Midnight Lady

By Linda Wisdom

Kyle – A dangerously handsome creature of the night ...

He’d expected an unusual greeting when he knocked at the door of the spooky manor house, but Kyle Fletcher wasn’t ready for the fireworks in Samantha Lyons sparkling violet eyes! He’d come to interview her movie-legend grandfather, but the mysterious wildcat who ran Baron Lyons’ film studio captured Kyle’s interest more...even if courting her meant facing down ghosts!

She made him dream of silk sheets and thunderstorms.

No one else dared call her Sam, dared stroke her with sensual magick until she lost control in his arms–but still she feared Kyle was the enemy; a reporter who might betray her family...or break her tender heart. She had a talent for making illusions seem utterly real, yet desperately yearned to believe in the truth of Kyle’s love. Could he convince his stubborn witch that he adored the woman she was?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Wisdom
• Release date: Oct 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311755810

Linda Wisdom

Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for Romantic Times awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California.

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Midnight Lady

By Linda Wisdom

A LINDA WISDOM CLASSIC ROMANCE FROM JOYRIDE BOOKS

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:

Joyride Books

Copyright © 2014 by Linda Wisdom

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Originally published by Bantam/Doubleday in 1994

Author Note: When I queried my readers if they wanted to see my backlist books updated for the modern times, they all said no, they wanted to read the books that were written back then. I did a tiny bit of updating with the book, but otherwise, you will notice a lack of so many electronics we have available today. I hope you will enjoy Tess and Jake’s story.

Linda Wisdom

ONE

Talk about your dark and stormy night.

Considering your artistic lineage, I should hope you could come up with a better description of what you see outside rather than spouting one of the worst clichés known to man.

Samantha Lyons turned around to face the man she'd loved all her life. The man who guided her through the perils of work she loved with all her heart, and the man she didn't want to even contemplate losing--Baron Lyons, her grandfather.

I’d say it was an apt description of what I see outside. She gestured out the multi-paned window where lightning lit up the sky and the sound of rolling thunder was a commanding backdrop to their conversation. It's dark and there's a storm.

The kind of night where unexpected company appears on one's doorstep, he commented, selecting a cigar from the humidor set near his elbow and lighting up.

Samantha smiled and shook her head, her waist-length black hair swinging freely against her back. That only happens in your movies, Baron, she reminded him. No one in their right mind would come here, especially on a night like this. The few who do come are always invited well in advance.

Baron shook his head. You should be in LA attending parties and premieres with a handsome young man instead of you tucked away up here pandering to an old man's whims, he grumbled. You need a man in your life, Samantha.

She laughed. I don't have time for a man, and even if I did, I haven't met one who fits the bill.

Only because you’re too selective.

Samantha shrugged. And that’s a bad thing? Besides, I haven't met anyone who can compare to you, she informed him with a smile that told him she was bolstering his ego, which he considered his right.

And you never will. I'm one of a kind. His eyes shone dark with the same hypnotic gaze that had mesmerized movie audiences for many years.

Samantha knew her grandfather only too well. Behave yourself and please answer my earlier question. Are you dining with us this evening or are you going to remain a recluse up here? With a sweep of her arm, she indicated the large turret room that made up part of Baron's expansive suite.

He pressed his fingertips together in the shape of a steeple, tapping them against his lips. I think you'll have enough entertainment during dinner without me there.

Samantha frowned at her grandfather's mysterious statement. You've been making remarks like that all day. A faint suspicion tickled the back of her mind. Are you going to tell me what's brewing in that evil mind of yours?

Baron smiled, showing a hint of white teeth just as Samantha did when she smiled. Dressed in a black silk shirt and wool slacks that accented snowy white hair waving back from his aristocratic forehead, he looked the part of an aging Romanian count with a strong thirst; but not for wine. If I did that, the surprise would be spoiled.

She narrowed her eyes. You know I hate surprises. What have you done, Baron?

That's why you should have some. Surprises keep you young, my dear. He smiled at her. Although you were not spoiled enough as a child.

