Spanish Eyes

Professional Reviews

4.25 STARS: "Spanish Eyes is an entertaining story. Strong-willed Rebecca plays off the rake Anton well. Watching them both fall in love was also fun. The multiple locales and the fact Anton was fighting someone rich and powerful added to the story. Overall, Spanish Eyes is a book worth picking up. Enjoy." -- Night Owl Reviews

Excerpt

STORY EXCERPT

As Anton adjusted himself on the seat, he growled softly. How could he get these images to leave? Especially when her jasmine scent lingered in the air, teasing him, tempting his every thought.

He blew out a gush of air and opened his eyes. Her wide, luminous gaze rested upon him, but she quickly turned her head. The glimpse of interest he detected in her expression didn't lie. Why did she fight her feelings? Damn it, she was just as attracted to him as he was to her, so why couldn't she admit it?

In a way, she had confessed her feelings. She'd said his singing had hypnotized her at the opera. An idea rooted in his mind, making him straighten in his seat. Maybe he'd change his seduction tactics a bit.

He moistened his throat and prepared to sing one of the Spanish love songs he'd performed in the opera. To begin, he hummed the tune. Her head turned slowly in his direction, her expression guarded, but she remained silent. When he started singing, he kept the volume low, knowing the rider following would not be able to hear. He detected a hint of question in her wide eyes, but she didn't speak.

As he sang the Italian aria, he held her gaze prisoner. He put all of his feelings into the song as he tried caressing her with each word. His mind drifted to the place where men couldn't hunt him and where he could be free...and where one special woman wanted to love the real Antonio. Once again, music soothed his soul.

Soon, her expression softened into a smile, and her body relaxed. Eyelids drooping, the lines of her forehead smoothed out. The song came to a low finish. To the corner of her eye, she touched a finger, removing a tear.

He moved from his seat and sat next to her, putting his arm across her shoulders once again. With tender care, he took her hand and kissed her fingertips. "Would you like me to sing you another song?"

Her smile widened. "If you don't mind."

Keeping her hand in his, he began singing. Moisture collected in her eyes. Because she'd seen the opera every day for two weeks, he was certain she knew this song well. Emotion gathered in his chest, causing it to ache. She remained quiet as he sang, and just as before, he put feeling into his words. Tears fell down her cheeks, but this time she didn't stop them.

When he finished, his heart swelled. "I take it you remember that song," he whispered.

"That was the last song you sang to your true love before your character died. Every night when I sat in my box seat and watched you sing, I cried at that point." She hiccupped. "In fact, I don't think I was the only one. Everyone in the audience had been affected."

He swiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "You must have a very passionate nature to cry so easily."

"No, just when I go to sentimental operas."

"I will try not to make you cry ever again."

She smiled. "If you continue to sing to me like that, you'll break your promise."

His chest tightened, and he wanted her more now than before. It wasn't very often he witnessed a woman so affected by his performance, especially one that made him want to curl up like a kitten and long to have her stroke him with a loving touch.

"I am afraid you have tempted me to break another promise given to you." He leaned closer and brushed his lips against hers. "Because I want to kiss you so much right now, it hurts." He placed a brief kiss on her tender lips. "Seeing you like this has made me insane with wanting. Your presence has controlled my every thought and action, and I feel as if I could sing to you forever."

He kissed her again. This time she welcomed his mouth by opening hers. His heart cheered with victory, yet the emotion was a different kind of triumph than before. Instead of just seducing her for the thrill of conquering, his feelings ran deeper. He wanted to please her and teach her how to please him. He wanted to hold her in his arms and enjoy her body...not just one night, but several.

He wanted her to know the real Antonio.

He dropped his hand against her breast and covered her fullness. Gently, he squeezed. She groaned, arching and pressing into him for more. He wanted to give her more. So much more.

The coach jerked to a stop, bringing him back to awareness. In silence, he cursed his wandering thoughts. He must be insane to feel this way about a woman who didn't trust him...and whom he had a difficult time trusting himself.

Rebecca pulled away and looked out the window. She let out a heavy sigh. "We're home. M casa es su casa."

