Taming the Last Acosta
Taming the Last Acosta
Susan Stephens
Her mother told her never to play with fireLiving her life vicariously through a camera lens, photojournalist Romy Winner is happy to stay in the background, capturing other peoples happiness. Until Argentinian polo champion turned Special Forces soldier Kruz Acosta challenges her to step out of the shadows and into his bed!Their recklessness has one startling repercussion that should never be linked to a man with such a wicked reputation. If Romy is to secure her childs future she must get beneath the mask that hides his scars and learn how to tame the wild AcostaSusan Stephens is the reason why I am so passionate about the Mills & Boon Modern series. Christine, 53, Altrincham
So when were you going to tell me that youre pregnant? Kruz demanded.
You seem more concerned about my faults than our child. There were so many times when I wanted to tell you I dont want to argue with you about this, Kruz. I want to discuss what has happened while weve got the chance. For Gods sake, Kruzwhats wrong with you? Anyone would think you were trying to drive me awaytaking your child with me.
Youll stay here until I tell you to go, he said, snatching hold of her arm.
Let me go! she cried furiously.
Theres nowhere for you to go. Theres just thousands of miles of nothing out there.
Im leaving Argentina.
And then what? he demanded.
And then Ill make a life for me and our babythe baby you dont care to acknowledge.
Was that a flicker of something human in his eyes? Had she got through to him at last? His grip had relaxed on her arm.
About the Author
SUSAN STEPHENS was a professional singer before meeting her husband on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. In true Modern Romance style they met on Monday, became engaged on Friday, and were married three months after that. Almost thirty years and three children later, they are still in love. (Susan does not advise her children to return home one day with a similar story, as she may not take the news with the same fortitude as her own mother!)
Susan had written several non-fiction books when fate took a hand. At a charity costume ball there was an after-dinner auction. One of the lots, Spend a Day with an Author, had been donated by Mills & Boon
author Penny Jordan. Susans husband bought this lot, and Penny was to become not just a great friend but a wonderful mentor, who encouraged Susan to write romance.
Susan loves her family, her pets, her friends, and her writing. She enjoys entertaining, travel, and going to the theatre. She reads, cooks, and plays the piano to relax, and can occasionally be found throwing herself off mountains on a pair of skis or galloping through the countryside. Visit Susans website: www.susanstephens.netshe loves to hear from her readers all around the world!
Recent titles by the same author:
THE MAN FROM HER WAYWARD PAST*
A TASTE OF THE UNTAMED*
THE ARGENTINIANS SOLACE*
THE SHAMELESS LIFE OF RUIZ ACOSTA*
*all titles linked to the Acosta Family
take a look at their fantastic website!
http://www.susanstephens.com/acostas/index.html
Did you know these are also available as eBooks?
Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
Taming
the Last Acosta
Susan Stephens
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
For Joanne,
who holds my hand when Im in the dentists chair.
CHAPTER ONE
TWO PEOPLE IN the glittering wedding marquee appeared distanced from the celebrations. One was a photojournalist, known as Romy Winner, for whom detachment was part of her job. Kruz Acosta, the brother of the groom, had no excuse. With his wild dark looks, barely mellowed by formal wedding attire, Romilywho preferred to call herself no-nonsense Romythought Kruz perfectly suited to the harsh, unforgiving pampas in Argentina where this wedding was taking place.
Trying to slip deeper into the shadows, she stole some more shots of him. Immune to feeling when she was working, this time she felt excitement grip her. Not just because every photo editor in the world would pay a fortune to get their hands on her shots of Kruz Acosta, the most elusive of the notorious Acosta brothers, but because Kruz stirred her in some dark, atavistic way, involving a violently raised heartbeat and a lot of ill-timed appreciation below the belt.
Perhaps it was his air of menace, or maybe it was his hard-edged warrior look, but whatever it was she was enjoying it.
All four Acosta brothers were big, powerful men, but rumours abounded where Kruz was concerned, which made him all the more intriguing. A veteran of Special Forces, educated in both Europe and America, Kruz was believed to work for two governments now, though no one really knew anything about him other than his success in business and his prowess on the polo field.
She was getting to know him through her camera lens at this wedding of Kruzs older brother, Nacho, to his beautiful blind bride, Grace. What she had learned so far was less than reassuring: Kruz missed nothing. She ducked out of sight as he scanned the sumptuously decorated wedding venue, no doubt looking for unwanted visitors like her.
It was time to forget Kruz Acosta and concentrate on work, Romy told herself sternly, even if he was compelling viewing to someone who made her living out of stand-out shots. It would take more than a froth of tulle and a family reunion to soften Kruz Acosta, Romy guessed, as she ran off another series of images she knew Ronald, her editor at ROCK!, would happily give his eye teeth for.
Just one or two more and then shed make herself scarce
Maybe sooner rather than later, Romy concluded as Kruz glanced her way. This job would have been a pleasure if shed had an official press pass, but ROCK! was considered a scandal sheet by many, so no one from ROCK! had received an invitation to the wedding. Romy was attending on secret business for the bride, on the understanding that she could use some of the shots for other purposes.
Romys fame as a photographer had reached Grace through Holly Acosta, one of Romys colleagues at ROCK! The three women had been having secret meetings over the past few months, culminating in Grace declaring that she would trust no one but Romy to make a photographic record of her wedding for her husband, Nacho, and for any children they might have. Inspired by the blind brides courage, Romy had agreed. Grace was fast becoming a friend rather than just another client, and this was a chance in a million for Romy to see the Acostas at playthough she doubted Kruz would be as accommodating as the bride if he caught her.
So he mustnt catch her, Romy determined, shivering with awareness as she focused her lens on the one man in the marquee her camera loved above all others. He had a special sort of energy that seemed to reach her across the crowded tent, and the menace he threw out was alarming. The more shots she took of him, the more she couldnt imagine that much got in his way. It was easy to picture Kruz as a rebellious youth who had gone on to win medals for gallantry in the Special Forces. All the bespoke tailoring in the world couldnt hide the fact that Kruz Acosta was a weapon in disguise. He now ran a formidably successful security company, which placed him firmly in charge of security at this wedding.
A flush of alarm scorched her as Kruzs gaze swept over her like a searchlight and moved on. He must have seen her. The question was: would he do anything about it? She hadnt come halfway across the world in order to return home to London empty-handed.
Or to let down the bride, Romy concluded as she moved deeper into the crowd. This commission for Grace was more of a sacred charge than a job, and she had no intention of being distracted by one of the most alarming-looking men it had ever been her pleasure to photograph. Running off a blizzard of shots, she realised Kruz couldnt have stood in starker contrast to the bride. Graces gentle beauty had never seemed more pronounced than at this moment, when she was standing beneath a flower-bedecked canopy between her husband and Kruz.
Romy drew a swift breath when the man in question stared straight at her. Lowering her camera, she glanced around, searching for a better hiding place, but shadows were in short supply in the brilliantly lit tent. One of the few things Grace could still detect after a virus had stolen her sight was light, so the dress code for the wedding was sparkle and every corner of the giant marquee was floodlit by fabulous Venetian chandeliers.
Mingling with the guests, Romy kept her head down. The crowd was moving towards the receiving line, where all the Acostas were standing. There was a murmur of anticipation in the queueand no wonder. The Acostas were an incredibly good-looking family. Nacho, the oldest brother, was clearly besotted by his beautiful new bride, while the sparks flying between Diego and his wedding planner wife Maxie could have ignited a fire. The supremely cool Ruiz Acosta clearly couldnt wait to get his firebrand wife, Romys friend and colleague Holly, into bed, judging by the looks they were exchanging, while Lucia Acosta, the only girl in this family of four outrageously good-looking brothers, was flirting with her husband Luke Forster, the ridiculously photogenic American polo player.
Which left Kruz
The only unmarried brother. So what? Her camera loved him, but that didnt mean she had to like himthough she would take full advantage of his distraction as he greeted his guests.
Those scars That grim expression She snapped away, knowing that everything about Kruz Acosta should put her off, but instead she was spellbound.
From a safe distance, Romy amended sensibly, as a pulse of arousal ripped through her.
And then he really did surprise her. As Kruz turned to say something to the bride his expression softened momentarily. That was the money shot, as it was known in the trade. It was the type of unexpected photograph that Romy was so good at capturing and had built her reputation on.
She was so busy congratulating herself she almost missed Kruz swinging round to stare at her again. Now she knew how a rabbit trapped in headlights felt. When he moved she moved too. Grabbing her kitbag, she stowed the camera. Her hands were trembling as panic mounted inside her. She hurried towards the exit, knowing this was unlike her. She was a seasoned pro, not some cub reportera thick skin came with the job. And why such breathless excitement at the thought of being chased by him? She was hardly an innocent abroad where men were concerned.
Because Kruz was the stuff of heated erotic dreams and her body liked the idea of being chased by him. Next question.
Before she made herself scarce there were a few more shots she wanted to take for Grace. Squeezing herself into a small gap behind a pillar, she took some close-ups of flowers and trimmingsrichly scented white roses and lush fat peonies in softest pink, secured with white satin ribbon and tiny silver bells. The ceiling was draped like a Bedouin tent, white and silver chiffon lavishly decorated with scented flowers, crystal beads and fiery diamant. Though Grace couldnt see these details the wedding planner had ensured she would enjoy a scent sensation, while Romy was equally determined to make a photographic record of the day with detailed descriptions in Braille alongside each image.
Hello, Romy.
She nearly jumped out of her skin, but it was only a famous celebrity touching her arm, in the hope of a photograph. Romys editor at ROCK! loved those shots, so she had to make time for it. Shots like these brought in the money Romy so badly needed, though what she really longed to do was to tell the story of ordinary people in extraordinary situations through her photographs. One day shed do that, she vowed stepping forward to take the shot, leaving herself dangerously exposed.
The queue of guests at the receiving line was thinning as people moved on to their tables for the wedding feast, and an icy warning was trickling down her spine before she even had a chance to say goodbye to the celebrity. She didnt need to check to know she was being watched. She usually managed to blend in with the crowd, with or without an official press pass, but there was nothing usual in any situation when Kruz Acosta was in town.
As soon as the celebrity moved on she found another hiding place behind some elaborate table decorations. From here she could observe Kruz to her hearts content. She settled down to enjoy the play of muscle beneath his tailored jacket and imagined him stripped to the buff.
Nice
The only downside was Grace had mentioned that although Kruz felt at home on the pampas he was going to open an office in LondonJust around the corner from ROCK!, Grace had said, as if it were a good thing.
Now shed seen him, Romy was sure Kruz Acosta was nothing but trouble.
But attractive He was off-the-scale hot.
But she wasnt here to play make-believe with one of the lead characters at this wedding. She had got what she needed and she was out of here.
Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed that Kruz was no longer in the receiving line.
So where the hell was he?
She scanned the marquee, but there was no sign of Kruz anywhere. There were quite a few exits from the tenthe could have used any one of them. She wasnt going to take any chances, and would head straight for the press coach to send off her copy. Thank goodness Holly had given her a key.
The press coach wasnt too far. She could see its twinkling lights. She quickened her step, fixing her gaze on them, feeling that same sense of being huntedthough why was she worried? She could look after herself. Growing up small and plain had ruled out girlie pursuits, so she had taken up kick-boxing instead. Anyone who thought they could take her camera was in for a big surprise.
He had recognised the girl heading towards the exit. There was no chance he would let her get away. Having signed off the press passes personally, he knew Romy Winner didnt appear on any of them.
Romy Winner was said to be ruthless in pursuit of a story, but she was no more ruthless than he was. Her work was reputed to be cutting-edge and insightfulhed even heard it said that as a photojournalist Romy Winner had no equalbut that didnt excuse her trespass here.
She had disappointed him, Kruz reflected as he closed in on her. Renowned for lodging herself in the most ingenious of nooks, he might have expected to find Ms Winner hanging from the roof trusses, or masquerading as a waitress, rather than skulking in the shadows like some rent-a-punk oddity, with her pale face, thin body, huge kohl-ringed eyes and that coal-black, gel-spiked, red-tipped hair, for all the wedding guests to stare at and comment on.
So Romy could catch guests off-guard and snap away at her leisure?
Maybe she wasnt so dumb after all. She must have captured some great shots. He was impressed by her cunning, but far less impressed by Se?orita Winners brazen attempt to gate-crash his brothers wedding. He would make her pay. He just hadnt decided what currency he was accepting today. That would depend on his mood when he caught up with her.
Romy hurried on into the darkness. She couldnt shake the feeling she was being followed, though she doubted it was Kruz. Surely he had more important things to do?
Crunching her way along a cinder path, she reasoned that with all the Acosta siblings having been raised by Nacho, after their parents had been killed in a flood, Kruz had enjoyed no softening influence from a motherwhich accounted for the air of danger surrounding him. It was no more than that. Her overworked imagination could take a rest. Pausing at a crossroads, she picked up the lights and followed them. She couldnt afford to lose her nerve now. She had to get her copy away. The money Romy earned from her photographs kept her mother well cared for in the nursing home where she had lived since Romys father had beaten her half to death.
When Romy had first become a photojournalist it hadnt taken her long to realise that pretty pictures earned pennies, while sensational images sold almost as well as sex. Her success in the field had been forged in stone on the day she was told that her mother would need full-time care for the rest of her life. From that day on Romy had been determined that her mother would have the best of care and Romy would provide it for her.
A gust of wind sweeping down from the Andes made her shudder violently. She wondered if she had ever felt more out of place than she did now. She lived in London, amidst constant bustle and noise. Here in the shadow of a gigantic mountain range everything turned sinister at night and her chest tightened as she quickened her step. The ghostly shape of the wedding tent was far behind her now, and ahead was just a vast emptiness, dotted with faint lights from the hacienda. There were no landmarks on the pampas and no stars to guide her. The Acosta brothers were giants amongst men, and the land they came from was on the same impressive scale. There were no boundaries here, there was only space, and the Acostas owned most of it.
