Page 34 of Eternal Craving

“How long can I stay here?” she asked.

She was the epitome of innocence. Having stolen her away, I was no different than her father who’d betrayed her trust, or the men he’d sold her to. No different than Felipe who’d laid a claim to her.

I reached out to touch her but quickly withdrew my hand.

I’d closed my heart before. This time would be no exception.

I had to let Annabelle go.

Chapter Fourteen

The last time I’d seen Salvador, it had been sans clothes.

I now sat next to him at Moran’s dinner table, both of us acting as though nothing had passed between us.

My feigned nonchalance was a thing of beauty – and I hoped no word of what had occurred in Vigo had reached anyone here.

The other guests, three in number, were all nobility. I observed them one by one and gauged their characters from the little they revealed of themselves.

General Hernandez, the stocky gentleman who sat beside me, was Salvador’s commanding officer. Hernandez’s rugged features indicated a man who’d seen many a battle and wasn’t shy about getting down and dirty with the troops, thus earning their respect. Yet Hernandez’s unsteady eye indicated his need for approval. Perhaps such insecurity had been a catalyst for his desire for promotion into the highest ranks.

Countess Miranda Ebro, with her painted face and tight bodice, her attractiveness enhanced by her confidence, was a lady in her thirties. A widow no doubt, revealed by the sadness in her eyes and the way she sighed distractedly throughout the evening.

Lady Rosalie Ambrith, with her hooked nose and small mouth, had a fixed expression of disapproval. A lady eager to offer criticism, her way of making the world a better place ensured her strict, moral legacy continued unabated. Even I couldn’t win her over.

All the guests warranted a good, long stare.

And Salvador… His dashing good looks and captivating smile, along with his bravery, warranted the title I held. He was a fine officer who showed a deep respect for his men, and a willingness to hear both sides of a story before sharing his opinion. When he focused on me, arousal soon followed.

Señor Moran proposed a toast to Spain’s new Knight of the Realm. I accepted the honor, hoping to convince them I’d earned it. As the alcohol flowed, so did the camaraderie.

Salvador enthralled me. I found it difficult to define the cause of the numerous frissons my body experienced – the fine wine or Salvador’s firm hand brushing my thigh.

He leaned in closer and whispered, “Rumor has it that the flamenco dancer is a guest at your estate.”

“And what else do the rumors say?” I asked.

“That you’ve found favor with the king for your Andalusians.”

I nodded. “His Highness has acquired several of our horses.”

“I’m delighted to hear it.”

“I’ve selected yours from my finest stock.”

Salvador beamed at me.

I sipped my wine, trying to show confidence. “Tell me what you know of Senator Grenaldi.”

“He’s ambitious.” Salvador’s gaze held mine as if to emphasize his point. “A man not to be crossed.”

“In what way?”

“He uses questionable tactics.”

“He likes to win?”

Salvador raised an eyebrow. “Always.”