Samantha laughed. She rested her hip against the window seat that overlooked the craggy cliffs leading to the ocean. Not spoiled enough? Who hired a circus for my fifth birthday? Who conspired with Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Richard Burton to recite Shakespeare to me for a bedtime story? And who had the courage to tell me after my one and only film role that I was a horrible actress and I would be better off finding another niche in the film business? A niche you were only too happy to find for me.

Someone had to tell you the cold hard truth! You were stilted every time you spoke. A wooden puppet could move more fluidly across a set than you did, he bluntly stated. What a shame the only one to receive any of my acting talent was your sister, and she prefers running the publicity office, he grumbled good-naturedly.

Someone has to keep the studio humming along, and Pam does a wonderful job. Jason brought in a wonderful script the other day. The writer is new and has a wonderfully creepy idea about a house set deep in a forest, she lowered her voice. I wish Vincent Price was still alive. He would have been excellent playing the old man whose spirit remains there over the years.

Baron listened intently as his granddaughter related the story to him with her usual dramatic gestures and animation in her voice. He only wished she had the gift to transfer that electric energy onto the screen.

What would you do if I chose one of the others to head the studio? he asked suddenly.

Her hands momentarily froze. It was the only giveaway to her feelings. Before or after I shot the person in question?

Baron threw back his head and allowed the laughter to leave his chest. You are a bloodthirsty chit.

Blame it on the way you and Roland raised me, she countered, glancing up as a tall grandfather clock announced the hour in funereal tones. I believe May fixed a roast with carrots and new potatoes. Just the way you like it, she tempted.

No, I think I'll rest up here.

Samantha studied her grandfather under a visual microscope. She noted his color looked good, but his dark eyes seemed more tired than usual. And he moved slower than he generally did. Even though her workload was extremely heavy, she was glad she had driven up to be with him even if it could only be a short visit.

Did you take your blood pressure medicine this morning?

Yes, I took it. He sounded testy. I'm not feeling ill, Samantha. The past few days have been busy for me, what with the vultures waiting for me to draw my final breath.

Samantha smiled at his apt description of the family members gathering downstairs. You were the one who kept them working for the company.

I fought hard to keep it family owned for more than fifty years. I don't intend to see it split up now.

Or you'd haunt us after your death, right? she teased.

Damn straight! He waved his fingers at her. Now go on and make yourself beautiful for dinner.

Considering the company I’ll be keeping, I think I'd prefer a Kevlar vest to prevent any knives in the back, she murmured, as she descended the narrow stairway to the wing housing the family bedrooms.

I see her ladyship was allowed into the inner sanctum. How fortunate some of us are.

Samantha turned at the sarcastic tones that could only belong to her sister. Her sibling’s off-the-shoulder deep red gown clung to a well-toned body like a second skin.

The woman’s dark tresses framed her narrow features in soft waves with subtle burgundy highlights. Thanks to generous settlements from four ex-husbands, who were only too happy to be rid of her, along with legacies from their mother and father, Pamela Lyons never worried about indulging her every whim.

The last time Baron invited you up there, you told him you'd prefer to be buried alive, she replied, opening her bedroom door. What upset you the most was that you didn't insult him with that statement, Pam. In fact, Baron enjoyed your description.

Pam followed her inside and sat down in a chair, careful not to wrinkle her gown.

Those rooms he stays in are so depressing. Actually, this entire house is depressing. It's like something out of a Gothic novel.

Samantha hid her smile at her sister's familiar whine. Pam preferred bright lights and splashy parties. The idea of spending even a few hours at the family estate was enough to make the younger woman scream in boredom. Samantha pulled open the armoire doors and selected a simply cut black gown.

Pam, I still have to dress for dinner. Did you come in here to complain about the house or is there something else on your mind? She’d really hoped for some time alone before facing the rest of the family members who tried her patience on a good day and drove her crazy the others.

I can’t just want to see you to make casual conversation?

Only if you want something. What is it now? Do you want a bigger office? A higher salary? What?

Pam jumped to her feet. You never want to hear about anything other than the studio!

I’m listening now.