Rounding a corner, she caught sight of the press coach again and began to jog. Her breath hitched in her throat as she stopped to listen. Was that a twig snapping behind her? Her heart was hammering so violently it was hard to tell. Focusing her gaze on the press coach, with its halo of aerials and satellite dishes, she fumbled for the key, wanting to have it ready in her handand cried out with shock as a mans hand seized her wrist.
His other hand snatched hold of her camera. Reacting purely on instinct, she launched a stinging roundhouse kickonly to have her ankle captured in an iron grip.
Good, but not good enough, Kruz Acosta ground out.
Rammed up hard against the motorcoach, with Kruzs head in her face, it was hard for Romy to disagree. In the unforgiving flesh, Kruz made the evidence of her camera lens seem pallid and insubstantial. He was hard like rock, and so close she could see the flecks of gold in his fierce black eyes, as well as the cynical twist on his mouth. While their gazes were locked he brought her camera strap down, inch by taunting inch, until finally he removed it from her arm and placed it on the ground behind him.
No, he said softly when she glanced at it.
She still made a lunge, which he countered effortlessly. Flipping her to the ground, he stood back. Rolling away, she sprang up, assuming a defensive position with her hands clenched into angry fists, and demanded that he give it up.
Kruz Acosta merely raised a brow.
I said
I heard what you said, he said quietly.
He was even more devastating at short range. She rubbed her arm as she stared balefully. He hadnt hurt her. He had branded her with his touch.
A shocked cry sprang from her lips when he seized hold of her again. His reach was phenomenal. His grip like steel. He made no allowance for the fact that she was half his size, so now every inch of her was rammed up tight against him, and when she fought him he just laughed, saying, Is that all youve got?
She staggered as Kruz thrust her away. She felt humiliated as well as angry. Now hed had a chance to take a better look at her he wasnt impressed. And why would he be?
How does a member of the paparazzi get in here?
Kruz was playing with her, she suspected. Im not paparazzi. Im on the staff at ROCK!
My apologies. He made her a mocking bow. So youre a fully paid-up member of the paparazzi. With your own executive office, I presume?
I have a very nice office, as it happens, she lied. He was making her feel hot and self-conscious. She was used to being in control. It was going too far to say that amongst photojournalists she was accorded a certain respect, but she certainly wasnt used to being talked down to by men.
So as well as being an infamous photojournalist and an executive at ROCK! magazine, Kruz mocked, I now discover that the infamous Romy Winner is an expert kick-boxer.
Her cheeks flushed red. Not so expert, since hed blocked her first move.
I suppose kick-boxing is a useful skill when it comes to gate-crashing events you havent been invited to? Kruz suggested.
Its one of my interestsand just as well with men like you around
Men like me? he said, holding her angry stare. Perhaps you and I should get on the mat in the gym sometime.
Over my dead body, she fired back.
His look suggested he expected her to blink, or flinch, or even lower her gaze in submission. She did none of those things, though she did find herself staring at his lips. Kruz had the most amazing mouthhard, yet sensualand she couldnt help wondering what it would feel like to be kissed by him, though she had a pretty good idea
An idea that was ridiculous! It wouldnt happen this side of hell. Kruz was one of the beautiful peoplethe type she liked to look at through her lens much as a wildlife photographer might observe a tiger, without having the slightest intention of touching it. Instead of drooling over him like some lovesick teenager it was time to put him straight.
Kick-boxing is great for fending off unwanted advances
Dont flatter yourself, Romy.
Kruzs eyes had turned cold and she shivered involuntarily. There was no chance of getting her camera back now. He was good, economical with his movements, and he was fast.
Who knew what he was like as a lover?
Thankfully she would never find out. All that mattered now was getting her camera back.
Darting round him, she tried to snatch itand was totally unprepared for Kruz whipping the leather jacket from her shoulders. Underneath it she was wearing a simple white vest. No bra. She hardly needed one. Her cheeks fired up when he took full inventory of her chest. She could imagine the kind of breasts Kruz liked, and perversely wished she had big bouncing breasts to thrust in his faceif only to make a better job of showing her contempt than her embarrassingly desperate nipples were doing right now, poking through her flimsy top to signal their sheer, agonising frustration.
Still want to take me on? he drawled provocatively.
Im sure I could make some sort of dent in your ego, she countered, crossing her arms over her chest. She circled round him. All I want is my property back. She glanced at the camera, lying just a tantalising distance away.
So whats on this camera that youre so keen for me not to see? He picked it up. You can collect it in the morning, when Ive had a chance to evaluate your photographs.
Its my work, and I need to edit it
Your unauthorised work, he corrected her.
There was no point trying to reason with this man. Action was the only option.
One moment she was diving for the camera, and the next Kruz had tumbled her to the ground.
Now, what shall I do with you? he murmured, his warm, minty breath brushing her face.
With Kruz pinning her to the ground, one powerful thigh planted either side of her body, her options were limiteduntil he yanked her onto a soft bed of grass at the side of the cinder path. Then they became boundless. The grass felt like damp ribbons beneath her skin, and she could smell the rising sap where she had crushed it. Overlaying that was the heat of a powerful, highly sexed, highly aroused man.
She should try to escape. She should put up some sort of token struggle, at least. She should remember her martial arts training and search for a weakness in Kruz to exploit.
She did none of those things. And as for that potential weaknessas it turned out it was one they shared.
As she reached up to push him away Kruz swooped down. Ravishing her mouth was a purposeful exercise, and one at which he excelled. For a moment she was too stunned to do anything, and then the sensation of being possessed, entered, controlled and plundered, even if it was only her mouth, by a man with whom she had been having fantasy sex for quite a few hours, sent her wild with excitement. She even groaned a complaint when he pulled away, and was relieved to find it was only to remove his jacket.
For such a big man Kruz went about his business with purpose and speed. His natural athleticism, she supposed, feeling her body heat, pulse and melt at the thought of being thoroughly pleasured by him. Growing up with a pillow over her head to shut out the violence at home had left her a stranger to romance and tenderness. Given a choice, she preferred to observe life through her camera lens, but when an opportunity for pleasure presented itself she seized it, enjoyed it, and moved on. She wasnt about to turn down this opportunity.
Pleasure with no curb or reason? Pleasure without thought of consequence?
Correct, she informed her inner critic firmly. Even the leisurely way Kruz was folding his jacket and putting it aside was like foreplay. He was so sexy. His powerful body was sexyhis hands were sexythe wide spread of his shoulders was sexyhis shadowy face was sexy.
Kruzs confidence in her unquestioning acceptance of everything that was about to happen was so damn sexy she could lose control right now.
A life spent living vicariously through a camera lens was ultimately unsatisfactory, while this unexpected encounter was proving to be anything but. A rush of lust and longing gripped her as he held her stare. The look they exchanged spoke about need and fulfilment. It was explicit and potent. She broke the moment of stillness. Ripping off his shirt, she sent buttons flying everywhere. Yanking the fabric from the waistband of his pants, she tossed it away, exclaiming with happy shock as bespoke tailoring yielded to hard, tanned flesh. This was everything she had ever dreamed of and more. Liberally embellished with tattoos and scars, Kruzs torso was outstanding. She could hardly breathe for excitement when he found the button on her jeans and quickly dealt with it. He quickly got them down. In comparison, her own fingers felt fat and useless as she struggled with the buckle on his belt.
Let me help you.
Kruz held her gaze with a mocking look as he made this suggestion. It was all the aphrodisiac she needed. She cried out with excitement when his thumbs slipped beneath the elastic on her flimsy briefs to ease them down her hips. His big hands blazed a trail of fire everywhere they touched. She couldnt bear the wait when he paused to protect them both, but it was a badly needed wake-up call. The fact that this man had thought of it before she had went some way to reminding her how far shed travelled from the safe shores she called home.
Her body overruled the last-minute qualms. Her body was one hundred per cent in favour of what was coming. Even her tiny breasts felt swollen and heavy, while her nipples were cheekily pert and obscenely hard, and the carnal pulse throbbing insistently between her legs demanded satisfaction.
Kruz had awakened such an appetite inside her she wouldnt be human if she didnt want to discover what sex could be like with someone who really knew what he was doing. She was about to find out. When Kruz stretched his length against her she could feel his huge erection, heavy and hard against her leg. And that look in his eyesthat slumberous, confident look. It told her exactly what he intended to do with her and just how much she was going to enjoy it. And, in case she was in any doubt, he now spelled out his intentions in a few succinct words.
She gasped with excitement. With hardly any experience of dating, and even less of foreplay, she was happy to hear that nothing was about to change.
CHAPTER TWO
SHE EXCLAIMED WITH shock when Kruz eased inside her. She was ready. That wasnt the problem. Kruz was the problem. He was huge.
Built to scale.
She should have known.
Her breath came in short, shocked whimpers, pain and pleasure combined. It was a relief when he took his time and didnt rush her. She began to relax.
This was good Yes, better than good
Releasing the shaking breath from her lungs, she silently thanked him for giving her the chance to explore such incredible sensation at her leisure. Leisure? The brief plateau lasted no more than a few seconds, then she was clambering all over him as a force swept them into a world where moving deeper, harder, rougher, fast and furious, was more than an imperative: it was essential to life.
You okay? Kruz asked, coming down briefly to register concern as she screamed wildly and let go.
It seemed for ever before she could answer him, and then she wasnt sure she said anything that made sense.
A little better, at least? he suggested with amusement when she quietened.
Not that much better, she argued, blatantly asking for more.
Taking his weight on his arms, Kruz stared down at her.
It didnt get much better than this, Romy registered groggily, lost in pleasure the instant he began to move. She loved his hard, confident mouth. She loved the feeling of being full and ready to be sated. She even loved her grassy bed, complete with night sounds: cicadas chirruping and an owl somewhere in the distance hooting softly. Kruzs clean, musky scent was in her nostrils, and when she turned her head, groaning in extremes of pleasure, her bed of grass added a piquant tang to an already intoxicating mix. She was floating on sensation, hardly daring to move in case she fell too soon. She didnt want it to end, but Kruz was too experienced and made it really hard to hold on. Moving persuasively from side to side, he pushed her little by little, closer to the edge.
Good? he said, staring down, mocking her with his confident smile.
Very good, she managed on a shaking breath.
And then he did something that lifted her onto an even higher plane of sensation. Slowly withdrawing, he left her trembling and uncertain, before slowly thrusting into her again. Whatever she had imagined before was eclipsed by this intensity of feeling. It was like the first time all over again, except now she was so much more receptive and aroused. She couldnt hold back, and shrieked as she fell, shouting his name as powerful spasms gripped her.
When she finally relaxed what she realised was her pincer grip on Kruzs arms, she realised she had probably bruised him. He was holding her just as firmly, but with more care. She loved his firm grip on her buttocks, his slightly callused hands rough on her soft skin.
I cant, she protested as he began to move again. I truly cant.
Theres no such word as cant, he whispered.
Incredibly, he was right. It didnt seem possible that she had anything left, but when Kruz stared deep into her eyes it was as if he was instructing her that she must give herself up to sensation. There was no reason to disobey and she tumbled promptly, laughing and crying with surprise as she fell again.
It turned out to be just the start of her lessons in advanced lovemaking. Pressing her knees back, Kruz stared down. Now she discovered that she loved to watch him watching her. Lifting herself up, she folded her arms behind her head so she had a better view. Nothing existed outside this extreme pleasure. Kruz had placed himself at her disposal, and to reward him she pressed her legs as wide as they would go. He demanded all her concentration as he worked steadily and effectively on the task in hand.
You really should try holding on once in a while, he said, smiling against her mouth.
Why? she whispered back.
Try it and youll find out, he said.
Will you teach me? Her heart drummed at the thought.
Perhaps, Kruz murmured.
He wasnt joking, Romy discovered as Kruz led her through a lengthy session of tease and withdraw until her body was screaming for release.
Greedy girl, he murmured with approval. Again? he suggested, when finally he allowed her to let go.
Bracing her hands against his chest, she smiled into his eyes. For a hectic hook-up this was turning into a lengthy encounter, and she hadnt got a single complaint. Kruz was addictive. The pleasure he conjured was amazing. But
What? he said as she turned her head away from him.
Nothing. She dismissed the niggle hiding deep in her subconscious.
You think too much, he said.
Agreed, she replied, dragging in a fast breath as he began to move again.
Kruz didnt need to ask if she wanted more; the answer was obvious to both of them. Gripping his iron buttocks, she urged him on as he set up a drugging beat. Tightening her legs around his waist, she moved with himharderfastergiving as good as she got, and through it all Kruz maintained eye contact, which was probably the biggest turn-on of all, because he could see where she was so quickly going. Holding her firmly in place, he kept her in position beneath him, and when the storm rose he judged each thrust to perfection. Pushing her knees apart, he made sure they both had an excellent view, and now even he was unable to hold on, and roared with pleasure as he gave in to violent release.
She went with him, falling gratefully into a vortex of sensation from which there was no escape. It was only when she came to that she realised fantasy had in no way prepared her for realityher fantasies were wholly selfish, and Kruz had woken something inside her that made her care for him just a little bit. It was a shame he didnt feel the same. Now he was sated she sensed a core of ice growing around him. It frightened her, because she was feeling emotional for the first time with a man. And now he was pulling backemotionally, physically.
No wonder that niggle of unease had gripped her, Romy reflected. She was playing well out of her league. As if to prove this, Kruz was already on his feet, pulling on his clothes. He buckled his belt as if it were just another day at the office. She might have laughed under other circumstances when he was forced to tug the edges of his shirt together where she had ripped the buttons off. He did no more than hide the evidence of her desperation beneath his tie. How could he be so chillingly unfazed by all this? Her unease grew at the thought that what had just happened between them had made a dangerously strong impression on her, while it appeared to have washed over Kruz.
And why not? What happened was freely given and freely taken by both of you.
Are you okay? he said, glancing down when she remained immobile.
