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Captured
Copyright © 2006 Celia Jade
ISBN: 1-55410- 710-5
Cover art and design by Martine Jardin
All rights reserved. Except
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DEDICATION
To my wonderful husband
Nikita, my loving parents and my sister for believing in me. A special thanks
to eXtasy books for making this my very first conquest in writing.
Chapter One
Carthagena,
1655
Ramon
Janez' residence looked more like a fortress than any typical, flat-roof
Spanish home. It was discreetly guarded by armed men who held various posts
outside the massive building. The building itself was not unattractive but
strangely looming with its high, tan and gray stone walls, and great arches
flanked by pillars. It stood proudly within a good expanse of land dotted by
hundreds of olive trees and a lush vineyard.
Ramon was a navigator and captain of his own impressive ship, La
Alegria, named after his mother who died when he was young. His father was
lost at sea when Ramon was twenty. He promised himself then that he would
realize his father's dreams and cross the great ocean for the western world.
Life for him after that was not easy as he lived with the ill-reputed brother
of his father and his disagreeable family. Not long afterwards, Ramon broke
away from that family on rather bad terms and was shunned by them ever since.
He grew into a strong and determined young man who strove to make worthy
connections with noblemen and generals over the years and managed to gain a
good measure of support and backing for his future trips. And lately, he had
been very successful, even managing to secure a meeting with King Philip
himself concerning the Armada's voyage to
His men brought the girl to him one
evening after having kidnapped her in the main market of
"Come in," Ramon answered in a
deep voice and the door opened to admit his personal assistant -- Sergi, and
the girl. Sergi had her by the upper arm and led her into the room, closing the
door behind him.
Ramon inspected her appearance briefly. He
noted her slightly disheveled look from the long trip to his home. Her long,
tousled hair had come free of its clip and several wisps hung loosely about her
face, the latter sprinkled with tiny flecks of dust. She wore a rather casual,
brown linen dress with minimal flounce, its neckline round enough to reveal
flawless skin and delicate bones. Her bust was firm and rose proudly above the
dress, whose sleeves stopped at the wrists, the material tapering becomingly at
her narrow waist to end in a long flow at her ankles. She was of average height
and would probably just reach his chest if he stood next to her.
The girl looked about twenty, he gathered,
and was obviously stressed since her eyes were wide and her chest heaved as
though she had been running. Ramon paused and stared for a moment, slightly
taken aback by her striking beauty although his face didn't reflect this. This
was a product of his enemy, he thought and frowned.
"Miss Marquez, what is your given
name?" he asked her.
The girl was quiet and Sergi tightened his
grip on her arm. "Speak up," he ordered.
She swallowed and replied in a small
voice, "Alina."
Ramon stood up and approached the girl. "Alina,
do you know why you are here?"
She was silent again.
"Let me tell you," Ramon
continued. "Quite recently dozens of my men--my good sailors who had been
preparing for a significant voyage, were attacked and beaten, some even killed
in Carthagena, by your father." He managed to keep his voice steady
although he was incensed. He towered over her for a short moment. "Through
you, I will get my revenge. Your father has chosen the wrong man to cross."
Alina stared fearfully up at this tall,
rugged man, stunned by the hatred mirrored in his dark gray eyes. She couldn't
begin to understand the meaning of this, let alone imagine her father killing
innocent men. She watched as he moved to the window, the low heels of his botas
beating against the wooden floor.
"Your father may have cost me the
trip to the
Sergi released her and took a seat at the
desk, feather quill in hand. Ramon traced an invisible pattern on the heavy
wood as he spoke. "Duardo Marquez…I have your daughter. She will be kept
prisoner here because of your cowardly attack on my sailors…Unfortunately, she
shall carry the burden of your acts as my personal punishment to you and a
future warning…"
The man's voice trailed off as he looked
at Alina, who stood rooted to the floor as if in a trance. Again, his eyes ran
the length of her slender body almost branding her with their intensity. She
swallowed, feeling her mouth dry and her stomach clench. She wanted to flee but
her legs wouldn't budge.
He went on: "I wonder how you must
feel knowing that your poor daughter shall suffer because of you. I think a
meeting, man to man, is expected, if you ever want to see your Alina again."
He pulled his stare away from her and signed the bottom of the paper, his dark
hair brushing the top of his shoulder as he leaned forward.
Alina's gaze moved to his casual white
shirt and the open collar that dipped to reveal the beginning of a solid,
tanned chest, then lower to his trim waist and snug trousers that encased lean
hips and muscular thighs.
"On second thought, Sergi, it would
be quite disturbing to have Marquez come for his daughter too soon. I think I
shall enjoy the pleasure of her company for a while," he stated
suggestively, making Alina's heart jump nervously in her chest. "We'll
send the message in due time. Take the girl to her quarters and see to it that
Maria is there. She already has instructions."
"Yes Ramon," Sergi replied and
motioned to take Alina by the arm again but this time she retreated from the
bald man's hand.
Somehow she found her voice again. "You--
you can't do this-- it's kidnapping and-- and--!" She couldn't voice the
word that meant what he had implied so she merely stared up at her captor
condemningly.
To her shock he gave a brief laugh. "I'm
afraid your fate has been stamped, my dear. Take her away--I don't have any
more time for this." He motioned to the assistant with his large, tanned
hand, and the next thing she knew, Alina was ushered away, through the door
onto a large landing on a high floor that squared itself over some kind of
workstation about fifteen feet below. She caught a glimpse of maps and linear
drawings of sorts splayed out on the table and she turned to stare at the man
who had stepped out onto the landing, watching as she was taken away.
"This is unjust--do you hear? I've
done nothing wrong! My father will come for me--you'll have to answer to him!"
she shouted back at him but he remained silent, unmoved, no particular
expression on his face, which infuriated her further.
She was taken down the landing and tried
to pull out of the man's grip but it only tightened, making her wince. He
stopped to open a door. They went through to an adjoining corridor to the left,
softly lit by several arched windows. She glanced out of one of them and caught
a glimpse of olive trees as the sun began its descent.
All the while thoughts of her prison
chamber filled her mind, making her cringe at the vision of a smelly,
underground place infested with rats. But at the end of the corridor, they came
to a wide, winding staircase and Sergi made her walk ahead. She frowned,
expecting to go down, not up. Lord, this place was huge. How many levels did it
have? Who in God's name was this Ramon? He certainly wasn't a nobleman or a
duke; his rough, unrefined nature and simple dress told otherwise. Yet this
place…?
Alina reluctantly climbed the steps and
paused at what seemed to be the last level of the house. Sergi came up beside
her and took her arm again. She swallowed nervously as he urged her toward a
single door facing the staircase. They entered a large, round-shaped foyer,
situated within a turret, she assumed, with tall, arched windows covered with
long-flowing transparent curtains of good quality. The general impression of
the room was airy and appealing; the smooth walls now took on a subtle pastel
color in contrast to the darker, woodsy tones of the study and the workstation
below. A tasteful, ornate table with short legs stood in the middle of the
room, surrounded by three high-back chairs of the same wood. A large linen
cabinet lined the wall to the right. Her gaze fell on an unusual piece of
furniture next to a window that resembled a long, flat chair, like a bed
almost, but thinner, whose cushion was sewn into the wood. The arms were nicely
carved in a delicate design and curved inward in a semi-circle.
This obviously wasn't a prison cell, she
thought, but her stomach clenched uneasily.
As though sensing their arrival, a
middle-aged woman emerged from a door near the linen cabinet. Her black hair
was pulled back tightly in a loop bun, showing her olive complexion and plain
yet soft features. Her dress was simple and the full, floor-length skirts hid
the woman's ample build. Her almond eyes were round and Alina saw a hint of
warmth in their depths. But her mouth was unsmiling as she approached and
nodded to Sergi who released Alina's arm.
"You've been instructed, yes?"
he asked.
"Yes. Come, I'll show you your
quarters," the woman spoke and Alina was relieved to be free of the man's
hand.
She followed her to a door at the far left
of the room. When they entered, she was even more confused. It was a
beautifully decorated bedroom of high standards. The size alone was impressive--at
least twice the size of her modest bedroom at home. Her mouth dropped in awe as
she took in the fine furnishings, fit for a countess. Her eyes moved from left
to right as she stared at the large, ornate poster bed with pale silken drapes
and matching bedside tables, a tall, intricately carved cabinet on the wall
facing them, another long chair like the one in the foyer, a preening table, a
full-length, oval mirror and a small, round table flanked by a chair. Two large
windows covered with fine curtains allowed the gentle breeze to circulate.
Alina's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
Something was wrong. Her captor had promised punishment. Why the fancy bedroom?
"My name is Maria. I am the maid here
and you shall communicate all your personal needs to me. Master Ramon asked
that you bathe and put on a dress from that cabinet over there. Dinner will be
served in this room within an hour," Maria informed.
Alina looked around the room. "And
where is the bath?"
The woman pointed to an arched passage in
a corner of the room, to the left of the bed.
"Through there. You will find
everything you need for your bath."
"What is his name?" Alina asked
curiously.
Maria paused as if not sure if she should
answer. "Ramon Janez."
The name sounded familiar, thought Alina.
The woman started to turn away. "I don't need a bath now," she lied
stubbornly. She wanted nothing to do with her captor's fine trappings within
this luxurious prison.
Maria turned to her, surprised. "But
the master asked that you do so. It's best to obey," she replied somewhat
tersely.
Alina raised her chin defiantly. "I'll
have one at my own leisure, thank you."
The woman clamped her mouth shut tightly
and left the room, her full skirts swaying as she closed the door behind her.
Alina expected the sound of a key at the lock, but heard nothing. With a
pitying sigh, she sunk into the chair at the vanity table, too weary to even
think of trying to escape. Yet she couldn't let that break her spirit -- she
had to believe her father would find her soon enough.
* * * *
Below in his study, Ramon gazed down at the
letter. How could a man so vile as Duardo have such a beautiful daughter? He
admitted to himself that her exquisite beauty had taken him by surprise. She
was lighter-skinned than was common for that southeastern region of
He had sensed her fear earlier, brought on by his angry words.
In reality Alina's virtue was not in danger because Ramon had never forced
himself on a woman, not that he ever had to, but it wasn't in his nature. Over
the years he had enjoyed discreet relations with mainly ill-reputed women but
his carefree ways and love of the sea encumbered devoted attention to any woman
in particular. He was not empty, emotionally. His true love was La Alegria
and the depths of the sea.
He almost felt sorry for the girl who
probably had no idea what her father was about. But some form of punishment was
owed, if only to make Marquez suffer -- that is, if he were capable of
suffering -- Ramon thought with a grunt. Upon hearing the familiar stirrings of
his first crewmen below, he left the study to join them. They had lots of work
ahead of them to get back on track.
* * * *
Maria reached the workstation and cleared
her throat to get Ramon's attention among the six men hovered over the maps on
the large, rectangular table. He looked up at her.
"Sir, I must speak to you in private,"
she said apologetically, not wanting to disturb him with silly matters.
"Yes, Maria," Ramon said and
they stepped away from the other men.
"I apologize for disturbing you but
the girl does not wish to take a bath. She is being stubborn, I'm afraid."
Ramon frowned for a moment and realized
what a nuisance Alina would prove to be. She definitely needed to clean up
after a long horseback ride under the sun. He ran a hand through his hair. "Maria,
tell her that if she refuses to have a bath, I'll give her one myself!" he
ordered and spun on his heel, leaving the poor maid blushing.
* * * *
Alina sat in front of the mirror and
carefully brushed her disheveled hair, which was sprinkled and tangled with
bits of gravel and dust from her forced journey to the fortress. She craved a
long, warm bath now if only to soothe her nerves.
The maid entered the room again and Alina
noticed her flushed cheeks in the mirror's reflection. She turned to meet the
older woman's gaze and felt a tinge of guilt creep under her skin at her obvious
distress.
"Miss Alina, Master Ramon urged that
you take a bath -- otherwise ..., she faltered and shifted her eyes.
Alina stood. "Otherwise what? Go on,"
she urged.
Maria expelled a quick breath and
continued. "Otherwise he'll give you one himself."
Alina almost laughed aloud at this but
then recalled his implied threats. Not wanting him anywhere near her, nor
meaning to cause Maria grief, she nodded briefly. "All right. I'll bathe --
but not for your master. I don't want to get you into any trouble. And the
truth is, I do need a bath," she muttered and looked down at her unruly
appearance.
Maria sighed in relief. "Good. I will
return later with your dinner." As she made for the door, she turned and
said, "you know, Miss Alina, he is not a bad man…"
Alina didn't bother responding and turned
to the cabinet to select a dress. Ramon obviously had brainwashed his servants.
About eight lovely dresses of good material, ranging from soft linen to satin,
including some in the latest fashion, hung invitingly before her. Her eyes and
mouth widened at the sight that further contradicted Ramon Janez' threats of
punishment.
Nothing less could be said of the bathing
room. The pale stone of the walls had been left untouched and Alina pushed open
the shutters of the window to let the sun's rays warm the room. The window
offered a splendid view of the mountains that seemed to encircle the
fortress-house almost protectively. Heavy, hand-painted urns decorated the
floor at two corners and a tall, iron cabinet stored several soft linens in
various sizes for washing and drying. The tub was much larger than hers at
home, allowing for a more comfortable, longer bath. A large container sat on
the base of the tub, filled with hot water which she opened using a side lever
to draw the bath. When it filled she removed the container and perfumed the
water with jasmine-scented oil. Undressing, she let her aching body melt into
the warm water and rested her head against the edge. She sighed and closed her
eyes for a moment as the soothing warmth of the water helped relax her body.
Lathering up a washcloth with lye soap, she rubbed herself clean of the grime
and was glad to note the quick return of her skin's suppleness.
Ramon's face pierced her thoughts as he
had stood, glaring down, at least a head taller than she. He was not a gentle looking
man, that was apparent. Yet she reluctantly admitted that he was not offensive,
physically. His face was squarely structured with a strong jaw and straight
nose that flared slightly. His brows were dark and thick, like his hair that
fell in long waves around his face, ending at his shoulders. His lashes were
thick too, drawing attention to his intense gray eyes. And although his mouth
had been stern, his lips were not thin, but rather prominent for a man. She
scolded her train of thought--it must be the fatigue, she reasoned. She washed
her hair thoroughly, glad to get the dust out.
Once more, she wondered why Ramon had
allowed her such comforts after his harsh speech. Her eyes shot open as it dawned
on her. The opulent bedroom, the bath oil, the pretty dresses…he was obviously
preparing her for his 'attentions'. He was going to "enjoy the pleasure of
her company" as he had threatened! Hastily, she reached over the side of
the tub and picked up the clean water canister from the floor. She poured the
water over her body and hair to rinse and climbed out. Grabbing a towel, she
rubbed herself dry and dashed into the room. With shaky hands she pulled on the
cotton drawers, corset and the simple tan dress she had selected, all the while
fearing her captor would walk in.
Alina dried her hair with another towel
and ran a comb through the now shiny strands. Finding some pins on the vanity
table, she caught her hair up in a loose twist, allowing a few long tendrils to
brush the sides of her face. She walked to the long mirror and glanced at her
reflection. Sighing, she pulled the ribbons on the front tighter in an attempt
to cover as much skin as possible. A frown touched her mouth when she noticed
that the bodice did not adjust well to her full breasts, falling just below the
usual level on her chest. Just then the door swung open, trapping her breath in
her throat.
It was Maria, carrying a tray with dinner.
Alina expelled in relief and managed a smile. "I'm famished."
Maria smiled and placed the tray on the
round table next to one of the large windows. "I'm glad to hear that. Hope
you like fish," she said.
Alina was hardly picky with food. "Oh,
I think I'll eat anything now." She sat at the table and picked up the
fork to fill her mouth with a perfectly tender piece. "Mmm, it's good.
Thank you." She cut off a small piece of bread. Maria watched for a minute
then turned away.
"You're leaving?" Alina
questioned, not wanting to be left alone lest the 'master' paid her a visit.
"I'll let you eat in peace…I have
work to do. I must prepare for master Ramon's trip."
"Trip? He'll be absent?" Alina
inquired, her hopes rising.
"Only for a few days. He is meeting
with the King," the woman said enthusiastically.
"I see," Alina murmured. Maria
left to tend to her chores.
Ramon Janez. Alina pondered the name once
more. Conversations and comments surfaced and took shape in her mind. She had
heard talk of a Ramon Janez in the past. But the remarks had been mixed -- some
stating that he were a wealthy explorer, others labeling him a pirate, a
ruthless man who had abandoned his family to join a group of buccaneers that
raided far-away lands for treasure. Considering her present situation, the latter
seemed more likely.
Alina quenched her thirst with water and
walked over to one of the windows. She edged the curtain out of the way and
looked down at the dense leaves of the vineyard that spread out over a broad
plane. Leaning forward carefully, she examined the side of the fortress, whose
gray stones were uninterrupted by any balconies. With a heavy sigh she noted
that she was quite high above ground and any escape from the window would be
impossible. It would be smart to learn her way around the house and the grounds
before attempting such a feat. If indeed it were possible, she thought and bit
on her lower lip.
Her gaze turned to the large bed on the
far side of the room. Its rounded bedposts rose high at each corner and a
crimson velvet bed cover lay across the top. The head was neatly lined with
soft linen pillows of similar hue. It was a welcoming sight and now that the
food had settled in her stomach, she felt sleepy and moved to lie on the soft
cover. I'll rest for just a while because I have to keep my wits
about me…
Alina
woke some hours later and saw darkness had enveloped the room. She rose
nervously, and blinked into the surrounding. Her eyes adjusted and she saw the
familiar shapes of the things in the bedroom. Suddenly feeling anxious, she
moved to the door. She opened it carefully, not wanting to make any noise and
stepped into the foyer, which was lit by two wall-mounted candles. Noting that
Maria's door was shut she tiptoed across the room to the door that connected
with the corridor. She lifted one of the candles from its base. To her surprise
the door was unlocked when she tested the handle. Her restlessness needed an
outlet.
Expelling
a deep breath, she pushed it open, hoping it wouldn't creak. She slipped
through and took a few steps to pause at the top of the staircase. The flame
illuminated other rooms on the floor. Could one of them belong to her captor,
she wondered? The idea made her grip the banister and descend swiftly on light
feet to the second floor.
The
giant house seemed very quiet. She ended up in the corridor with the long row
of arched windows and sighed in relief. Just what she needed. She approached
one window and placed the candle on the ledge. The sky was brightly moon lit
and a cool April breeze entered the opening through the parted brown shutters,
filling her nose with spring freshness. She leaned her head against the sill
and picked up the sound of the waves breaking out on the shore in the distance.
A thin strip of shore could be discerned as the foamy water unfolded itself
onto the pebbles.
Alina
closed her eyes as sadness weighed down on her heart, already missing her
family and the familiarity of her home. She had not noticed the quiet figure of
the man as he approached.
"Do
you not find your quarters comfortable?" Ramon asked in a low voice.
Alina jumped, startled and stood away from
the window. She pressed a hand to her chest anxiously. "I--I couldn't
sleep anymore." There was a tremble in her voice.
Again, his gaze traveled the length of her
body and came to rest on her face. Despite the reduced light, the blush on her
cheeks was apparent. "The dress suits you," he commented.
Alina was too aware of his presence and
his stare. Why did the man make her feel giddy, as if she had just drunk a whole
pint of wine?
"When are you going to see my father?"
she almost blurted.
His mouth twisted disagreeably. "When it is time."
Ramon didn't wish to talk about Duardo Marquez at the moment. She looked even
more beautiful in the clean dress whose color worked nicely with her shiny,
chestnut locks. The moonlight cast a faint glow on her skin, emphasizing its
clear smoothness and youth. His stare lowered to the front of the gown whose
ribbons were drawn tightly as they hugged the soft mounds of flesh beneath,
raising her bust enough so that the deep shadow between her breasts was
discernible. The gown narrowed at her small waist. Ramon felt a stirring in his
loins, something he hadn't felt in a long time. God, this girl was trouble!
Alina had taken a step back because she
didn't like the look in his eyes. "I should return to my room," she
said warily.
"A moment. How old are you?" he
questioned.
Alina cocked her chin up. "How does
that concern you?"
He shrugged his wide shoulders. "Not
really--it's a simple question. I mean, I can tell you're barely a woman--"
Her eyes flashed at his goading remark. "I'm
not a child. I'm twenty-two," she stated flatly.
He smiled, pleased at how easily he could
create a reaction in her. She was a little past the traditional age of marriage
and he wondered if her father was waiting to marry her off to a nobleman in
exchange for a fair dowry. It would be like him to sell his daughter for his
own benefit. Ramon was eleven years her senior.