ADULT EXCERPT

"The fact still remains our relationship is not based entirely on satisfying our desires."

She threw him a glare. "That's because we haven't satisfied them at all."

Anton's heartbeat thudded in his chest and his loins flared to attention. What made her speak of this? She knew how he felt. It sounded as if she wanted him to satisfy her...and this time, he wouldn't let anything stop them.

"Then let us end the argument right now." He took hold of her arm again, turning them toward the stairs as he led her below deck.

Her body stiffened, but she didn't struggle. He assumed it was to keep the other passengers from watching them too closely.

"What are you doing?" Her voice rose.

"I am proving to you that sex is not the only reason I like you."

"And how are you going to do that?"

"I am going to make love to you."

"What? You contradict yourself, Seor Contreras."

"No, because after I make love to you, you will see that I will remain by your side, protecting you until we prove my true identity. I will show you I do not just want you for your sweet, luscious body, whereas if Ral had his wicked way with you, he would ignore you for the rest of the voyage."

"Anton, please." She squirmed, trying to release herself from his grip. But he wouldn't let her go. He hurried below deck and to their room, closing the door behind them.

"Stop this insanity at once," she hissed. "I will not let you do this."

Anton stalked toward her and she retreated. His arousal burned with the knowledge he'd get to prove his point soon. He must be insane, because all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and drug her with passion.

"Querida," he whispered. "Do not think of it merely as a physical encounter, but as making love instead. We will be sharing not only our bodies, but our souls."

The wall stopped her from retreating farther, and she gasped. Her wide eyes searched for escape, but he closed in on her. He pinned her against the wall and rubbed provocatively against her.

First, he stroked her cheek, then brushed his fingers over her hair, pulling out the blue ribbon holding the bulk of her golden mass together. Waves cascaded over her shoulder, and he threaded his fingers through her glorious tresses. He stroked the silkiness once more before moving his fingers down each arm, continuing over her hips and thighs through her skirts.

"Querida," he repeated, huskier this time. A craving took over his body, and he gave it free reign. "You are so beautiful, so desirable."

She pressed her hands against his chest. "Anton, please." Her breaths came quickly, just as his. The fast rise and fall of her chest showed her excitement. He took one of her hands and brought it to his mouth.

"I want to kiss every inch of your body." He brushed his lips over her fingertips, and drew each finger into his mouth as he suckled.

"Anton." Her voice softened.

She would stop him. But he must not let her. Not this time.

Anton turned her hand over and kissed her palm, running his tongue to her wrist. When he looked into her eyes, those golden flecks blazed with passion's fire. He took her hands and placed them back on his chest, sliding them up and down his torso.

"Touch me, Becca." Over the erratic beat of his heart, he flattened her hand. "Do you feel that? Can you tell how excited you make me?"

"Antonio" she mouthed, her lids lowered half-mast, focusing on his lips.

This woman excited him more than any other, and once again, he couldn't resist her. He placed his mouth over hers, and she opened for his probing tongue. A sigh released from her throat before her tongue mated with his. Although anxiety rushed through him, he also wanted to take it slow. This was her first time, and he didn't want to hurry the moment.

Keeping his mouth pressed to hers, he shrugged out of his jacket. He hurriedly removed his neck-cloth and unbuttoned his shirt. When he broke the kiss, her attention dipped to his chest as he exposed himself. Excitement surged through him, making him want to continue. Shrugging free of the silk shirt, he let it fall to the floor.

Her hands explored his bare chest, spreading pleasure over him. Pleasure he wanted to drown in. He closed his eyes. Soft, delicate hands touched the muscles on his neck, his breast, then lower to his stomach, only stopping when her palms came to his trousers. Inside the material, his arousal pulsed with anticipation, but she didn't stray there. Instead, her hands wandered back up, retracing their path.

When her fingers slid over his erect nipples, he opened his eyes. Fascination displayed on her face. Her amber orbs were heated, and she licked her lips. She bent her head and pressed her lips to the small patch of hair on his chest. Groaning, he closed his eyes. Heavy breaths escaped between his teeth, but he let her do with him as she wished.

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