Pam swept her way to the door. Just remember that the favored one doesn't always come out on top. If the heavy door had allowed it, she would have slammed it behind her.

Samantha closed her eyes. Days spent with squabbling relatives weren't enjoyable to her. She lifted her eyes to the ceiling as she thought of her father, who'd passed away the year before. It was times like this when she missed him the most.

It’s official, I’m in the middle of a nightmare. All I have to do is wake up.

Kyle Fletcher stopped his car at the top of the winding driveway and looked behind him at the tall black wrought iron gates with intricately styled crests set in their centers. He decided he only needed a night filled with lightning and rain to properly display the Gothic manor that stood a short distance away. He considered the dark and gloomy weather fitting for his destination. After all, he was there to interview one of the great horror film actors of his time and then began what was now a multi-million dollar production company that only showed increased revenue every year. He drove slowly along the unpaved driveway that was rapidly turning to mud thanks to the rain pouring down.

The man is wealthy. What would be so wrong with having the road paved? he muttered, peering through the wet windshield as the car crept along.

By the time he braked the car in front of the entrance, he felt as if he'd been driving for days instead of the four hours it had taken him from Los Angeles.

He ran up the steps and looked for a doorbell. He eventually found an ornate doorknocker. Lightning highlighted a leopard's snarling features, and he gathered up the courage to grasp the brass animal's snout. The pounding seemed to echo through the heavy wood.

That should have been loud enough to wake the dead, he muttered, hunching his shoulders against the cold, driving rain. He could feel it soaking through his jacket. The things he did for a story!

If Lurch answers the door, I'm outta here, he muttered darkly.

The door opened slowly with a creak that sent shivers up Kyle's spine. The man standing before him in the open doorway wore a dark suit that was at least fifty years out of date. To add to the creepy atmosphere, he was tall with a cadaverous complexion and no emotion in his face.

Mr. Fletcher. The voice straight out of a late night horror show matched the ramrod straight form. Please come in. The family is expecting you. He stepped back.

Kyle hung back. I have a suitcase.

The man inclined his head. Your belongings will be tended to.

Kyle entered the house. He looked up at the high mosaic ceiling and noted the softly lit lamps were designed to look like candles set against walls made of stone. He shivered as a cold draft swept through him. He turned to the butler, who stood in a seemingly catatonic state by the closed door.

Is there a problem, Reinhold?

Kyle turned at the sound of the musical voice that immediately warmed his chilled form. A warmth that swiftly rose in temperature as he stared in shocked silence at the vision he found standing nearby. For a moment he was convinced she couldn’t be real.

She stood in the doorway wearing a black gown that covered her from neck to toe while leaving her arms bare. Instead of the dark silky fabric deflecting light, it seemed to gather it within and sparkle. A slit that began at the hem and ended at the thigh revealed sheer black stockings and black high heels. He could see that her ebony hair had been pulled back and secured with a sapphire clip. Sapphires also winked at her earlobes. What mesmerized him were her eyes that were a deep purple that could only be rivaled by Elizabeth Taylor's. Her classic features could have graced an antique cameo. As far as he was concerned, she was the perfect woman, except for one detail. She was tall. Normally, Kyle didn't like women who could look him in the eye. But for her, he knew he would make an exception.

It's difficult to believe you might be lost. The signs pointing toward town are clearly marked and not easily missed. Even on a night like this. Her voice should have chilled him, but all he had to do was look at the rest of her to warm up.

He grinned, feeling better already. Yes, I could tell that. And if this is Baron Lyons's house, I'm at the right place. The name's Kyle Fletcher and I know you’re Samantha Lyons. He stepped forward and held out his hand.

There was no warmth in her eyes. In fact they were downright chilling, as she ignored his outstretched hand. She recognized his name and knew him to be a magazine reporter who did insightful interviews of world leaders. I can't imagine anyone in this household would invite a reporter here. Especially a reporter not known for covering the entertainment field. She looked at him as if he was something she’d have to scrape off the bottom of her shoe.

Kyle enjoyed a good verbal battle as well