Alina anticipated another sarcastic
remark. She looked at his shiny dark waves as the moon light shown upon his
head, emphasizing his chiseled features. Her eyes fell to his square jaw,
lightly covered by the start of stubble, and stopped at the wide shape of his
mouth. For some odd reason this made breathing more difficult. He remained
silent so she spoke. "I don't think we have anything further to say."
She made to turn away but gasped when he reached out and caught her arm. "Release
me!"
"It's rude to walk away in the middle
of conversation," he replied swiftly and pulled her toward him.
Alina raised her arms in defense. "No!"
Ramon ignored her resistance and pulled
her against him. He had to know…Her arms pressed against his chest,
willing him away. Clasping one arm in his hand, he lowered it to her side. He
looked into her lovely eyes and saw the fear there. He wouldn't hurt her but he
was compelled to continue as if driven by some demon force. He bent his head
toward her and she avoided him by turning her face to the side. He drew in an
unsteady breath and grasped both her hands behind her back with some effort
because she twisted against him. He paused a moment to savor the feel of her
feminine curves. Her quickened breathing lifted her breasts teasingly against
his body.
Alina's heart was pounding loudly,
threatening to crash through her chest like the waves in the distance. She had
never felt a man's body like this--up against her own. And his was strong and
muscular and as his warm breath grazed her temple, she felt her legs weaken. "Stop!"
she gushed as her captor held her chin and raised her face toward his.
She watched with suddenly heavy lids as
his gray eyes feasted on her mouth. And as her lips parted between tiny sighs
of distress he lowered his head and sealed them against his own. Her body
instantly tensed but her heart fluttered uncontrollably and her skin prickled
strangely. Just as her eyes were about to shut, reason clicked over in her mind
and she shook her face free of his hand.
To her dismay, he caught her hair and
gently pulled on the few pins that secured it until it cascaded down her back
in a thick wave. His long fingers worked their way into her strands and she
heard him release a sharp breath. She stared up at him and felt his hand press
against the back of her head, holding her still. Alina gasped and tried to
avoid his kiss but couldn't. His mouth caught hers again--this time more
fervently as he wet her lips and pulled on them, gently forcing them apart. Her
knees weakened and he pressed her even harder against his body, making her gasp
as her soft flesh molded into the lean power of his sinews.
The second his mouth claimed hers Alina's
breath was sucked away and her heart literally stopped for a few seconds. Then,
in a crazy rush the combination of his warm, hard torso and skilled mouth
accelerated her pulse. His invading kiss caused electric shockwaves all over
her skin and she feared her resistance would soon crumble. His mouth felt firm
yet soft at the same time. Tiny, involuntary sounds erupted in her throat from
the hot probing of his tongue as she fought her body's response. Her nostrils
filled with his distinctly masculine scent, stimulating her senses even more.
She heard him moan deep in his throat.
Ramon explored her, testing her response.
His tongue had slipped into the moist opening of her mouth and she moaned her
disapproval but he continued. She tasted clean and sweet, tantalizing his
senses. And the soft scent of jasmine that lingered on her skin fueled the
urgency in his loins. Although her lips were soft, they were still. They
stiffened against his mouth innocently, strangely. He drove his tongue deeper
into her mouth and flicked it against hers. Her tongue immediately cringed and
he felt her struggling to move her face away.
Suddenly, he felt the growing bulge in his
trousers and feared that she might feel it as well so he broke the kiss and
gazed into her troubled green eyes. Wetness shone around the large pools and he
eased himself away, scolding his unguarded response to her. What was he
thinking? She was practically a child, in a way, though her body's lusciousness
was hardly childish. He released her and stepped back. After all, she had
answered his curiosity. During these times of social immorality, the girl was a
virgin. His experience had recognized the innocence of her mouth. Even Marquez'
daughter was untouched, waiting for a proper suitor.
Alina wiped her hand across her mouth,
feeling degraded and somewhat violated. Why should her first kiss be shared
with a man like Ramon Janez, kidnapper and enemy to her father? Her breath came
rapidly but not due solely to her struggles. Their contact had awakened some
carnal emotion deep within and even now her lips flamed in the aftermath of his
attentions. But what frightened her most was the sudden feel of his penis as it
had hardened and pressed itself against her belly. That was an instrument that
could do damage. It felt imposing and threatening. Good Lord, she thought,
would that be the next step? Would he act upon his words and disgrace her
completely?
She shuddered, her brow creasing with the
dark thoughts.
Ramon touched her cheek. "It's time
you went to your room. You must rest," he said in a less than steady
voice.
Without looking at him, she spun on her
heel and ran for the stairwell, regretting her careless actions that had put
her in such an undesirable position. The steps were dark without the candle she
had left behind but her nervous haste guided her feet safely to the top. She
tossed and turned in bed for a long time before exhaustion finally overwhelmed
her and drew her into a deep sleep.
Ramon spent the following morning on La Alegria. He had
forced his trailing thoughts away from the girl because he had serious business
to attend to. He was an explorer, a captain, he didn't have time to waste with
silly girls. Particularly the enemy's offspring. The ship was in top condition,
he noted with satisfaction after a detailed inspection. He had to hire about
fifteen good seamen within the following weeks if he was to be ready to sail
with the King's fleet. He reflected on tomorrow's meeting with King Philip and
felt a surge of renewed determination.
Chapter Two
Alina was relieved that Ramon would be on
his ship today and she probably wouldn't see him for at least another two days.
Her relationship with Maria was improving and she realized that the older woman
meant well and actually seemed concerned for her well-being. She had
miraculously adjusted some of the dresses to fit Alina's body suitably.
Admiring herself in the long mirror in her bedroom, Alina asked the maid whom
the dresses belonged to.
Maria stood next to the girl and smiled at
her pretty reflection. "Oh, some of them belonged to master Ramon's
mother, Madam Alegria." This bit of information surprised Alina since her
captor didn't seem so sentimental as to keep his mother's dresses.
"She is not…" Alina began
hesitantly.
Maria's mouth turned downward slightly. "Madam
died when master Ramon was quite young."
Alina's heart constricted momentarily. No
one should have to lose their mother at a young age. "That is sad,"
she said and touched the material of her dress.
The soft linen gown in green suited her
well, giving her light complexion some color. The neckline was a modern square
cut and covered most of her bosom respectfully. Its sleeves were slightly
puffed and ended in frills at her elbows. The skirts were full, much like the
ones Maria wore, yet more appealing on the younger woman. Alina swirled around
and felt pretty. "This one is very nice, Maria. Thank you for adjusting it
for me," she said.
"Yes, it's beautiful on you Miss
Alina, like the color of your eyes."
"Oh, just call me Alina. I'm not used
to having a servant." Alina's mother was the one who had raised her and
her three siblings. Her father was often out at sea, absent for days, even
weeks at times. They were a middle class family who were fortunate enough to
have inherited a strip of prosperous land in the
An urgent sadness entered her heart. Her
poor mother must be worried to death about her disappearance. She had to get a
message to her. Perhaps Maria could arrange something. "Maria, I need to
inform my mother that I am well. She has no idea what has become of me. Could
she receive a message from me?"
The woman hesitated and was about to speak
when Sergi appeared at the open door of the bedroom.
"Maria can't help you with that issue, Miss Alina,"
he stated firmly. He had on a formal gray waistcoat and trousers tucked into
botas.
Alina faced him, chin high. "And who
can?" she demanded, looking up at his thin, unattractive face.
"Ramon has instructed that no one is
to communicate with your family until he is ready to do so."
This angered Alina quickly. "And who
is Ramon -- God?" she spouted.
Sergi cocked his bald head to one side,
his dark eyes narrowing unpleasantly. "Why don't you show Alina the garden
Maria? It should cool her nerves," he replied dryly and turned to the
maid. "Ramon will be needing an extra traveling bag for tomorrow. Bring it
down to the study," he finished and left the room.
Maria gave Alina a sympathetic smile and
dutifully showed her the garden just to the side of the house. They emerged
from under one of the several impressive arches, their heels tapping out
lightly on the stone floor of the rectangular courtyard as they crossed it to
the first group of bright rose trees, and sculpted shrubs. Alina admired the
hand-painted urns that decorated the border of the yard. The garden was large
and well maintained.
"So, the master has a gardener too,"
she said wryly.
Maria was silent for a moment. "Walk
through the garden, enjoy the blossoming of the roses and the azaleas,"
she gestured with her hand.
Alina's ear picked up the sound of voices
beyond the garden and turned to see several men and women in plain garb making
their way down a path toward the fields. "Are they workers?" she
asked.
The older woman nodded. "Yes, they
come and take care of the olive trees and vineyard." Then she turned away
and Alina was alone.
Alina strolled deeper into the garden,
glancing back at the fortress behind her, trying to locate the guardsmen along
the high balconies and turrets. None were visible yet she knew they existed.
She stopped to smell a yellow rose, noting its sharp thorns. The chirping of
birds broke the tranquility. She followed a cobblestone path and wavered from it
every now and then to smell a flower or circle around the slim trunk of a lime
or orange tree. She came upon a narrow creek that seemed to run from the
mountainside far into the olive groves. Alina found mental peace while she
kneeled to feel the cool, clear water with her hand and decided then that she
would visit the garden often.
The workers' chatty voices and occasional
laughter could be heard beyond the group of shrubs and trees nearby. Alina
sighed and wished she could join them for company. Only after feeling the
hungry growl of her stomach did she decide to return to the house.
She walked back to the door that led to
the main level of the house. She heard conversation below and walked over to
the landing which was protected by a wooden railing, and leaned her arms on the
beam. Looking down at the workstation she had seen upon her arrival, she saw
Ramon and Sergi collecting the map drawings, rolling them neatly into tubes
before putting them into a travel bag. She was surprised that Ramon had already
returned from the ship. With their heads bowed, her presence went unnoticed.
Alina wondered if she should talk to Ramon about communicating with her mother.
Sergi left the workstation, disappearing
through some area below. She gazed down at Ramon who was still collecting
papers and various instruments. She watched the top of his dark head as he
moved about, recalling his kiss the previous night and blushed. When he
finished, he walked over to the staircase that would take him to the upper
floor and to his study. Alina was on that floor and she swiftly re-exited the
building. Guessing that he had reached his study by now she quietly made her
way along the landing, turned the corner and saw that the door was open.
She took a deep breath and expelled,
willing herself to focus on her request. She knocked briefly on the door and
stood at the entrance.
Ramon looked up from his desk, which was
also covered with papers. His gray eyes traveled over her, one dark brow
lifting quizzically.
Her heart skipped anxiously as she stepped
further into the study. "Sorry to interrupt but I need to ask a favor,"
she said, compelling her voice to sound steady.
He straightened, his tall frame concealing
numerous books on the shelves behind him.
Ramon hadn't wanted to see the girl before
his trip, giving them both some space. But here she was, standing before him,
looking too good in a splendid green gown that accentuated her womanly figure
and the color of her eyes. Her hair was caught up in a neat swirl over her
head, revealing her lovely, heart-shaped face. She surprised him since he had
expected her to stir clear of him after yesterday's encounter.
"What is it?" he inquired.
She stepped closer. "I need to get a
message to my mother, to inform her I'm well. She must be worried."
Ramon was silent for a moment before
responding. "The time is not right now."
Losing patience, Alina pressed on. "Why
not? She doesn't have to know where I am -- only that I'm not hurt -- or dead,"
she said, her voice rising.
"I'm leaving tomorrow and this can't
be arranged at the moment. I'll consider it when I return," he replied
curtly.
Annoyance rose in her breast and her hands
clenched at her sides. "You are an insensitive man Mr. Janez. My mother
and I don't have any quarrel with you. I really don't understand why you insist
on breaking the court's law by holding me here. Surely you have thought of the
consequences once I am free and you are charged with kidnapping?" she
challenged, locking stares with him.
She thought she perceived a flash of anger
in those gray depths but he laughed deeply. When he regained composure he
grinned at her almost amusedly. "Unfortunately, I am closer to the law
than your buccaneering father is and your detainment here will be meaningless
to any court." He came around his desk and caught a loose lock of her
hair, twirling it around his finger. "I prefer you with your hair down.
You have beautiful hair."
Infuriated by his audacity, she yanked
away and stared hatefully up at him. "Stop calling him that! You don't
know him!"
His dark head tilted to one side. "It's
true. And it wasn't the first time he's prayed on merchant ships. In fact, he's
stolen a good amount of treasure over the years," he said somberly.
Indignation boiled over in her breast. "You're
a monster, that's what you are. I won't be your pawn in this silly game of
yours!" she shouted, raising her hand to slap his arrogant face.
Swiftly, he grabbed her wrist, long fingers clamping down hard.
Alina winced in pain. "Monster is a serious word little miss. If that were
true, you wouldn't be flouncing around in that pretty dress--instead your fate
would have been sealed by that kiss we shared last night. No one would have
stopped me had I taken you to your room and had my way with you--like any man
would have I can assure you!" His stormy eyes branded into her, making her
own widen in alarm. "Hmn? Tell me, Miss Marquez, am I a monster?"
His words shocked her. What a callous rogue he was! She
pushed at his chest with her free hand but he didn't budge. Lord, he was made
like a rock! Her heart beat madly and she felt her legs weaken again. "How
forward of you! You must have no manners--no respect at all!" She
finally managed to blurt out.
"Apologize!" he insisted,
pulling her close. "Look at me Miss Marquez," he ordered, pronouncing
her family name with mocking dislike.
She unwillingly looked at him, meeting his
furious glare while tears pricked at her eyes. Once again he had managed to
frustrate and humiliate her.
Alina regretted her recklessness. She
should have known better than to poke at the beast. Or had she goaded him on
purpose--hoping to get some sort of passionate reaction from him? She closed
her eyes at the thought. Impossible. She wasn't like that. Didn't even like the
man. She swallowed with difficulty because her throat had gone dry. "I--I
apologize for what I said…I just want my family to know I'm alive."
His expression softened a fraction and his
grip slackened. "Yes, well, like I explained from the start, that will happen
soon enough. You must learn not to be so stubborn."
She raised her chin defensively but chose
to remain silent.
Ramon stared thoughtfully into her eyes
for a moment and then his gaze moved over her tense face, stopping at her mouth
which was just as inviting now as it had been last night.
A different look entered his eyes now,
notably devious to Alina.
"But perhaps that's what you want? I
mean, did you challenge me this way to get some kind of reaction? Do you want
me to touch you--to make you feel things you've never felt before?" he
taunted. His tone turned velvety, making her stomach clench again, and her
heart flutter nervously.
Alina shook her head, shocked that he had
just voiced her previous thoughts. "No, of course not!"
"Or maybe you just want a good-bye
kiss before I leave?" he teased and made her face hot.
His eyes were fixed on her mouth and she
clamped it shut, struggling to free herself. This was the second time in less
than a full day that she found herself in his clutches, his lean body pressing
against hers.
"Let go of me! I don't want anything from you! Just leave
me alone!" She started to kick at his botas and he grinned wickedly and
lifted her body slightly to march her over to the window where he pressed her
against the wall, holding her pinned with his solid frame. His warm contact
made her insides melt yet her nerve endings jumped to awareness and sent a
tingling sensation through her body. "Please, not again…" she said
shakily and held her hands up between their bodies.
He reached for her hair and freed it from
its clasp, allowing it to flow loosely past her shoulders. He ran his fingers
through her hair from the base of her scalp and she watched him admire its warm
radiance in the light. He eased her slightly off the wall and clasped a handful
of strands to tilt her head back slowly.
Her lips instinctively parted as he
observed her face. She gasped softly when he lowered his head and brushed his
mouth across her forehead then gently grazed her lids, which had fluttered shut
before moving to her cheeks.
Ramon enjoyed the range of emotions that
crossed her face and the sound of her quickened breathing. Never had punishment
-- or revenge--tasted so sweet to him.
There was no chance for escape. Alina felt
as though her limbs were turning to water as his mouth tenderly caressed her
face, arousing her skin. Her heart hammered erratically in her chest and her
mouth was no longer stiff as it anticipated his. His mouth touched hers, barely
stroking until a sigh escaped her. He nibbled on her bottom lip gently, sucking
it into his mouth before claiming her lips fully. She tried to resist him at
first and moaned against his mouth but as the pressure increased, she weakened
and he easily slid his tongue between her lips.
She felt her resistance falter the more he
explored her mouth. And this time her tongue did not cringe from his, almost as
if her body was learning, becoming more familiar with him. The thought sent an
alarming bolt through her heart.
Her lips trembled under the seductive
pressure of his mouth. Mesmerized by his masculine proximity, her conscious
mind paid little attention to the voice of reason that called out. Her knees
threatened to buckle and as if noticing, his hand lowered to the small of her
back.
She moaned softly as a slow ache started
between her legs. Almost breathless under his fervent kiss, any final measure
of restraint quickly slipped away. She felt sinful, allowing him such intimacy.
But his mouth was skilled and sensual--the contact simply exquisite. Her
nostrils flared slightly as she breathed in his now familiar, manly scent.
He stopped the kiss but still rested his
mouth on hers. "I love the way your body feels against mine," he
murmured huskily and her heart somersaulted.
She felt his large hands encircle her
narrow waist as he brought her body tightly against his so that her breasts
crushed into the wall of his chest. His penis rested hard against her belly and
she was shocked when her hips instinctively pressed into him.
Alina was definitely not prepared for his
next surprise. His right hand slid up from her waist and boldly captured her
breast, making her gasp and flinch. "Don't!" she uttered but was cut
off by his mouth as it reclaimed her lips in a hot kiss. She moaned her
displeasure and tried to pull away but his other hand moved to her back and
pressed her hard against him. His hand kneaded the supple flesh of her breast
through her gown. Even under the twin layers of material, her nipple tweaked up
in response and he groaned softly as he found it and traced its shape with his
fingertips.
Alina felt a hot flush come over her skin
at his brazenness and the fact that her breasts rose up toward him as if
expecting more attention! His touch felt good and what was worse, that tingly
ache between her thighs had intensified to a warm throb. As for her legs, they
had turned to jelly and she had no choice but to cling onto him, his muscles
flexing under her hands. His fingers stroked the bare rise of her breast and
she felt her flesh burn sweetly in response. He began planting delightful
kisses along her jaw and nibbled her earlobe, causing myriad goose bumps over
her skin.
"Your breast loves my touch, Alina,"
he whispered into her ear and she gasped. "The nipple puckers up under my
fingers. How I'd love to tear away that gown and take it into my mouth!"
he finished hoarsely.
"N--no!" she responded weakly,
frowning. Her inexperience and arousal were getting the better of her because
had he done just that, she wouldn't have resisted. Probably would have enjoyed
it too! Stop him!
His moist tongue was now teasing the
sensitive skin of her throat and tiny, involuntary sighs broke from her lips.
She felt her head tilt back further, as if in offering. Fleetingly, she
imagined a beast sinking its teeth into her tender flesh and gasped.
This woman-child was incredible, Ramon
thought. The feel of her ample breast under his hand spurred his desire to a
dangerous height. He could tell by the way she arched against him that she was
aroused. At the very least, her body was. He watched the battle going on in her
lovely green eyes as she gazed up at him. He was breaking down her defenses,
allowing her body to come alive with his touch. He knew she didn't want this,
was fighting her body's response all along. He surely didn't want it either.
But she was too damned beautiful to ignore. What he could do with this girl if
she were someone else -- and older perhaps! He closed his eyes to shut out the
lovely temptation of her face and reminded himself of the voyage that required
his full attention. With a shaky breath, he forced his hands away from her and
stepped back.
Alina tried to steady herself as he
released her. Her breath pursed her lips unsteadily and she placed her hand
across her chest in an attempt to calm her heart. The odd tingling sensation
between her legs tightened as if in complaint. Her mind and body struggled with
a sense of relief and disappointment. She noticed a muscle working in his jaw
as he looked at her, something enigmatic flickering in the gray depths of his
eyes.
He took her hands in his and raised them
to his mouth. "A kiss good-bye," he said and pressed his mouth
against the top of each hand. He touched her cheek gently. "Be a good girl
while I'm away."
Alina was left flustered and weak from his
caresses as he exited the study. Seconds later, the tears that had started
overflowed shamefully.
With Ramon gone, Alina was left
undisturbed long enough to reflect on her situation. Staying away from him was
the best thing. Her body turned against her every time he was near. And surely,
any more repeat performances and her defenses would crumble completely. She
spent several hours a day in the garden and the olive groves, which proved to
be a pleasant escape from the huge, rather empty house. She hoped her family
believed she were safe. She hoped Ramon was reasonable enough to allow her to communicate
with her mother once he returned.
