Page 23 of Eternal Craving

“Look at the senator – he’s practically drooling,” Salvador said.

Salvador’s gaze returned to meet mine, then drifted down to my mouth. The moment caught me off guard.

He gestured to a waiter and placed my empty glass on the man’s tray, then lifted a full drink off it and handed it to me. He also took one for himself. “To new acquaintances that become close friends.” His hand brushed against the lower arch of my back.

Feeling a sudden thrill, I raised my glass to clink it against his before turning to glance once more at the beautiful dancer.

Chapter Eleven

The spinning sensation in my head finally slowed down while Salvador and I lay on the lush lawn of his parents’ home admiring the low-hung moon. Wine flowed through my veins, taking the edge off my earlier anxiety.

There had to be a way to ensure my sister’s safety and extricate Felipe from our lives. It was all I could think about.

The guests withdrew, discussing the flamenco dancer who’d taken their breath away. I was spellbound – falling into this beautiful stranger’s arms held the promise of sweet oblivion, and I found myself smiling when I thought of her.

Salvador unbuttoned his jacket, revealing his white shirt, pulled taut over his chest. The way the corner of his mouth turned up revealed he’d caught me staring.

The night sky displayed an array of silver stars, enhanced by the wine in my veins, making them dance like fireflies. The mood had taken a pensive turn when Salvador recounted his experiences in battle. Absorbed in his vivid descriptions, I imagined I could smell the gunpowder.

“Sleep deprivation allows a man to see who he really is,” Salvador said.

“Was it worth it?” I asked.

“Of course. We overran the skirmish.”

“You’re a better man than I.” Although fascinated, I felt no such loyalty. Royalty only existed to control the people and tax them well, but my opinion would not be made known. I pointed to his medal. “Why did they give you that?”

He glanced down at the dangling medal that resembled a coin. “My regiment ambushed the enemy’s camp.” He peeled aside his shirt to show me a scar on his chest. “A memento.”

“How did you get that?”

“Their king resisted arrest.” Salvador sighed. “War is not how you imagine it. Rules that I learned as a junior officer didn’t apply in battle.”

“Life is already so short.”

“And if heaven does exit,” Salvador said, “I’m not sure I’d get in.”

I burst into laughter.

His smile widened. “Now that I’m home, I’m going to make the most of every moment.” He gave me an affectionate nudge. “What do you want?”

My gaze fell to his lips.

He threw his head back and laughed.

I rested my head on my hands. “What doyouwant?”

He gave me a wicked grin. “I think…”

“Careful what you ask for.”

“You know I’d do anything for you.”

I grinned back at him. “And we’ve only just met.”

“Some people are more likable than others.”

“I might just put that to the test.”