Savage Land Read Online Free PDF

with a deferential nod of his head before closing the door. But his expression when he turned towards Coley was anything but respectful.
    Coley noted the thin face, the sleek black hair, the black, snapping eyes, the fine winged brows and the thin lips with their almost insolent curl. When he saw Coley, his mouth immediately changed its expression to a charming smile, although she saw his eyes narrow before becoming a part of the widening smile.
    'Well, good morning. You must be Colleen.’ He extended his arm, an even golden brown colour from the rolled-up short sleeve down to his long fingers. ‘Aunt Willy told me all about you.'
    Coley shyly accepted his hand, slightly intimidated by his effervescent air. ‘How do you do.'
    'I can tell she forgot to tell you about me. That's just like her,’ he grinned to show a flashy expanse of white teeth. ‘I'm Tony Gordon, the old man's nephew.'
    Coley glanced apprehensively at the closed door.
    'He's rather in good form today.’ Tony grimaced playfully as he followed her glance. ‘Where were you going, the dining room?'
    She nodded.
    'I'll escort you there. I won't be able to stay, though I imagine Aunt Willy will be there. I've got to go find Jase and then I'm supposed to meet your brother and show him around,’ he stated cheerfully, taking her elbow and guiding her down the hallway.
    'Has my brother talked with Mr. Savage this morning?'
    'He was going out as I was coming in.'
    'I hope Danny didn't say anything to upset him,’ she murmured.
    'Knowing Uncle Ben, I doubt if he got the chance,’ Tony laughed. He turned his young face with its merry glint in his dark eyes towards her. ‘I suppose your turn is coming yet.'
    'I'm supposed to go in to talk to him this morning,’ Coley replied. Some of her earlier good spirits deserted her as they reached the sun-filled dining room.
    'And the condemned ate a hearty breakfast,’ Tony teased, pulling out a chair for Coley at the table.
    'Tony, stop that,’ reprimanded the silver-haired woman already seated.
    'I was only joking, Auntie dear.’ But his joke had stolen Coley's appetite.
    'You pay no attention to him, Colleen.’ Aunt Wilhelmina began passing dishes to Coley with her nervous, busy hands. ‘You run along, Anthony. Daniel is waiting for you outside.'
    Tony waved a cheerful good-bye to Coley, who could barely manage a smile in return. She nibbled half-heartedly at her toast and pushed her scrambled eggs around on the yellow flowered china plate while her aunt chattered in her blithe, ebullient way.
    'Colleen dear, you've hardly eaten a thing.’ Her aunt's red lips were pursed poutily. ‘We'll never cover those bones sticking out through that blouse.'
    'I'm sorry, but I'm just not very hungry,’ Coley replied apologetically. ‘I've always been skinny anyway. I never have been able to gain weight.'
    'You'll be grateful for that one day.’ The older woman sipped her coffee with her little finger raising unconsciously. ‘And you mustn't be upset by your slenderness. I'm sure you realize that there are many fashion models who would love to have your natural figure.'
    'But they have faces to go with them,’ Coley said, forcing a lightness into her voice to hide the inner hurt.
    'You aren't unattractive, Colleen,’ Aunt Willy stated briskly. ‘A little plain, perhaps, but that can he changed. Now, if you really are done with your breakfast, Benjamin wanted to see you privately in his study.’ Aunt Wilhelmina rose from the table, smoothing her skirt with her hands. The rings on her fingers flashed brilliantly in the sunshine. ‘And don't you let Anthony's teasing upset you.'
    'No, Aunt Willy.’ Coley stood resolutely.
    If only she could forget Tony's teasing. If only she didn't feel as if she was going to an inquisition with herself as the victim. Her long legs moved her slowly down the hall to the study. Why did she have to be so afraid of everybody and everything? Danny had always been there to get her out of