As she approached the running creek her
mind recalled Ramon's accusations concerning her father. Stolen treasures…Her
father had often brought back gold and silver from his explorations,
accompanied by stories of strange lands and other peoples. Her brow furrowed
apprehensively but she quickly shook her head.
"No. Don't let him turn you against
your own father," she ordered herself while catching her reflection in the
clear water. "It's not true--it can't be."
Kneeling, she wet her hand and touched it
to her mouth. Her lips felt larger, more prominent than usual, as if swollen
from Ramon's kisses. She gave her head a shake to push back a watery image of
herself and Ramon in a heated embrace.
"What am I to do?" she asked her
reflection below and rubbed her temple. There must be a way to keep her
emotions in check, she thought. Yes, if he touched her, she would will herself
to remain still, unaffected and ask him to remove his hand, politely of course.
She drew in a deep breath. That's what she would do. Cool. Unaffected. It could
be done.
With newfound determination she got up and
returned to the house, catching for the first time a glimpse of a man's body
against a turret above.
Just as she pushed the door open to pass
through she nearly collided into a wall of flesh. Surprised, she stepped back
and looked up into the brown eyes of a young man, probably just a few years
older than her. He was charming in a boyish way. A blush crept into her cheeks
as his eyes traveled over her with obvious interest. She took a step back.
"Señorita. I apologize for startling
you," he said smoothly, eyes smiling at her.
Alina returned the smile shyly. "Nothing
to worry about," she responded.
He took her hand and lifted it to his
mouth briefly. "My name is Fernando. I'm Captain Ramon's bosun," he
said proudly and released her hand.
It was the first time she heard someone
call Ramon by that title. "I'm Alina." She paused and blushed. I'm
Captain Ramon's prisoner. "I have no title," she managed a smile.
Fernando laughed pleasantly. "Then
you have less worries. Were you enjoying the garden?" he asked.
"Yes, it's lovely," she replied,
thankful that he didn't press the matter.
The young man stalled as if wanting to
continue their talk. But he gave a regretful smile. "Miss Alina, it was
nice meeting you, but Sergi is waiting for me," he said as his brown eyes
danced over her face one final time before he turned away.
She watched him disappear into Ramon's
study and was glad to finally meet someone who seemed genuinely pleasant. With
a light sigh, she veered left in the wide hall and made her way to the kitchen.
Alina liked this room because its tall western window allowed bright light to
filter through most of the day. Her gaze took in the black iron pots that hung
against the rough stone of the wall above the counter before resting on Maria
who was sitting on a short stool in front of the earthen fireplace.
Maria's head turned toward her and she
smiled briefly. "Alina, you've been gone a while," she remarked and
turned back to the deep pot on the fire.
"Yes, I like strolling about outside,"
Alina said as her nose picked up the delicate scent of herbs, vegetables and
chicken. She approached Maria and looked over her shoulder. "Mmm…I love
your soup, Maria," she said eagerly.
Maria smiled. "Lunch is almost ready."
"Maria, can you keep me company here?
I'm tired of eating alone," she pouted.
The older lady was thoughtful for a moment then smiled. "Yes,
I'll stay."
"Thank you."
Alina took two soup bowls down from the
cabinet and Maria poured a quantity of the hot broth into them. A few slices of
dark, thick bread were added to the meal and they sat at the table and ate
quietly. The soup was tasty and Alina ate it heartily, realizing then that she
was quite hungry.
"You must eat well, it seems as if
you are thinner," Maria noted with concern.
Alina shrugged, not having noticed a
change in her body. "Do you think so? My appetite hasn't changed,
considering my situation."
The older woman didn't respond to Alina's
remark.
"So, when is master Ramon returning?"
Alina asked.
Maria swallowed a spoonful of soup. "He
is due back tomorrow."
"He is seeing the King, yes? How
interesting," she commented, only to encourage some conversation with the
other woman. Yet Alina was aware that Maria tended to avoid talk concerning her
master, especially with his prisoner!
Naturally, the older woman changed the
topic. "I will be going to town next week. Master Ramon asked me to
purchase anything you might need."
Alina's brows rose in surprise. "Is
that so?" She was silently thoughtful. "Anything?" she asked.
"Anything within reason of course,"
Maria answered.
"Let me think about it tonight.
Perhaps I'll come up with a list," Alina said, her mind already working
craftily. She might as well make herself as comfortable as possible here. It
certainly seemed Ramon could afford luxuries that only the upper class could.
She smiled to herself as she sat back in the chair.
Later that evening in her bedroom, she
started working out a plan to avoid Ramon as much as possible. But as she paced
about, a devilish thought entered her mind. Why avoid him? Instead, she should
torture him by using his apparent attraction to her against him. Yes! She
giggled deviously. How would Master Ramon enjoy her sudden display of feminine
wiles, slightly exaggerated of course, which would surely whet his manly
appetite, yet not be allowed freedom to satisfy it! She stopped in front of the
vanity mirror and touched her hair, mischief shining in her green eyes. That,
coupled with some selective flirting with the nice Fernando, and Ramon would be
besieged with unquenched desire and jealousy. He'd wish he never laid eyes on
her! How cruel!
Alina's plan was instantly revised. Number
One: Be as alluring as possible with the utmost innocence. Number Two: Should
Ramon lay a finger on her, she was to remain calm and unresponsive. Number
Three: Flirt with Fernando on any given occasion, and Number Four: Draw up a
very healthy list of necessary and unnecessary items for her personal use,
irritating Ramon in the process. She would think about the latter carefully and
give the list to Maria tomorrow.
* * * *
She slept very well that night and dreamt
of a spiritual lover who came to her rescue, touching her in a gentle, caring
manner, whispering how much he loved her. She sighed in her sleep and smiled.
Her lover felt so real that her body responded in much the same way as it had
with Ramon. Yet this was different in that she was willing, yearning for the
man's embrace, his warm breath on her cheek…they fled through an opening in the
gardens and she held onto him tightly in case he disappeared…
* * * *
Ramon stood silently in the doorway of
Alina's room watching her sleep. His meeting with King Philip had gone well,
allowing him to return sooner. The moonlight cast a luminous glow onto her
still form, catching the brilliance of her long hair as it was splayed out
across the pillow. Her head, slightly tilted to one side revealed the soft
curve of her neck. Her full lips were parted temptingly and he watched the
steady rise and fall of her chest just above the bed sheets. He could tell she
was in a deep sleep and wouldn't notice if he approached.
Leaning
against the bedpost at the foot of the bed, he marveled at her beauty, her
innocence accentuated by her sleepy state. He smiled as her hand twitched,
responding to some dream. What are you dreaming about, Miss Alina? His gaze
enjoyed the graceful contours of her face and lowered to the tiny, palpitating
hollow at the base of her throat. How had he restrained the urge to kiss her
there? His gaze continued to her firm breasts, the sheerness of her pale
nightgown leaving a small part to the imagination. She was surprisingly
voluptuous in that respect, considering her delicate frame. He drew in a short
breath at the sight of her nipples, pressing gently against the material. He
could easily follow the outline of the dark circles at the center of her pale
flesh and his manly response was immediate.
Absently, he moved his thumb across his
mouth, recalling the last kiss he had stolen, the way her soft lips trembled
with virginal desire. He could have her now, if he wished. He frowned as his
erection pushed insistently against his trousers. Luckily, his conscience kept
him in check.
Alina stirred in her sleep and sighed,
turning to her side. Ramon eased himself from the bedpost and quietly left the
room. Sleep did not come quickly for him that night.
Chapter Three
She woke cheerfully the next morning and
with quite an appetite. Her cheeks flushed as she faintly recalled last night's
dream. She gladly sipped freshly squeezed orange juice and chewed on a thick
piece of buttered bread topped with a generous slice of cheese. Still eating,
she walked about the room, considering what to include in her list for Maria.
She stopped in front of the long mirror and looked down at her bare feet. "Shoes.
I definitely could use another pair--no, make that several pairs of shoes,"
she thought aloud, enjoying this already.
And so her morning began, and before long
she had drawn up a list on the piece of paper Maria had provided. She handed it
to her later that morning and watched as the other woman looked it over,
frowning uncertainly. Alina was impressed that a simple servant could read. Her
own uncle, Pedro de Cueva, who was a scholar, had taught her how to read and
write when she was a young girl.
"Is there something wrong Maria?"
she inquired with a most innocent tone.
"Are you sure you require…all these
items Alina?" she asked, looking up from the paper.
"Yes Maria. I require those things if
only to make my stay more pleasant…you must understand, under the
circumstances, it's not easy for me…" she explained, adding a note of
self-pity to her voice.
Maria cleared her throat. "Very well.
If this is it then, I shall show it to the master first, for his approval."
Yes, do so, Alina said silently as the
woman left. She imagined the look on Ramon's face once he read it and grinned.
She didn't see Ramon until that evening.
Sergi found her with Maria in the kitchen and instructed her to have dinner
with Ramon. When the assistant announced this, her heart skipped a beat. It was
time to put her plan in action.
Sergi pointed to an area past Ramon's
study by way of the landing. "You will pass the study and count two doors.
The second one is the dining room. Ramon is expecting you at seven exactly."
The tall, thin man turned and looked down at her solemnly. "I suggest you
are not late," he remarked dryly, as was his nature.
Back in her room, Alina was nervous about
her dinner with Ramon. She would have to step out of her old skin and become a
beautiful temptress who was in control of her emotions. The trouble was, Ramon
had a way of rattling her composure. But she remembered plan number two. How
difficult could dinner be anyway? Eat, drink, make simple conversation, no? She
took two deep breaths and expelled slowly, willing her nerves to calm.
She purposely changed into a very pretty,
wine-red satin gown with abundant flounces and white lacing around the neckline
and elbow-length sleeves. It was one of the few dresses she hadn't planned on
ever wearing because it was quite elegant, fit for a countess it seemed.
Consequently, Maria had not altered the bodice and Alina smiled and noted how
the questionably low neckline emphasized her full bust. She tied the front
ribbons tightly, pushing up her breasts even further. Satisfied, she combed the
long strands of her hair by the open window until the sun's rays picked up
their healthy sheen. She would leave her hair down from now on, knowing that
Ramon preferred it that way. The color of the dress brought out the natural
highlights of her hair.
With a final look in the mirror and her
cheeks a rosy glow, she walked steadily out, her dress flowing becomingly. She
passed the study and the doors as instructed, arriving at the dining room just
a little after seven.
Ramon was already present, standing by a
long, rectangular table of heavy oak. Its surface was covered with a deep red
tablecloth and a heavy, iron candlestick decorated the center in a w-shape,
providing a low base for three white candles whose flame flickered gently. Four
elegant chairs surrounded the table. He was staring at a large painting on the
wall. It was a passionate depiction of a battle between men on muscular horses,
brandishing spears. Alina could almost hear the thunderous pounding of hooves
as the animals crushed the fallen warriors underfoot.
He looked attractive in his usual rugged
way, she realized as she took in his unruly locks of hair, tanned face and
informal white shirt with flowing sleeves and v-neck collar. The 'v' exposed a
strong, tanned neck and the beginning of dark chest hairs. Her heart fluttered
briefly and she averted her gaze and entered the room, keeping a composed
expression.
Ramon heard her entrance and looked her
over slowly, making butterflies dance in her stomach. She pretended not to
notice the sudden freeze of his gaze on her bosom.
She heard him clear his throat. "You
look…very lovely Alina. It's nice to see you again," he said with a hint
of wonder in his voice. He came over to her side, and she dazzled him with a
brilliant smile. Once again, he looked taken aback and she was secretly
pleased.
She reached out and clasped his hand in a pretense of steadying
herself into the chair and arranged her skirts neatly around her legs. The feel
of his warm, manly hand was very nice. He took a seat opposite her, at the
other end of the table, and Alina noticed his eyebrow lift questioningly.
The room was dimming as dusk spread, giving a romantic appeal
to the moment. A male servant entered the room to pour Ramon a goblet of red
wine from a flask, which he left on the table.
"We are ready Carlos," Ramon addressed the man who
Alina had never seen before. Master Ramon was full of surprises, she thought.
But she had a few surprises in store for him tonight.
Ramon leaned calmly back in his chair and
looked at her. The picture of innocence, she sat with her hands in her lap
waiting for him to speak. "You are quiet tonight," he noted, his eyes
taking in her flowing hair and the fine material of the gown. "And
different…" he added curiously.
She lifted her shoulders. "Perhaps.
How was your trip?" she calmly responded.
It seemed to take a few seconds for her
question to sink in. "Successful." He paused briefly. "I would
offer you some wine, but I'm not sure if you are accustomed to it?" Ramon
continued in his usual steady voice.
Alina glanced at the flask near his side of
the table. She had tasted a bit of wine on occasion--mainly during festivals.
She liked the taste. "Why not? It's agreeable," she replied and a
smile curved his mouth.
"Then
you shall have some with your dinner," he replied as the cook returned
carrying a tray laden with food.
He served Ramon first, filling his plate
with large portions of delightful smelling meat, potatoes, fresh vegetables and
cheese. He came around to her side and skillfully arranged the food onto her
plate. When he was done, Ramon asked him to fill her wine goblet. Alina was
secretly impressed with the whole arrangement and she glanced at Ramon
curiously, wondering why he would go to the trouble of such a feast. And it was
a true feast. She gazed down at her meal in awe.
"It is roast pork, basted in lemon
juice and the white meat is the breast of a wild turkey. These little birds
here are quail. I find potatoes and artichokes go well with these meats,"
Ramon explained.
Alina admired the heart-shaped artichokes
and lemony potatoes. A generous slice of goat cheese completed the meal. It
whet her appetite.
"It looks delicious," she
admitted and smiled easily at Ramon.
He held up his goblet. "Let's drink
in honor of our cook then--to Carlos," he said and she lifted her own,
taking a sip. Carlos bowed slightly in thanks and wished them a good appetite
before leaving.
The rich fluid cooled her throat and
warmed her senses. She picked up her fork and began eating, enjoying every
morsel. Ramon ate heartily, as any healthy man would and she peeked at him from
time to time. She liked the wine and sipped it easily, allowing the aromatic
liquid to ease her anxiety, unaware that the pink flush in her cheeks deepened
becomingly.
At some point she paused and looked up to
catch Ramon watching her quietly, and her heart responded with a skip.
"Do you like the food?" he
inquired.
"Yes. Thank you for inviting me."
She could at least be polite.
A slow smile shaped his mouth. "I
think we'll be taking dinner together more often."
This piece of information didn't sit well
with her but she refrained from commenting. "I've never seen Carlos
before."
"He cooks for me occasionally."
There was a pause. "Maria showed me an impressive note today," he
began.
Alina's heart did another skip. She put
her fork down and straightened herself in her chair.
He glanced at her pronounced cleavage and
took a sip of wine. "I didn't realize how insufficient I have been,"
he continued.
She couldn't tell if he was being serious
or sarcastic.
She braced herself for whatever would come. "Well, Maria
mentioned that if I needed anything…"
"Yes, I'm aware of that…but--a
feather quill?" he probed with a cocked brow.
She cleared her throat. "Yes, I need
it to write with," she reasoned in a serious voice.
He smiled almost playfully at her, his
white teeth showing in the dim room and his gray eyes twinkling cleverly in the
candlelight. "And who do you plan to write to?" he inquired, his
voice touched with amusement.
Alina held her chin high and took a sip of
wine. "To no one of course. I simply wish to keep a journal of my...em,
stay here, as your…eh, guest."
To her disbelief he tossed back his head
and let out a hearty laugh. He was enjoying himself when he was supposed to be
annoyed. That was the plan. Chagrined, she bit on her lower lip.
"And the five pairs of leather shoes
in different colors?"
"To match the different dresses you've
given me," she replied with a hint of annoyance and took another large sip
of wine. The flush on her cheeks deepened.
He continued grinning and his impassive
attitude vexed her. He held up his hands, mimicking defeat. "All right.
How can I disappoint a lovely lady such as you? You will get what you asked for,
although I can't promise the shoes in every color…" His mouth straightened
and his eyes held hers intently, gleaming with something deep and mystical.
That look sent goose bumps along her arms.
Strangely, she was beginning to feel too relaxed, and rather warm. She touched
the long skirts of her dress because they suddenly felt heavy against her legs.
She couldn't believe he would comply with
her list. Perhaps he was mocking her in reality, allowing her to believe he
would purchase those items for her benefit.
"I think we have eaten too well,"
he stated and rose.
She watched as he came toward her. "Shall
we walk in the garden to ease our stomachs?" he suggested, holding the
back of her chair.
She complied and stood. Her nerve endings
stirred at his nearness. "That is a good idea," she responded,
contriving to continue with her plan.
He lifted his arm and she eagerly took it,
giving him the sweetest smile. She was pleased to note his sharp intake of
breath. Alina looked forward with her chin held proudly high and felt very much
in control.
Ramon gazed a little longer at her lovely
profile and wondered about Alina's odd, yet very becoming demeanor. Perhaps the
wine was affecting her, he thought but dismissed the idea because she seemed
different from the minute she had walked into the room. And that gown…even as
they strolled across the courtyard, he could feel his penis stiffen in response
to her exposed flesh.
It was a lovely evening. A gentle breeze
rustled their hair. Her long skirts brushed the ground, just as their bodies
brushed up against one another as they walked and she was now glad for the
support of his arm. The wine, coupled with his proximity, were making her legs
wobble slightly. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Here she was,
arm in arm with her captor, her father's enemy, ignorant of her fate in this
man's hands. A wave of guilt swept over her senses, numbing her momentarily.
What would her poor father think if he saw her? She frowned in shame.
"You look sad," Ramon said, his
eyes always alert.
She took a moment before speaking. "I
was thinking of my father."
He remained expressionless for some time. "You
will return to your family soon enough. But now is not the time to discuss
this," he said, looking straight ahead.
This should have consoled her but she didn't
trust him completely. His animosity towards her father had been evident from
the start. She merely shrugged her shoulders, not in the mood to argue with
him. She still couldn't shake the feeling of lightheadedness. They came to the
creek and walked along its tiny bank, hearing the familiar trickling sound as
it ran southward. She liked the feel of his muscles under her hand. She looked
up at him and her heart skipped at his profile, the dark lashes, the straight
nose and sensuous, wide mouth…
As if sensing her stare he turned his head
and looked at her, holding her gaze steadily. A curious smile curved his mouth.
"You are looking at me," he stated, partly questioning.
Realizing her actions, she meant to look
away but willed herself to focus on the plan. "Yes, I was, wasn't I? Does
it bother you?" she questioned innocently and batted her lashes.
He raised an eyebrow as his smile widened.
"Of course not. You usually avoid looking at me. But your attention is
always desirable, Alina," he said in a velvety voice that made her skin
prickle as his eyes probed her expression.
"Really?" she replied almost
absently and glanced down at her slim hand resting against his lower arm, the
heat of his skin penetrating the thin shirt. Ever so slowly she moved her
fingertips over his arm, in an affectedly unconscious way and forced her gaze
forward as he looked down at her hand. She felt the tensing of muscles
underneath.
"It's a perfect evening," she
sighed whimsically. "The air is refreshing, don't you think?" Alina
asked and looked up at him with large, beckoning eyes and an easy smile.
Ramon's breath caught in his throat as
their eyes met. Dios! What was she doing? He cleared his throat. "Eh,
yes it is very nice," he murmured, not able to take his eyes from her
face.
Alina broke the connection and traced a
larger pattern on his arm, pleased to hear his quickened breath.
"Alina--" he began but she cut
him off.
"I feel a little thirsty Ramon,"
she said and broke the embrace to step up to the creek. She gathered the skirts
of her gown as best she could and bent her knees to scoop up some water, hoping
the effects of the wine would ware off so she could keep her wits about her.
She felt Ramon step directly behind her. "Alina,
are you ill?" he asked with concern.
She straightened and turned to meet his
gaze, aware that her lips were wet. Purposely, she touched the naked skin above
her bodice, leaving behind tiny beads of water that glistened in the moonlight.
"I'm well," she replied calmly.
His gray eyes darkened instantly as he
observed the rise and fall of her chest.
She lifted an eyebrow. "Why are you
looking at me that way?" she asked innocently and observed him run his
fingers roughly through his hair.
He sighed deeply and came closer, making
her breath catch. His hand reached out and cupped her chin, lifting it so that
he could look into her eyes. "How do you expect me to look at you Alina?
You're absolutely ravishing tonight," he said thickly and moved his hand
to the nape of her neck. Her legs instantly weakened but she forced herself to
appear unaffected. "Your hair is silky, your skin glows and your lips are
like the dewy petals of a rose…" With his other hand, he traced her mouth
before igniting a path down her smooth throat to its fluttering hollow.
