Wildest Hearts by Jayne Ann Krentz Read Free Book Online

of his own. It was time to marry.
     
    “Believe me, Sybil, I'm well aware of the fact that I've got family,” Oliver said. “It's not quite the same thing as having a wife and children of my own, however.”
     
    “Come off it. Don't try to convince me that you've suddenly developed an overpowering urge to become a devoted husband and father.”
     
    “Relax.” Oliver reached out to stroke the long fronds of a nearby sword fern. “There's plenty of money to go around. Nathan and Richard won't be shortchanged if I decide to have children of my own. You know I'll always take care of them and my sisters. Just like I'll always take care of you. We made a bargain, you and I. Remember?”
     
    The barb went deep. Sybil turned an unbecoming shade of red. “Damn you, Oliver Rain.”
     
    Oliver met her eyes and was satisfied that Sybil was recalling the day they had made their unholy pact. “I know exactly what you think of me, Sybil. It's not important. But I'd better make it very clear that you are to behave yourself around Annie. I don't want her upset.”
     
    “Upset?” Sybil gazed at him in disbelief. “Doesn't she know you're only marrying her to get your hands on her brother's company? If she doesn't, she must be incredibly naive.”
     
    “You understand nothing about the situation. You will therefore keep your opinions to yourself.”
     
    A slow, malicious smile curved Sybil's mouth. “Well, well, well. What goes around comes around. Sixteen years ago you accused me of marrying your father for his money. And now here you are marrying a woman in order to control the business she's inherited. Isn't this fascinating? How long before she finds out she's been had in more ways than one?”
     
    “As usual, you've managed to overstay your welcome.” Oliver picked up a small trowel and went back to work.
     
    “Don't worry, I'm on my way.” Sybil started toward the door of the greenhouse. She paused at the far end and glanced over her shoulder. “Just one more thing, Oliver. Did you know Valerie has a new boyfriend?”
     
    “No.” He didn't care for the purr of anticipation in Sybil's voice.
     
    “I think it might be serious this time. She shows all the signs of a woman in love.”
     
    “She'll bring him by to meet me if it's serious.”
     
    Sybil's smile was catlike. “Don't hold your breath waiting for her to get your approval on this one. She already knows you won't like him.”
     
    “Another unemployed artist?” Oliver asked without much concern.
     
    “No. He's from the academic world. Teaches art history at the university.” Sybil paused just long enough to get his full attention. “His name is Carson Shore.”
     
    Oliver went still.
     
    “That's right, Oliver. Your sister is dating Paul Shore's son. Rather touching, isn't it? Reminds me of the Romeo and Juliet story. Very romantic. Do you suppose Valerie and Carson will succeed in uniting the two warring houses of Shore and Rain after all these years?”
     
    Sybil went out the door and closed it loudly behind her.
     
    Oliver stood quietly amid his ferns and recalled the day when he and Sybil had opened hostilities.
     
    So long ago, he thought. Sixteen years. Sometimes it seemed like forever. At other moments it seemed like only yesterday.
     
    He had been twenty-one at the time and enrolled in the botany department at the University of Washington. He had been looking forward to graduate work and eventually a Ph.D. in his chosen field. His imagination had been captured by the anticipation of unlocking the myriad mysteries of the plant world.
     
    He'd had dreams of exploring the handful of exotic rain forests and jungles still left on the planet. He'd planned to spend his life searching old-growth forests for just a few of the millions of secrets still held fast in them. He knew the secrets were out there. Every botanist knew it.
     
    Hidden deep in the ancient green worlds shrouded in endless twilight were the cures for terrifying