Diamond Legacy Read online

  It was easy to see her work was her life. It was the same for him. With one key difference. He was driven by vengeance.

  There on the bench, with the night surrounding them and the scent of rain in the distance, he suddenly realized why he found her so enticing. It was the purity of her emotion, the earthy sensuality that radiated from her. She glowed with a vital and natural energy. Sitting sideways on the bench like she was, one arm propped on the back and her fingers threading through her shoulder-length hair, she was damn near magnetic. He wanted to reach out and pull her to him, wanted to trace the line of her jaw with his lips and lay her down on the soft grass. More than that, he wanted to peel away every inch of fabric and explore the length and depth of her curves in agonizing detail.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” she said.

  Not a chance. He wasn’t having her running scared before he had an opportunity to explore a taste of those charms.

  “All that dedication doesn’t leave much time to search for Mr. Right, does it?”

  Her eyes cut sharply to him and narrowed. “I’ve had my share of dates.”

  “Anything serious?”

  She shrugged in a noncommittal way.

  He changed tactics. “So what do you do for fun?”

  “Fun?” She frowned, as though the concept was too hard to conceive.

  “Yeah, off duty, toes in the sand, serves-no-purpose kind of fun?”

  His only answer was the tree frog’s call along the river’s edge. Her struggle to find a response was revealing enough. Miss Dedication needed to cut loose.

  “When was the last time you did something just for the heck of it?” he asked.

  “I ate a ham and cheese sandwich with you.”

  “Nice try.” He smiled in anticipation. “Doesn’t count.”

  “Fine.” She drummed her fingertips on the back of the bench. “I went for a swim in the elephant pond with Daisy.”

  “Daisy being the elephant?” When she nodded he said, “Sounds like work to me.”

  “Well, I… What’s the point of this question?”

  “The point, Miranda, is this.” He leaned forward and brushed her lips with his own, a mere sip for a thirsty man.

  When a soft gasp escaped her, he shifted to gauge the reaction and stare down into her wide eyes. “I’ve wanted to kiss you since the airport.” The pad of his thumb caressed the soft sensitive skin of her inner wrist. “I wondered…would you kiss soft and sweet? Or be a brush of untamed desire?”

  She hadn’t moved, and he could tell by the rapid rise and fall of her chest she was hooked. The wind whispered through the leaves above them, and he dipped back down for another taste. Her moist lips were every bit as hot as they looked, and he wanted more, much more. He cupped the back of her head, pulling her closer. When he felt her body go liquid soft in response, it fired every nerve ending he had. He deepened the kiss, tasting her, nibbling her, driving himself crazy with the soft, feminine feel of her.

  She moaned low in her throat, and heat began spreading from the base of his spine. When her hands curled against his chest and started an upward glide, his world narrowed to only her, to the escalating beat of his heart and how she kissed him back with answering fire.

  Riding a primal wave of conquest, he tightened his hold, pulling her across the bench and into his lap, all without releasing her lips. He was fast losing all reality, breathing in her intoxicating scent and feeding an escalating hunger.

  Thunder rumbled in the distance, or maybe it was an animal growl from deep within, but the sound struck him like lightning. Common sense exploded in his brain.

  He stiffened. What the hell was he doing? He didn’t need this kind of complication. What made him think this was any kind of good idea?

  She sensed his withdrawal and broke off the kiss. God, he hated to release her. For the first time, he resented the job that demanded his undivided attention. And he was more than afraid he’d already lost his objectivity where she was concerned.

  She blinked rapidly, her breathing every bit as ragged as his.

  Guilt snaked its way through him. “Look, ah, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “You shouldn’t have…” Her voice sounded hoarse. “Why not?”

  “Because I liked kissing you.” He shouldn’t have admitted that either. So much for his good sense.

  She scooted back to her side of the bench and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “You understand it’s not wise to kiss a woman like that, then take it back?”