She was enjoying the sense of power she
had over him but her heartbeat quickened excitedly, acutely aware of his warm
caress. "Don't," she murmured but he ignored her.
"And this dress you're wearing…"
His finger moved into the silken valley of her breasts and stopped just above
the lacy neckline.
With an unsteady breath and goose bumps on
her skin, she covered his hand with her own. "Master Ramon, I haven't
allowed you such liberty," she stated and met his gaze challengingly.
He raised a dark eyebrow. "I can't
say you have, Miss Alina." His large hand clasped her small one and lifted
it to his mouth to brush against it softly.
She willed her breathing to steady itself
as she stared up at him. He lowered her hand and the wide, beautiful shape of
his mouth compelled her.
Suddenly, he caught her about the waist
and brought her against him, forcing a gasp from her throat. Her hands held
onto his arms instinctively. She gazed up at him wide-eyed, bracing herself for
his kiss.
But it didn't come. Instead, his fingers
gently massaged her waist and their eyes remained locked. "But you aren't
your usual self tonight and I'm not sure it's due solely to the wine you drank
so easily," he said and gave her an amused smile.
Offended, Alina's mouth fell open. "I'm
not drunk!" she stated and tried to pull away but his grasp tightened.
"Hmn, your face is flushed and your
walk is…unsteady. That part is my fault, I shouldn't have let you drink."
"Nonsense. I feel perfectly fine,"
she countered just as a light wave of dizziness swept over her. Damned the
drink! "Release me please," she demanded.
He didn't budge. "Not so fast. I
insist you tell me why you're suddenly behaving so strangely." His gray
eyes searched her face.
"I don't know what you're talking
about," she replied as seriously as possible.
A corner of his mouth lifted. "I
think you do. This daring gown, the sweet smiles you've been sending my way--the
way you touched my arm earlier."
Alina looked shocked. "You must be
imagining things. There is nothing wrong with this dress. And why on earth
would I want to touch you…as you suggested?"
His expression stiffened considerably and
a muscle jumped in his jaw.
Ramon seemed to be turning her response
over in his brain as he studied her closely, a frown shaping his mouth.
Finally, he spoke. "Am I so offensive to you, Alina?" His voice was
strangely low and it made her heart clench uneasily.
She averted her eyes and cleared her
throat. "Must we sour this nice evening with such conversation?"
His hand lifted and forced her to look at
him. His gaze was suddenly so intense it seemed to penetrate through her. She
prayed he wouldn't recognize her act.
"Alina, you've been flirting with me
since dinner. I'm no fool," he insisted.
A nervous giggle pursed her lips as she
held his gaze with all her willpower summoned. "Master Ramon, perhaps you
are tired from your trip," she replied calmly and managed to ease away.
She stepped onto the stone path and turned to him. "Shall we continue?"
His mouth clamped shut in obvious
irritation. Alina was enjoying the game.
She resumed walking further into the
garden and he followed after her and slipped her arm through his again.
"I am very rested, little Alina."
The control in his voice barely concealed his displeasure.
She gave him a sideways look, taking in
his manly profile. "Now who is doing the touching?" she said softly.
His gaze narrowed on her full mouth, still
moist from the water. "Only to steady you in case you slip on the path."
She yanked her arm free of his and placed
her hands on her hips. She tossed her hair back and shot him an angry look. "Why
do you insist that I am drunk?"
"Alina..."
She stepped away from him. "I'm not a
child, you know. I'm old enough to drink…old enough to do many things,"
she said suggestively and heard his breath catch.
His hand grasped her wrist firmly. "Let's
go back. You are not fit..."
Alina tried to pull away. "No you can't
tell me what to do. I like it here."
Ramon's teeth gritted together
impatiently. He didn't know whether he wanted to shake her or kiss her. The
second would be more agreeable.
"Enough is enough!" he stated
and scooped her up in his arms, throwing her easily over his shoulder. He
ignored her scream and held her about the thighs as he marched through the
garden. He crossed the courtyard into the house and proceeded to climb the
various staircases that led to the third floor, all the while silently cursing
the demons that had brought her here, in his home. The girl was trouble, a
delicious innocent and tantalizing vixen rolled into one. If he didn't know any
better, he'd suspect that she had been created for the sole purpose of seducing
and tormenting his senses to the point of madness!
Alina tried to move her legs, to kick
Ramon and free herself but they didn't obey, as if made of lead. "Let go
of me! She muttered against his shoulder, feeling her head bob up and down as
he climbed the winding staircase. "Ohh…" Suddenly she felt very dizzy
and clasped her head to stop the spinning.
They were in her bedroom, and she heard
him kick the door shut. She blinked in the darkness. Slowly, she was lowered
onto the soft bed and sighed in relief. He eased her shoes off and left
momentarily to return with a cup of water, all the while mumbling agitatedly.
He slipped a hand behind her shoulders and
eased her up. "Here, drink this." He held the cup to her lips and she
drank. She pulled away, feeling somewhat refreshed and he placed the cup on the
bedside table, still cradling her in his arm.
"Better?" he asked.
She managed a self-conscious smile and he
lowered her onto the pillow. By some crazy will of their own, her hands reached
out and grabbed his shirt, pulling him down with her. She felt his body tense
as his weight fell on top of her. She sighed at the warm, sinewy feel of him
against her body.
Ramon stared down at the incredible
creature before him. His loins wakened at the feel of her soft suppleness
directly under him. She couldn't possibly know what she was doing. Or could
she? He stared into her dreamy green eyes, so lovely! He cupped her face in his
hands. Her body had begun to move seductively under his. He felt the hardening
in his trousers and drew in a shaky breath.
His male impulses had been enticed
throughout the entire evening and would not be easily assuaged. He bent his
head and caught her rosy lips in his mouth. She sighed softly and he felt no
resistance, which made his blood rush eagerly.
Alina was in a half-dream, half-conscious
state. Her limbs felt oddly heavy, stirring languidly under the weight of his
body. But her skin was very awake, burning through the material of her gown as
she felt his muscles press hard against her curves. For one long, senseless
moment she imagined him to be the savior in her dream. She sighed as the heat
of his body seared hers and made her move under him sensually. Her flesh seemed
to melt into him as though seeking to become one with his.
Alina sighed as his mouth burned against
hers, kissing, licking, biting gently. He plied her lips open and thrust his
tongue into the wet warmth of her mouth, awakening her taste buds. Her tongue
explored his mouth in return and she heard his deep moan. She liked the feel
and taste of him. She raised her hands to his face and felt his strong jaw line
as she took in his distinct, manly scent.
He pulled his mouth from hers and ignited
a path down to her throat, which he tasted with his tongue, making her gasp and
clutch him about the neck. She offered her throat up to him and his mouth
buried into her sensitive hollow while his tongue flicked against its rapid
pulse.
Her twisting intensified with every nibble
and flick of his tongue. She arched against him and thrust her soft breasts
into his chest. Of their own will her fingers curled into the thickness of his
hair above his nape and stroked the warm skin on the back of his neck. He eased
the dress away from one shoulder and kissed the delicate bones and soft skin.
His hot tongue caused her arm to prickle with delightful shivers. She turned
her head to one side as he continued to the swell of her breast. A tiny sound
escaped her as he ran his mouth and tongue over her skin. He circled over the
rise of her right breast and moaned as he continued to the shadowed junction
between the full mounds. She gasped loudly as he inserted his moist tongue into
the valley and flicked it rapidly. Her nipples hardened in response and the
skin of her breasts seemed to stretch tautly, demanding attention. Her heart
beat erratically and she imagined he could hear it, with his ear so close.
No amount of reason could stop her from
behaving this way, as if a wanton spirit had possessed her. She had been
inviting danger all along, but right now, she didn't care. All she wanted was
to feel…feel and keep feeling the exquisite burst of sensations throughout her
body as his hands and mouth worked their magic.
Ramon's penis thrust uncomfortably against
his fitted trousers, pressing insistently against her thigh. He raised his head
from her skin and watched her mouth part with a yearning sigh. Just then he
realized he had never wanted a woman more. Her physical charms were so lovely
he didn't know what to worship first. He took in the shiny waves of her hair
splayed out on the pillow, the delicate features of her heart-shaped face, her
passionate green eyes, her silky skin and her supple curves as they molded into
the hardness of his body. She smelled so good too--sweetly feminine.
His entire body tensed with the urge to
rip off her clothes and slake his lust. His little prisoner seemed to be
enjoying this too. The knowledge intensified his desire. He dug his thigh
between her legs and shifted his body so as not to crush her with his full
weight. He bent his knee for support and rested it lightly against her thigh.
He steadied himself on his elbow and looked down into her eyes.
Alina's chest rose and fell unsteadily and
she felt she should flinch away from the virile shaft that hardened against her
but she was caught up in a tumultuous current of physical emotions. Her gaze
fell to his disheveled shirt, the flap of the collar pushed to one side,
exposing the tanned column of his throat and one strong shoulder blade. She
resisted the urge to touch him there.
They lay motionless, apart from their
quickened breathing, their eyes locking. Hers were wide, the pupils dilated,
with a mixture of anticipation and innocence. His had turned a very dark,
smoldering gray.
"Say my name," he ordered in a
low, thick voice.
She blinked, a little confused. "What?"
she whispered, her eyes searching his.
He clasped her slim waist, encircling it
with long fingers and stroked her. "My name, Alina. Say it," he
insisted.
Her eyes fluttered shut as his lean
fingers worked her flesh. What did he want from her, she thought? He was in
total control. Even her plan to goad him and remain impassive was working
against her. It was his house, his rules and his expert hands and mouth that
roused dangerous reactions in her, forcing reason from her mind. She gazed up
at him, her eyes running over his ruggedly attractive face. She wet her lips to
moisten them and whispered his name, feeling strangely frustrated.
"Louder," he coerced and slid
his hand up the side of her body.
"Ramon," she replied in a rushed
voice and saw the flicker of delight in his eyes.
His right hand moved onto the gentle swell
of her abdomen and caressed her in circles. He watched her expression, feeling
her belly tremble. "You are so beautiful Alina. And a little drunk I'm
afraid," he laughed shortly, a velvety sound. "But you are aware of
me, yes? You can feel my touch on your body…" He lowered his gaze to her
chest. "Your skin is perfect. Not too dark or light. And so soft," he
continued, tormenting her further as his warm hand splayed itself under her
breast and then moved slowly up the full mound, cupping its firmness in his
palm.
Alina gasped. Even above her corset and
dress, the heat of his hand carried through to her quivering skin and she felt
her breasts rise to meet his touch. His fingers located the aroused nub at the
center and stroked it, making her back arch.
Her hands clutched restlessly at the bed
cover. What had started as a scheme was spinning out of control. She sighed
with pleasure as he stroked the rise of her breasts, giving in to the force of
her own arousal. She despised her body's carnal response to him. Later, she
could blame it on the wine, she supposed…
With few swift motions, he untied the lacy
ribbons of her bodice, loosening the fabric over her chest. Impatiently he
pulled the top of her dress off her shoulders, down to her waist, revealing the
stiff material of her corset, which was also laced at the front. The snugness
of the corset caused the full mounds of her breasts to lift and almost overflow
from the top. She heard his breath catch.
Fascinated, Alina watched as he undid the
front of the corset and exposed the valley between her breasts. Why couldn't
she stop him? She asked herself with a fraction of dismay when his hand slipped
between the loosened material and rubbed the dewy flesh. Her heart skipped
excitedly.
He murmured something incoherent and
nuzzled his face against her throat. She lifted her hands to his hair again as
he kissed her silky skin, and trailed a fiery path down to her breasts. She
gasped involuntarily as his mouth and tongue traced circles on her flesh. With
the laces undone, he could easily open the corset, exposing her bare breasts.
But he didn't. He cupped one full mound in his hand through the material and
molded the soft flesh while teasing with his tongue. Alina feared her breast
would pop out and she tensed for a moment. But her nipples ached for his mouth
and she pressed his head to her flesh.
Ramon's lust for the young woman was
spinning out of control. His erection was now painful and he longed to kick off
his cumbersome trousers. Luckily, the final remainders of reason held him in
check…at least for the moment. The feel of her ample breast under his mouth was
like nothing he had ever experienced--not that he was lacking in experience.
But no woman had affected him like this. She trembled and sighed in his hands
like a little animal, more like a cat, actually, as she arched her back and
made tiny mewing sounds in her throat that drove him to the edge.
Her corset had traveled lower from her
restless twisting and his fondling. A good part of her voluptuous breasts was
exposed and his eyes devoured the pale mounds. He moaned hungrily and ran his
palm over the supple skin, fondling, kneading, and finally teasing her nipples
to a harder point through the corset.
What was it about this little slip of a girl that aroused him
to such extremes? He demanded in frustration and raised his head slightly to
search her beautiful eyes, which she had closed. Open your eyes Alina,
he silently requested. Finally, the lids fluttered open and what he saw there
told him she was fighting her own battle; clearly tantalized by this new physical
experience yet at the same time struggling to control her body's response. He
had always been able to control his emotions, his actions. What was different
this time? Ramon bit into Alina's tender flesh as these thoughts burned his
mind.
She cried out softly, but not painfully as
his teeth grazed her skin. While his mouth focused on her flesh, his free hand
lowered to her leg and slipped under her skirts. In her mesmerized state, Alina
barely noticed his hand sliding up her leg until it reached her cotton drawers.
He grasped her inner thigh and pushed her leg slightly off the bed, his fingers
dangerously near the core of her femininity. The motion caused her legs to
part. His hand boldly cupped her most sensitive part through her drawers. Alina
gasped in surprise and started to close her legs.
"Just one minute, little Alina. Let
me touch you..." he murmured into her ear and after a moment's hesitation,
she let her limbs relax.
Her lips parted in another gasp as his long fingers stroked her
pubis, spreading the fire between her legs. Her womb clenched and tingled in
response, welcoming his touch. Oddly, she felt her insides moisten and held his
gaze.
"Do you feel that? Your body aches to be loved,"
Ramon said huskily and lowered his mouth to her breast again. His tongue
flicked over her hot skin and she closed her eyes as her hips lifted to meet
his hand.
New, more intense sensations erupted throughout her body and
she turned her head from side to side as tiny gasps escaped her.
"Sweet Alina…" he murmured and possessed her mouth.
His fingers at her core became more
insistent, intensifying her ache. Oh God! Her sighs and soft moans
continued with his caress and she cupped his face, urging his mouth to hers
again. She reveled in his kiss and his experienced touch. Inch by inch, her
body caught on fire, making her melt and arch longingly against him.
She felt her sex swell in yearning, assuming he could feel it
too. Even her wetness seeped through the delicate material of her drawers. His
groin pulsed against her thigh and she moaned softly.
Ramon lifted his mouth from hers. "Alina, let me please
you," he demanded urgently as his hand reached up to the band of her
drawers, easing it down.
Her eyes widened in panic as her mind
suddenly registered the severity of the situation and she placed her hands
against his chest. "No, we can't!" she blurted in a rushed voice.
"Don't deny yourself," he
pressed on, tugging the band. He wanted to ease her yearning and watch her
shudder with waves of pleasure.
"Please," she repeated more
urgently, holding his gaze with wide eyes.
He stilled for a long moment and
unwillingly removed his hand from her drawers. He sighed gruffly and stared
into her lovely face, her swollen lips parted as they released short gasps of air.
Her green eyes stared back in alarm and arousal. He frowned and pressed his
mouth to her cheek as the reality of the situation dawned on him. He was
pushing too much, having known it earlier on, although aware he would have
stopped himself soon enough. But he wanted to enjoy her delightful charms a
little longer.
He expelled a ragged breath and raked his
fingers through his hair. "Yes, of course," he said, clearing his
throat. "You needn't worry, it's not in my nature to take advantage of
inebriated virgins." And with that he shifted his body off of hers with
some difficulty. His erection was obvious as he stood beside the bed and she
was startled at its size. She averted her gaze, flushing deeply and looked up
at him.
"Sweet dreams, Alina," he said
in a low voice and left the room.
Alina blinked back tears that threatened
to overflow. Even after touching her so tenderly, he mocked her. Shame overcame
her and she cried a long time, clutching the pieces of her corset together.
Slowly, she recovered and forced herself to change into her nightdress. She
sniffled and wiped the tears from her face. Ramon was a dangerous man. He would
do her no good. And now she had humiliated herself with her drunken state and
uninhibited behavior. When she finally fell asleep her dreams were troubled. No
young man to come whisk her away to safety.
Chapter Four
The next day Alina kept in her room as
much as possible and spoke briefly with Maria who looked concerned, but did not
pry. She nursed her headache with a hot tea the maid had prepared. Her
annoyance at both herself and Ramon burned her insides most of the day. It
spurred the need for revenge.
When she finally decided to leave her
room, she was glad to find Fernando downstairs. He saw her making her way to
the kitchen and called her over to the workstation. He was alone, studying the
maps on the table.
"Hello Fernando. It's nice to see you
again," Alina said truthfully and felt at ease in the young man's presence.
He smiled brightly at her as she
approached. "Miss Alina, you look lovely, although a little tired?"
he remarked as his brows came together in concern.
She smiled. "I'm fine, really. Just a
small headache."
"Sorry to hear that." He
motioned to the maps. "Have you seen the route of the voyage we'll be
taking to the west?"
She gazed with interest at the sheets. "No,
I haven't. Tell me about it," she asked.
"I'm very excited. It's the first
time I sail with the King's armada. Here is how we'll start…" he pointed
out their location on a map of
Recalling his callousness last night, she
turned on her acting skills. Just as Fernando finished, she leaned closer to
him and gave him a syrupy smile. "Fernando, you make it all sound so
wonderful, I'm jealous!" She giggled.
The young man seemed taken aback but only
for a second. Encouraged by her flirtatious demeanor, he returned the smile
with warm eyes. "Miss Alina, it's unfortunate that women are not allowed
aboard ships, otherwise I would enjoy taking you along for the trip."
"Oh yes, that would be nice Fernando,"
she punctuated and touched his arm lightly.
Ramon cleared his voice from the second
floor. "Nando!"
Alina looked up with feigned shock but
poor Fernando's was real. She was gratified with the chagrined look on Ramon's
face. Serves him right!
"Yes Captain! I was just showing Miss
Alina the maps," he replied with flushed cheeks that made Alina feel a
pinch of guilt.
Ramon's gaze moved to hers, almost searing
her with intensity. "I see that. We'll be on La Alegria today and I
need you to look at one of the sails."
"Yes Captain," Fernando replied
with swift loyalty. He turned to Alina. "Miss Alina, I must go," he
said with a touch of regret and bowed slightly before heading up to Ramon's
study.
Alina held Ramon's gaze innocently,
fighting the smile that wanted to surface.
His jaw was tense and his eyes were
broodingly dark. Finally, he looked away and nodded to Fernando as he
approached. The two men entered the study.
Alina let out a rushed breath. Ramon was
angry. She had seen that clearly and hoped his anger was due to jealousy. Good
work, Alina. She brought her attention to the maps again, focusing on one
marked: The Caribbean Islands.
* * * *
Ramon had returned to his ship, meeting
with potential sailors for the pending voyage. He was satisfied with only five
of the ten he had already seen.
"Most of them are bloody pirates,"
he mumbled to Sergi as they stood near the bow.
"Ramon, I believe we ought to see
Emmanuel Sanchez. He is a fine captain who has fallen ill this spring and won't
be sailing soon. He should have several skilled men on hand," Sergi
suggested.
Ramon rubbed his chin. "That's a good idea Sergi. We'll
see him soon then. Time is short." He ran a hand through his dark hair. "How
many more today?" he asked.
"There will be three in the evening."
"Marquez has caused me great trouble.
I'm surprised he hasn't come banging on the door yet. The guards have seen
nothing suspicious either. He is too quiet."
"It is being said that he is
searching for his daughter in
"Hmn. Well, we are ready for him in
any case," Ramon said.
Sergi watched Ramon as he paced about,
hand on his chin. "You seem disturbed, Ramon," he commented.
Ramon paused and turned to the other man.
He had been thinking about Alina. "I have the voyage on my mind."
Sergi nodded. "What do you plan to do
with the girl?" he asked the one question Ramon was hoping to avoid. At
least for the moment.
"Yes, well…it is a concern. She asked
that I send a message to her mother, assuring her of her well-being. I have no
quarrel with the woman. Yet it is nice to know that Marquez is upset. I feel
that he should suffer a while longer, no?" Ramon said.
"Whatever suits you Ramon. I only
hope her stay here will not put the trip at risk. At the very least it would be
a disturbance to have to deal with her father just before we sail," Sergi
reasoned.