Of course I am, she said in a casual tone. Inwardly she was screaming. Was she really so stupid she had imagined she would come out of something like this unscathed?
Even inward reasoning didnt helpshe was still waiting for him to say something encouraging. How pathetic was that? She had never felt like this before, and had no way of dealing with the feelings, so, gathering up her clothes, she lost herself in mundane mattersshaking the grass off her jacket, pulling on her jeans, sorting her hair out, then smoothing her hands over her face, hoping that by the time she removed them she would appear cool and detached.
Wrong. She felt as if shed come out the wrong end of a spin dry.
Her thoughts turned at last to her camera. It was still lying on the bank, temptingly close. She had learned her lesson where lunging for it was concerned, but felt confident that Kruz would give it to her now. It was the least he could do.
Fortunately Kruz appeared to be oblivious both to her and to her camera. He was on the phone, telling his security operatives that he was patrolling the grounds.
She eased her neck, as if that would ease the other aches, most of which had taken up residence in her heart.
Hadnt she learned anything from the past? Had Kruz made her forget her fathers rages and her mothers dependency on a violent man?
Kruz hadnt been in any way violent towards herbut he was strong, commanding, and detached from emotion. All the things she had learned to avoid.
She was safe in that, unlike her mother, she had learned to avoid the pitfalls of attachment by switching off her emotions. In that she wasnt so dissimilar from Kruz. This was just a brief interlude of fun for both of them and now it was over. Neither of them was capable of love.
Love?
He swung round as she made a wry sound. Love was a long road to nowhere, with a punch in the teeth at the end. So, yes, if she was in any doubt at all about the protocol between two strangers whod just had sex on a grassy bank, shed go with cool and detached every time.
Right, he said, ending the call, I need to get back.
Of course, she said off-handedly. But Id like my camera first.
He frowned, as if they were two strangers at odds with each other. Youve had your fun and now youre on your way, he said.
Shed asked for that, Romy concluded. Well, Im not going anywhere without it, she said stubbornly. It was true. The camera was more than a tool of her trade, it was a fifth limb. It was an extension of her body, of her mind. It was the only way she knew how to make the money she needed to support herself and her mother.
Ive told you already. Youll get it back when Ive checked it, he said coldly, hoisting the camera over his shoulder.
Youre my censor now? she said, chasing after him. I dont think so.
The look Kruz gave her made her stomach clench with alarm.
You can sleep in the bunkhouse, he said, along with the rest of the press crew. Pick up your camera in the morning from my staff.
She blinked. Hed said it as if they hadnt touched each other, pleasured each other.
Theyd had sex and that was all.
Except for the slap in the face she got from realising that he saw it as no reason to give up her camera. By morning it will be too lateI need it now.
For what? he said.
I have to edit the photographs and then catch the news desk. It was a lie of desperation, but she would do anything to recover her camera. There is another reason, she added, waiting for a thunderclap to strike her down. This idea had only just occurred to her. I need to work on the shots Im donating to your charity.
As if hed guessed, Kruzs eyes narrowed. The Acosta charity?
Yes. She had a lot of shots in the can, Romy reasoned, quickly running through them in her mind. She had more than enough to pay for her mothers care and to keep herself off the breadline. She had taken a lot of shots specifically for Graces album, and he couldnt have those, but there were moreplenty more.
Had she bought herself a reprieve? Romy wondered as she stared at Kruz. Ive identified a good opportunity for the charity, she said, as the germ of an idea sprouted wings.
Tell me, Kruz said impatiently.
My editor at ROCK! is thinking about making a feature on the Acostas and your charity. Or at least she would make sure he was thinking about it by the time she got back. Think of how that would raise the charitys profile, she said, dangling a carrot she hoped no Acosta in his right mind could refuse.
So why didnt Grace or Holly tell me about this? Kruz probed, staring at her keenly. If either of them had mentioned it I would have made sure you were issued with an official pass.
I am here on a mission for Grace, Romy admitted, which is how I got in. Grace asked me not to say anything, and I havent. Its crucial that Nacho doesnt learn about Graces special surprise. I hope youll respect that. Kruz remained silent as she went on. Im sure Grace and Holly were just too wrapped up in the wedding to remember to tell you, she said, not wanting to get either of her friends into trouble.
Kruz paused. And now she could only wait.
I suppose Grace could confirm this if I asked her?
If you feel like interrogating a bride on her wedding day, Im sure she would.
One ebony brow lifted. Whether Kruz believed her or not, for the moment she had him firmly in check.
The solution to this, he remarked, is that I take a look at the shots and I decide.
As he strode away she ran after him. Dodging in front of him, she forced him to stop.
He studied Romys elfin features with a practised eye. He interpreted the nervous hand running distractedly through her disordered hair. The camera meant everything to her, and if there was one thing that could really throw Ms Winner he had it swinging from his shoulder now. She was terrified he was going to disappear with her camera. She worked with it every day. It was her family, her income stream, her life. He almost felt sorry for her, and then stamped the feeling out. What was Romy Winner to him?
Actually, she was a lot more than he wanted her to be. She had got to him in a way he hadnt quite fathomed yet. Is there some reason why I shouldnt see these shots? he asked, teasing her by lifting the camera to Romys eye level.
None whatsoever, she said firmly, but her face softened in response to his mocking expression and she almost smiled.
Testing Romy was fun, he discovered, and fun and he were strangers. With such a jaundiced palette as his, any novelty was a prize. But he wouldnt taunt her any longer. He wasnt a bully, and wouldnt intentionally try to increase that look of concern in her eyes. Shall we? he invited, glancing at the press coach.
She eyed him suspiciously, perhaps wondering if she was being set up. She knew there was nothing she could do about it, if that were the case. She strode ahead of him, head down, mouth set in a stubborn line, no doubt planning her next move. And then she really did throw him.
So, what have you got to hide? she asked him, swinging round at the door
Me? he demanded.
Tilting her head to one side, she studied his face. People with something to hide are generally wary of me and my camera, so I wondered what you had to hide
You think thats why I confiscated it?
Maybe, she said, not flinching from his stare.
That direct look of hers asked a lot of questions about a man who could have such prolonged and spectacular sex with a woman he didnt know. It was a look that suggested Romy was asking herself the same question.
Are you worried that I might have taken some compromising pictures of you? she said. There was a tug of humour at one corner of her mouth.
Worried? He shook his head. But the truth was he had never been so reckless with a woman. He sure as hell wouldnt be so reckless again.
Kruz? she prompted.
His name sounded soft on her lips. That had to be a first. He smiled. What?
Just checking you know Im still here.
He gave her a wry look and felt a surge of heat when she tossed one back. He wasnt an animal. He was still capable of feeling. His brother Nacho had made him believe that when Kruz had been discharged from the army hospital. It was Nacho who had persuaded him to channel his particular talents into a security company, saying Kruz must need and feel and care before he could really start living again. Nacho was right. The more he looked at Romy, the more human he felt.
Did Kruz have to stare at her lips like that? Here she was, trying to forget her body was still thrilling from his touch, and he wasnt making it easy. She was a professional woman, trying to persuade herself she would soon get over tonightyet all he had to do was look at her for her to long for him to take hold of her and draw her into an embrace that was neither sexual nor mocking. She had never wanted to share and trust and rest awhile quite so badly.
And she wasnt about to fall into that trap now.
Shall we take a look?
She looked at Kruz and frowned.
The pictures? he prompted, and she realised that he had not only removed the key to the press coach from her hand, but had opened the door and was holding it for her.
That yearning feeling inside?
It wasnt helpful. Women who felt the urge to nurture men would end up like her mother: battered, withdrawn, and helpless in a nursing home.
She led the way into the coach. Her manner was cold. They were both cold, and that suited her fine.
Romys mood now was a slap in the face to him after what theyd experienced together, but he had to concede she was only as detached as he was. He was just surprised, he supposed, that those much vaunted attributes of tenderness and sensitivity, which women were supposed to possess in abundance, appeared to have bypassed her completely. He should be pleased about that, but he wasnt. He was offended. Romy was the first woman who hadnt clung to him possessively after sex. And bizarrely, for the first time in his life, some primitive part of him had wanted her to.
Are you coming in? she said, when he stood at the entrance at the top of the steps.
His senses surged as he brushed past her. However unlikely it seemed to him, this whip-thin fighting girl stirred him like no other. He wanted more. So did she, judging by than quick intake of breath. He could feel her sexual hunger in the energy firing between them. But Romy wanted more that he could give her. He wanted more of Romy, but all he wanted was sex.
CHAPTER THREE
SHE MADE HER way down the aisle towards the area at the rear of the coach set aside for desks and equipment. Her small, slender shape, dressed all in black, quickly became part of the shadows.
I know theres a light switch in here somewhere, she said.
Her voice was a little shaky now the door was closed, and the tension rocketed between them. He could feel her anticipation as she waited for his next move. He could taste it in the air. He could detect her arousal. He was a hunter through and through.
Here, he said, pressing a switch that illuminated the coach and set some unseen power source humming.
Thank you, she said, with her back to him as she sat down at a desk.
Youll need this, he said, handing over the camera.
She thanked him and hugged it to her as if it contained gold bars rather than her shots.
He had more time than he needed while she logged on. He used it to reflect on what had happened over the past hour or so. Ejecting Romy from the wedding feast should have been straightforward. She should have been on her way to Buenos Aires by now, then back to London. Instead his head was still full of her, and his body still wanted her. He could still hear her moaning and writhing beneath him and feel her beneath his hands. He could still taste her on his mouth, and he could remember the smell of her soap-fresh skin. He smiled in the shadows, remembering her attacking him, that tiny frame surprisingly strong, yet so undeniably feminine. Why did Romy Winner hide herself away behind the lens of a camera?
A blaze of colour hit the screen as she began to work. What he saw answered his question. Romy Winner was quite simply a genius with a camera. Images assailed his senses. The scenery was incredible, the wildlife exotic. Her pictures of the Criolla ponies were extraordinary. She had captured some amusing shots of the wedding guests, but nothing cruel, though she had caught out some of the most pompous in less than flattering moments. Shed taken a lot of pictures of the staff too, and it was those shots that really told a story. Perhaps because more expression could be shown on faces that hadnt been stitched into place, he reflected dryly as Romy continued to sort and select her images.
Shed made him smile. Another first, he mused as she turned to him.
Well? she said. Do you like what you see?
I like them, he confirmed. Show me what else youve got.
Theres about a thousand more.
Im in no hurry. For maybe the first time in his life.
Why dont you pull up a chair? she suggested. Just let me know if there any images you dont feel are suitable for the charity.
So Im your editor now? he remarked, with some amusement after her earlier comment about censorship.
No, she said mildly. Youre a client I want to please.
He inclined his head in acknowledgement of this. He could think of a million ways she could please him. When she turned back to her work he thought the nape of her neck extremely vulnerable and appealing, just for starters. He considered dropping a kiss on the peachy flesh, and then decided no. Once hed tasted her
What do you think of these? she said, distracting him.
Grace is very beautiful, he said as he stared at Romys shots of the bride. He could see that his new sister-in-law was exquisite, like some beautifully fashioned piece of china. But did Grace move him? Did she make his blood race? He admired Grace as he might admire some priceless objet dart, but it was Romy who heated his blood.
She is beautiful, isnt she? Romy agreed, with a warmth in her voice he had never noticed before. She certainly didnt use that voice when she spoke to him.
And why should he care?
Because for the first time in his life he found himself missing the attentions of a woman, and perhaps because he was still stung, after Romys enthusiastic response to their lovemaking, that she wasnt telling him how she thrilled and throbbed, and all the other things his partners were usually at such pains to tell him. Had Romy Winner simply feasted on him and moved on? If she had, it would be the first time any woman had turned the tables on him.
This is the sort of shot my editor loves, she said as she brought a picture of him up on the screen.
Why is that?
Because youre so elusive, she explained. Youre hardly ever photographed. Ill make a lot from this, she added with a pleased note in her voice.
Was he nothing but a commodity?
Though what Id like to do, she explained, is give it to the charity. So, much as Id like to make some money out of you, you can have this one gratis.
As she turned to him he felt like laughing. She was so honest, he felt uncomfortable. Thank you, he said with a guarded expression. If youve just taken a couple of shots of me you can keep the rest.
What makes you think Id want to take more than one?
Youch.
What, indeed? He shrugged and even managed to smile at that.
Romy Winner intrigued him. He had grown up with women telling him he was the best and that they couldnt get enough of him. Hed grown up fighting for approval as the youngest of four highly skilled, highly intelligent brothers. When he couldnt beat Nacho as a youth he had turned to darker pursuitsin which, naturally, he had excelleduntil Nacho had finally knocked some sense into him. Then Harvard had beckoned, encouraging him to stretch what Nacho referred to as the most important muscle in his body: the brain. After college he had found the ideal outlet for his energy and tirelessly competitive nature in the army.
There, Romy said, jolting him back from these musings. Youre finished.
I wouldnt be too sure of that, he said, leaning in close to study her edited version. He noticed again how lithe and strong she was, and how easy it would be to pull her into his arms.
I have a deadline, she said, getting back to work.
Go right ahead. He settled back to watch her.
The huge press coach was closing in on her, and all the tiny hairs on the back of her neck were standing erect at the thought of Kruz just a short distance away. She could hear him breathing. She could smell his warm, sexy scent. Some very interesting clenching of her interior muscles suggested she was going to have to concentrate really hard if she was going to get any work done.
Could you pass me that kitbag? she said, without risking turning round. She needed a new memory card and didnt want to brush past him.
Her breath hitched as their fingers touched and that touch wiped all sensible thought from her head. All she could think about now was what they had done and what they could do again.
Work!
She pulled herself back to attention with difficulty, but even as she worked she dreamed, while her body throbbed and yearned, setting up a nagging ache that distracted her.
Shall I put this other memory card in the pocket for you? Kruz suggested.
She realised then that she had clenched her hand over it. Yesthank you.