  “I can’t claim good judgment where you’re concerned.” He rubbed a hand across his jaw and looked her square in the eye. “I’m not a man satisfied with just one sip.”

  She didn’t flinch. “Then why did you kiss me?”

  He didn’t know how to answer her. Hell, he hadn’t had a coherent thought since he first laid eyes on her at the airport.

  A few seconds passed in strained silence before she grabbed her knapsack and stood up. “I should get back to the lodge.”

  “Look, there’s no need for you to go.” That was a lie. There were at least a thousand reasons.

  She shook her head. “It’s probably best if I do. Thanks for dinner.”

  He didn’t stop her, just sat there and watched her disappear through the trees. An engine fired up and faded into the distance as she drove away.

  He remained on the bench a while longer, listening to the wind rustle the trees. The storm was catching up to him, in more ways than one. For a long time, his life had made sense, had purpose, direction. Suddenly, things didn’t seem so straightforward. Now there were complications. All thanks to one very sexy zoo dentist.

  With a heavy sigh, he grabbed his cooler and headed back to the Rover. He no longer wanted to sit alone on a stake out. He was done for the night.

  Chapter 10

  From the shady end of the stable paddock, Miranda stared out at nine curious faces. University students had arrived for a tour and lecture, and they’d brought the classroom outdoors. Two docile zebras obliged Miranda’s demonstration of animal dentistry essentials, and even allowed the students hands-on experience with little protest.

  It was the kind of morning she normally loved, except today she had trouble concentrating. Jason kept her on track, with more than one odd frown at her absent-minded behavior, but the memory of last night’s mind-melting kiss constantly distracted her.

  Along with the overwhelming desire to have taken all night to explore much more than Matt’s intoxicating lips. No one had ever fired her senses with a mere look the way Matt Bennett did.

  For the first time in her life, she felt at a loss on how to react. She should step back, put as much space as possible between her and the tempting janitor. Katanga’s survival might well depend on her staying rational, and right now she clearly wasn’t. Not a bit. Even thinking about the man made her want to kiss him again.

  To keep her sanity, there was only one solution. Avoid him.

  Too bad that wasn’t possible. The stakes were overwhelmingly high, and Katanga needed protection. That meant keeping a close eye on him and doing whatever necessary to prevent the Center’s collapse, despite corrupt officials at the helm. It did not mean being distracted with a short-term fling, no matter how tempting the prospect.

  Stay close and keep a distance. She really was crazy. That challenge might be more than she was capable of, even if all her senses were under control.

  “Ah, Miranda?” Jason stepped up beside her and the zebra she was absently stroking. “How about I finish up here?”

  She snapped to attention. Again. And when he took the reins from her hand and pointed to the side of the paddock, she hesitated.

  “Look, I can handle the wrap-up,” he said.

  He was right. He could. And it would be good experience for him. Despite serious dismay at her lack of focus, she smiled in thanks and moved to the paddock fence to watch.

  The students swarmed
him, fascinated by their American counterpart. He took it in stride and charmed them all with a friendly attitude and quick smile. Jason had talent in the clinic and out. He was destined to host his own show on Animal Planet one day. What surprised her was that even after a late night spent carousing, he showed no ill effects. Letta and a couple others appeared green around the gills this morning, but Jason looked fresh and vital.

  Unlike herself who still felt half-drugged by a mere kiss.

  Or maybe it was the heat. Or hunger pangs. She had skipped breakfast that morning. A quick glance at her watch revealed it well past noon. Jason had things under control here. She’d head to the employee cafeteria, and they could follow when ready.

  She gave him a signal and headed across the complex to the main building. A whoosh of air-conditioning cooled her skin as she stepped inside the Kalahari wing, and she heaved a sigh of appreciation. The promise of an ice cold drink hurried her along, and within minutes, she sat eating her way through a light lunch at a quiet corner table.