Ramon knew that Sergi had a point but he
wasn't ready to give Alina up yet. "We shall see," he told his
assistant and stared out at the lapping waves of the deep blue sea, unaware
that he would be dealing with Duardo Marquez very soon. The latter was escorted
into his study by two guardsmen early the following morning.
As Ramon observed the older man, he had a
good mind to kill him--be rid of him all at once. Instead, he calmly sat at his
desk as their eyes locked in battle.
Duardo Marquez was a stout man of average
height and a full belly, somewhere in his early fifties. His face was round and
plain, framed by a dark beard. A wide leather belt encased his dagger, whose
hilt was embroidered in gold. "I
have word that you might have taken my daughter, Janez," Duardo grumbled
in a coarse voice.
"And what reason do you have? Surely
you must have a long list of enemies," Ramon taunted, enjoying the annoyed
expression on the man's face.
Duardo's eyes narrowed. "I know you
blame me for the loss of some of your men on the banks of Carthagena, but they
themselves are to be blamed."
Ramon lifted a brow. "Explain
yourself," he demanded curtly.
Duardo's breath came out more raspily, and tiny beads of
perspiration dotted his forehead. "Your men looted my ship while it was
scarcely guarded. My men attacked to regain the loot. Yours deserved what they
got," he barked, eyes coldly dark.
Ramon's
patience was thinning, and his fist came down hard on the desk. "Liar! My
men would never steal from another ship!" He stood, several inches taller
than the other man and stepped up to him. "I ought to slit your pirate's
throat Marquez," he said and poked his finger into the delicate bone of
the man's throat, making him cough.
The
latter stepped back and clutched his throat, eyes flashing furiously. "You
push your luck with me, Janez," he growled.
Ramon
ignored the remark. "You know very well that you are responsible for
attacking my ship and my men…and you will pay when I return from the
west."
A
flash of fear crossed Duardo's face as he stared up at Ramon, recognizing the
imminent threat.
Ramon
would have enjoyed informing the vile man that his daughter had painfully paid
for her father's deeds and he would probably never see her again. "I
strongly suggest you leave and never return. As for your daughter, I don't
waste my time with little girls." His gaze narrowed upon Duardo's flushed
face. "Take him away. And if he tries anything stupid, throw him into the
cells," he ordered the guards and they pushed Duardo, huffing and cursing
away.
Ramon
slowly calmed, further realizing with some surprise that had Alina not been
involved, he might have killed her father without hesitation. The man was a
filthy pig. Yet, for some reason, it didn't sit well with him to have her
father's blood on his hands. He couldn't begin to understand how they were related.
She hardly resembled him in any way. It must be the mother, he reasoned. He
walked to the window in an attempt to clear his mind. He had no hate for the
woman and decided that he would get a message to her about her daughter as soon
as possible.
Alina.
He recalled her intimate conversation with Nando the other day. His bosun could
be charming with women and Alina seemed to have been open to it. He rubbed his
chin uneasily because he didn't like the idea of Alina growing feelings for
Nando. But why did he care? The girl should mean nothing to him. Perhaps
he should have used her from the beginning and satisfied his need. He raked his
fingers through his hair and tasted a drop of bitterness on his tongue.
Sergi
appeared in the doorway. "There are men to see you Ramon," he
announced and for a while, Ramon's mind was occupied with things of business
again.
*
* * *
Alina
knocked loudly on her bedroom door, furious that she had been locked inside her
room. She had just finished her
She
leaned her back against the door feeling defeated and shut her eyes, willing
herself not to cry again. She must have stood there for over twenty minutes
when someone inserted a key in the lock and turned it. She stepped away from
the door as it opened to reveal Sergi. She stared up at him crossly. "Why
was I locked in my room?"
"For
your own safety. We had troublesome visitors," he explained.
Alina
watched him carefully but his expression belied nothing otherwise. Still, she
was not convinced. "And what did these visitors have to do with me?"
she questioned.
Sergi
avoided her gaze and turned away. "It wasn't safe," he repeated and
she drew in a long breath, pushing past him into the foyer where she saw Maria.
"Maria,
do you know why I was locked up in my room like a true prisoner?"
The
woman's brow creased and she shook her head. "I'm sorry Miss Alina, I was
not aware of such a thing," she replied and looked questioningly at Sergi
who stood behind the young woman.
"Naturally,"
Alina said hotly and left the room, heading downstairs where she would find
some answers. She headed straight for the study, guessing Ramon would be there
but paused on the landing when she heard voices rising from the first floor.
She leaned against the banister and located Ramon among a small group of men
below.
Any
timidity she may have normally felt was squashed by anger. "Ramon! I must
speak to you," she called out and five pairs of eyes lifted and focused on
her from below. Her eyes locked with only one pair though, and they flashed
severely at her.
She
heard Ramon excuse himself before he walked briskly up the staircase. She
placed her hands on her hips and watched as he came around on the landing. His
eyes assessed her darkly and before she could muster a word he took her by the
arm and pulled her into his study, closing the door behind them.
He
crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at her, noting the build-up of
tears in her eyes. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded
tersely.
Images
of their lovemaking flashed before her and she swallowed emotionally and
blinked them away. "You locked me in my room," she accused, clasping
her hands into fists.
He
expelled an irritated breath and leaned back against his desk. "And I
suppose you are seeking some sort of explanation."
"Yes,"
she replied.
"We
encountered some problems with people who had come to the house and I felt you
would be safer," he explained.
"That's
what Sergi said too but I don't believe it."
He
raised a dark eyebrow. "Well, I can't control what you choose to believe,"
he replied flatly.
"Don't
take me for a fool. You're hiding something." She looked around the room,
searching for some clue and heard him laugh, which vexed her even more. "Don't
laugh Mr. Janez. I shall find out. In the end, the truth always shines," she
stated, her chin held high in determination.
Ramon
enjoyed watching her like this, haughty and determined. Even now she was
beautiful. "How is your head?" He asked shortly, aware that she had
woken with a headache the other day.
She
frowned. "Fine. Why do you ask?"
He
shrugged. "Out of concern."
Her
eyes narrowed. "Yes, with the same concern that made you lock me in my
room, I suppose?"
Ramon
laughed again, this time deeply. "You are feisty, today. Is there any
particular reason for that?" he said in a too velvety voice that caused
her stomach to flutter and bring a hot flush to her face.
"I--I
don't know what you mean," she stuttered, losing her former poise.
Ramon
gave her a beautiful, broad smile. "I will be busy the next few weeks,
preparing for the voyage. You may not see me often," he informed her,
changing the subject. Then with a slight drawl, "I hope that doesn't
disappoint you."
Alina
hid her disappointment. "Why should it? Especially if I have the items I
asked for, to occupy myself with," she replied.
"Yes,
of course. Maria is going into town in a few days. She will get you what you
need," he reassured.
"Good.
Thank you," she answered, feeling odd about thanking him. There was
nothing more to say so she left, practically running to the shelter of the
garden.
From
the window Ramon watched as Alina made her way past the courtyard, disappearing
among the dense groves. He recalled their stroll two days ago that catapulted
them into each other's arms. Things were not getting any easier, he realized.
Chapter
Five
Maria did indeed go to Carthagena and
return with the things Alina had asked for. Among several items were five pairs
of dainty shoes of the latest fashion. Their leather was soft and they all
sported a wide, square heel. She slipped one on and examined herself in the
mirror. The items were strewn on the bed for her own pleasure and she pranced
over and picked up a bottle containing a perfumed powder to apply to her skin
on humid days. Another was a towelette for washing her face and several scented
soaps for her hair. She admired pretty green nightdress made for the hot summer--it
was pure silk and must be worth gold! She mused as she pressed the cool
material to her face. She glanced at the feather quill and bound leather diary
and grinned, knowing she would probably never use them. In reality, Alina had
no use for most of those luxuries, being of modest home and modest nature. She
sighed, feeling a little guilty for demanding such frivolous trimmings, and
still surprised that Ramon had bought them for her. Yet it served him right for
locking her up in her room!
"Doesn't Miss Alina like her gifts?"
Maria inquired, lingering at the door.
Alina smiled at the woman. "Yes. They are all perfect. Thank
you for going to the trouble."
Ramon was indeed busy these days. She
caught glimpses of him at his workstation and entering or leaving his study as
she walked about the house. Every time their paths crossed, his gaze was
enigmatic but its intensity would brand her skin, making her blush instantly.
And every time, she was more determined to make him suffer with jealousy.
She chatted fervently with Fernando
whenever she saw him, ignoring the disapproving looks Ramon would throw their
way. One time she went so far as to mention to Maria how intrigued she was by
Nando, knowing that Ramon would enter the kitchen and overhear her. On that
particular occasion, he had given her the darkest look and left the room
without saying a word.
Poor Maria had turned red with discomfort.
"Alina, that sort of talk is improper -- a young woman of virtue such as
yourself -- really!" she scolded and frowned at her.
Alina shrugged her shoulders innocently. "I
was just being honest, Maria. What's the harm in that?"
The maid let out an impatient sigh and
raised her finger. "You were being naughty and you know it," she
stated disapprovingly and left the kitchen in a huff.
Alina smiled and cut off a large purple
grape from the bunch in her hand and bit into it. "Yes, I was," she
said to herself.
After that incident, Ramon often appeared
ill-tempered.
* * * *
It was a perfect spring day, the kind
without a cloud in the sky, and she sat on a bench in the courtyard, writing in
her journal, enjoying the warm rays of the sun on her hair and skin. She hadn't
noticed Ramon as he approached and stood before her. She looked up and stopped
writing. Her heart skipped nervously as it always did in his presence, and she
stood. His gaze wandered over her face and hair and she felt her cheeks grow
warm.
His gaze fell on the journal as she closed
it. "You've been doing a lot of writing lately," he commented in his
usual deep voice.
"Just keeping busy," she replied
and lowered her eyes to his chest, a few dark curls visible at the opening of
his shirt and wondered how many times she had wanted to kiss him there.
His mouth curved into a smile. "What
have you been writing about?"
"Nothing really," she said and
lowered the book to her side.
His brow lifted. "Well, you must be
writing about something. Tell me about it," he continued.
She sighed. "I don't want to. It's
personal," she replied curtly.
This had the desired effect. His jaw
tensed and his eyes narrowed slightly. "Let me see the journal, Alina,"
he demanded.
Alina placed the journal behind her back. "No."
He held out his hand. "Stop being a
child. Give it to me."
With an exasperated sigh, she handed him
the book and frowned. She watched as his eyes scanned the pages and held her
breath when he came to her recent entry:
Lately, I have found solace in Fernando's
company. He is pleasant and uncritical. I believe he truly likes me. And he is
rather handsome! It is exciting to hear him talk about the voyage and I'll miss
him when he's gone. It's a pity we met under such circumstances.
Although there was only partial truth to
her words, Alina felt a flush of embarrassment spread over her face. She
swallowed nervously as Ramon looked up slowly from the journal and snapped it
shut. She stared at his feet.
"Look at me, Alina," he ordered.
She forced her eyes to his and nearly
gasped at the dangerous flame that flickered in the gray depths. She shifted
her feet uneasily.
"Are you in love with him?" he
questioned with distinct tension in his voice, searching her eyes.
She had to use caution here, not wanting
to put herself in a precarious situation. "I like Fernando. He is a nice
person," she said, chewing on her lower lip.
His eyes narrowed a fraction. "Yes,
he is nice. But he's also a very young man who is in the process of seeking
female attention whenever it is available."
The insinuation was obvious. "As I'm
sure you did when you were his age," she replied and noted the
catch in his breath.
He reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Damnit,
I'm trying to protect you!"
She tried to twist out of his hold. "I
don't need protecting from Fernando!"
His hand tightened and she winced. "You
need protection from yourself!" he growled before letting go but he caught
her chin in his hand and lifted her face as he took in her startled eyes and
parted lips. He let out an unsteady breath. "I won't allow you to make a
fool of yourself under my roof. Your behavior lately has been inappropriate.
From now on you are to stay away from Nando, do you hear?"
Alina had expected to hit a nerve all
along but she was still shocked by his blatant anger and imposing
righteousness. With tears pricking her eyes, she jerked her head free of his
hand.
"You can't control everything I do!"
She snatched the journal from him and ran into the house. She was plagued by
bittersweet emotions the rest of the day.
The minute Alina was gone, Ramon came to
terms with his overreaction. He was jealous. No point in denying that. Alina
seemed to be enjoying her conversations with his bosun a little too much. He
let out a brief, self-mocking laugh. He was actually jealous of young Nando.
But in part truth he was sparing Alina from a broken heart, well aware that if
given the chance, Nando would not resist her beauty and innocence. What man
could? He himself was certainly no exception.
Releasing a ragged breath, he went inside,
determined to keep Nando very occupied on the ship until the voyage.
* * * *
One day, Alina had been walking down the
corridor when she heard Ramon's voice below in the workstation. Cautiously, she
approached the edge and peeked down to catch a glimpse of Ramon's dark head,
and Sergi's bald one. She was careful not to be noticed.
"It looks like we are ready for the
voyage," Sergi was saying.
"Imagine, Sergi, in less than
fourteen days we'll be sailing to the West." Ramon was eager.
"We will be gone a long time. What do
you plan to do with the girl then?" Sergi asked and Alina's breath caught
in her throat.
Ramon paused briefly. "That does pose
a problem. Mmn…perhaps it is best to let her go before the trip," he said.
"Yes, Ramon, I do believe that is
best. As I said, Duardo may cause you problems as he did when he came for her
the other day," Sergi said.
Alina immediately shrank away from the railing, nearly gasping
aloud upon hearing this. Her father had been here--in the house--and she didn't
know! She thought a moment and recalled being locked in her room some days ago.
So that was it. It made sense. Ramon certainly didn't want to risk her being
seen by her father so he had locked her up! The fact infuriated her. He was
a monster after all! She ran to her room and slammed the door, convinced he
kept her here for his own depraved pleasure. He would humiliate her before
releasing her!
* * * *
Later
that evening Maria sought her out. Alina was curled up in a ball on the bed.
"Miss Alina...Master Ramon asked to see you in the dining
room," she said and paused. "Are you all right Miss?"
Alina was too upset to answer. Does he now? She said under her
breath. Did he have another feast prepared? She rose slowly, preparing to do
battle with the devil. She hardly noticed Maria, who stared at her worriedly as
she marched by.
She found Ramon in the dining room by the
window, looking unusually formal in a gray shirt and vest buttoned at the
front. Her soft features stiffened as she looked at him, feeling hate well up
inside her.
His eyes turned and met her gaze. "You
look upset. Is there something wrong?" he asked and took a few steps
toward her.
Her chin rose defiantly and her eyes
turned cold. "You lied to me. I know my father was here the other day,"
she said flatly.
Ramon's gaze faltered. He approached her
and placed his goblet on the table.
"Don't come near me," she
cautioned, taking a step back and he stopped. "I overheard you and Sergi
talking this afternoon."
He rubbed his chin and sighed. "Yes,
he was here. He asked for you," he stated briefly.
Her chest rose with emotion. "And you
said nothing to me. Instead you locked me in my room," she continued
angrily.
"I cannot deny what I did but I won't
apologize either. Your father is guilty of looting and murder."
Her anger ebbed forth. "And why
should I believe you? You are no saint yourself! You keep me here like a
prisoner, withholding information that concerns me and you treat me like--like...!"
"Like what, Alina? Have I treated you
so badly? One would think you were a countess with your pretty dresses and
shoes, baths and walks in the garden!" he shot back, eyes flashing.
She grasped her skirts and lifted them as
she walked angrily toward him, stopping just feet away from his tall build. "You
talk about my father--but what of my poor mother who is surely suffering, not
knowing where I am? All I asked was that you inform her of my health--that is
all! But even then, you are a coward!" she flung at him accusingly, eyes
stinging with hot tears.
He stepped threateningly toward her and
grabbed her arm, squeezing tightly. "Watch your tongue, Alina," he
threatened.
She twisted away from him. "Don't
touch me! I loathe your hands on me!"
His mouth curved into an ironic smile. "Is
that so? Shall I remind you of that night we took a stroll in the garden? Or
every time we've been alone together? Shall I explain to you how your body
reacts against mine, Alina?" He was cruelly taunting her now, making her
blood rush heatedly in her veins.
Her mouth fell open and she had a strong
urge to lash out and hit him. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the wine
goblet, half-full, and in a swift, mindless motion she reached out and caught
it, throwing its blood-red contents straight into his face. He was clearly
unprepared for her action, and blinked speechlessly through the droplets of
wine that trickled onto his vest and shirt. Too silently, he wiped his face
with his sleeve, staining it red.
Alina stepped back, breathing rapidly as
his eyes turned a dark, dangerous gray. His mouth stiffened and a muscle jerked
in his jaw. Her heart jumped nervously as he lashed out and caught her arm,
squeezing her wrist so that she dropped the glass onto the floor with a loud
crash. She let out a frightened cry.
"You should think twice about
challenging grown men, little girl," Ramon almost growled the words at
her.
She cringed and tried to pull out of his
grasp but it only tightened. "You're hurting me!"
"So, I'm treating you like a
prisoner, eh? We'll see about that," he growled and pulled her with him
out of the dining room, taking strides so large she could barely keep up. They
moved along the landing and around it to the other side, climbing down the
stairs to the workstation. They crossed it and came to a door at the back of
the room. Ramon flung it open and pulled her through into a dimly lit corridor.
Alina shuddered as she realized what this
place was. A prison chamber! The gray stones of the walls were cool and exuded
a measure of dampness. The corridor was narrow, lit by tiny windows in the
small cells that were positioned just aboveground. The prison itself was built
underground. He paused at a hole in the wall and reached in to pull out an iron
key. She watched in dread as he opened a cell door, its hinges creaking from
lack of use. He pulled her in with him and closed the door behind them, the
iron bars clanging.
The last rays of the sun barely made it
through the tiny window above. Alina noticed a rope dangling from the ceiling,
held in place by an iron ring nailed into the stone. She stood wide-eyed,
breathing unevenly as he tugged her directly under the rope and stared down at
her menacingly. She shivered and gasped aloud when he took her hands and
stretched them up above her head towards the rope.
"What are you doing?" she cried
out, trying to free herself but naturally his grip was too strong.
"You will see what it is like to be a
real prisoner," he bit out.
Alina knew she had gone too far by
throwing the wine in his face, but this was insane! She struggled as he tied
the harsh rope about her wrists. She was defenseless now and she stared up at
him with a mixture of fear and aversion.
"Please-- don't do this. I didn't
mean to," she reasoned and sucked in a painful breath as the coarseness of
the rope chafed her skin.
"Be still. The more you twist, the
worse it is," he said and walked around her. "How do you feel being
in this place, tied up like that?" he demanded, standing behind her.
Her chest heaved in distress and she
rested her head against her arm, feeling lightheaded. Her knees buckled and he
caught her about the waist, his dark head lowering over her shoulder. "Tell
me? Is this what you prefer?" he whispered tauntingly in her ear.
She closed her eyes, trying to shut out
what was happening to her.
"Would you rather be in your warm,
soft bed now, Alina…wearing your silky nightgown and falling peacefully asleep?"
His hands stroked her waist. "Are you cold?" he asked cynically.
She knew he wanted to punish her--his
voice burned with hurt pride and manly temper. After all, he was a kidnapper,
she reminded herself, and finally proving to be a brutish one!
"You behave like a spoilt child,"
he went on and pressed himself against her.
She welcomed the warmth of his hard body
against the cool dampness of the cell and felt her muscles relax a fraction.
His breath fanned the side of her cheek and she involuntarily turned her face
toward it.
His hands began moving upward and stopped
at her armpits before traveling back down, giving her nervous goose bumps.
"I sent a message to your mother but
you didn't give me the chance to tell you," he murmured against her hair. "You're
an impulsive girl."
Alina jerked her hands in the rope. "The
rope is too tight. My wrists hurt," she said weakly.
He quickly loosened the rope so it didn't cut into her skin. He
started kissing her hair and the side of her face, making her gasp. She felt
her body stir in response--even in this dreadful dungeon. His hands moved over
her breasts to clasp around her throat lightly. She sighed and tilted her head
back, resting it on his chest.
Ramon let out a short laugh. "Poor
little Alina. Even now your body responds to me."
She blushed and gasped softly as he pushed
her hair to the side and teased the soft skin of her neck. It prickled in
arousal.
Ramon came around her again and eyed her breasts as they heaved
against the material of her pretty, violet dress. He was aware that his actions
were compelled by the force of his pride and jealousy. Yet, he secretly
admitted that the dominating factor here was the fervent need to quench his
desire for her.