His fingers were firm as they brushed hers again, and that set up more distracting twinges and delicious little aftershocks. Would she ever be able to live normally again?
Not if she kept remembering what Kruz had doneand so expertly.
Her mind was in turmoil. Every nerve-ending in her body felt as if it had been jangled. And all hed done was brush her hand!
Somehow she got through to the end of the editing process and was ready to show him what shed got. She ran through the images, giving a commentary like one stranger informing another about this work, and even while Kruz seemed genuinely interested and even impressed she felt his aloofness. Perhaps he thought she was a heartless bitch after enjoying him so fully and so vigorously. Perhaps he thought she took what she wanted when she wanted. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps they deserved each other.
So why this yearning ache inside her?
Because she wanted things she couldnt have, Romy reasoned, bringing up a group photograph of the Acostas on the screen. They were such a tight-knit family
Are you sure you want to give me all these shots?
Concerned, Kruz? she said, staring at him wryly. Dont worry about me. Ive kept more than enough shots back.
Id better see the ones youre giving me again.
Okay. No problem. She ran through them again, just for the dangerous pleasure of having Kruz lean in close. She had never felt like this beforeso aware, alert and aroused. It was like being hunted by the hunter she would most like to be caught by.
These are excellent, Kruz commented. Im sure Grace can only be thrilled when she hears the reaction of people to these photographs.
Thank you. I hope so, she said, concentrating on the screen. Graces wedding was the first romantic project she had worked on. Romy was better known as a scandal queen. And that was one of the more polite epithets shed heard tossed her way.
This one I cant take, Kruz insisted when she flashed up another image on the screen. You have to make some money, he reminded her.
Was this a test? Was he paying her off? Or was that her insecurity speaking? He might just be making a kindly gesture, and she maybe should let him.
She shook her head. I cant sell this one, she said quietly. I want you to have it.
The picture in question showed Kruz sharing a smile with his sister, Lucia. It was a rare and special moment between siblings, and it belonged to them alonenot the general public. It was a moment in time that told a story about Nachos success at bringing up his brothers and sister while he was still very young. They would see that when they studied it, just as she had. She wouldnt dream of selling something like that.
Frame it and youll always have a reminder of what a wonderful family you have.
Why was she doing this for him? Kruz wondered suspiciously. He eased his shoulders restlessly, realising that Romy had stirred feelings in him he hadnt experienced since his parents were alive. He stared at her, trying to work out why. She was fierce and passionate one moment, aloof and withdrawn the next. He might even call her cold. He couldnt pretend he understood her, but hed like toand that was definitely a first.
Thank you, he said, accepting the gift. I appreciate it.
Ill make a copy for Lucia as well, she offered, getting back to work.
I know my sister will appreciate that. After Lucia had picked herself off the floor because hed given her a gift outside of her birthday or Christmas.
The tension between them had subsided with this return to business. He was Romys client and she was his photographeran excellent photographer. Her photographs revealed so much about other people, while the woman behind the lens guarded her inner self like a sphinx.
DAMN. She was going to cry if she didnt stop looking at images of Grace and Nacho. So that was what love looked like
Shall we move on? she said briskly, because Kruz seemed in no hurry to bring the viewing session to an end. She was deeply affected by some of the shots she had captured of the bridal couple, and that wasnt helpful right now. Since she was a child she had felt the need to protect her inner self. Drawing a big, thick safety curtain around herself rather than staring at an impossible dream on the screen would be her action of choice right now.
That was a heavy sigh, Kruz commented.
She shrugged, neither wanting nor able to confide in him. I just need to do a little more work, she said. Thats if youll let me stay to do it? she added, turning to face him, knowing it could only be a matter of minutes before they went their separate ways.
This was the moment she had been dreading and yet she needed him to go, Romy realised. Staring at those photographs of Grace and Nacho had only underlined the fact that her own life was going nowhere.
Here, she said, handing over the memory stick. These are for you and for the charity. You will keep that special shot? she said, her chest tightening at the thought that Kruz might think nothing of it.
So I can stare at myself? he suggested, slanting her a half-smile.
So you can look at your family, she corrected him, and feel their love.
Did he have to stare at her so intently? She wished he wouldnt. It made her uncomfortable. She didnt know what Kruz expected from her.
What? she said, when he continued to stare.
I never took you for an emotional woman, he said.
Because Im not, she countered, but her breath caught in her throat, calling her a liar. The French called this a coup de foudrea thunderbolt. She had no explanation for the longing inside her except to say Kruz had turned her life inside out. It made no sense. They hardly knew each other outside of sex. They didnt know if they could trust each other, and they had no shared history. They had everything to learn about each other and no time to do so. And why would Kruz want to know more about her?
They could be friends, maybe
Friends? She almost laughed out loud at this na?ve suggestion from a subconscious that hadnt learned much in her twenty-four years of life. Romy Winner and Kruz Acosta? Ms Frost and Se?or Ice? Taking time out to get to know each other? To really get to know each other? The idea was so preposterous she wasnt going to waste another second on it. Shed settle for maintaining a truce between them long enough for her to leave Argentina in one piece with her camera.
Thanks for this, Kruz said, angling his stubble-shaded chin as he slipped the memory stick into his pocket.
She felt lost when he turned to gosomething else she would have to get used to. She had to get over him. Shed leave love at first sight to those who believed in it. As far as she was concerned love at first sight was a load of bull. Lust at first sight, maybe. Lack of self-control, certainly.
Her throat squeezed tight when he reached the door and turned to look at her.
How are you planning to get back to England, Romy?
The same way I arrived, I guess, she said wryly.
Did you bring much luggage with you?
Just the essentials. She glanced at her kitbag, where everything shed brought to Argentina was stashed. Why do you ask?
My jets flying to London tomorrow and there are still a few spare places, if youre stuck.
Did he mean stuck as in unprepared? Did he think she was so irresponsible? Maybe he thought she was an opportunist who seized the moment and thought nothing more about it?
I bought a return ticket, she said, just short of tongue in cheek. But thanks for the offer.
Kruz shrugged, but as he was about to go through the door he paused. Youre passing up the chance to take some exclusive shots of the young royals
So be it, she said. I wouldnt dream of intruding on their privacy.
Romy Winner passing up a scoop?
What youre suggesting sounds more like a cheap thrill for an amateur, she retorted, stung by his poor opinion of her. When celebrities or royals are out in public its a different matter.
Kruz made a calming motion with his hands.
I am calm, she said, raging with frustration at the thought that they had shared so much yet knew so little about each other. Kruz had tagged her with the label paparazzi the first moment hed caught sight of heras someone who would do anything it took to get her shots. Even have sex with Kruz Acosta, presumably, if that was what was required.
Romy
What? she flashed defensively.
You seem angry? Kruz suggested dryly.
She huffed, as if she didnt care what he thought, but even so her gaze was drawn to his mouth. I just wonder what type of photographer you think I am, she said, shaking her head.
A very good one, from what Ive seen today, Se?orita Winner, Kruz said softly, completely disarming her.
Gracias, she said, firming her jaw as they stared at each other.
And now Kruz should leave. And she should stay where she wasat the back of the coach, as far away from him as possible, with a desk, a chair and most of the coach seats between them.
She waited for him to go, to close the door behind him and bring this madness to an end.
He didnt go.
Leaning over the drivers seat, Kruz hit the master switch and the lights dimmed, and then he walked down the aisle towards her.
CHAPTER FOUR
THEY COLLIDED SOMEWHERE in the middle and there was a tangle of arms and moans and tongues and heated breathing.
She kicked off her boots as Kruz slipped his fingers beneath the waistband of her jeans. The button sprang free and the zipper was down, the fabric skimming over her hips like silk, so that now she was wearing only her jacket, the white vest and her ridiculously insubstantial briefs. Kruz ripped them off. Somehow the fact that she was partly clothed made what was happening even more erotic. There was only one area that needed attention and they both knew it.
Her breathing had grown frantic, and it became even more hectic when she heard foil rip. She was working hectically on Kruzs belt and could feel his erection pressing thick and hard against her hand. She gasped with relief as she released him. She was getting better at this, she registered dazedly, though her brain was still scrambled and she was gasping for breath. Kruz, on the other hand, was breathing steadily, like a man who knew exactly where he was going and how to get there. His control turned her on. He was a rock-solid promise of release and satisfaction, delivered in the most efficient way
Wrap your legs around me, Romy, he commanded as he lifted her.
Kruzs movements were measured and certain, while she was a wild, feverish mess. She did as he said, and as she clung to him he whipped his hand across the desk, clearing a space for her. She groaned with anticipation as he moved between her legs. The sensation was building to an incredible pitch. She cried out encouragement as he positioned her, his rough hands firm on her buttocks just the way she liked them. Pressing her knees back, he stared into her eyes. Pleasure guaranteed, she thought, reaching up to lace her fingers through his hair, binding him to her.
This time this one last time. And then never again.
She was so ready for him, so hungry. As Kruz sank deep, shock, pleasure, relief, eagerness, all combined to help her reach the goal. Thrusting firmly, he seemed to feel the same urgency, but then he found his control and began to tease her. Withdrawing slowly, he entered her again in the way she loved. The sensation was incredible and she couldnt hold on. She fell violently, noisily, conscious only of her own pleasure until the waves had subsided a little, when she was finally able to remember that this was for both of them. Tightening her muscles, she left Kruz in no doubt that she wasnt a silent partner but a full participant.
He smiled into her eyes and pressed her back against the desk. Wherever she took him he took her one level higher. Pinning her hands above her head, he held her hips firmly in place with his other hand as he took her hard and fast. There was no finesse and only one required outcome, and understanding the power she had over him excited her. Grabbing his arms, she rocked with him, welcoming each thrust as Kruz encouraged her in his own language. Within moments she was flying high in a galaxy composed entirely of light, with only Kruzs strong embrace to keep her safe.
It was afterwards that was awkward, Romy realised as she pulled on her jeans. When they were together they were as close as two people could betrusting, caring, encouraging, pleasuring. But now they were apart all that evaporated, disappeared almost immediately. Kruz had already sorted out his clothes and was heading for the door. They could have been two strangers who, having fallen to earth, had landed in a place neither of them recognised.
The seat on the jet is still available if you need it, he said, pausing at the door.
She worked harder than ever to appear nonchalant. If she looked at Kruz, really looked at him, she would want him to stay and might even say so.
I wont be stuck, she said, assuming an air of confidence. But thanks again for the offer. And dont forget Im only an e-mail away if you ever need any more shots from the wedding.
And only round the corner when I get to London, he said opening the door.
What the hell? She pretended not to understand. Say anything at all and her cool fa?ade would shatter into a million pieces. When tears threatened she bit them back. She wasnt going to ask Kruz if they would meet up in London. This wasnt a date. It was a heated encounter in the press coach. And now it was nothing.
Ill put the lights on for you, he said, killing her yearning for one last meaningful look from Kruz.
That would be great. Thank you. She was proud of herself for saying this without expression. She was proud of remaining cool and detached. Ive got quite a bit of work left to do.
Ill leave you to it, then, he said. Its been a pleasure, Romy.
Her head shot up. Was he mocking her?
Kruz was mocking both of them, Romy realised, seeing the tug at one corner of his mouth.
Me too, she called casually. After all, this was just another day in the life of a South American playboy. It didnt matter how much her heart ached because Kruz had gone, leaving her with just the flickering images of him on a computer screen for company.
Glancing back, he saw Romy through the window of the coach. She was poring over the monitor screen as if nothing had happened. She certainly wasnt watching him go. She was no clinging vine. It irked him. His male ego had taken a severe hit. He was used to women trying to pin him down, asking him when theyd meet againif hed call themcould they have his number? Romy didnt seem remotely bothered.
The wedding party was still in full swing as he approached the marquee. He rounded up his team, heard their reports and supervised the change-over for the next shift. All of these were measurable activities, which were a blessed relief after his encounter with the impossible-to-classify woman hed left working in the press coach.
The woman he still wanted
Yeah, that one, he thought.
The noise coming from the marquee was boisterous, joyous, celebratory. Shadows flitted to and fro across the gently billowing tent, silhouettes jouncing crazily from side to side as the music rose and fell.
And Romy was on her own in the press coach.
So what? She was safe there. Hed get someone to check up on her later.
Stopping dead in his tracks, he swung round to look back the way hed come. Hed send one of the men to make sure she made it to the bunkhouse safely.
Really?
Okay, so maybe hed do that himself.
Romy shot up. Hearing a sound in the darkness, she was instantly awake. Reaching for the light on the nightstand, she switched it on. And breathed a sigh of relief.
Sorry if I woke you, the other girl said, stumbling over the end of the bed as she tried to kick off her shoes, unzip her dress and tumble onto the bed all at the same time. Jane Harlot, foreign correspondent for Frenzy magazinepleased to meet you.
Romy Winner for ROCK!
Jane stretched out a hand and missed completely. BrilliantI love your pictures. Harlots not my real name, Jane managed, before slamming a hand over her mouth. Sorrytoo much to drink. Never could resist a challenge, even when it comes from a group of old men who look as if they have pickled their bodies in alcohol to preserve them.
Here, let me help you, Romy offered, recognising a disaster in the making. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she quickly unzipped her new roomies dress. Did you have a good time?
Too good, Jane confessed, shimmying out of the red silk clingy number. Those gauchos really know how to drink. But theyre chivalrous too. One of them insisted on accompanying me to the press coach and actually waited outside while I sent my copy so he could escort me back here.
He waited for you outside the press coach?
Of course outside, Jane said, laughing. He was about ninety. And, anyway, it didnt take me long to send my stuff. What I write is basically a comic strip. You know the sort of thingscandal, slebs, stinking rich people. I only got a look-in because my dad used to work with one of the reporters who got an official invitation and he brought me in as his assistant.
Looking alarmed at this point, Jane waved a hand, keeping the other hand firmly clamped over her mouth.