  Between bites, she flipped through a colorful safari brochure she’d found in the lobby of Zimbali Lodge and became engrossed in photos of a recent expedition, the mobile camps, the animal herds, and native guides.

  “Does this mean you are taking me up on my offer?”

  A spoon full of spicy stew froze halfway to her lips as the familiar uniform came into view.

  Slowly, feeling a bit like prey in the face of a hungry lion, she glanced up to face him. He stood leaning against a corner wall, arms crossed, with a smile that looked too much like anticipation. She didn’t trust him for a minute.

  “I’m still trying to figure out why you made that offer. And I'm nowhere near taking you up on it.”

  “That’s the problem with zoo dentists,” he said. “Always looking a gift horse in the mouth.”

  “Ha ha.” She went back to her stew, forcing her attention on the brochure, hoping he’d go away.

  He didn’t. Instead he sat down at her table. “Look, about last night—”

  “Stop right there.” She cut him off with a wave of her spoon. “No need for explanations. Let’s just forget it happened and move on, shall we?”

  “Not likely, but if you insist, we can pretend.”

  She looked at him sharply. “I insist.”

  “Have it your way.” He shrugged and changed the subject. “Kalahari by air is pretty amazing. Of course, you don’t get the feel for the land seeing it that way. No heat, no dust, no up close and personal with a cheetah. But then, you get that in the day job, don’t you?”

  “Not quite the same.” She made eye contact with him over the table and regretted it. His tawny gaze captured hers and any pretending went right out the window.

  He wasn’t going to cooperate.

  Memory of that kiss lived in the curve of his masculine lips, in the strength of his big hands. This was not a man she could easily brush aside. Every nerve ending she owned sizzled when he came near.

  She cleared her throat and pointed to the Kalahari brochure. “This says overnight stays are involved. Are they all like that?”

  “Northern Kalahari has the best views. Khutse on the south is closer, but it’s stark and dry and their camps are primitive. My friends at Jaman Air fly into Maun, then out to the Makgadikgadi Pan. It’ll take three days or more, but you won’t regret the extra time involved.”

  “Airfare, lodging, suddenly this is beginning to sound expensive.”

  “On the house.” At her questioning look he said, “Let’s just say I did them a really big favor once.” He grabbed a pack of crackers off her tray and tore into them. “They’re looking for a way to repay me.”

  “And you want to spend that favor on someone you’ve just met?”

  “Why not? I’ve lived here a good portion of my life and tend to take it for granted. Once in a while it’s nice to see it through a newcomer’s eyes.”

  The crazy thing was he seemed sincere. He wanted to do this. So what would it hurt to accept? Besides being alongside pure temptation for three whole days?

  He must have sensed the crack in her armor because he added, “The plane holds six. Plenty of room for you, me, the pilot, Jason, and Letta.”

  Miranda glanced back at the brochure. There was no use denying it, the call of the wild sang her song. Better sense didn’t stand a chance against a photographic safari. “All right”—she sighed—“you’re on. But it’ll have to wait until after my time is served at Katanga.”

  “As good as done.” A Cheshire cat grin stretched across his lips. “Speaking of offers, you made one I’ll take you up on.”

  She grimaced and pointed an accusing finger. “I knew there was an ulterior motive.”

  His eyes grew round in mock dismay. “May I remind you this whole thing is your fault? You insisted on getting involved, demanded even. I’m only acquiescing.”

  “Oooh, big word.” She took another bite of stew. “What do you want?”

  He took a quick glance around to ensure no one stood near. “I’ve been thinking about what you said last night, how shipments are heavier at the end of the month.”

  “A high number, yes.” She grabbed her juice and took a sip. “Not necessarily suspicious mind you.”

  “How difficult would it be to look up delivery company names?”

  She thought about his request for a second. “I’ve got some notes to transcribe into the computer on the zebras I examined today. I could take a peek and see what I find.”

  “Excellent. I’ll be parked at our spot tonight should you find anything interesting. Just don’t make a big show of joining me. I’m supposed to be inconspicuous.” The last he said with a wink.

