Page 39 of Eternal Craving

“She’s quite taken with you,” Salvador said, his speech slurred. He gave me a grin that quickly faded.

“Come and sit with me.” I gestured to the couch.

Once seated, his fingers traced the braid on his uniform’s jacket pocket.

Don’t go through with it.

I loathed myself for what I was about to ask of my friend. But I couldn’t stop thinking about Alicia and the boy. Felipe would hurt her to get to me. That’s the kind of man he was – he was too cold and clever. Soon, he would come for me again.

“The man who needs watching is Felipe.” I glanced away.

Salvador’s arm stretched out along the back of the sofa. “I can’t believe it.”

“And you were already planning on taking up residence at the senator’s?”

“He’d not suspect anything.”

I was conflicted – there had to be another way. But Alicia’s life hung in the balance.

“Daumia?” Salvador shifted closer.

Desire surged through me and dragged me with it, possessing me with the thrill of his warm breath on my mouth and his lips almost touching mine.

The door handle turned.

Miranda entered, barely missing our brush with lust, and Salvador slumped back.

“This…conversation will continue later,” I said at last.

Salvador sighed.

I rose and filled their half-empty glasses and handed their refreshed drinks back to them, then poured myself one more drink.

Miranda’s soft flush of cleavage disappeared beneath the lace of her corset. When she caught me staring, she blushed. Salvador had imbibed so much wine that he fell back comatose on my couch. The opportune moment was not lost on Miranda, who insisted on accompanying me when I mentioned taking an evening stroll.

Halfway across the courtyard, just before reaching the stables, I sensed someone watching us. Annabelle’s silhouette lingered at an upper window. I wanted to signal to her and reassure her but couldn’t risk Miranda seeing.

I sent the grooms away and led Miranda down the long line of stables, stopping before one of my most treasured stallions.

“He’s beautiful.” She patted his dappled neck, running her fingers through his thick, white mane. “I can see why nobility favors them.” She caressed the horse’s muzzle. “Salvador will be overjoyed.”

I checked his hind leg. “He caught a stone in his shoe earlier.” I lowered his hoof. “No harm done.”

I caught Miranda staring. She quickly turned and patted the horse again.

An edgy sensation worked its way into my stomach. “I hear that you’re a good friend of the senator’s?”

“More of an acquaintance. I own a summer retreat in Vigo, but I rarely go there since my husband, George, died.”

I nodded. “Salvador’s been appointed to the senator. I’m concerned.”

“Felipe’s ways are a little heavy-handed.”

“You know him well?”

She glanced at me as if to check my reaction. “George didn’t really trust him.”

“From what I hear, your husband had good judgment.”