Page 25 of Eternal Craving

“Then dance for yourself.”

Where there had once stood a virgin, now an exotic creature struck a graceful pose. Her chin pointed down, her expression one of desire. A flurry of evocative steps followed, a senorita’s yearning as she tapped into her emotions and translated them into movement, twisting and turning, stomping and then stepping delicately with pointed toes, a wondrous performance.

Though no words passed between us, we communicated our feelings. With all my will, I resisted the urge to pull her into my arms.

Suddenly, Annabelle was once again a young girl. She broke into ripples of laughter.

I sighed, staring at her. “You move like a goddess.”

She gave me a coy smile.

“You don’t say much, do you?” I folded my arms.

She fluttered her long eyelashes. “They ordered me to wait.”

“For the senator?”

She gave a nod, and I could see she didn’t like the idea, either.

“I won’t let him touch you,” I said.

Her shoulders relaxed and she unclenched her fingers.

“Where are you from?” I asked.

“Seville.”

“You look Spanish, but something else?—”

“My grandfather was Egyptian.”

Such a lineage had bestowed upon her those delicate, noble features, and a petite dancer’s frame.

“You’re beautiful,” I said.

A noise outside startled her.

“The senator doesn’t know you’re here,” I said.

She ran to me and laid her head against my chest. A hint of lilies wafted. Even though she held me, I was the one who felt safe. I marveled at her serenity as she snuggled into me. Time ceased at that very moment, and I was unable to recall the last time I’d experienced such affection. A few maids had allowed me some relief over the years, but none of them had captured my interest like her.

I wouldn’t do it. I wouldn’t be the one to take her, even though I wanted to more than anything. I had to resist the urge to throw her onto the bed, hoist up her skirts and bury myself inside her, feel her tight around my cock, thrusting deep until I lost all sense of time.

But I wasn’t like those other men. I quickly scribbled a note.

“You can’t stay here.” I led her over to the window and pointed. “Head for that house. Give this note to the butler.”

She accepted the folded paper.

“That’s my home,” I said. “Stay for as long as you like.”

She stared at the great manor.

“You’ll be safe there, I promise.”

She hugged me again.

“Now go. A warm meal and a soft bed await you.”