. Don't make any grand gestures that could explode in your face. Stay with me, love. What do you say? '

She didn't reply immediately because the tears of pain and frustration weren't very far away, but eventually she said in a low, toneless voice. 'I thought we were doing pretty well as we were. Isn't half the enjoyment in life forging ahead under your own steam, being your own man? Retaining your integrity, I'm trying to say. You started the business on your own. Why not go on from there? '

'You're talking nonsense, Jo! ' said Blair with the faintly crooked little smile that usually wrung her heart. 'A little backing from Julie will be equal to ten years of hard work. I want what I want, now! '

'Are you so sure she's prepared to part with her money? ' Jo asked from the depths of her wretchedness.

'She knows I'm ambitious. She admires that very thing in me. Don't worry about Julie. She's not your problem. '

Her eyes travelled over the familiar outline of his face and body. He was no taller than she was in high heels and their eyes were level. 'Have you spoken to your mother like this? ' she demanded.

'Don't be a little fool, and don't go trying to make trouble. Mother won't believe you. I'm her golden-haired boy! '

'Yes, you are! ' she said simply. 'Her only son, her only child. I can't think now who you take after. Both of them are so wonderful, Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Joss. '

'They were very good to you. '

'I know that. Father meant well, but I was always an unpleasant reminder that my mother chose to leave him. '

'Small wonder! These academic types are a crashing bore. All they know is their particular subject. Anyway, your father's dead now. You take things too hard, Jo. You've always had an obsessive kind of feeling for me. '

'You mean I loved you! ' she said, like a requiem.

'You still love me! ' he said urgently. 'And I can prove it right now! '

'Touch me and I'll scream! ' The intensity of her rejection astonished her. This was Blair, the man she loved.

'Of course you will, dear! ' His long fingers circled her wrist. 'I can feel your pulse, and it's in a flutter of panic. I want you so much I can hardly keep my hands off you. '

'It might be a good thing if you did from now on, and if you think I'm bluffing about the scream... '

'Jo! ' he said carefully, but unlocked her wrist.

She rubbed it, trying to quiet her mind. 'I won't be dishonoured, Blair. It's an old-fashioned word, but that's what I mean. I'm an old-fashioned girl. '

'Incredibly you. are! ' he agreed. 'You've been silly about a lot of things when we could have been luxuriating in what we had! '

'You selfish swine! ' she said into the darkness.

'Don't deny the demands of your own body, Jo. You're a passionate woman and you're living in a world of change. '

'Not for the better. Not in lots of ways. Anyway you never loved me, I can see that now. No one could inflict gross pain on the woman he loved. The wanting is physical. There's not another thing else. '

Blair lit a cigarette and said in a flat, even voice, 'Don't sound so humble, Jo, it doesn't suit you. You're not only beautiful, you're clever. I'm just trying to make you understand what kind of a man I am. I want a completely free hand to build up my business. Given that, I'll expand and triple our turnover in the first year. You're a highly competent and gifted designer, and I want you on my team. '

'I'm finding myself another job tomorrow, ' she retorted.

'You won't get any reference from me! '

'Oh yes, I know what you'd do. Now that I really allow myself to think of it, you've done one or two underhand things. '

'Like every business man. Listen, Jo, you can't do this to me. I have to go interstate tomorrow, as you very well know. Someone has to be in the shop. Besides, what would the parents think, let alone the clients? '

'I can't worry about that now, ' she shrugged. 'In the end I must leave you. You've made my position untenable. '

'Darling, I want to kiss you! ' he said, stubbing out his cigarette.

'I'll scream so fast I'll crack the glasses! '

'Give yourself a little time to settle down. I'm telling you nothing has changed between us. '

Jo bit her bottom lip so hard she drew blood. 'You really mean it, don't you? '

'Yes. '

'I don't know you at all. Your ears are faintly pointed like a satyr's! '

'And you're able to tell from that what sort of man I am? ' Blair smiled at her then, the old familiar crooked smile, his amber eyes startlingly bright under his hooded lids. 'Remember Mrs McConnell? '

'Why, of course! ' she answered, off balance with the abrupt change of subject..

'Marsh McConnell's mother! '

'Well, really! ' Jo was so shocked she almost felt like laughing hysterically.