Jane had landed a big scoop, and Romy was hardly in a position to criticise the other girls methods. This wasnt a profession for shrinking violets. The Acostas had nothing to worry about, but some of their guests definitely did, she reflected, remembering those prominent personalities she had noticed attending the wedding with the wrong partner.
Are you sure youre okay? she asked with concern as Jane got up and staggered in the general direction of the bathroom.
Fine Ill sleep it off on the plane going home. The gauchos said their boss has places going spare on his private jet tomorrow, so Ill be travelling with the young royals, no less. And Ill be collected from here and taken to the airstrip in a limo. Ill be in the lap of luxury one minute and my crummy old office the next.
Thats greatenjoy it while you can, Romy called out, trying to convince herself that this was a good thing, that she was in fact Saint Romy and thoroughly thrilled for Jane, and didnt mind at all that the man shed had sex with hadnt even bothered to see her back to the bunkhouse safely.
He stayed on post until the lights went out in the bunkhouse and he was satisfied Romy was safely tucked up in bed. Pulling away from the fencepost, it occurred to him that against the odds his caring instinct seemed to have survived. But before he could read too much into that he factored his security business into the mix. Plus he had a sister. Before Lucia had got together with Luke he had always hoped someone would keep an eye on her when he wasnt around. Why should he be any different where a girl like Romy was concerned?
.
.
, (https://www.litres.ru/susan-stephens/taming-the-last-acosta/) .
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Susan Stephens
Her mother told her never to play with fireLiving her life vicariously through a camera lens, photojournalist Romy Winner is happy to stay in the background, capturing other peoples happiness. Until Argentinian polo champion turned Special Forces soldier Kruz Acosta challenges her to step out of the shadows and into his bed!Their recklessness has one startling repercussion that should never be linked to a man with such a wicked reputation. If Romy is to secure her childs future she must get beneath the mask that hides his scars and learn how to tame the wild AcostaSusan Stephens is the reason why I am so passionate about the Mills & Boon Modern series. Christine, 53, Altrincham
So when were you going to tell me that youre pregnant? Kruz demanded.
You seem more concerned about my faults than our child. There were so many times when I wanted to tell you I dont want to argue with you about this, Kruz. I want to discuss what has happened while weve got the chance. For Gods sake, Kruzwhats wrong with you? Anyone would think you were trying to drive me awaytaking your child with me.
Youll stay here until I tell you to go, he said, snatching hold of her arm.
Let me go! she cried furiously.
Theres nowhere for you to go. Theres just thousands of miles of nothing out there.
Im leaving Argentina.
And then what? he demanded.
And then Ill make a life for me and our babythe baby you dont care to acknowledge.
Was that a flicker of something human in his eyes? Had she got through to him at last? His grip had relaxed on her arm.
About the Author
SUSAN STEPHENS was a professional singer before meeting her husband on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. In true Modern Romance style they met on Monday, became engaged on Friday, and were married three months after that. Almost thirty years and three children later, they are still in love. (Susan does not advise her children to return home one day with a similar story, as she may not take the news with the same fortitude as her own mother!)
Susan had written several non-fiction books when fate took a hand. At a charity costume ball there was an after-dinner auction. One of the lots, Spend a Day with an Author, had been donated by Mills & Boon
author Penny Jordan. Susans husband bought this lot, and Penny was to become not just a great friend but a wonderful mentor, who encouraged Susan to write romance.
Susan loves her family, her pets, her friends, and her writing. She enjoys entertaining, travel, and going to the theatre. She reads, cooks, and plays the piano to relax, and can occasionally be found throwing herself off mountains on a pair of skis or galloping through the countryside. Visit Susans website: www.susanstephens.netshe loves to hear from her readers all around the world!
Recent titles by the same author:
THE MAN FROM HER WAYWARD PAST*
A TASTE OF THE UNTAMED*
THE ARGENTINIANS SOLACE*
THE SHAMELESS LIFE OF RUIZ ACOSTA*
*all titles linked to the Acosta Family
take a look at their fantastic website!
http://www.susanstephens.com/acostas/index.html
Did you know these are also available as eBooks?
Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
Taming
the Last Acosta
Susan Stephens
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
For Joanne,
who holds my hand when Im in the dentists chair.
CHAPTER ONE
TWO PEOPLE IN the glittering wedding marquee appeared distanced from the celebrations. One was a photojournalist, known as Romy Winner, for whom detachment was part of her job. Kruz Acosta, the brother of the groom, had no excuse. With his wild dark looks, barely mellowed by formal wedding attire, Romilywho preferred to call herself no-nonsense Romythought Kruz perfectly suited to the harsh, unforgiving pampas in Argentina where this wedding was taking place.
Trying to slip deeper into the shadows, she stole some more shots of him. Immune to feeling when she was working, this time she felt excitement grip her. Not just because every photo editor in the world would pay a fortune to get their hands on her shots of Kruz Acosta, the most elusive of the notorious Acosta brothers, but because Kruz stirred her in some dark, atavistic way, involving a violently raised heartbeat and a lot of ill-timed appreciation below the belt.
Perhaps it was his air of menace, or maybe it was his hard-edged warrior look, but whatever it was she was enjoying it.
All four Acosta brothers were big, powerful men, but rumours abounded where Kruz was concerned, which made him all the more intriguing. A veteran of Special Forces, educated in both Europe and America, Kruz was believed to work for two governments now, though no one really knew anything about him other than his success in business and his prowess on the polo field.
She was getting to know him through her camera lens at this wedding of Kruzs older brother, Nacho, to his beautiful blind bride, Grace. What she had learned so far was less than reassuring: Kruz missed nothing. She ducked out of sight as he scanned the sumptuously decorated wedding venue, no doubt looking for unwanted visitors like her.
It was time to forget Kruz Acosta and concentrate on work, Romy told herself sternly, even if he was compelling viewing to someone who made her living out of stand-out shots. It would take more than a froth of tulle and a family reunion to soften Kruz Acosta, Romy guessed, as she ran off another series of images she knew Ronald, her editor at ROCK!, would happily give his eye teeth for.
Just one or two more and then shed make herself scarce
Maybe sooner rather than later, Romy concluded as Kruz glanced her way. This job would have been a pleasure if shed had an official press pass, but ROCK! was considered a scandal sheet by many, so no one from ROCK! had received an invitation to the wedding. Romy was attending on secret business for the bride, on the understanding that she could use some of the shots for other purposes.
Romys fame as a photographer had reached Grace through Holly Acosta, one of Romys colleagues at ROCK! The three women had been having secret meetings over the past few months, culminating in Grace declaring that she would trust no one but Romy to make a photographic record of her wedding for her husband, Nacho, and for any children they might have. Inspired by the blind brides courage, Romy had agreed. Grace was fast becoming a friend rather than just another client, and this was a chance in a million for Romy to see the Acostas at playthough she doubted Kruz would be as accommodating as the bride if he caught her.
So he mustnt catch her, Romy determined, shivering with awareness as she focused her lens on the one man in the marquee her camera loved above all others. He had a special sort of energy that seemed to reach her across the crowded tent, and the menace he threw out was alarming. The more shots she took of him, the more she couldnt imagine that much got in his way. It was easy to picture Kruz as a rebellious youth who had gone on to win medals for gallantry in the Special Forces. All the bespoke tailoring in the world couldnt hide the fact that Kruz Acosta was a weapon in disguise. He now ran a formidably successful security company, which placed him firmly in charge of security at this wedding.
A flush of alarm scorched her as Kruzs gaze swept over her like a searchlight and moved on. He must have seen her. The question was: would he do anything about it? She hadnt come halfway across the world in order to return home to London empty-handed.
Or to let down the bride, Romy concluded as she moved deeper into the crowd. This commission for Grace was more of a sacred charge than a job, and she had no intention of being distracted by one of the most alarming-looking men it had ever been her pleasure to photograph. Running off a blizzard of shots, she realised Kruz couldnt have stood in starker contrast to the bride. Graces gentle beauty had never seemed more pronounced than at this moment, when she was standing beneath a flower-bedecked canopy between her husband and Kruz.
Romy drew a swift breath when the man in question stared straight at her. Lowering her camera, she glanced around, searching for a better hiding place, but shadows were in short supply in the brilliantly lit tent. One of the few things Grace could still detect after a virus had stolen her sight was light, so the dress code for the wedding was sparkle and every corner of the giant marquee was floodlit by fabulous Venetian chandeliers.
Mingling with the guests, Romy kept her head down. The crowd was moving towards the receiving line, where all the Acostas were standing. There was a murmur of anticipation in the queueand no wonder. The Acostas were an incredibly good-looking family. Nacho, the oldest brother, was clearly besotted by his beautiful new bride, while the sparks flying between Diego and his wedding planner wife Maxie could have ignited a fire. The supremely cool Ruiz Acosta clearly couldnt wait to get his firebrand wife, Romys friend and colleague Holly, into bed, judging by the looks they were exchanging, while Lucia Acosta, the only girl in this family of four outrageously good-looking brothers, was flirting with her husband Luke Forster, the ridiculously photogenic American polo player.
Which left Kruz
The only unmarried brother. So what? Her camera loved him, but that didnt mean she had to like himthough she would take full advantage of his distraction as he greeted his guests.
Those scars That grim expression She snapped away, knowing that everything about Kruz Acosta should put her off, but instead she was spellbound.
From a safe distance, Romy amended sensibly, as a pulse of arousal ripped through her.
And then he really did surprise her. As Kruz turned to say something to the bride his expression softened momentarily. That was the money shot, as it was known in the trade. It was the type of unexpected photograph that Romy was so good at capturing and had built her reputation on.
She was so busy congratulating herself she almost missed Kruz swinging round to stare at her again. Now she knew how a rabbit trapped in headlights felt. When he moved she moved too. Grabbing her kitbag, she stowed the camera. Her hands were trembling as panic mounted inside her. She hurried towards the exit, knowing this was unlike her. She was a seasoned pro, not some cub reportera thick skin came with the job. And why such breathless excitement at the thought of being chased by him? She was hardly an innocent abroad where men were concerned.
Because Kruz was the stuff of heated erotic dreams and her body liked the idea of being chased by him. Next question.
Before she made herself scarce there were a few more shots she wanted to take for Grace. Squeezing herself into a small gap behind a pillar, she took some close-ups of flowers and trimmingsrichly scented white roses and lush fat peonies in softest pink, secured with white satin ribbon and tiny silver bells. The ceiling was draped like a Bedouin tent, white and silver chiffon lavishly decorated with scented flowers, crystal beads and fiery diamant. Though Grace couldnt see these details the wedding planner had ensured she would enjoy a scent sensation, while Romy was equally determined to make a photographic record of the day with detailed descriptions in Braille alongside each image.
Hello, Romy.
She nearly jumped out of her skin, but it was only a famous celebrity touching her arm, in the hope of a photograph. Romys editor at ROCK! loved those shots, so she had to make time for it. Shots like these brought in the money Romy so badly needed, though what she really longed to do was to tell the story of ordinary people in extraordinary situations through her photographs. One day shed do that, she vowed stepping forward to take the shot, leaving herself dangerously exposed.
The queue of guests at the receiving line was thinning as people moved on to their tables for the wedding feast, and an icy warning was trickling down her spine before she even had a chance to say goodbye to the celebrity. She didnt need to check to know she was being watched. She usually managed to blend in with the crowd, with or without an official press pass, but there was nothing usual in any situation when Kruz Acosta was in town.
As soon as the celebrity moved on she found another hiding place behind some elaborate table decorations. From here she could observe Kruz to her hearts content. She settled down to enjoy the play of muscle beneath his tailored jacket and imagined him stripped to the buff.
Nice
The only downside was Grace had mentioned that although Kruz felt at home on the pampas he was going to open an office in LondonJust around the corner from ROCK!, Grace had said, as if it were a good thing.
Now shed seen him, Romy was sure Kruz Acosta was nothing but trouble.
But attractive He was off-the-scale hot.
But she wasnt here to play make-believe with one of the lead characters at this wedding. She had got what she needed and she was out of here.
Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed that Kruz was no longer in the receiving line.
So where the hell was he?
She scanned the marquee, but there was no sign of Kruz anywhere. There were quite a few exits from the tenthe could have used any one of them. She wasnt going to take any chances, and would head straight for the press coach to send off her copy. Thank goodness Holly had given her a key.
The press coach wasnt too far. She could see its twinkling lights. She quickened her step, fixing her gaze on them, feeling that same sense of being huntedthough why was she worried? She could look after herself. Growing up small and plain had ruled out girlie pursuits, so she had taken up kick-boxing instead. Anyone who thought they could take her camera was in for a big surprise.
He had recognised the girl heading towards the exit. There was no chance he would let her get away. Having signed off the press passes personally, he knew Romy Winner didnt appear on any of them.
Romy Winner was said to be ruthless in pursuit of a story, but she was no more ruthless than he was. Her work was reputed to be cutting-edge and insightfulhed even heard it said that as a photojournalist Romy Winner had no equalbut that didnt excuse her trespass here.
She had disappointed him, Kruz reflected as he closed in on her. Renowned for lodging herself in the most ingenious of nooks, he might have expected to find Ms Winner hanging from the roof trusses, or masquerading as a waitress, rather than skulking in the shadows like some rent-a-punk oddity, with her pale face, thin body, huge kohl-ringed eyes and that coal-black, gel-spiked, red-tipped hair, for all the wedding guests to stare at and comment on.
So Romy could catch guests off-guard and snap away at her leisure?
Maybe she wasnt so dumb after all. She must have captured some great shots. He was impressed by her cunning, but far less impressed by Se?orita Winners brazen attempt to gate-crash his brothers wedding. He would make her pay. He just hadnt decided what currency he was accepting today. That would depend on his mood when he caught up with her.
Romy hurried on into the darkness. She couldnt shake the feeling she was being followed, though she doubted it was Kruz. Surely he had more important things to do?
