Latin Lover [Del Fantasma] Page 5

  "I'm sorry, Grace. I never expected it to be as strong as it is."

  "So why is it so strong?"

  Eduardo took a long time to answer her. Too long. “Eduardo?"

  "You can learn to shield, to keep me out."

  "Eduardo, that wasn't the answer to my question."

  "The only reason I can think of, querida, is because I have feelings for you."

  "Feelings? We only just met."

  He chuckled. “Don't I know it. For a man that has lived four hundred years, these last twenty-four hours have seemed to have lasted a lifetime."

  Grace wasn't sure how to take that, so she just let it go. For now. It was probably a compliment. Probably.

  "You know what Cody did, didn't you?"

  "What do you mean?” He stroked her hair, and she relaxed against him. He made her feel warm and protected, and she was fast learning that it wasn't a bad thing.

  "That drink he gave me. Last night, no, the night before. The night we met."

  "I don't understand you, querida."

  Grace sighed heavily. “For a man who can read my mind, I have to explain an awful lot to you."

  "I am trying to stay out of your mind, Grace. You deserve some privacy."

  The thrill that ran through her at his words warmed her all the way to her toes. Maybe Cody had been right. To hell with it. She'd explain Cody's ability to pair up partners by way of a special drink later. Right now she wanted more from Eduardo than just words. She wanted him.

  In a move that was a surprise to both of them, Grace broke free of his hold, and rolled up to straddle his waist. “You know we are going to have to set some ground rules if this relationship is going to continue, right?"

  Eduardo's hands cupped her hips as he sighed heavily. “Yes, dear."

  Grace arched an eyebrow. “Yes, dear?"

  His smile warmed her straight through her heart. “Querida, I only want you to be happy and safe. I know being involved with me won't be easy, but I need you in my life."

  "Are you going to turn me?"

  "Not unless you want me to. And not until you are sure it is what you want."

  "So we can just,” she moved her hips against his crotch, “grow to know each other?"

  Eduardo growled. Something was definitely growing. “Are you going to keep talking? Don't you have some gratitude to show me?"

  Grace's eyes narrowed as she leaned down, lips almost touching his as she whispered. “Oh, I have something to show you, and I promise you, you will be the one showing gratitude when I am done."

  Latin Lover

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  We hope you enjoyed Latin Lover, another in the Del Fantasma series. Visit www.AspenMountainPress.com and sign up for our newsletter so you can be informed of when the next Del Fantasma story is due.

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  And now for an excerpt from Del Fantasma: Screaming Orgasm by Michelle Hasker, available now at www.AspenMountainPress.com

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  "Can I have a Screaming Orgasm, Cody?” Tara leaned against the mahogany counter and glanced around at the growing crowd.

  "Sure thing, sweetheart. I get off about two, when do you want to get off?"

  Tara choked on her own saliva. She'd set herself up for that one. Cody was a flirt, she knew that. She should be used to his flirtatious banter by now. She recovered quickly as he set the drink in front of her. “If I thought you'd take me up on the offer, handsome, I'd say every hour on the hour."

  "That's what I love about you, Tara. Your comebacks. I'm going to miss you when you move on."

  "Yeah, well, you know. A rolling stone gathers no moss, or whatever."

  "Sweetheart, you're no rolling stone."

  "Thanks.” Tara took a deep sip and enjoyed the way the vodka, Bailey's and Kahlua hit the spot, numbing her, at least temporarily.

  "I really do wish you'd let me set you up with someone. Trust me, Hon, a real screaming orgasm would do you wonders."

  "You know why I can't.” Tara looked away and focused on the jukebox against the far wall. Those memories needed to stay buried. Remembering was too painful. There was nothing she could do about it now, but she could make sure she never hurt another person as she had hurt Chad.

  Tara glanced back at Cody as he moved down the bar to serve his customers. He was a pleasure to watch. All hard, toned muscle, tanned skin and blue eyes that either saw right through her, or made her want to melt into an orgasmic puddle at his feet.

  When she had first come here, Cody had intimidated her, but now that she had gotten to know him very well, the incorrigible flirt had etched a spot in her heart forever. Too bad she really did need to get laid.

  Even though Cody had his pick of women, love seemed to elude him like it did her. While he had no problems matching employees and friends, he had yet to find someone special for himself. Or her. Thank God—but it wasn't for lack of trying on his part. As much as Tara wanted to stay here at Del Fantasma with Cody looking out for her, she couldn't. Her job as a singer was temporary. Once she had enough funds she would move on. Again.

  Perhaps she could convince Cody to follow through on his teasing offer to get her off. He knew what she was and could protect himself. But then what would happen to their friendship? He was the only person she'd ever met who wasn't frightened by her special ability. Not only wasn't he frightened, he seemed to embrace her uniqueness. She was no fool. Most of his customers were special and they all got the same treatment she did. Still, he made her feel human.

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