'That's where I met Julie, at her aunt's. Didn't you ever wonder why I put you off that job? One of our biggest up to date. Julie's parents were killed in a car crash when she was about twelve and she went to live with her grandparents. You've surely heard of Caldwell's Wines? Old Caldwell was Julie's grandad, also McConnell's. Both of them benefited considerably from his estate along with the rest of the clan, but I understand from Julie that neither McConnell nor his mother had need of it. He's in the big time himself—some property out West. They've even found valuable mineral deposits on his land. That's another thing with these damned millionaires, money just comes to them. I've had to work hard. Julie looks on him as some kind of Big Brother! '

'If you know that, why show your antagonism? '

'I don't like him and. I don't want him taking an interest in you. You're mine! '

Jo gave a tired smile. 'That's where you're making a fatal mistake. We never did have that weekend away, and I'm not sharing you with a wife. '

Blair threw up both hands, supremely confident. 'Julie's pretty dumb under that sweetness. '

'Don't mistake her blind love for you as stupidity! '

'She won't learn that I don't love her from me! '

Jo turned abruptly, the light catching the brilliant sheen of her dress. 'I'm going back inside, Blair. I've had enough. What you're intending is despicable and it will bring you sorrow. '

'Is that supposed to be funny? ' A wave of colour ran up his lean cheeks.

'Not at all. I've never been more serious in my life. As far as I'm concerned you stabbed me in the back—a coward's way out! '

'Jo, for God's sake, ' he begged, 'be a little kind to me. I can't expect you to congratulate me even when I intend that you share in my good fortune. '

'Put it out of your thoughts! ' she said, her head flung back proudly. 'I'm going absent from tomorrow! '

'No, ' he said, and put out his hand to touch her. 'One of the best things about you is your loyalty. You know I have to make this trip. All my appointments have been set up. I have manufacturers to meet. You can't walk out on me, Jo. I've made you what you are. In time I could set you up as a partner. I told you I've got plans. We could expand into the commercial sector, take on more staff—one or two designers with flair. Professionals of course. Can't you see where we could go? '

'I'm sorry, Blair! ' The touch of his skin against hers was making her weaken. 'I can't kill what I feel for you and I can't work for you feeling this way. It wouldn't be right! '

'I can't talk to you here! ' he said rapidly. 'Julie is the most casual girl in the world. She believes everything I say. '

'So did I, ' said Jo bitterly. 'I know you're brilliant, I know you're going to make a big name for yourself. I wish you and your Julie all the luck in the world— particularly Julie. I'm beginning to feel sorry for her. '

'Don't feel sorry for Julie, ' he said savagely. 'She has me! '

'You can't imagine what that sounds like! '

She saw his gaze wandering all over her. The face he had kissed, the curve of her breast. He had wanted so much of her and God knows in time she might have given it to him. 'Oh, Blair! ' she sighed, and the hot tears sprang into her eyes.

'Cry, darling, if you want to. You're nearly driving me crazy. Think this thing out. Nothing has really changed. We'll still be together, only this time I'll have the money to set me free! '

'I loved you, ' she said brokenly.

'It can't be, Jo! ' he said almost despairingly. 'I can't marry you, but it's no real cause for unhappiness. Don't be so bloody simple-minded. I'll always look after you. We'll always be together. '

'Oh yes! Always a mistress, never a wife. I want a life of my own, don't you know? A home. Children. I'm twenty-five years old. '

'Then it's about time you learnt the ways of the world. '

'The ways of men, don't you mean? This isn't getting us anywhere. '

Her hair fell like black satin against the curve of her cheek and he reached out a hand and ran it along the thick shining wave in a remembered gesture. 'Please say you'll help me, Jo. I can't trust anyone else. No one knows the business like you do and Olive is only good for the donkey-work. '

'How long do you expect to be away? '

'Possibly the week. I can't rush anything. '

'All right, Blair, ' she sighed, 'I'll stay until then. As you say, you've taught me a lot. '

'I want to teach you so much more. I'm going to be your lover. ' He held up her face forcibly, studying the flawless, light-olive skin, and marvellous bones, the treacherously passionate mouth, trembling now, and he cried out in intense irritation. 'For God's sake, Jo, why spoil everything now? '

'There's honour, you know! '

'You're mad. Let me see you tonight, after they've all gone home. Damn them to hell! '

'Your Julie is coming very quickly across the lawn, ' Jo observed. 'She's not as stupid as you think. '

'I need a drink! ' he said tonelessly. 'All Julie touches is iced orange juice. How's that for Caldwell's granddaughter? '

'You're a heartless monster! She looks like a very nice girl. '

'How generous you are, Jo, to your rival. '

'At least I can understand her, ' said Jo. 'I was stupidly in love with you too! '

He threw a quick look at her as though she was about to revenge herself on him. 'Smile, for God's sake. You look as moody as hell! '

'Oh? Marsh told me I was the best looking woman at the party. '

'Let him get back to his splendid estate! ' Blair returned violently. 'We don't want him here. '

Julie was almost upon them. It didn't seem possible she wouldn't sense the electric tension in the air. She looked as pretty and delicate as a pink azalea in her lovely chiffon dress, floating around her, her soft curls springing back from her childishly round forehead. She looked so defenceless, so innocent of malice or duplicity, Jo couldn't blame her for anything. Blair was totally to blame and all three of them were no more than figures in a very small drama.