Crunching her way along a cinder path, she reasoned that with all the Acosta siblings having been raised by Nacho, after their parents had been killed in a flood, Kruz had enjoyed no softening influence from a motherwhich accounted for the air of danger surrounding him. It was no more than that. Her overworked imagination could take a rest. Pausing at a crossroads, she picked up the lights and followed them. She couldnt afford to lose her nerve now. She had to get her copy away. The money Romy earned from her photographs kept her mother well cared for in the nursing home where she had lived since Romys father had beaten her half to death.
When Romy had first become a photojournalist it hadnt taken her long to realise that pretty pictures earned pennies, while sensational images sold almost as well as sex. Her success in the field had been forged in stone on the day she was told that her mother would need full-time care for the rest of her life. From that day on Romy had been determined that her mother would have the best of care and Romy would provide it for her.
A gust of wind sweeping down from the Andes made her shudder violently. She wondered if she had ever felt more out of place than she did now. She lived in London, amidst constant bustle and noise. Here in the shadow of a gigantic mountain range everything turned sinister at night and her chest tightened as she quickened her step. The ghostly shape of the wedding tent was far behind her now, and ahead was just a vast emptiness, dotted with faint lights from the hacienda. There were no landmarks on the pampas and no stars to guide her. The Acosta brothers were giants amongst men, and the land they came from was on the same impressive scale. There were no boundaries here, there was only space, and the Acostas owned most of it.
Rounding a corner, she caught sight of the press coach again and began to jog. Her breath hitched in her throat as she stopped to listen. Was that a twig snapping behind her? Her heart was hammering so violently it was hard to tell. Focusing her gaze on the press coach, with its halo of aerials and satellite dishes, she fumbled for the key, wanting to have it ready in her handand cried out with shock as a mans hand seized her wrist.
His other hand snatched hold of her camera. Reacting purely on instinct, she launched a stinging roundhouse kickonly to have her ankle captured in an iron grip.
Good, but not good enough, Kruz Acosta ground out.
Rammed up hard against the motorcoach, with Kruzs head in her face, it was hard for Romy to disagree. In the unforgiving flesh, Kruz made the evidence of her camera lens seem pallid and insubstantial. He was hard like rock, and so close she could see the flecks of gold in his fierce black eyes, as well as the cynical twist on his mouth. While their gazes were locked he brought her camera strap down, inch by taunting inch, until finally he removed it from her arm and placed it on the ground behind him.
No, he said softly when she glanced at it.
She still made a lunge, which he countered effortlessly. Flipping her to the ground, he stood back. Rolling away, she sprang up, assuming a defensive position with her hands clenched into angry fists, and demanded that he give it up.
Kruz Acosta merely raised a brow.
I said
I heard what you said, he said quietly.
He was even more devastating at short range. She rubbed her arm as she stared balefully. He hadnt hurt her. He had branded her with his touch.
A shocked cry sprang from her lips when he seized hold of her again. His reach was phenomenal. His grip like steel. He made no allowance for the fact that she was half his size, so now every inch of her was rammed up tight against him, and when she fought him he just laughed, saying, Is that all youve got?
She staggered as Kruz thrust her away. She felt humiliated as well as angry. Now hed had a chance to take a better look at her he wasnt impressed. And why would he be?
How does a member of the paparazzi get in here?
Kruz was playing with her, she suspected. Im not paparazzi. Im on the staff at ROCK!
My apologies. He made her a mocking bow. So youre a fully paid-up member of the paparazzi. With your own executive office, I presume?
I have a very nice office, as it happens, she lied. He was making her feel hot and self-conscious. She was used to being in control. It was going too far to say that amongst photojournalists she was accorded a certain respect, but she certainly wasnt used to being talked down to by men.
So as well as being an infamous photojournalist and an executive at ROCK! magazine, Kruz mocked, I now discover that the infamous Romy Winner is an expert kick-boxer.
Her cheeks flushed red. Not so expert, since hed blocked her first move.
I suppose kick-boxing is a useful skill when it comes to gate-crashing events you havent been invited to? Kruz suggested.
Its one of my interestsand just as well with men like you around
Men like me? he said, holding her angry stare. Perhaps you and I should get on the mat in the gym sometime.
Over my dead body, she fired back.
His look suggested he expected her to blink, or flinch, or even lower her gaze in submission. She did none of those things, though she did find herself staring at his lips. Kruz had the most amazing mouthhard, yet sensualand she couldnt help wondering what it would feel like to be kissed by him, though she had a pretty good idea
An idea that was ridiculous! It wouldnt happen this side of hell. Kruz was one of the beautiful peoplethe type she liked to look at through her lens much as a wildlife photographer might observe a tiger, without having the slightest intention of touching it. Instead of drooling over him like some lovesick teenager it was time to put him straight.
Kick-boxing is great for fending off unwanted advances
Dont flatter yourself, Romy.
Kruzs eyes had turned cold and she shivered involuntarily. There was no chance of getting her camera back now. He was good, economical with his movements, and he was fast.
Who knew what he was like as a lover?
Thankfully she would never find out. All that mattered now was getting her camera back.
Darting round him, she tried to snatch itand was totally unprepared for Kruz whipping the leather jacket from her shoulders. Underneath it she was wearing a simple white vest. No bra. She hardly needed one. Her cheeks fired up when he took full inventory of her chest. She could imagine the kind of breasts Kruz liked, and perversely wished she had big bouncing breasts to thrust in his faceif only to make a better job of showing her contempt than her embarrassingly desperate nipples were doing right now, poking through her flimsy top to signal their sheer, agonising frustration.
Still want to take me on? he drawled provocatively.
Im sure I could make some sort of dent in your ego, she countered, crossing her arms over her chest. She circled round him. All I want is my property back. She glanced at the camera, lying just a tantalising distance away.
So whats on this camera that youre so keen for me not to see? He picked it up. You can collect it in the morning, when Ive had a chance to evaluate your photographs.
Its my work, and I need to edit it
Your unauthorised work, he corrected her.
There was no point trying to reason with this man. Action was the only option.
One moment she was diving for the camera, and the next Kruz had tumbled her to the ground.
Now, what shall I do with you? he murmured, his warm, minty breath brushing her face.
With Kruz pinning her to the ground, one powerful thigh planted either side of her body, her options were limiteduntil he yanked her onto a soft bed of grass at the side of the cinder path. Then they became boundless. The grass felt like damp ribbons beneath her skin, and she could smell the rising sap where she had crushed it. Overlaying that was the heat of a powerful, highly sexed, highly aroused man.
She should try to escape. She should put up some sort of token struggle, at least. She should remember her martial arts training and search for a weakness in Kruz to exploit.
She did none of those things. And as for that potential weaknessas it turned out it was one they shared.
As she reached up to push him away Kruz swooped down. Ravishing her mouth was a purposeful exercise, and one at which he excelled. For a moment she was too stunned to do anything, and then the sensation of being possessed, entered, controlled and plundered, even if it was only her mouth, by a man with whom she had been having fantasy sex for quite a few hours, sent her wild with excitement. She even groaned a complaint when he pulled away, and was relieved to find it was only to remove his jacket.
For such a big man Kruz went about his business with purpose and speed. His natural athleticism, she supposed, feeling her body heat, pulse and melt at the thought of being thoroughly pleasured by him. Growing up with a pillow over her head to shut out the violence at home had left her a stranger to romance and tenderness. Given a choice, she preferred to observe life through her camera lens, but when an opportunity for pleasure presented itself she seized it, enjoyed it, and moved on. She wasnt about to turn down this opportunity.
Pleasure with no curb or reason? Pleasure without thought of consequence?
Correct, she informed her inner critic firmly. Even the leisurely way Kruz was folding his jacket and putting it aside was like foreplay. He was so sexy. His powerful body was sexyhis hands were sexythe wide spread of his shoulders was sexyhis shadowy face was sexy.
Kruzs confidence in her unquestioning acceptance of everything that was about to happen was so damn sexy she could lose control right now.
A life spent living vicariously through a camera lens was ultimately unsatisfactory, while this unexpected encounter was proving to be anything but. A rush of lust and longing gripped her as he held her stare. The look they exchanged spoke about need and fulfilment. It was explicit and potent. She broke the moment of stillness. Ripping off his shirt, she sent buttons flying everywhere. Yanking the fabric from the waistband of his pants, she tossed it away, exclaiming with happy shock as bespoke tailoring yielded to hard, tanned flesh. This was everything she had ever dreamed of and more. Liberally embellished with tattoos and scars, Kruzs torso was outstanding. She could hardly breathe for excitement when he found the button on her jeans and quickly dealt with it. He quickly got them down. In comparison, her own fingers felt fat and useless as she struggled with the buckle on his belt.
Let me help you.
Kruz held her gaze with a mocking look as he made this suggestion. It was all the aphrodisiac she needed. She cried out with excitement when his thumbs slipped beneath the elastic on her flimsy briefs to ease them down her hips. His big hands blazed a trail of fire everywhere they touched. She couldnt bear the wait when he paused to protect them both, but it was a badly needed wake-up call. The fact that this man had thought of it before she had went some way to reminding her how far shed travelled from the safe shores she called home.
Her body overruled the last-minute qualms. Her body was one hundred per cent in favour of what was coming. Even her tiny breasts felt swollen and heavy, while her nipples were cheekily pert and obscenely hard, and the carnal pulse throbbing insistently between her legs demanded satisfaction.
Kruz had awakened such an appetite inside her she wouldnt be human if she didnt want to discover what sex could be like with someone who really knew what he was doing. She was about to find out. When Kruz stretched his length against her she could feel his huge erection, heavy and hard against her leg. And that look in his eyesthat slumberous, confident look. It told her exactly what he intended to do with her and just how much she was going to enjoy it. And, in case she was in any doubt, he now spelled out his intentions in a few succinct words.
She gasped with excitement. With hardly any experience of dating, and even less of foreplay, she was happy to hear that nothing was about to change.
CHAPTER TWO
SHE EXCLAIMED WITH shock when Kruz eased inside her. She was ready. That wasnt the problem. Kruz was the problem. He was huge.
Built to scale.
She should have known.
Her breath came in short, shocked whimpers, pain and pleasure combined. It was a relief when he took his time and didnt rush her. She began to relax.
This was good Yes, better than good
Releasing the shaking breath from her lungs, she silently thanked him for giving her the chance to explore such incredible sensation at her leisure. Leisure? The brief plateau lasted no more than a few seconds, then she was clambering all over him as a force swept them into a world where moving deeper, harder, rougher, fast and furious, was more than an imperative: it was essential to life.
You okay? Kruz asked, coming down briefly to register concern as she screamed wildly and let go.
It seemed for ever before she could answer him, and then she wasnt sure she said anything that made sense.
A little better, at least? he suggested with amusement when she quietened.
Not that much better, she argued, blatantly asking for more.
Taking his weight on his arms, Kruz stared down at her.
It didnt get much better than this, Romy registered groggily, lost in pleasure the instant he began to move. She loved his hard, confident mouth. She loved the feeling of being full and ready to be sated. She even loved her grassy bed, complete with night sounds: cicadas chirruping and an owl somewhere in the distance hooting softly. Kruzs clean, musky scent was in her nostrils, and when she turned her head, groaning in extremes of pleasure, her bed of grass added a piquant tang to an already intoxicating mix. She was floating on sensation, hardly daring to move in case she fell too soon. She didnt want it to end, but Kruz was too experienced and made it really hard to hold on. Moving persuasively from side to side, he pushed her little by little, closer to the edge.
Good? he said, staring down, mocking her with his confident smile.
Very good, she managed on a shaking breath.
And then he did something that lifted her onto an even higher plane of sensation. Slowly withdrawing, he left her trembling and uncertain, before slowly thrusting into her again. Whatever she had imagined before was eclipsed by this intensity of feeling. It was like the first time all over again, except now she was so much more receptive and aroused. She couldnt hold back, and shrieked as she fell, shouting his name as powerful spasms gripped her.
When she finally relaxed what she realised was her pincer grip on Kruzs arms, she realised she had probably bruised him. He was holding her just as firmly, but with more care. She loved his firm grip on her buttocks, his slightly callused hands rough on her soft skin.
I cant, she protested as he began to move again. I truly cant.
Theres no such word as cant, he whispered.
Incredibly, he was right. It didnt seem possible that she had anything left, but when Kruz stared deep into her eyes it was as if he was instructing her that she must give herself up to sensation. There was no reason to disobey and she tumbled promptly, laughing and crying with surprise as she fell again.
It turned out to be just the start of her lessons in advanced lovemaking. Pressing her knees back, Kruz stared down. Now she discovered that she loved to watch him watching her. Lifting herself up, she folded her arms behind her head so she had a better view. Nothing existed outside this extreme pleasure. Kruz had placed himself at her disposal, and to reward him she pressed her legs as wide as they would go. He demanded all her concentration as he worked steadily and effectively on the task in hand.
You really should try holding on once in a while, he said, smiling against her mouth.
Why? she whispered back.
Try it and youll find out, he said.
Will you teach me? Her heart drummed at the thought.
Perhaps, Kruz murmured.
He wasnt joking, Romy discovered as Kruz led her through a lengthy session of tease and withdraw until her body was screaming for release.
Greedy girl, he murmured with approval. Again? he suggested, when finally he allowed her to let go.
Bracing her hands against his chest, she smiled into his eyes. For a hectic hook-up this was turning into a lengthy encounter, and she hadnt got a single complaint. Kruz was addictive. The pleasure he conjured was amazing. But
What? he said as she turned her head away from him.
Nothing. She dismissed the niggle hiding deep in her subconscious.
You think too much, he said.
Agreed, she replied, dragging in a fast breath as he began to move again.