Alina thought she caught a flicker of
desire in his eyes as she watched him wearily. He reached behind his belt and
took out a shiny object, its polished metal reflecting in the light. Her pulse
jumped when she realized that it was a knife and she struggled painfully
against the rope.
"No! Don't kill me!" she cried
and his brow arched.
"I won't hurt you Alina," he
said curtly and stepped up to her, brandishing the weapon. A strange, intent
look crossed his face as he stuck the fine point of the knife under the ribbons
of her bodice and sliced through them one by one.
Alina stared, dumfounded, a tiny scream
lodged in her throat. The front of the dress fell open to reveal her corset. He
worked the knife through the seams of her dress and sliced at the sleeves until
it completely fell down to her waist, held up only by her round hips. He made a
few more careful slices and the dress crumpled at her feet. Her breath came
rapidly as her chest rose and fell in uneven rhythm. Her skin chilled as it was
exposed to the air.
"Ramon, it isn't right," her
voice shook as her heart thumped nervously.
"Yes, and we are not right for each
other, yet here we are," he murmured in a deep voice. "What forces
bring us together every time, hmn? Surely you've asked yourself that question."
So many times, she thought but didn't
reply.
His eyes moved hungrily over the prominent
rise of her breasts and her slim waist outlined in the corset. He bent slightly
to push the dress from her feet and tossed it to the side. He caressed the
smooth, feminine shape of her legs as he straightened, pausing for a second to
admire the delicate juncture between her thighs.
Alina hoped that he would have the decency
to leave whatever was left of her clothing. But as he raised the knife to the
front of the corset, she gasped in alarm. "No, Ramon!" She twisted
and his hand paused.
"I don't want to hurt you, Alina, but
if you keep moving…" he warned somberly and she reluctantly stilled, apart
from her shaky breathing.
She winced and shuddered as the knife
worked its way through the material of the corset, exposing more and more of
the quivering flesh beneath. Her brow crinkled in fear. The knife hooked itself
under one last ribbon, and cut, freeing the corset from her body and it fell to
the floor.
Alina whimpered in humiliation. Her naked
skin prickled with tiny bumps.
Ramon
stood back to admire the vision before him. The knife slipped from his hand as
he stared at her exquisite breasts, bare and trembling in the coolness of the
prison. The soft, full mounds were perfectly shaped and the large, rosy nipples
already hardening. No other woman had ever tempted him so much. She would be
his undoing, he thought and felt his penis grow hard.
It was now obvious to Alina what he intended to do. How horrible,
she thought in panic. She desperately searched his face for some sign of
regret, or reason--surely he wouldn't rape her in here--bound like a common
criminal! He couldn't, Lord! But his expression belied no compassion.
Instead, his face seemed transfixed with lust.
"Ramon, don't do this," she tried again and her eyes
moistened with shame.
His gray eyes met hers, smoldering with a dark fire. "You've
brought out the beast, Alina. Now you'll see me as I really am," he said
huskily.
Before she could respond he leaned forward and caught her lips
in a punishing kiss that left her breathless. He broke the kiss and she watched
as he admired the shape of her body slowly. His gaze branded her with its
intensity. Her skin tingled and anticipated his touch. Alina begged her body
not to betray her this time.
The only piece of clothing left was her frilly white
undergarment that hugged the soft curve of her hips. Ramon decided to spare her
complete embarrassment by leaving it in place.
His hands caught her waist as he pressed
his body to hers, and she gasped as her naked flesh molded perfectly into his
lean, hard sinews. The linen of his vest rubbed her nipples into taut peaks
while her breasts crushed into the hardness of his chest. She felt his cock
push urgently against her belly and her own sex pulsed in response. His mouth
brushed her cheek and she forced herself to look up at him, her heart beating
erratically.
His lips curved into a lazy smile. "I won't hurt you,
Alina. But I will punish you a little," he said softly.
Her eyes widened in panic. "What?" she was almost too
frightened to ask.
"Shh…" he said, his voice thick with desire and he
kissed her trembling mouth many times until her legs weakened. He ran his hands
over her bare back, feeling her cool, smooth skin. He looked down at her
troubled face. "You are incredibly beautiful," he said and slid a
warm hand between her breasts, making her moan softly. He repeated the motion
several times and she sighed deeply as her stomach fluttered. He clasped one
breast in his hand and drew in a quick breath at its silky suppleness.
Alina whimpered and sighed between sobs of distress and
pleasure. "No…" she protested weakly as he cupped the other breast
and lowered his mouth onto the soft flesh, wetting her with his tongue. He
traced a path down to her protruding clitoris and took it into his warm mouth.
The pleasure was so sweet she cried out, clenching her hands into fists above
the rope. He moaned deeply and swirled his tongue around the nipple before
sucking it intensely. The tender flesh ached wonderfully in his mouth. She felt
the heat spread between her legs and burn the core of her vagina. The
beginnings of wet arousal formed within.
He suckled the other breast in the same
way, and her body shuddered with pleasure. "You taste so sweet…" he
murmured and squeezed her youthful flesh eagerly.
Alina moaned as his teeth grazed her
sensitive nipples hungrily, causing seconds of pain before his wet tongue slid
over the bruised aerolas soothingly. She felt her body quiver with the start of
submission.
"Bastard!" she moaned as his
mouth and hands tormented her. "Stop it!" she begged.
Ramon glanced up at her pained expression.
"I can't. And you don't want me to," he said in a thick voice and
went lower to her navel.
"I hate you!" she cried as a
burst of delightful shivers played over her skin.
She was sore with arousal, wanting more
attention…wanting him to go lower still. He cupped her buttocks as his tongue
teased the small cavity of her navel. Finally, he closed over her mound and
took it into his mouth. A loud gasp broke from her lips because the only thing
between his mouth and her tender sex was a flimsy piece of material. He nuzzled
between her thighs as a primitive sound broke from his throat. She felt his
mouth claim the fleshy lips and pull on them lightly before pressing his tongue
between the moist folds. They trembled and tried to clench around his invading
tongue.
Just as tiny flames began licking at the
flesh between her legs, his mouth returned to her sensitive breasts. His hands
possessed her and molded her soft flesh until it burned. She was gasping and
crying, her body and her mind being ravaged by pure sensation. She despised him
for making her feel this way, especially under such conditions. Yet she finally
admitted to herself that in that instant she wanted him inside her, to fill her
hot void.
"Please," she shuddered weakly
and closed her eyes. Was she begging him to stop--or continue?
Ramon came to stand behind her and lowered
his face to her hair, taking in its jasmine smell. "Tell me you like this,"
he ordered softly as he ran his hands over the gentle curves of her thighs.
Her heart jumped nervously. "No!"
"Admit that your body responds to me,"
he insisted and pressed himself against her tightly. Alina gasped as she felt
the hard bulge of his groin on her naked back. He ground his erection against
her. "See how you make me feel?" he taunted ruthlessly and she
felt her face grow red. The impudent bastard!
"Stop!" she exclaimed and tried
to arch away from him.
He
laughed briefly and reached around to cup her breasts. He squeezed the soft
mounds and shamelessly caught the nipples in his fingertips, tweaking them up
into long, hard points. She gasped with a mixture of pain and pleasure as he
pulled on them briefly. Then, one hand left her breast, went past her belly and
stopped at the mound between her thighs. His fingers found her sensitive clitoris
and began rubbing it through her drawers.
A long gasp escaped her. His experienced
hands at her most sensitive points made her tingle with pleasure and her sex
became more slippery.
"Do you think Nando could make you
feel this way, hmn? Make your heart race in excitement…your nipples harden in
delight…and your silken lips drip honey to prepare for a man's entrance?"
he whispered huskily into her ear.
"No more," she uttered weakly
and felt her flesh shudder.
His hand tormented her sex for a while longer
before stopping to cup her butt cheek firmly. He squeezed the taut flesh
tightly and then without warning, slapped her rump loudly and she cried out as
the hot sting of his palm contacted with her unsuspecting flesh. She was about
to scream murder when he repeated the slap on the same cheek, this time
pinching lightly on her nipple too.
Tears pricked at her eyes as she gasped in
pain. "You devil! Let me down from here!" she screamed and jerked in
her confines.
He resumed caressing her sore nipple and
buttocks. She could almost hear him smile and gritted her teeth furiously.
"I'll punish you until you admit that
you enjoy my touch," he murmured against her hair.
"Never!" she said and braced
herself for another spanking. His palm came down a little harder on the other
cheek and she whimpered, a salty tear hooking itself at the corner of her
mouth.
With her skin still smarting, she gasped
when his hand at her breast softened and his other hand slipped between her
legs to capture her sex from behind. She tried to close her legs against him
but he predicted her action and shoved his feet between them, pushing them
apart. Now he had easy access to her very private part and he wasted no time
stroking her already aroused flesh. His hands touched her shamelessly, as if
her body belonged to him. Raw sensation took over. She couldn't fight her body
anymore.
Alina never knew punishment could feel
this good.
She blushed hotly as she felt his fingers
glide over her wet drawers, aware that he could feel her arousal through the
material. He moaned his delight and stroked her budding lips in deep circles
and teased her little nub at the tip. She gasped as her hips strained forward.
He wasn't gentle either. His hand was insistent as it rubbed her almost roughly
yet never hurt her. Her flesh clenched under his touch and she couldn't help
sighing as her fingers curled in pleasure. He pressed his long fingers between
her folds at her opening. He made her feel like a sinful wanton while he
tormented her for a long time. She wanted release. Her climax had climbed to a
dangerous height.
She felt the heat of his breath as he
nuzzled her hair near her ear, causing more shivers.
"Imagine, little Alina, how it would
feel if I pulled this flimsy piece of clothing to the side and played with your
naked flesh?" he murmured huskily and she tensed as the tip of his fingers
traced the edge of her drawers.
She gasped with a mixture of panic and
longing. "Please…" she whimpered.
"My desire for you is almost painful,"
he stated and resumed fondling her as before.
Would he rip her drawers off and take her
now? Her poor womb throbbed so much that she would barely protest!
Her body began to shudder uncontrollably.
Something big was about to happen, starting between her legs. She let out a
ragged sigh. But he stopped touching her and came around to the front.
With short, unsteady gasps, she stared up
at him and saw the lust in his eyes. She nearly winced as her sex twitched in
frustration and her body screamed for release. What sick game was he playing
with her? She watched his chest rise and fall quickly. He touched her face and
she turned away, frowning.
"How do you feel, Alina?" he
asked.
She shifted her legs together and felt her
drawers cling to her body. She forced her eyes back to his. "How do you
expect me to feel?" she replied in distress. "It's horrible!"
she blurted.
He cocked an eyebrow. "Horrible?"
He seemed to consider this a moment. "Perhaps I'm losing my touch, I admit
it's been a while…" he said with a hint of amusement and caught her breast
again.
Her nerves were stretched beyond their
limit like the strings of an instrument he played so well. "Why don't you
just finish what you started?" she demanded as he traced a pattern on her
nipple.
He paused and held her gaze. Something
foreboding flickered in the gray depths. "Don't tempt me, my dear."
Alina cried softly as his head dipped to
capture her breast in sweet torment. Her nipples were sore from his suckling.
He awakened her desire once more and she sighed expectantly when his hand moved
lower to caress the soft swell of her belly. She thrust her hips forward to
encourage him to go to that place that wanted his attention the most.
But he never did. He kept feasting on her
poor breasts while her body trembled desperately. He teased her climax to a
cruel peak, making her gasp and moan like an animal. She couldn't handle the
intensity of her arousal and frustration. Finally, she burst out crying openly.
Alina bowed her head in shame as tears ran
down her cheeks. Her body shook with her sobs.
Ramon stopped touching her and
straightened to look at her face, wet with tears, her lips trembling between
gasps of air and sobs. He stood very still for a long moment that seemed an
eternity to her. Finally, he raked his fingers through his hair and sighed
heavily.
"Alina…why did you make me do this to
you?" he demanded and cursed. He looked at her, half naked and bound and
felt a great wave of shame such as he'd never felt, wash over him. He swallowed
with difficulty and picked up the knife from the floor with unsteady hands to
cut her free.
She gasped as her aching arms fell to her
sides and tried to cover herself.
Ramon didn't waste a second longer. He
slid the knife back into his belt and picked her up into his arms, disregarding
her pleas and carried her out of the prison cell, praying no one was around. He
quickly climbed the stairs as she clutched onto his shirt. He paused on the
landing for a second and decided to take her to his room instead, fearing they
might run into someone on their way to her bedroom.
Alina held her breath in shock as he
carried her to his darkened room and lowered her to his bed. She held her hands
over her breasts as Ramon put a finger on her mouth. "This is my room.
Someone might see us if I take you upstairs." He looked at her dumfounded
expression and frowned. "I'll give you a shirt of mine, so you can sleep
comfortably."
She stared at him, at a loss for words. He
stroked her cheek as if to calm her and got up in the search of something
suitable. He returned from his dresser with a cream-colored shirt and handed it
to her. "Put it on while I wait outside," he said and left the room.
As if in a trance, she complied and pulled the shirt over her head. It fell to
her thighs, just below her frilly drawers.
Ramon re-entered and closed the door
behind him. He glanced at her slim legs and motioned to tuck her under the bed
sheets.
She lay down and stared up at him,
clutching the top of the sheet protectively over her throat.
He sat on the edge of the bed and wiped
the drying tears from her face. "Please forgive me, Alina," he said
in a heavy voice filled with regret. He glanced down at her sore wrists, small
welts of pink evident on the skin. He swallowed with difficulty and took them
in his hands, rubbing the marks soothingly. "You're right, I am a monster,"
he muttered in revulsion.
Surprised by his admission and overwrought
by her puzzling feelings for this man, she didn't speak. He kissed her forehead
and left. Her body still tingled from his fondling yet her mind was fatigued
and she fell asleep shortly after.
In the kitchen downstairs, Ramon poured
himself a generous amount of wine. He tossed it back quickly and went to his
study, dropping into the chair. He removed his vest and loosened his stained
shirt. He had gone too far this time. If he had done irreparable damage….He
cursed under his breath and closed his eyes for a long time.
At some point before daylight, he returned
to his room, sleepless. He paused at the door and took in the small shape of
the girl curled up in his bed. He sighed heavily and quietly entered, pausing
only to remove his trousers, shirt and boots. He slowly edged himself into the
bed, careful not to wake her and fell asleep.
Alina's dreams were frightening. Wild
beasts chased her in the night and tore at her dress with their claws. Her legs
were as heavy as lead and she screamed as the beasts came upon her.
Miraculously though, she managed to escape just before their sharp claws
reached her skin. The next thing she knew, she was falling down a dark, endless
pit. Its damp cavern opened up to swallow her as she continued to fall,
screaming yet in her dream no sound came from her mouth…
Alina tossed restlessly in her sleep and
cried out in the dark, waking him. She was muttering something incoherent,
moving her head from side to side. Ramon reached out to pull her toward him
closely, feeling that he was the cause of her nightmare. He brushed his hand
over her hair and soothed her. Shortly after, her body relaxed and she slept
peacefully in his arms, looking younger than ever. He held her tightly and
breathed into her silky hair.
When Alina woke a few hours later, she
felt the solid warmth of a body against hers. A heavy, muscular arm lay across
her belly and a familiar, sensual mouth pressed up against her hair. Her heart
skipped momentarily as last night's events flooded her mind. Carefully, she
turned to look at him as he slept, inches away. His face seemed less rugged in
this relaxed state. The fine, sun-worn lines around his eyes and mouth were
softer and his lashes were longer than she had realized. She took in the
chiseled planes of his face and saw that although his skin was bronzed from his
days in the sun, it was smooth apart from the light shadow of stubble along his
jaw. Her eyes fell to the wide curve of his mouth, which was very appealing.
How many times had those lips ravished hers? Her fingers yearned to touch his
mouth.
Even now, she didn't hate him. Surely, she
was going insane, she concluded.
He stirred and she held her breath but he
didn't wake. She continued to admire his face for a while and then slowly
turned her gaze to the room. She had wondered, several times in the past what
his bedroom was like.
And it was generally how she had
envisioned it: high-ceilinged, the walls a natural earth shade like the ones in
the other bedrooms with tall windows, whose delicate curtains billowed softly
against the breeze. The furniture was simply masculine. Not that there was much
of it -- a large drawer flanked by two wooden chairs by the window and a long,
oval mirror stood on its own in one of the corners of the room. The bed itself
was almost in the center of the room boasting an attractive wooden frame that
was heavily carved. To her left, an impressive, large painting of a beautiful
ship at sea decorated the wall. The name La Alegria was printed
on its bow.
She felt him wake and their gazes met and
held for endless moments, the beautiful gray depths churning unspoken thoughts.
Alina was mesmerized by the unfamiliar look in his eyes. Her body began
stirring in response to his proximity, fully aware of his muscular form. A sigh
escaped her when he shifted slightly, causing the bed sheet to fall from his
shoulder, exposing his muscular, bare chest, sprinkled lightly with a triangle
of dark hair. Instinctively, she eased away but his arm gripped her about the
waist and held her. She looked at him hesitantly.
"Tell me you forgive me," he said
softly. His request surprised her and his fingers pressed into her skin
urgently. "Alina..."
She knew she couldn't accuse him of
ruthlessness because she had goaded him in a mean way. And the truth was she
had enjoyed his touch and wanted more. "I forgive you," she finally
said and shifted her gaze to the ceiling, if only to take her eyes off his
manly form.
His grip tightened and turned her toward
him, urging her to her side. "Let me hold you," Ramon said and pulled
her into his embrace, tucking her into the width of his chest.
Her heart skipped a beat as she came in
contact with him. His chest hairs tickled her chin and her nose buried itself
in the hollow at his throat, her nostrils filling with the masculine scent of
his skin, making her want to kiss it. She wished her body would stop responding
to his nearness.
His hand caressed her back gently and she
felt her flesh begin to melt into him.
Finally, he broke the silence. "How
do you feel?" he asked.
Alina felt better than she had expected. "I'm
fine." Without meaning to she placed a hand on his chest and immediately
felt his muscles clench in response. He caught her hand as if anticipating her
retraction and kept it pressed against his body, his hairs tickling her palm.
She realized it was the first time she touched his naked skin. It felt good,
natural. His heart beat strongly in his chest and feeling it made hers quicken.
"You are a good girl," he told
her and made her heart jump as he brought his face closer and pressed his mouth
to hers.
She let the kiss deepen, sighing against
his warm lips as they explored hers openly. His tongue probed and she heard him
moan softly, causing her fingers to curl into the hairs on his chest. His hand
tightened around her waist urgently, pulling her body very close. Her breasts
crushed into his chest and their hearts beat in tune.
Her passion mounted and her hands slipped
up to wind themselves around his neck, last night's incident quickly
disappearing from memory. Alina was now kissing him back with new confidence,
savoring the masculine scent of his skin and the beautiful shape of his mouth.
He eased her head back onto the pillow and
moved with her, raising himself over her, never stopping the kiss. One of his
legs trapped hers under its weight. Her hands urged his mouth harder against
her and he moaned as he enjoyed the fullness and willingness of her lips. Alina's
hands traveled down his bare back and explored the sinewy ligaments. She
stopped just above his trunks.
Pausing just then, he cupped her face in
his hands and gazed down at her searchingly, his gray eyes dark with unquenched
need. "What am I going to do with you?" he smiled thoughtfully and
she blushed.
What indeed? Alina wondered and felt a stab of sadness at the
thought of never seeing him one day. Her hands continued their exploration of
his back and she watched him enjoy her touch. She had the unexpected urge to
explore him--physically. She was about to be bold and lower her hands to
his tight buttocks but he eased away from her a little and cupped her face.
He looked down at her with strange intensity. "What about
Nando? You have feelings for him, no?" He seemed to be holding his breath
as he waited for her reply.
His sudden question caught her off guard. She hadn't thought
about Fernando at all. There was no reason to. Ramon was letting her see his
soft side. He looked almost vulnerable and she felt her heart tighten guiltily.
"I'm not in love with Nando. He's a friend, that's all,"
she said honestly and watched relief cross his face.
He laughed briefly. "I actually lost sleep over that, you
know," he admitted and made her heart skip excitedly. Then his expression
turned serious as his long fingers caressed her face and hair. "But I am
no boy, Alina. I don't make promises I can't keep or whisper adolescent
endearments in women's ears. I am a grown man with a man's needs. And I want
you because you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. But don't think my
desire is purely physical. I care for you, although you may not believe it,"
he said in a velvety voice that sent delicious shivers over her body.
But her mind froze over his words and she swallowed nervously. "Sometimes
I don't know what to believe," she replied truthfully and saw his face
tense while his fingers stilled against her cheek.
He frowned. "You aren't comfortable with me," he
stated almost to himself and withdrew his hand.
