Leigh retorted with a smile. “You’re biased, Chad, because we’re family. Actually, you seem more like a brother than an uncle.”
The ebony-haired man chuckled. “Actually, Blue Eyes, I’m not either one by blood, and I’m glad.”
“You don’t like being my guardian?” she asked, trying to tease him out of his amorous mood.
“I love being your guardian. What man wouldn’t? But family members make terrible friends, and I want us to be good friends.”
Leigh wondered if Reid noticed Chad’s flirtatious behavior. She had no choice in the ensuing silence but to say, “Wearegood friends, and I’m glad. I’ll leave you two to talk business. I need to wash this hair. Some of those buildings we visited had a lot of dust and fuzz.”
“It comes with the area, Leigh. Shall I hire more cleaning women?”
“It wasn’t a complaint or criticism, just a reality. I’ll find a carriage out front and go back to the hotel. Don’t worry,” she remarked at his reluctant gaze. “This is a good area and it’s still daylight. I’ll be fine. I have my trusty derringer with me, and I can shoot straight.”
Chad stood and walked her to the door. “What about dinner? Would you like to join me later?”
She touched her blond hair and said, “I can’t go out looking like this, and it takes my hair a long time to dry. We’ve stayed busy all day, so I think I’ll rest tonight. Tomorrow will be a busy day, too; I’m going shopping and having lunch with Louisa and Cynthia. You don’t mind, do you?” she asked in a carefully polite tone.
“I’m disappointed, but I’ll survive. Louisa is occupied tonight, so I’ll have to dine alone. You women have a good time tomorrow. Do you need any money?” he asked, reaching for his wallet.
She put her hand to his to halt him. “No, you’ve given me plenty. I’ve already purchased everything I need for the trip.”
“You might see something special tomorrow.”
“If I do, I’ll have them hold it until I contact you.”
“A rich woman can afford to indulge herself.”
She laughed. “If I spent money all the time like I have since arriving here, I’d be broke in a year.”
Chad shook his head and released her hand to stroke her cheek. “I’d never let you go broke or wanting, Blue Eyes. I’m a good guardian and excellent business partner, remember?”
Leigh felt herself almost flinch. This man was unpredictable, and almost alarming at times. “You are, Chad, and I appreciate it. I’ll see you soon. Good-bye, Reid,” she said calmly, turning to smile at the sharp-featured man who was fetching himself a brandy.
Leigh left without saying anything else.
Reid sank into a comfortable chair and sipped the brandy. He watched Chad return to his place behind the mammoth desk. “What was that all about?”
Chad leaned back in his chair and glowed. “She’s utterly amazing and totally fascinating, Reid. She’s beautiful and desirable, unlike any woman I’ve known, and I’ve known plenty. She asks questions, she listens, she learns, and she’s smart.”
“Smart enough to fend off a lecherous old guardian,” Reid jested.
Chad frowned. “That’s the only thing I don’t like about her.”
“Why, because no object of your desire has ever spurned you?”
“She hasn’t spurned me. She just hasn’t leaned my way. But she will; she won’t be able to control herself. I’m irresistible,” he joked.
Reid bent forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. “Maybe she’s trying to show you she wants you to be her guardian and friend—but nothing more. I think you’re making her awfully nervous.”
“You think so?”
“Does her conquest really matter?” Reid answered. “We’re going to kill her in Africa, frame Jace for it, and have him executed. Once your mother inherits everything, you’ll control Webster International, and it will all be yours one day. That is the plan?”
“Wasthe plan, Reid, old friend,” Chad corrected, “I have a new one, a better one. If I marry Leigh, I can have it all, and now.”
Reid straightened. “Don’t tell me you’ve gotten snared in your own romantic trap. You haven’t fallen in love with her, have you?”
“Love?” Chad repeated. “What is love, Reid? I surely don’t know. Never experienced it. What I do know is that it’s time for me to settle down. I need a proper wife and to sire my own heir. Respectability is demanded for men in our social position. Leigh’s personality and character suit my needs, and her wealth and beauty do, too. As soon as we’re wed, everything she has will belong to me. Everything.”