Kruz didnt need to ask if she wanted more; the answer was obvious to both of them. Gripping his iron buttocks, she urged him on as he set up a drugging beat. Tightening her legs around his waist, she moved with himharderfastergiving as good as she got, and through it all Kruz maintained eye contact, which was probably the biggest turn-on of all, because he could see where she was so quickly going. Holding her firmly in place, he kept her in position beneath him, and when the storm rose he judged each thrust to perfection. Pushing her knees apart, he made sure they both had an excellent view, and now even he was unable to hold on, and roared with pleasure as he gave in to violent release.
She went with him, falling gratefully into a vortex of sensation from which there was no escape. It was only when she came to that she realised fantasy had in no way prepared her for realityher fantasies were wholly selfish, and Kruz had woken something inside her that made her care for him just a little bit. It was a shame he didnt feel the same. Now he was sated she sensed a core of ice growing around him. It frightened her, because she was feeling emotional for the first time with a man. And now he was pulling backemotionally, physically.
No wonder that niggle of unease had gripped her, Romy reflected. She was playing well out of her league. As if to prove this, Kruz was already on his feet, pulling on his clothes. He buckled his belt as if it were just another day at the office. She might have laughed under other circumstances when he was forced to tug the edges of his shirt together where she had ripped the buttons off. He did no more than hide the evidence of her desperation beneath his tie. How could he be so chillingly unfazed by all this? Her unease grew at the thought that what had just happened between them had made a dangerously strong impression on her, while it appeared to have washed over Kruz.
And why not? What happened was freely given and freely taken by both of you.
Are you okay? he said, glancing down when she remained immobile.
Of course I am, she said in a casual tone. Inwardly she was screaming. Was she really so stupid she had imagined she would come out of something like this unscathed?
Even inward reasoning didnt helpshe was still waiting for him to say something encouraging. How pathetic was that? She had never felt like this before, and had no way of dealing with the feelings, so, gathering up her clothes, she lost herself in mundane mattersshaking the grass off her jacket, pulling on her jeans, sorting her hair out, then smoothing her hands over her face, hoping that by the time she removed them she would appear cool and detached.
Wrong. She felt as if shed come out the wrong end of a spin dry.
Her thoughts turned at last to her camera. It was still lying on the bank, temptingly close. She had learned her lesson where lunging for it was concerned, but felt confident that Kruz would give it to her now. It was the least he could do.
Fortunately Kruz appeared to be oblivious both to her and to her camera. He was on the phone, telling his security operatives that he was patrolling the grounds.
She eased her neck, as if that would ease the other aches, most of which had taken up residence in her heart.
Hadnt she learned anything from the past? Had Kruz made her forget her fathers rages and her mothers dependency on a violent man?
Kruz hadnt been in any way violent towards herbut he was strong, commanding, and detached from emotion. All the things she had learned to avoid.
She was safe in that, unlike her mother, she had learned to avoid the pitfalls of attachment by switching off her emotions. In that she wasnt so dissimilar from Kruz. This was just a brief interlude of fun for both of them and now it was over. Neither of them was capable of love.
Love?
He swung round as she made a wry sound. Love was a long road to nowhere, with a punch in the teeth at the end. So, yes, if she was in any doubt at all about the protocol between two strangers whod just had sex on a grassy bank, shed go with cool and detached every time.
Right, he said, ending the call, I need to get back.
Of course, she said off-handedly. But Id like my camera first.
He frowned, as if they were two strangers at odds with each other. Youve had your fun and now youre on your way, he said.
Shed asked for that, Romy concluded. Well, Im not going anywhere without it, she said stubbornly. It was true. The camera was more than a tool of her trade, it was a fifth limb. It was an extension of her body, of her mind. It was the only way she knew how to make the money she needed to support herself and her mother.
Ive told you already. Youll get it back when Ive checked it, he said coldly, hoisting the camera over his shoulder.
Youre my censor now? she said, chasing after him. I dont think so.
The look Kruz gave her made her stomach clench with alarm.
You can sleep in the bunkhouse, he said, along with the rest of the press crew. Pick up your camera in the morning from my staff.
She blinked. Hed said it as if they hadnt touched each other, pleasured each other.
Theyd had sex and that was all.
Except for the slap in the face she got from realising that he saw it as no reason to give up her camera. By morning it will be too lateI need it now.
For what? he said.
I have to edit the photographs and then catch the news desk. It was a lie of desperation, but she would do anything to recover her camera. There is another reason, she added, waiting for a thunderclap to strike her down. This idea had only just occurred to her. I need to work on the shots Im donating to your charity.
As if hed guessed, Kruzs eyes narrowed. The Acosta charity?
Yes. She had a lot of shots in the can, Romy reasoned, quickly running through them in her mind. She had more than enough to pay for her mothers care and to keep herself off the breadline. She had taken a lot of shots specifically for Graces album, and he couldnt have those, but there were moreplenty more.
Had she bought herself a reprieve? Romy wondered as she stared at Kruz. Ive identified a good opportunity for the charity, she said, as the germ of an idea sprouted wings.
Tell me, Kruz said impatiently.
My editor at ROCK! is thinking about making a feature on the Acostas and your charity. Or at least she would make sure he was thinking about it by the time she got back. Think of how that would raise the charitys profile, she said, dangling a carrot she hoped no Acosta in his right mind could refuse.
So why didnt Grace or Holly tell me about this? Kruz probed, staring at her keenly. If either of them had mentioned it I would have made sure you were issued with an official pass.
I am here on a mission for Grace, Romy admitted, which is how I got in. Grace asked me not to say anything, and I havent. Its crucial that Nacho doesnt learn about Graces special surprise. I hope youll respect that. Kruz remained silent as she went on. Im sure Grace and Holly were just too wrapped up in the wedding to remember to tell you, she said, not wanting to get either of her friends into trouble.
Kruz paused. And now she could only wait.
I suppose Grace could confirm this if I asked her?
If you feel like interrogating a bride on her wedding day, Im sure she would.
One ebony brow lifted. Whether Kruz believed her or not, for the moment she had him firmly in check.
The solution to this, he remarked, is that I take a look at the shots and I decide.
As he strode away she ran after him. Dodging in front of him, she forced him to stop.
He studied Romys elfin features with a practised eye. He interpreted the nervous hand running distractedly through her disordered hair. The camera meant everything to her, and if there was one thing that could really throw Ms Winner he had it swinging from his shoulder now. She was terrified he was going to disappear with her camera. She worked with it every day. It was her family, her income stream, her life. He almost felt sorry for her, and then stamped the feeling out. What was Romy Winner to him?
Actually, she was a lot more than he wanted her to be. She had got to him in a way he hadnt quite fathomed yet. Is there some reason why I shouldnt see these shots? he asked, teasing her by lifting the camera to Romys eye level.
None whatsoever, she said firmly, but her face softened in response to his mocking expression and she almost smiled.
Testing Romy was fun, he discovered, and fun and he were strangers. With such a jaundiced palette as his, any novelty was a prize. But he wouldnt taunt her any longer. He wasnt a bully, and wouldnt intentionally try to increase that look of concern in her eyes. Shall we? he invited, glancing at the press coach.
She eyed him suspiciously, perhaps wondering if she was being set up. She knew there was nothing she could do about it, if that were the case. She strode ahead of him, head down, mouth set in a stubborn line, no doubt planning her next move. And then she really did throw him.
So, what have you got to hide? she asked him, swinging round at the door
Me? he demanded.
Tilting her head to one side, she studied his face. People with something to hide are generally wary of me and my camera, so I wondered what you had to hide
You think thats why I confiscated it?
Maybe, she said, not flinching from his stare.
That direct look of hers asked a lot of questions about a man who could have such prolonged and spectacular sex with a woman he didnt know. It was a look that suggested Romy was asking herself the same question.
Are you worried that I might have taken some compromising pictures of you? she said. There was a tug of humour at one corner of her mouth.
Worried? He shook his head. But the truth was he had never been so reckless with a woman. He sure as hell wouldnt be so reckless again.
Kruz? she prompted.
His name sounded soft on her lips. That had to be a first. He smiled. What?
Just checking you know Im still here.
He gave her a wry look and felt a surge of heat when she tossed one back. He wasnt an animal. He was still capable of feeling. His brother Nacho had made him believe that when Kruz had been discharged from the army hospital. It was Nacho who had persuaded him to channel his particular talents into a security company, saying Kruz must need and feel and care before he could really start living again. Nacho was right. The more he looked at Romy, the more human he felt.
Did Kruz have to stare at her lips like that? Here she was, trying to forget her body was still thrilling from his touch, and he wasnt making it easy. She was a professional woman, trying to persuade herself she would soon get over tonightyet all he had to do was look at her for her to long for him to take hold of her and draw her into an embrace that was neither sexual nor mocking. She had never wanted to share and trust and rest awhile quite so badly.
And she wasnt about to fall into that trap now.
Shall we take a look?
She looked at Kruz and frowned.
The pictures? he prompted, and she realised that he had not only removed the key to the press coach from her hand, but had opened the door and was holding it for her.
That yearning feeling inside?
It wasnt helpful. Women who felt the urge to nurture men would end up like her mother: battered, withdrawn, and helpless in a nursing home.
She led the way into the coach. Her manner was cold. They were both cold, and that suited her fine.
Romys mood now was a slap in the face to him after what theyd experienced together, but he had to concede she was only as detached as he was. He was just surprised, he supposed, that those much vaunted attributes of tenderness and sensitivity, which women were supposed to possess in abundance, appeared to have bypassed her completely. He should be pleased about that, but he wasnt. He was offended. Romy was the first woman who hadnt clung to him possessively after sex. And bizarrely, for the first time in his life, some primitive part of him had wanted her to.
Are you coming in? she said, when he stood at the entrance at the top of the steps.
His senses surged as he brushed past her. However unlikely it seemed to him, this whip-thin fighting girl stirred him like no other. He wanted more. So did she, judging by than quick intake of breath. He could feel her sexual hunger in the energy firing between them. But Romy wanted more that he could give her. He wanted more of Romy, but all he wanted was sex.
CHAPTER THREE
SHE MADE HER way down the aisle towards the area at the rear of the coach set aside for desks and equipment. Her small, slender shape, dressed all in black, quickly became part of the shadows.
I know theres a light switch in here somewhere, she said.
Her voice was a little shaky now the door was closed, and the tension rocketed between them. He could feel her anticipation as she waited for his next move. He could taste it in the air. He could detect her arousal. He was a hunter through and through.
Here, he said, pressing a switch that illuminated the coach and set some unseen power source humming.
Thank you, she said, with her back to him as she sat down at a desk.
Youll need this, he said, handing over the camera.
She thanked him and hugged it to her as if it contained gold bars rather than her shots.
He had more time than he needed while she logged on. He used it to reflect on what had happened over the past hour or so. Ejecting Romy from the wedding feast should have been straightforward. She should have been on her way to Buenos Aires by now, then back to London. Instead his head was still full of her, and his body still wanted her. He could still hear her moaning and writhing beneath him and feel her beneath his hands. He could still taste her on his mouth, and he could remember the smell of her soap-fresh skin. He smiled in the shadows, remembering her attacking him, that tiny frame surprisingly strong, yet so undeniably feminine. Why did Romy Winner hide herself away behind the lens of a camera?
A blaze of colour hit the screen as she began to work. What he saw answered his question. Romy Winner was quite simply a genius with a camera. Images assailed his senses. The scenery was incredible, the wildlife exotic. Her pictures of the Criolla ponies were extraordinary. She had captured some amusing shots of the wedding guests, but nothing cruel, though she had caught out some of the most pompous in less than flattering moments. Shed taken a lot of pictures of the staff too, and it was those shots that really told a story. Perhaps because more expression could be shown on faces that hadnt been stitched into place, he reflected dryly as Romy continued to sort and select her images.
Shed made him smile. Another first, he mused as she turned to him.
Well? she said. Do you like what you see?
I like them, he confirmed. Show me what else youve got.
Theres about a thousand more.
Im in no hurry. For maybe the first time in his life.
Why dont you pull up a chair? she suggested. Just let me know if there any images you dont feel are suitable for the charity.
So Im your editor now? he remarked, with some amusement after her earlier comment about censorship.
No, she said mildly. Youre a client I want to please.
He inclined his head in acknowledgement of this. He could think of a million ways she could please him. When she turned back to her work he thought the nape of her neck extremely vulnerable and appealing, just for starters. He considered dropping a kiss on the peachy flesh, and then decided no. Once hed tasted her
What do you think of these? she said, distracting him.
Grace is very beautiful, he said as he stared at Romys shots of the bride. He could see that his new sister-in-law was exquisite, like some beautifully fashioned piece of china. But did Grace move him? Did she make his blood race? He admired Grace as he might admire some priceless objet dart, but it was Romy who heated his blood.
She is beautiful, isnt she? Romy agreed, with a warmth in her voice he had never noticed before. She certainly didnt use that voice when she spoke to him.
And why should he care?
Because for the first time in his life he found himself missing the attentions of a woman, and perhaps because he was still stung, after Romys enthusiastic response to their lovemaking, that she wasnt telling him how she thrilled and throbbed, and all the other things his partners were usually at such pains to tell him. Had Romy Winner simply feasted on him and moved on? If she had, it would be the first time any woman had turned the tables on him.
This is the sort of shot my editor loves, she said as she brought a picture of him up on the screen.
Why is that?
Because youre so elusive, she explained. Youre hardly ever photographed. Ill make a lot from this, she added with a pleased note in her voice.
Was he nothing but a commodity?
Though what Id like to do, she explained, is give it to the charity. So, much as Id like to make some money out of you, you can have this one gratis.
As she turned to him he felt like laughing. She was so honest, he felt uncomfortable. Thank you, he said with a guarded expression. If youve just taken a couple of shots of me you can keep the rest.
What makes you think Id want to take more than one?
Youch.
What, indeed? He shrugged and even managed to smile at that.