"I didn't say that. But you have to admit that this is
rather strange. I'm your enemy's daughter," she reasoned. "How can
you care about me?"
She heard a pause in his breath and something flickered in his
eyes.
"Perhaps because I've never met anyone like you;
impulsive, spirited, beautiful, stubborn yet gentle and innocent," he
finished.
His words made her heart skip. Was she really those things? Or
were those empty words meant to sway her? Unconsciously, she licked her lips,
drawing his gaze. "I see," she replied and stared intensely up at
him.
One thing she knew for sure was the fact that they had shared
too many passionate moments that had left her unfulfilled. Last night he had
brought her body to the breaking point and left her hanging, practically
begging to be taken. Even now as she looked up into his dark gray eyes, her
core ached to be possessed and satisfied. And a hasty boy would not be able to
do that.
She threw caution to the wind.
"All right then. Show me," she said.
His brows came together. "What do you mean?"
She took his hand. "You've said that you want to please
me."
His eyes darkened as he searched her face. "Alina...'
"Do it before I change my mind," she ordered with an
unsteady breath.
Ramon's mouth parted in surprise. "You're driving me mad,"
he stated thickly as his mouth swooped to take possession of hers. She sighed
against his lips and shared the kiss eagerly.
After a long moment, she raised herself a little and broke the
kiss to nuzzle his throat. Tentatively, she flicked her tongue over his skin
and delighted in his subtly musky taste. She went lower to the beating hollow
and explored it similarly, making him sigh. Then she teased his earlobe with
little nibbles and heard him laugh. When she rested her head on the pillow
again, his eyes opened and she noted pleasure reflecting in their depths.
But she wasn't finished. Her hands moved curiously over the
muscled curve of his shoulders and arms and over to the corded muscles of his
chest and abdomen. She heard him suck in a quick breath when her fingers grazed
the thin line of hair that disappeared beyond his navel, into his trunks. She
pulled her hands away, a light flush apparent on her cheeks.
Alina watched him gaze down at her with a look that was so
compelling and mysterious, an electric shiver coursed down her spine and
tickled her nerve-endings.
He leaned closer and she sighed eagerly and pulled him to the
delicate skin of her throat, which she arched instinctively. Alina gasped as
his tongue tantalized every sensitive inch. She entwined her fingers in the
thick waves of his hair and his hand kneaded her breast through the fine
material of the shirt. His fingers found her nipple and aroused it to a dark
peak that stuck up under the shirt. His mouth left her throat and closed around
the nub. He moistened it between grunts of manly desire.
Her back arched in pleasure and she pressed his head against
her breast. The shirt had no buttons but its collar contained a drawstring he
untied before he eased it over her shoulder, low enough to expose her left
breast. She moaned softly as he feasted on her naked flesh, cupping it eagerly
in his large hand.
Alina twisted under the weight of his body. Her desire mounted
quickly as the flames lapped at her skin. She felt the warm palm of his hand
slide slowly downward, over her belly to find her thighs under the sheet. He
caressed her skin and kneaded the soft flesh until her legs parted slightly.
She gasped when his hand caressed the mound between her thighs and
reached up to slip under the band of her drawers. Her body stiffened
instinctively.
Ramon lifted his head and gazed at her. His eyes were dark with
desire that beckoned. "I won't hurt you."
She complied and he eased his hand into her drawers. Her breath
caught excitedly in her throat when his fingers moved possessively over her
bare sex. It was the most exquisite sensation she had ever felt and gasped as
her hips arched upward.
A new fire ignited
between her legs.
He moaned his own
pleasure at the feel of her silken lips, already moist with arousal. Like the
dewy petals of a spring rose, they spread invitingly under his fingers. "Do
you like that?" he asked and held her gaze.
His fingers were skillful. "Yes," she breathed
huskily and his eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"Spread you legs more, Alina," he said softly.
Alina would deny him almost nothing presently; her body
greedily sought all the pleasure he could give.
He located the tiny hidden clitoris between her folds and
stroked it swiftly. She cried out softly at this new sensation and clutched at
the bed sheets. This was so much better than being touched through her drawers.
"You are slick with desire. Your womb wants to be
possessed," he said huskily. "But in due time..."
An intense fire burned in her center. Ramon knew too well--that
her body ached to be filled by him. His head dipped to her breast again and
caught her nipple. She curled her fingers in his hair as he increased the
pressure between her legs. She moaned as the hot tension increased in her
trembling sex. Her flesh swelled under his hand as tiny flames licked at her
folds. Her throat convulsed with sighs of pleasure.
"Ramon, it's too much!" she gasped but he ignored her
and continued.
Suddenly, his finger slipped lower and pressed between her
folds, making her gasp in surprise. He inserted his finger partly inside her
wet tunnel and felt her hymen. He kissed her as he carefully moved in and out
of her, feeling her gasp against his mouth.
Just then, Alina wished he would plunge his other, bigger part
of him inside her. She bit gently on his lip so she wouldn't blurt out her
shameless desire. Her hands held onto his shoulders and her fingernails dug
into his skin as the first ripples of pleasure lapped over her sex. Her inner
muscles clenched around his finger and he pulled out to return to her clitoris.
He stroked it mercilessly, watching her lovely face rapt with
pleasure. "This little bud makes magic, Alina. Let yourself go," he
murmured huskily.
She closed her eyes and
sighed wantonly as her body writhed. She felt brazen. Alina knew something was
about to explode between her thighs and braced herself. He caught her nipple
once more and flicked his tongue over it, sending her rapture to a great
height. She entwined her fingers in his hair and pressed his head on her
breast. Finally, her climax peaked and she cried out as the hot waves crashed
through her organ and shook her body for a long time.
Pure carnal pleasure. And sweet release -- finally! She gasped
and closed her eyes while her heart still raced on, her body trembling in the
aftermath. Moments later, Alina lay quietly, one arm resting over her head on
the pillow. A delicate glow touched her chest and face.
Ramon had shifted to lean on his elbow and gazed down at her
lovely face and ripe lips as they parted blissfully. He winced as his penis
throbbed in frustration but he clenched his jaws and ignored it.
The sudden warmth of his firm mouth pressed against hers caused
her lids to open. She held his gaze while her breathing became normal and
reached up to touch his cheek. An unusual sense of tranquility enveloped her
and she sighed.
Ramon pulled away and smiled. His hand clasped her waist. "So?"
"So..?" she repeated, looking into the dark gray of
his eyes and felt her heart skip again.
"How was it?" he asked.
She blushed at the blatant question. "Well, I didn't
expect it to be so…incredible."
He gave a hurt look. "You hurt my ego, Miss Alina,"
he said.
"No-- I didn't mean it that way. I never knew what it was
like…" she faltered shyly.
He smiled broadly and kissed her temple. "And that's not
the best part," he stated and brushed her hair further out onto the
pillow. "But you're not quite ready for that yet."
Alina understood the "part" he was referring to. "I'm
not?" she questioned with a touch of disappointment. Perhaps he desired a
more experienced partner, she thought and frowned.
"No, and it's not for any lack of wanting to show you,
believe me. The time isn't right little Alina," he finished and caught her
lips in a few quick kisses, followed by a final kiss to her rosy nipple before
pushing off the bed.
She watched his naked back and enjoyed the ripple of lean
muscles as he reached for a shirt and trousers. She slipped the shirt back in
place as he dressed.
Ramon glanced over his shoulder and took in her loose hair and
lovely face once again. "I think it's best I somehow get you into clothing
and out of this room. I wouldn't want anyone seeing you walk out of here
half-dressed in one of my shirts."
His comment made her laugh softly. "That
wouldn't do." She was partly touched by his concern for her virtue and
partly disappointed not to spend more intimate time with him. She giggled when
he finally returned with a dress and corset.
"Don't ask how I managed to get these
but I assure you I never plan to do it again!" He lowered the clothing on
a chair and came to sit at the edge of the bed, grinning down at her. His lips
claimed hers warmly but briefly. "Alina, I have much work to do today and
the coming days before I sail. No one's in the kitchen now so it's safe for you
to leave and have breakfast there."
Before long she sat at the kitchen table,
enjoying spoonfuls of the warm porridge Maria had made.
Ramon had enjoyed every minute pleasing
Alina. He had taken the first big step toward releasing her vixen spirit. But
he had hid his disappointment after realizing she did not fully trust him.
Guilt pricked at his conscience for having elicited her physical craving. After
all, had it not been for his desire for revenge, their paths would have never
crossed.
He stared out the open window in his study
and took in the olive trees and the silent mass of mountains in the distance.
He let out a long breath. As long as she had doubts about his motives he could
never have her completely.
Chapter Six
It was five days before Ramon was to set sail for
He found her alone in her bedroom. She had
just finished her
Alina picked up the sound of footsteps and
turned to see Ramon, not having seen him in three days as he had been away
preparing for his trip. During that time she had missed him very much. Her
heart fluttered excitedly as usual and she stood up and blushed as she recalled
their last encounter. He looked strong and handsome in a crisp tan shirt that
emphasized his golden complexion.
"Alina, it's nice to see you again.
You look beautiful," he said in his usual deep voice, his eyes taking in
her soft curves as she stepped toward him. "I have some news for you,"
he stated.
Now her heart literally jumped. Was he
letting her go now that he was leaving? A sudden bolt of distress shot through
her. Was this the end, after all? She swallowed the lump in her throat and
braced herself.
He closed the gap between them and took
her hands. "You are to travel with me to
Shocked by his announcement, her mouth
fell open and she stared at him wide-eyed. This was clearly an option she had
not expected. He had no right to take her with him on this long and doubtlessly
dangerous voyage. Was this another form of punishment? She couldn't agree to
this! Insanity! That's what it was. "I-- why are you doing this? I can't
come with you-- it's nonsense!" She let out a short laugh. "I'm no
sea woman!"
"I can assure you, you will be perfectly safe aboard La
Alegria. Only Sergi knows you will be present. Think of it as an adventure
you would never have if you hadn't."
"Hadn't what? Been kidnapped and
forced to stay here? Surely you can't be serious!" She tugged her hands
out of his and crossed her arms over her chest, tossing her hair defiantly.
"Alina, I've made my decision. You
will come and once we reach land you will enjoy every wonder
"I--I can't. I should go home…my
family…" she continued, less forcefully, her brows coming together
uncertainly.
He looked down at her bent head, her silky
hair brushing the sides of her face. He reached out and pushed a thick lock
behind her ear. "Look at me Alina," he ordered softly.
Unwillingly, she looked up into his eyes,
hoping hers wouldn't betray her desire to be with him.
Ramon looked into the lovely green pools,
their depths reflecting her inner fears. "I believe we can both say that
it's impossible for us to part just now," he said.
Alina knew it was true. As much as she
missed her home, the thought of being separated from him left an empty feeling
in the pit of her stomach…and perhaps her heart. But her doubts revolved around
his intentions--was his interest in her purely physical? It had seemed so on a
few occasions. Yet at other times she had seen tenderness in his eyes and heard
it in his voice. She had known for a long time that he wasn't evil, yet he was
a grown man with needs. Not to mention that she was a maiden with little
experience of life--a spoilt child he had once called her. She frowned, feeling
torn.
"What are you thinking?" Ramon
touched her face, giving her involuntary shivers. "Don't you trust me?"
he asked.
She met his gaze more evenly. "I don't
know," she replied honestly, causing his hand to freeze.
Her response confirmed his suspicion.
He frowned and drew in a short breath. "Then
you shall come to your own conclusion. Have Maria prepare your baggage. Bring
anything you want. I'll see you tomorrow."
He turned away and her eyes lingered on
his tall, solid frame as he exited the room.
Alina didn't know if she wanted to cry or be excited at the
thought of spending time with him aboard his ship toward a far away land she
had only heard tales of. So that was it. She was going to a place called
* * * *
They
boarded La Alegria in early May. She and Ramon had walked onto the deck
alone at first so that none of the crewmen would see her. It was a fine ship, a
looming giant it seemed to her, that made her jittery at first as she stared up
at the three great masts and white sails, Carthagena's flag flapping gently in
the breeze. It looked exactly like the painting in Ramon's room. They came to a
stairway that took them to quarters just below the main deck, into a short,
narrow corridor and then through a swinging door that led to another longer
corridor and another door, this one locked until Ramon produced a key and
opened it.
She entered first and took in the
furnishings of the spacious room, which were a far cry from the splendor of the
house, yet comfortable and practical. A bed stood in the center of the room and
was rather wide without bedposts. On the left side of the bed was a working
desk and chair equipped with a quill, a lantern, various books and several
pieces of writing paper bound together with thick string. Made of plain,
unpolished wood, a low cabinet dresser flanked the right side of the room, with
a round mirror hanging just over it and a simple, square dining table with two
chairs filled the first corner on that side. Two portholes with a view of the
sea allowed a decent amount of light to filter through.
"This is where you'll be staying,"
Ramon explained. "The room has its own bath and toilet which are past that
door in the corner," he said, pointing to the left. He turned to her and
held her gaze. "I hope you're comfortable here. I know it's not what you're
used to but I'll take you to the cockpit and the study everyday, which are on
the main deck."
"It will do. Actually, it reminds me
of home," she replied and sighed ruefully.
He touched her cheek tenderly and her skin tingled. "Now,
some instructions for your safety. You are never to leave this room without me.
Although I have managed to select several decent men, there are some I don't
know well enough to trust around you. They are not to know you are here, do you
understand, Alina?"
"Yes."
"Good. I'll see you after we set sail
later on today. Perhaps you want to arrange your personal items in the drawers
in the meantime." He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head before
leaving and locking the door behind him.
And so they set sail for the West
accompanied by the King's fleet. Alina had placed her belongings in the drawers
and now lay on the bed, waiting for some sign of Ramon to reappear and perhaps
bring her some food. That's exactly what he did some moments later. She had
been gazing out at the Spanish coast as it shrunk in the distance and she
smiled as she watched him place a tray with two warm plates onto the table.
He smiled at her. "Lamb stew. Come
while it's hot," he said and sat down to begin. She joined him and felt
very domestic sharing a meal in the bedroom. He ate heartily and she hid a
smile of amusement. "Does the motion of the ship make you dizzy?" he
asked.
"No, I'm fine. I can't believe I'm
out at sea, sailing to a new land," she said and took a bite out of the
tender meat.
"Wait until we reach
It was not customary for women to swim and
his suggestion made her giggle.
He grinned back at her. "Oh, you'll
have to be taught how first." The thought of his strong hands on her wet
body in the water made her heart jump excitedly.
"Ramon, who captains the ship when
you are... mmm…here for instance?"
"Sergi. He is my first mate." He
finished his meal quickly and stood to leave. "I must go back up for a
while. I have my men to keep an eye on. I am the only one with a key to this
room, for your safety. Rest now and I'll see you in a few hours." With
that he left and she heard the key turn in the lock.
Her safety…was she safe from her own
desires?
Alina pulled out her diary from her bag.
It would have a purpose after all. Sitting at the desk, she opened it to the
first page and began scribbling down the date and her whereabouts. She had
decided to record her voyage to the
At some point she yawned and decided to
rest. Removing her shoes she stretched out onto the bed. Her hair fell over the
pillow as she turned to her side to watch the soft swirl of clouds in the sky.
The ship creaked as it pushed forward over the waves and the motion hypnotized
her into a pleasant sleep. She woke some hours later and shifted her head to
see if Ramon had returned. He hadn't. Evening had come and she realized then
that the voyage would likely stretch endlessly before her.
Sighing, she eased herself up and selected
a white nightdress from the drawer. Glancing at the door, she hoped Ramon
wouldn't decide to walk in just then. Quickly, she removed her dress and
slipped into the nightgown. Crossing the small room she hung her dress up on a
hook outside the bathing room.
The distinct sound of a key being inserted
in the lock had her rushing to the bed to slip under its covers, pulling them
up over her chest. She willed her breathing to steady itself as her eyes met
Ramon's.
A smile curved his mouth. "I hope you're
not getting bored already?" he said, taking in her flowing hair on the
pillow.
"I had a good mind to bring my diary
to keep busy," she said and willed her breathing to slow.
"Good idea." He nodded and
removed his shirt, baring his muscled torso and her heart jumped nervously. She
forced her gaze to the ceiling.
Finally, he stretched out next to her, his
body's warmth adding to her own. He placed his arms under his head and lay
quiet for a moment. Alina's body tensed in expectation but he didn't reach for
her. It then occurred to her that he planned on sleeping in this very bed, which
of course meant that she wouldn't be able to sleep very well, if at all.
Although his presence affected her in many ways, she wasn't prepared to become
his love-slave aboard the ship. After all, she didn't fully understand his
intentions.
She cleared her throat. "So…we are to
share these quarters?"
His brow lifted. "This is the captain's
room. Would you prefer to sleep in the crew's cabins?"
"Of course not -- it's just -- odd…"
her voice trailed off and color rose to her cheeks.
"I would think that after your body
trembled with passion in my arms, sleeping in the same bed would not be
difficult," he said casually.
Alina gasped and turned to look at him
while he stared up at the ceiling, a tiny smile playing about his lips. "How
forward of you!" she accused.
"Mm…I've been called worse.
"No doubt," she blurted,
annoyance bubbling in her chest.
Ramon chuckled. "You needn't worry
your head. I don't intend to be romantic tonight, there is much on my mind,"
he explained. Suddenly he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek,
making her gasp again. "Good night, Alina."
She touched her cheek and eyed him warily,
noting his already closed eyes and calm expression. "Good night," she
murmured, puzzled, feeling a twinge of relief and disappointment
simultaneously. She fell asleep long afterwards.
Over the next three days, Alina occupied
herself with writing. Ramon would discreetly bring her up to the study to look
at geographical and nautical maps while the crew were busy eating or working.
He was patient as he explained the ship's route, referring to historical logs
kept by previous explorers. Naturally, Alina's interest grew. Sergi's
disposition toward her seemed to have softened, making her more comfortable in
his presence. As for Ramon, he would be gone before she woke in the morning and
limited any intimacy to a good night kiss on the cheek. But during the day he
would drop in to make sure she was well and his gentleness created a void in
her heart when they were apart.
But what of his desire for her that used
to be so apparent in his home? She wondered sadly and began to suspect that he
had regretted taking her with him.
One night, Alina woke after a troubled
dream. Glancing at Ramon who slept next to her she took in the shadowed planes
of his masculine face, naked, broad shoulders and flat stomach. He was
beautiful, she thought and yearned to reach out and touch him. A sigh escaped
her as she struggled with conflicting thoughts and desires. She had never been
more aware of him. Her body longed to experience his lovemaking. It had been
weeks. She desperately wanted to give herself to him completely, yet she dared
not make it obvious; she feared what would happen if she did. Would he tire
with her once he had fulfilled himself? Would he crush her feelings? These were
the questions that often revolved in her mind. Feeling tears of frustration
well up, she turned on her side and let sleep claim her.
Ramon woke and found himself holding Alina
in his arms. Nothing felt more natural. He pressed his face into her
sweet-smelling hair. She was so lovely. How could he ever let her go back home
and never see her again? The thought had been nagging him for some time. He
imagined being part of her family. Marquez would want to slit his throat,
surely. They were enemies. And here he was, lying with his daughter, wanting
very much to make her his.
She stirred in his arms and sighed. He
held her tighter and kissed the side of her face.
Waking from a deep sleep, Alina felt the
hardness of his body pressing into her back and her skin tingled deliciously
from his nuzzling. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes widened in
awareness. Her body instinctively arched toward him, seeking the feel of his
lean muscles. They fit together perfectly.
Just as she made to turn toward him, the
ship lurched violently upward, jolting them back into the hardness of the board
behind them. Ramon immediately covered her head with his arm protectively. "We've
hit uneasy waters! I have to go. Sit here and don't panic," he ordered and
touched her face before jumping out of bed, half-naked to pull on his trousers
and shirt.
Alina momentarily glimpsed his manly shape
and then he was gone, leaving her wide-eyed with fear.
The ship rocked up and down and she began
to feel queasy as she sat up in bed and clutched her legs tightly to her chest.
"Lord help us," she murmured fearfully. Glancing out of the porthole,
she saw the thick swirl of dark clouds in the blackness of the sky and the
tumultuous tides as they rose. Lightening crackled outside, making her jump and
heavy rain drummed down onto the planks above, mixing in with the anxious
shouts of men. She could hear the thud of their boots as they ran about. The
noise only worsened with time and she feared for their safety.
These were not just uneasy waters, they
were going through a storm!
The dreadful raucous and the swaying of
the ship seemed endless and she couldn't wait in the room any longer. She went
to the door and found it unlocked. Ramon had warned her not to leave yet the
unknown scared her. She had to know if they were in danger--and where was
Ramon? Why didn't he come see her and inform her of the situation?