Blair gave his winning crooked smile and threw out an arm. 'Come here to me, darling! '

Julia ran to him on small, silver sandalled feet, a Dresden figure from the tip of her primrose curls to her pearly-lacquered toes. She bore no resemblance whatever to the McConnells, mother and son. Jo remembered Cybill McConnell as a very striking-looking woman, a brunette, with immense self-assurance. Julie, for a rich girl, was extraordinarily unassuming and demure. She even glanced at Jo with a hint of apology.

'I got lonely. I hope I'm not interrupting? '

'How could you? ' Jo returned as pleasantly as she could.

Blair dropped a kiss on Julie's pink and white skin as though thirsting for the touch of it. 'Jo and I have been discussing business as usual. You'll get used to it, baby. I'm flying interstate tomorrow, as you know. Jo's in charge while I'm away! '

'You must be very clever, Jo! ' Julie said with what seemed to be genuine admiration, nestling in to Blair's side with a wide-eyed stare.

'Years of study! ' Jo said lightly. 'Blair's the brilliant one! '

'Yes, darling! ' Julie looked up at him and gave a soft laugh. 'Everyone tells me that. I'm so proud of you. '

'I'm going to get you in and explain everything to you. '

'Maybe / can do that! ' The impulse to make that sardonic suggestion mastered Jo for an instant, and Blair's smooth handsome face betrayed a flicker of anxiety.

'I must say that's very nice of you, Jo. I want you two girls to be friends. But you must promise to leave all the difficult little bits to me. '

Julie was gazing raptly at him as though the sun rose and set on his thin, elegant face. 'I'm not in the least clever. '

'I love you! ' he said with lazy sensuality, and she blushed deeply like a rose.

Jo's reserves were running out. 'I've just learnt this minute that Mrs McConnell is your aunt. I admired her enormously. Her taste is superb—a very cultivated lady. '

Julie smiled and said happily, 'It was Aunt Cybill who brought Blair and me together. I'll always bless her for that. She's my very favourite aunt, just as Marsh has made himself my big brother! '

'Make that capitals! ' Jo commented, noticeably sharp.

'He's obviously smitten with you, Jo, ' Julie went on. 'Marsh is used to having women fight over him. You have reason to be gratified with his attention! ' Julie looked at her with some surprise.

'Oh, I am! ' Jo's deeply moulded mouth curved downwards. 'If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go and have an orange drink! '

Blair glanced at her with a faint anger in his eyes, then he murmured to his fiancé e with exquisite indulgence, 'Are you going to permit yourself one little drink, precious girl? '

'I suppose it's permissible at one's own engagement party! '

'As I live and breathe! ' said Jo.

Julie for some reason began to fidget with a chiffon fold of her dress. 'I really came down to tell you some of our guests are wanting to get away. We'd better go back to the house. Come back with us, Jo. Marsh is expecting you. '

'I'd be delighted. It's time someone told me what's the Marsh short for-—or is that it? '

'He was christened James Marshall McConnell. The Marshall is a family name! '

'Oh, I thought he might have been the local sheriff as well as everything else. '

'Jo, you're outrageous! ' Blair folded his arm around her waist, and careless of the cruelty of it fitted both girls to his side, strolling back to the terrace with them like the practised actor he was. His intention of presenting a united front was understandable, but his callousness was making Jo feel mildly hysterical. For the moment she was trapped at his side, an unwilling party to this deception. She knew that once inside the house again Marsh McConnell would come to claim her for his own reasons and surprisingly she experienced a deep sense of relief. It was preferable to have the clean thrust of his mockery than Blair's fingers subtly pressing into the curve of her waist.

Almost at once they could see the crowd had begun to thin out except for a younger group still dancing, and there was Aunt Elizabeth, beautifully turned out in an outfit made up to her son's design, calling out to them:

'Come up, my dears! It's been a wonderful party, but remember it's a work day tomorrow. Mary and Alex are wanting to leave! '

'Oh, we must see them off! ' Julie gave a little joyful spirt. 'You come too, Jo! ' she added kindly, and it sounded as if she meant it.

Jo didn't answer. She was too bewildered and stricken to warm to Julie and she wasn't at all sure she was as artless as she seemed. She glanced up then and saw Marsh McConnell leaning over the balcony staring down at them—no doubt admiring the picture they made: Blair, shiningly fair and elegant between the two girls, who couldn't have presented a better foil for each other. Julie, almost doll-like in her lack of inches, a fragile study in pastels. Jo, with her beautiful, vivid face above an equally beautiful long-stemmed body. It would be very hard indeed to feel sympathy for a girl who carried herself so proudly and had so many apparent assets. She didn't need to get nearer to hear his brain ticking over, turning out data like a computer. Julie's happiness couldn't be guaranteed with a girl like Jo around. Three-cornered love was a jungle where no one was safe!

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