  Miranda was about to fire off a reply when he cursed under his breath. “Don’t look now, but my buddy Warren Graham is lunching with the blue collars. Time to get back to work.” He stood up and grabbed another pack of crackers. “See you, sweetheart.”

  With a tip of an imaginary hat, Matt headed out and walked past Graham with an insolent salute. Based on the scowl the personnel manager shot his way, the two weren’t buddies at all. Quite the opposite.

  Unfortunately, that scowl extended to her. Guilt by association. Miranda ignored it and glanced back at the brochure, but the magic was gone. Within minutes, she finished her lunch, gathered her tray, and headed back to the clinic.

  * * * *

  Katanga’s library was like any you’d find in the States. High ceilings, walls covered in bookshelves, two rows of study tables six deep, and an overall hushed atmosphere of academic pursuit. Not a place you’d think of in terms of risk, unless you were digging for information you shouldn’t be privy to and the librarian was shooting you dirty looks.

  “Here’s the last of it.” That same librarian, Diana according to her nametag, plopped a thick folder onto the table. “Twelve months worth of delivery lading receipts. What exactly are you looking for?”

  Miranda glanced up from an invoice and into the resentful eyes of a twenty-something blonde. “I’ve been working a study on animal geography and how their food supply impacts their health. By cross referencing their medical records with their origins, I hope to discover regional ailments and their probable cause.” A bit of overkill for an explanation, but it should satisfy any suspicion the librarian harbored.

  “You’re that zoo dentist from California, aren’t you?”

  The woman made it sound like some creepy lizard that slithered from under a rock. Had she done something to offend her? There was no guarantee, but she was fairly certain she hadn’t met this particular employee. “I’m afraid I am. I’m sorry, have we met already?”

  “No. But I’ve seen you with Matt.”

  “Oh, is he a friend of yours?”

  “Until you came along.” Her tone bordered on belligerent. Without giving Miranda a chance to reply, she stormed back to her station and glared resentment from over the counter.

  Great, as if things we
ren’t complicated enough, she could now add a spurned ladylove. The fun just kept piling on. Opening a new folder, she went back to researching, doing her best to ignore the cantankerous Diana.

  She hurriedly jotted down more names and dates on her notepad, all while keeping an eye on the clock. There wasn’t much time left to spend. They expected her back at the clinic within an hour. Funny thing was, she wouldn’t be here at all if names were in the computer files. With their meticulous attention to detail, it struck her odd this info wasn’t included.

  The minutes ticked rapidly by. As she neared the bottom of the stack, the whisper of an opening door snagged her attention. She glanced up to see Warren Graham enter and step over to speak to Diana.

  This couldn’t be good.

  Miranda pulled the pages containing names from the notepad and slipped them into her knapsack. She got busy flipping through lading tickets and jotting down animals and their origins.

  “Looking for something?” Graham said from behind her.

  “I am.” She smiled in her best imitation of a carefree welcome. “And I believe I found it, thank you.”

  “And that is?”

  Yep, his tone was decidedly unfriendly. He wasn’t here to help her.

  “The uniqueness of Katanga makes it an excellent place to conduct research on a theory I’ve been developing.” She stuck to her preplanned excuse. “The pace and strength of an animal’s evolutionary development and their predisposed health risks can be directly linked to the food supply of their origins. In zoo animals this becomes a genetic issue. Later generations still display the effects, even though their diet has been modified.”

  “Why didn’t you ask someone for assistance?” His thick gray brows dipped in a frown, but it seemed like he bought the story.

  “This place is tightly run and everyone’s busy. I didn’t want to intrude. Besides, I needed to do the research on my own to maintain the integrity of my data.”

  Graham squinted, as though weighing her words, but the hard lines remained around his mouth. “We don’t like folks digging around without permission. Next time you choose to access sensitive information, I expect you to apply directly to me.”