She stepped out into the dim corridor. As
she made her way, she found a lantern dangling from a hook on the wall and took
it. She walked on unsteady legs, placing her palm against the wall for balance.
Carefully, she headed up to the main deck. She flung open the last door and
peered around. The sky had opened up menacingly, accompanied by a wind that
slanted every raindrop viciously against the ship and its occupants. She
grasped the handle of the door to steady herself, oblivious of the fact that
she was getting very wet. She squinted against the pelting rain to find Ramon.
Dark figures of large men held fast onto the ropes of the straining sails,
barking orders and nervous expletives at one another. Alina stepped out onto
the deck and scoped for him.
The situation didn't look good.
A giant wave broke over the side of the
ship, nearly taking a few men with it. "Lord in heaven!" she cried
and pushed her hair out of her eyes. Where was he? The lantern slipped from her
fingers and landed with a thud onto the deck. Barefoot, she moved carefully
over the slippery planks, trying to detect his voice amidst the noise. A wild
bolt of lightening cracked above and she screamed, running over to one of the
masts.
Her scream attracted a few of the men who
glared at her and shouted, "Dios! They've got a woman on board!"
shouted one.
"It's horrible luck!" barked
another.
She clung onto the pole and was now
soaking wet, her feminine curves outlined under the thin nightdress. "Ramon!"
she called out. The sky rumbled in response as the rough waves crashed against
the ship. She started forward once more and felt her footing slip. A tiny cry
escaped her as she lost her balance but did not make contact with the planks as
strong hands grasped her upper body and steadied her.
"What the hell are you doing out
here?" She stared up into Ramon's angry face and didn't have the chance to
answer because he was yanking her toward the stairs. He urged her down before
him and they went quickly through the corridor back into the room.
They were both wet, their clothes clinging
to their bodies like a second skin. Ramon's eyes flashed in annoyance before
taking in her appearance, hair plastered about her face, her body virtually
transparent through the wet material of her gown.
"Alina, I told you specifically not
to leave the room!" he flung at her.
"I--I know. I was scared. The noise
of the ship--the lightning--and then you wouldn't come tell me what was
happening. I was worried about you--the storm is horrible!" she shouted
back, not quite realizing what she had admitted. She watched as his strong
chest rose and fell unevenly under the wet material of his shirt, exposing the
defined muscle.
Her statement seemed to catch him off
guard for a second and something flickered in his eyes. "You could have
been hurt -- or worse. And you exposed your presence to the men." He
sighed roughly and pushed his hair away from his forehead. "Stubborn girl!"
He was silent a moment, his eyes piercing hers. "The storm will be over
soon enough. We'll be safe."
She expelled her breath slowly. "Is
it true?" she asked, wide-eyed. "We're not going to die?"
"We're not going to die. Go and change into something dry.
Stay here. I won't be long," he said with a certain thickness in
his voice and cupped her face reassuringly before leaving.
Alina sunk into the chair at the table and
shuddered. How many more storms would they go through? She closed her eyes and
rubbed her forehead. Ramon was angry at her--she had acted childishly. Dampness
settled in and she shivered while going through her clothes. She slipped into a
dry, frilly white nightdress, and hung the wet one in the bathroom where she
proceeded to comb her hair away from her face.
Some time later, she heard movement on the
other side. Ramon had obviously returned. She stepped out of the bathroom, her
heart jumping when she noticed his half-naked body glistening wet in the
dimness of the room. His muscled back rippled as he searched for a towel to dry
himself. Locating one he began scrubbing his skin. Sensing her presence, he
turned and their gazes met, making her swallow nervously under his stormy gaze.
The air suddenly seemed to pulse with a strange electric current as if energy
from the bolts of lightning outside had managed to penetrate the walls of the
room. Ramon's eyes traveled over her slowly, taking in the outline of her body
beneath the transparency of the gown. She tore her gaze from his masculine
shape as it stirred reckless emotions in her.
Finally, he spoke, his tone much calmer than before. "We
are almost through the storm but we should sleep," he announced and pulled
a loose shirt over his head.
With that he removed his clinging trousers
and tossed them over the chair. He hooked two thumbs in his trunks and then
paused, his eyebrow lifting. "You may want to turn around so I can slide
out of this into something dry."
She blushed more deeply and turned away,
scolding her curiosity to see what the rest of him looked like.
"All
done," he announced shortly afterwards. "Ah, how good it feels to
stretch out onto my bed," he said and she turned to watch him place his
hands under his head and cross his ankles comfortably. He made no move to cover
his lower body, which sported his cream-colored trunks, the latter hugging his
strong thighs, stretching tautly over the bulge of his penis. Her body
instinctively responded to the sight. He was all man, she thought. Every inch
of him, right down to his toes. She longed for his passionate touch, firm and
insistent, yet gentle. And his warm mouth on her, demanding possession.
How in the world would she get through the
night? "I'll hang your clothes in the bath," she spoke a little
tensely and walked over to retrieve the garments, conscious of the thin
nightdress.
When she emerged she hesitated at the side of the bed.
He turned his head to her and smiled. "Come
Alina. Don't react so. You must rest." He patted the bed next to him and
she moved to sit on it slowly.
Easy for you to say,
she thought. She lifted the cover and slid underneath, pulling the sheet as far
up as possible and stared at the ceiling. Her heart beat like a trapped bird in
her chest.
An amused laugh spilled from him and she
clamped her mouth shut in annoyance. "You make me laugh," he
remarked.
"Obviously," she replied dryly. "Don't
you sleep under the covers?" she queried, not looking at him, just two
feet away.
"Why, does the sight of my body
disturb you?" he teased in a velvety voice.
"Of course not," she lied.
"Actually, I find bed sheets
cumbersome most of the time." Several seconds passed in silence. "I
haven't slept with a woman next to me in a long time. But I like you here with
me. I like looking at you, especially when you sleep." Her skin flushed in
response.
She bit her bottom lip pensively. "You
never talk about your family," she ventured.
He was silent for a moment. "My
mother died when I was very young and my father died at sea when I was twenty.
He used to talk about the western world all the time. It was his dream to
voyage to
"I'm sorry about your parents. It
must have been difficult for you afterwards. So…you have no siblings?"
"No. My ship, my crew and the sea
have been my family."
Alina studied the calm features of his
face, illuminated softly by a lantern as he stared ahead. Her heart clenched
sadly at his words, but she remained silent.
Just then he turned his head and caught
her gaze. His gray eyes gleamed softly. "Can I hold you?" he asked.
Her heart skipped a beat.
He came closer and slipped an arm around
her waist, his breath fanning her cheek. "I just want to hold you while we
sleep," he repeated and touched his lips to her temple, giving her
delightful goose bumps. Her heart immediately danced in expectation. The feel
of his long, hard body against hers comforted her. She moved her hand over his
and willed herself to relax.
Ramon resisted the urge to make love to
her that night just as he had every night before. It wouldn't do for Alina to
assume his desire was driven by purely physical intention. Besides, it was only
a matter of time before she came to him willingly. When he noticed her steady
breathing, he too, fell asleep.
Some time before dawn he woke to find
Alina curled up alongside his body, one small hand on his lower abdomen,
dangerously close to his groin. His loins stirred in response and he moved his
arm to cradle her head in the crook of his shoulder. Innocently, her right leg
lifted and rested itself over his. He stroked her silky hair and pressed his
mouth into it, taking in her sweet scent. She murmured incoherently in her
sleep and unknowingly lowered her hand onto the growing bulge in his trunks.
Ramon drew in a sharp breath and closed his eyes.
The storm had settled. The wind was good
and the day was clear.
Alina's dreams were tumultuous once more.
She was being flung from wave to wave in a dark sea and although she called out
to the men on board the ship they didn't seem to hear her. Yet she wouldn't
drown--the waves threw her about almost playfully, carrying her further from
the ship.
She was murmuring more loudly now, her
limbs moving restlessly against Ramon's body. He held her tightly in his arms
and tried to soothe her. "Shh--it's just a dream-- wake up." He
caressed her face and kissed her parted lips.
She responded by curling her arms about
his neck, holding him tightly to her. "No…help…" she pleaded, her
face grimacing at the images going through her mind. Unexpectedly she called
out his name, taking him by surprise, "Ramon!"
He paused to stare down into her pained
expression. She was dreaming of him. Was she being tormented by him--or was she
calling for his help? He frowned. "Poor baby…" He bent to kiss her
face in an attempt to calm her. "It's okay. Let me help you…" His
mouth moved toward hers and caught her full lips in his, gently at first then
more insistently, his desire for her ebbing freely.
Her eyes opened drowsily as she felt his
warm mouth on hers. She sighed and pulled back.
Ramon lifted his head to look into her
stormy green eyes. He smiled. "You were having a bad dream. I know you've
had one before. I hope I'm not the cause of these dreams," he said in a
concerned voice.
She frowned, slowly recovering from the
nightmare. His proximity and his warm kisses were clouding her mind.
"Even when you're having a bad dream,
you're beautiful," he said, making her blush.
He brushed her hair out onto the pillow. "I
like you like this. Natural, unencumbered." Before she could say a word
his head dipped and he claimed her mouth again. Her lips stiffened at first but
quickly softened. Naturally, her hands moved up to his neck and curled around
it. Feelings of desire rekindled within her and she sighed against the warmth
of his lips.
He moaned with pleasure as his tongue
encountered the inner softness of her mouth. Suddenly, he pulled away from her
and gazed into her eyes. "Tell me you desire this Alina. Tell me your
heart has grown tender with feelings for me," he urged.
Denying it would be a blatant lie. "You
know it has," she admitted, her heart skipping at the open confession.
His
gray eyes danced and smoldered deeply. "Sweet Alina, I've wanted you from
the very start. But not just your body, this means more to me," he said
huskily. She stifled an emotional gasp. He lifted her hand to his chest so she
could detect the quick thud of his heart. "Do you feel that? It's how I
feel when I'm near you."
Alina swallowed nervously and stared into
his gray eyes. "My heart races too," she said and placed his hand on
her breast.
Still, he hesitated for a second. "You
must trust me," he insisted.
She squeezed his hand and smiled, trusting
her heart. "I do."
"Then don't deny me," he urged
and kissed her deeply before moving to taste her throat. His mouth left a fiery
blaze across her sensitive skin and she could only sigh with pleasure.
She curled her hands in his hair as he
loved her. Her nipples were outlined beneath the material of the nightdress and
he caught them between his long fingers, teasing them to tighter peaks. Her
body arched upward. His hands ran along her slim body, tracing her curves and
caressing the smooth skin of her bare legs under the nightdress.
"I want you to feel the real way it
is between a man and a woman," he said and kissed her lips as he kneaded
the silky flesh of her thighs.
Alina's body was catching on fire. His experienced hands and
mouth took control of her. He reached up and undid the ribbon at her bodice. It
loosened and he pulled on the band that held the gown at her shoulders. He
lowered it swiftly to her waist where it crumpled, exposing her lovely, full
breasts. Alina knew there was no change of thoughts or regrets to be had at
this point. Ramon would get what he had desired for a long time. And she…?
She wanted this just as much. She had craved his possession of her for so long,
wanted to feel the hardness of his cock inside her. She couldn't deny either
one of them.
Ramon drew in an unsteady breath. "Exquisite,"
he murmured. Her smooth skin glowed in the light, beckoning his touch. He
caressed the gentle curve of her shoulders and cupped her breasts in his
bronzed hand, enjoying the contrast in their skin tones. He took turns kissing
her mouth and then her breasts, escalating her desire. Her nipples turned a
deep rose and puckered up as he traced his tongue over them and finally suckled
each sensitive peak, tasting their distinct texture.
Alina cried softly at the sweet sensation he
created and tangled her fingers in his hair as the flames spread quickly
through her body, making her quiver. Unconsciously, she pressed his dark head
urgently against her flesh. A distinctly sweet ache started between her legs,
making her gasp.
"How
I want you!" he moaned against her skin and forced her nightdress down
over her legs, tossing it away.
She
was eager for his skilled touch. His hand stroked the skin of her flat stomach
and brushed over the dainty white drawers. He whispered soothing words and
touched her lovingly to ease her nervousness. She closed her eyes briefly as
she felt his hand slip between her legs to part them. His long fingers traced
her pubis through the thin material of the drawers, causing an eruption of
sensation over her flesh.
"I
shall love you and make you feel emotions like you've never felt," Ramon
promised in a deep voice.
Love me…yes, please do! She
silently begged. She watched raptly as he straightened and hooked his fingers
at the top of his trunks, lowering them. Her breath caught in her throat at the
sight of his naked penis, full and hard before her. He seemed larger than she
had expected as she stared at the throbbing shaft. Her heart jumped in nervous
fear.
Ramon recognized her distress and quickly sunk beside her,
pulling the sheet over his lower torso. He touched her cheek. "I won't
hurt you," he whispered and kissed her forehead.
This time Alina stroked the muscled skin
of his chest and arms, delighting in the pleasure they exchanged. She giggled
softly as his chest hairs curled over her fingertips and she followed with her
mouth, loving the clean, masculine smell and taste of his skin until he laughed
deeply. The firmness of his stomach quivered under her touch.
"My turn," he said.
He teased her body until it reached
several peaks of pleasure and then started over again, making her moan deeply.
Ramon was pleased that Alina wanted him. Her eyes burned with need and her body
brushed up against his in willingness.
"Slowly, my love," he murmured
softly and his words sent her heart flying.
He called her his love! Her eyes filled with teary
emotion and she rose to kiss him fully on the mouth. "Yes," she
whispered back.
He smiled and urged her to lay back.
Gently, never taking his eyes from hers, he removed her drawers. He ran his
hand down her body and brushed the tiny curls of her pubis. Her legs tensed in
reaction. "It's all right. Just relax," he coaxed.
Alina suddenly felt timid lying completely
naked before him, yet her desire for Ramon and her own need for fulfillment
were too strong. She obeyed and her legs parted slightly. He stroked her thighs
and bent to kiss them. As he neared her very private part, Alina felt an even
warmer tension begin deep within that sensitive area.
Ramon urged her thighs further apart to
reveal her female sweetness. The short dark curls ran alongside dark pink lips
that pouted lusciously in their youth. His longing for her intensified more so
at the sight. He touched her gently and heard her gasp. He ran his fingers up
and down her silky folds and made her sigh and moan in pleasure. He watched as
their color deepened in arousal, and clenched under his touch.
Alina enjoyed the feel of his warm fingers
as they stroked her. Of their own will her legs parted further in
encouragement. She heard his breath catch as her lips unfolded to reveal their
dewiness within. His fingers teased her brazenly, eliciting animal-like moans
from her throat. What he did next threw her into a storm of pleasure as he
clasped her thighs and bent between them to capture her clitoris in his mouth!
She let out a cry of surprise and delight as his lips and tongue devoured her
most sensitive core, throwing her into a spasm of physical emotions she had
never experienced.
Ramon found the tiny clitoris at the tip
of her sex and teased it with his mouth and tongue until Alina cried out
wildly. He pulled gently at her swollen lips and parted them, her lusty aroma
flaring his nostrils. He pleased her further with sharp flicks of his tongue.
Her hips rose upward in response and he pulled away to prolong her climax. He
felt for her opening and carefully slipped one finger partly inside. He pushed
further and encountered her wetness. He plunged his finger in and out of her
virginal tunnel to ready her for his entrance.
Alina gazed down at him and gasped openly
as the inside of her womb clenched around his finger, tiny tremors erupting
over her body.
He wet the outside of her lips with her
juice and pleasured her with his tongue once more until her hips bucked up
uncontrollably. He looked up and saw the unfulfilled passion in her eyes.
"You're ready Alina," he said
thickly.
Her heart jumped and she clasped his
shoulders as he lowered himself over her small body.
"Am I too heavy?" he asked. She
shook her head and kissed him. He stroked her face. "Don't be afraid,"
he reassured her.
He raised himself a little. "Alina,
reach down and touch me," he ordered softly.
At first she hesitated. She stared down at
his large member as it poked out from a dark, thick patch of hair. She
swallowed and stretched her hand out to touch it tentatively. It felt hard but
smooth. It was beautiful. She heard Ramon's sharp intake of breath. She ran her
hand over it gently and felt it grow harder. The head was darker in color and
seemed to pulsate with a life of its own.
"Press it against you." She did
as he said and brought the swollen head against her opening. The contact was
wonderfully silky. Her hips immediately arched up against him and her sex ached
in anticipation.
He clasped the soft area behind her knees
and lifted her legs a little, placing himself before her opening and slowly
pressed forward. She looked up at him both expectantly and nervously. He pushed
further as her folds spread to welcome him. He bent his head and kissed her
deeply. "We will be one, sweet Alina," Ramon said and she saw his
eyes flicker with warm intensity.
She gasped as he eased into her and felt
her inner resistance against him. Her legs stiffened in response and sensing
her sudden uneasiness he whispered to her reassuringly as he shifted his hips
over hers in an attempt to loosen her inner muscles. This time he plunged
deeper with one swift stroke and she cried out in pain as if her insides were
being torn apart.
"Shh,
my sweet. It will pass in a moment. It's only natural," he said and kissed
her teary eyes.
Alina sighed and willed her breathing to
relax, praying he was right.
Once the pain had subsided, Ramon slid
completely inside her vagina, making her gasp in pleasure. She marveled at
their closeness and their intimacy. Feeling him deep within the center of her
being was beyond anything she had ever imagined. They belonged like this, as
one body and one spirit. The last traces of her resistance crumbled and her
womb opened up to him totally, the wet warmth of her vagina inviting him in.
He possessed her completely, plunging his
hard penis inside many times. It felt like liquid fire. She gasped and cried
out his name as her climax spiraled rapidly. He would alternate between long,
slow thrusts and rapid, strong ones, moaning her name against her ear. It was
sheer pleasure.
Her hands clasped onto his tight buttocks,
whose muscles clenched with every thrust and found herself pressing him deeper
inside, if that were possible. Her small womb seemed overwhelmed by his size at
first but soon became slicker to accommodate his girth. She gasped loudly as
she rose to a great passionate height.
"God, how I've wanted you!" he
murmured deeply.
His mouth devoured hers as he possessed
her, and pleasured the skin of her throat and fullness of her breasts.
She held onto his shoulders for fear of
falling from this new height. Her nails bore into his skin as the waves of
pleasure finally erupted within her core like molten lava and spilled over her
body, making her shake uncontrollably. Alina cried out as wave upon wave
unfolded and felt her toes curl with the release of tension. Her hips bucked to
meet his thrusts as her climax broke and finally settled.
Before long, Ramon moaned deeply,
capturing her mouth as he filled her with his hot fluid.
Some time later, Alina was held tightly in
his arms as she rested her head on his chest, breathing in his musky scent
while he slept. She had cried softly, happily when it was over and he soothed
her tenderly. He had even taken care to wipe her clean of her virginal blood
that threatened to stain the sheets. Sleep claimed her.
The deep flush of her skin had cooled and
she woke a few hours later in his arms. She smiled calmly against the curve of
his shoulder and traced a pattern on his chest with her fingers.
"Is my pretty woman awake?"
Ramon asked, looking at her.
Her smile widened and she touched the
beating hollow at his throat. "Mmm-hmm. I slept very well," she said.
"Did I hurt you much?" he asked
tenderly.
She blushed at the recollection of their
passionate lovemaking. "Not too much," she replied. "It was
lovely."
Ramon smiled and kissed her mouth. "I'm
glad you enjoyed it. I did too, very much. So much I have doubts about giving
you up," he stated playfully but when she lifted her head to look into his
eyes she read the seriousness there. He searched hers for some response. "Alina,
do you want to be rid of me for good? Go back to your family and never see me
again?" He questioned and seemed to be holding his breath.
She swallowed tightly and clasped his hand. "Ramon, don't
you already know the answer to that? Yes, at first I hated you but I've come to
know the real you. You are a good man and I've never felt this way before."
She paused, holding his gaze. "I love you," she finally confessed and
gave him a tender smile.
His gray eyes sparkled and his arms
tightened around her as he claimed her mouth in a long kiss.
He lifted his head. "Oh, little
Alina, and I love you so much! Your words make me the happiest man," he
said and gave her a broad smile that pulled at her heart. He brushed her
tousled hair away from her face gently and held her gaze. "Soon, we will
reach the
With that said, he planted several kisses
on her face and teased her until she laughed loudly, finally setting free the
swells of love and joy that had been held captive within her heart. Alina's
voice drifted up toward the deck to blend in with the lapping of the salty sea
and the shouts of the men who drove the ship onward.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I was born and raised in