Romy Winner intrigued him. He had grown up with women telling him he was the best and that they couldnt get enough of him. Hed grown up fighting for approval as the youngest of four highly skilled, highly intelligent brothers. When he couldnt beat Nacho as a youth he had turned to darker pursuitsin which, naturally, he had excelleduntil Nacho had finally knocked some sense into him. Then Harvard had beckoned, encouraging him to stretch what Nacho referred to as the most important muscle in his body: the brain. After college he had found the ideal outlet for his energy and tirelessly competitive nature in the army.
There, Romy said, jolting him back from these musings. Youre finished.
I wouldnt be too sure of that, he said, leaning in close to study her edited version. He noticed again how lithe and strong she was, and how easy it would be to pull her into his arms.
I have a deadline, she said, getting back to work.
Go right ahead. He settled back to watch her.
The huge press coach was closing in on her, and all the tiny hairs on the back of her neck were standing erect at the thought of Kruz just a short distance away. She could hear him breathing. She could smell his warm, sexy scent. Some very interesting clenching of her interior muscles suggested she was going to have to concentrate really hard if she was going to get any work done.
Could you pass me that kitbag? she said, without risking turning round. She needed a new memory card and didnt want to brush past him.
Her breath hitched as their fingers touched and that touch wiped all sensible thought from her head. All she could think about now was what they had done and what they could do again.
Work!
She pulled herself back to attention with difficulty, but even as she worked she dreamed, while her body throbbed and yearned, setting up a nagging ache that distracted her.
Shall I put this other memory card in the pocket for you? Kruz suggested.
She realised then that she had clenched her hand over it. Yesthank you.
His fingers were firm as they brushed hers again, and that set up more distracting twinges and delicious little aftershocks. Would she ever be able to live normally again?
Not if she kept remembering what Kruz had doneand so expertly.
Her mind was in turmoil. Every nerve-ending in her body felt as if it had been jangled. And all hed done was brush her hand!
Somehow she got through to the end of the editing process and was ready to show him what shed got. She ran through the images, giving a commentary like one stranger informing another about this work, and even while Kruz seemed genuinely interested and even impressed she felt his aloofness. Perhaps he thought she was a heartless bitch after enjoying him so fully and so vigorously. Perhaps he thought she took what she wanted when she wanted. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps they deserved each other.
So why this yearning ache inside her?
Because she wanted things she couldnt have, Romy reasoned, bringing up a group photograph of the Acostas on the screen. They were such a tight-knit family
Are you sure you want to give me all these shots?
Concerned, Kruz? she said, staring at him wryly. Dont worry about me. Ive kept more than enough shots back.
Id better see the ones youre giving me again.
Okay. No problem. She ran through them again, just for the dangerous pleasure of having Kruz lean in close. She had never felt like this beforeso aware, alert and aroused. It was like being hunted by the hunter she would most like to be caught by.
These are excellent, Kruz commented. Im sure Grace can only be thrilled when she hears the reaction of people to these photographs.
Thank you. I hope so, she said, concentrating on the screen. Graces wedding was the first romantic project she had worked on. Romy was better known as a scandal queen. And that was one of the more polite epithets shed heard tossed her way.
This one I cant take, Kruz insisted when she flashed up another image on the screen. You have to make some money, he reminded her.
Was this a test? Was he paying her off? Or was that her insecurity speaking? He might just be making a kindly gesture, and she maybe should let him.
She shook her head. I cant sell this one, she said quietly. I want you to have it.
The picture in question showed Kruz sharing a smile with his sister, Lucia. It was a rare and special moment between siblings, and it belonged to them alonenot the general public. It was a moment in time that told a story about Nachos success at bringing up his brothers and sister while he was still very young. They would see that when they studied it, just as she had. She wouldnt dream of selling something like that.
Frame it and youll always have a reminder of what a wonderful family you have.
Why was she doing this for him? Kruz wondered suspiciously. He eased his shoulders restlessly, realising that Romy had stirred feelings in him he hadnt experienced since his parents were alive. He stared at her, trying to work out why. She was fierce and passionate one moment, aloof and withdrawn the next. He might even call her cold. He couldnt pretend he understood her, but hed like toand that was definitely a first.
Thank you, he said, accepting the gift. I appreciate it.
Ill make a copy for Lucia as well, she offered, getting back to work.
I know my sister will appreciate that. After Lucia had picked herself off the floor because hed given her a gift outside of her birthday or Christmas.
The tension between them had subsided with this return to business. He was Romys client and she was his photographeran excellent photographer. Her photographs revealed so much about other people, while the woman behind the lens guarded her inner self like a sphinx.
DAMN. She was going to cry if she didnt stop looking at images of Grace and Nacho. So that was what love looked like
Shall we move on? she said briskly, because Kruz seemed in no hurry to bring the viewing session to an end. She was deeply affected by some of the shots she had captured of the bridal couple, and that wasnt helpful right now. Since she was a child she had felt the need to protect her inner self. Drawing a big, thick safety curtain around herself rather than staring at an impossible dream on the screen would be her action of choice right now.
That was a heavy sigh, Kruz commented.
She shrugged, neither wanting nor able to confide in him. I just need to do a little more work, she said. Thats if youll let me stay to do it? she added, turning to face him, knowing it could only be a matter of minutes before they went their separate ways.
This was the moment she had been dreading and yet she needed him to go, Romy realised. Staring at those photographs of Grace and Nacho had only underlined the fact that her own life was going nowhere.
Here, she said, handing over the memory stick. These are for you and for the charity. You will keep that special shot? she said, her chest tightening at the thought that Kruz might think nothing of it.
So I can stare at myself? he suggested, slanting her a half-smile.
So you can look at your family, she corrected him, and feel their love.
Did he have to stare at her so intently? She wished he wouldnt. It made her uncomfortable. She didnt know what Kruz expected from her.
What? she said, when he continued to stare.
I never took you for an emotional woman, he said.
Because Im not, she countered, but her breath caught in her throat, calling her a liar. The French called this a coup de foudrea thunderbolt. She had no explanation for the longing inside her except to say Kruz had turned her life inside out. It made no sense. They hardly knew each other outside of sex. They didnt know if they could trust each other, and they had no shared history. They had everything to learn about each other and no time to do so. And why would Kruz want to know more about her?
They could be friends, maybe
Friends? She almost laughed out loud at this na?ve suggestion from a subconscious that hadnt learned much in her twenty-four years of life. Romy Winner and Kruz Acosta? Ms Frost and Se?or Ice? Taking time out to get to know each other? To really get to know each other? The idea was so preposterous she wasnt going to waste another second on it. Shed settle for maintaining a truce between them long enough for her to leave Argentina in one piece with her camera.
Thanks for this, Kruz said, angling his stubble-shaded chin as he slipped the memory stick into his pocket.
She felt lost when he turned to gosomething else she would have to get used to. She had to get over him. Shed leave love at first sight to those who believed in it. As far as she was concerned love at first sight was a load of bull. Lust at first sight, maybe. Lack of self-control, certainly.
Her throat squeezed tight when he reached the door and turned to look at her.
How are you planning to get back to England, Romy?
The same way I arrived, I guess, she said wryly.
Did you bring much luggage with you?
Just the essentials. She glanced at her kitbag, where everything shed brought to Argentina was stashed. Why do you ask?
My jets flying to London tomorrow and there are still a few spare places, if youre stuck.
Did he mean stuck as in unprepared? Did he think she was so irresponsible? Maybe he thought she was an opportunist who seized the moment and thought nothing more about it?
I bought a return ticket, she said, just short of tongue in cheek. But thanks for the offer.
Kruz shrugged, but as he was about to go through the door he paused. Youre passing up the chance to take some exclusive shots of the young royals
So be it, she said. I wouldnt dream of intruding on their privacy.
Romy Winner passing up a scoop?
What youre suggesting sounds more like a cheap thrill for an amateur, she retorted, stung by his poor opinion of her. When celebrities or royals are out in public its a different matter.
Kruz made a calming motion with his hands.
I am calm, she said, raging with frustration at the thought that they had shared so much yet knew so little about each other. Kruz had tagged her with the label paparazzi the first moment hed caught sight of heras someone who would do anything it took to get her shots. Even have sex with Kruz Acosta, presumably, if that was what was required.
Romy
What? she flashed defensively.
You seem angry? Kruz suggested dryly.
She huffed, as if she didnt care what he thought, but even so her gaze was drawn to his mouth. I just wonder what type of photographer you think I am, she said, shaking her head.
A very good one, from what Ive seen today, Se?orita Winner, Kruz said softly, completely disarming her.
Gracias, she said, firming her jaw as they stared at each other.
And now Kruz should leave. And she should stay where she wasat the back of the coach, as far away from him as possible, with a desk, a chair and most of the coach seats between them.
She waited for him to go, to close the door behind him and bring this madness to an end.
He didnt go.
Leaning over the drivers seat, Kruz hit the master switch and the lights dimmed, and then he walked down the aisle towards her.
CHAPTER FOUR
THEY COLLIDED SOMEWHERE in the middle and there was a tangle of arms and moans and tongues and heated breathing.
She kicked off her boots as Kruz slipped his fingers beneath the waistband of her jeans. The button sprang free and the zipper was down, the fabric skimming over her hips like silk, so that now she was wearing only her jacket, the white vest and her ridiculously insubstantial briefs. Kruz ripped them off. Somehow the fact that she was partly clothed made what was happening even more erotic. There was only one area that needed attention and they both knew it.
Her breathing had grown frantic, and it became even more hectic when she heard foil rip. She was working hectically on Kruzs belt and could feel his erection pressing thick and hard against her hand. She gasped with relief as she released him. She was getting better at this, she registered dazedly, though her brain was still scrambled and she was gasping for breath. Kruz, on the other hand, was breathing steadily, like a man who knew exactly where he was going and how to get there. His control turned her on. He was a rock-solid promise of release and satisfaction, delivered in the most efficient way
Wrap your legs around me, Romy, he commanded as he lifted her.
Kruzs movements were measured and certain, while she was a wild, feverish mess. She did as he said, and as she clung to him he whipped his hand across the desk, clearing a space for her. She groaned with anticipation as he moved between her legs. The sensation was building to an incredible pitch. She cried out encouragement as he positioned her, his rough hands firm on her buttocks just the way she liked them. Pressing her knees back, he stared into her eyes. Pleasure guaranteed, she thought, reaching up to lace her fingers through his hair, binding him to her.
This time this one last time. And then never again.
She was so ready for him, so hungry. As Kruz sank deep, shock, pleasure, relief, eagerness, all combined to help her reach the goal. Thrusting firmly, he seemed to feel the same urgency, but then he found his control and began to tease her. Withdrawing slowly, he entered her again in the way she loved. The sensation was incredible and she couldnt hold on. She fell violently, noisily, conscious only of her own pleasure until the waves had subsided a little, when she was finally able to remember that this was for both of them. Tightening her muscles, she left Kruz in no doubt that she wasnt a silent partner but a full participant.
He smiled into her eyes and pressed her back against the desk. Wherever she took him he took her one level higher. Pinning her hands above her head, he held her hips firmly in place with his other hand as he took her hard and fast. There was no finesse and only one required outcome, and understanding the power she had over him excited her. Grabbing his arms, she rocked with him, welcoming each thrust as Kruz encouraged her in his own language. Within moments she was flying high in a galaxy composed entirely of light, with only Kruzs strong embrace to keep her safe.
It was afterwards that was awkward, Romy realised as she pulled on her jeans. When they were together they were as close as two people could betrusting, caring, encouraging, pleasuring. But now they were apart all that evaporated, disappeared almost immediately. Kruz had already sorted out his clothes and was heading for the door. They could have been two strangers who, having fallen to earth, had landed in a place neither of them recognised.
The seat on the jet is still available if you need it, he said, pausing at the door.
She worked harder than ever to appear nonchalant. If she looked at Kruz, really looked at him, she would want him to stay and might even say so.
I wont be stuck, she said, assuming an air of confidence. But thanks again for the offer. And dont forget Im only an e-mail away if you ever need any more shots from the wedding.
And only round the corner when I get to London, he said opening the door.
What the hell? She pretended not to understand. Say anything at all and her cool fa?ade would shatter into a million pieces. When tears threatened she bit them back. She wasnt going to ask Kruz if they would meet up in London. This wasnt a date. It was a heated encounter in the press coach. And now it was nothing.
Ill put the lights on for you, he said, killing her yearning for one last meaningful look from Kruz.
That would be great. Thank you. She was proud of herself for saying this without expression. She was proud of remaining cool and detached. Ive got quite a bit of work left to do.
Ill leave you to it, then, he said. Its been a pleasure, Romy.
Her head shot up. Was he mocking her?
Kruz was mocking both of them, Romy realised, seeing the tug at one corner of his mouth.
Me too, she called casually. After all, this was just another day in the life of a South American playboy. It didnt matter how much her heart ached because Kruz had gone, leaving her with just the flickering images of him on a computer screen for company.
Glancing back, he saw Romy through the window of the coach. She was poring over the monitor screen as if nothing had happened. She certainly wasnt watching him go. She was no clinging vine. It irked him. His male ego had taken a severe hit. He was used to women trying to pin him down, asking him when theyd meet againif hed call themcould they have his number? Romy didnt seem remotely bothered.
The wedding party was still in full swing as he approached the marquee. He rounded up his team, heard their reports and supervised the change-over for the next shift. All of these were measurable activities, which were a blessed relief after his encounter with the impossible-to-classify woman hed left working in the press coach.
The woman he still wanted
Yeah, that one, he thought.
The noise coming from the marquee was boisterous, joyous, celebratory. Shadows flitted to and fro across the gently billowing tent, silhouettes jouncing crazily from side to side as the music rose and fell.
And Romy was on her own in the press coach.
So what? She was safe there. Hed get someone to check up on her later.
Stopping dead in his tracks, he swung round to look back the way hed come. Hed send one of the men to make sure she made it to the bunkhouse safely.
Really?
Okay, so maybe hed do that himself.
Romy shot up. Hearing a sound in the darkness, she was instantly awake. Reaching for the light on the nightstand, she switched it on. And breathed a sigh of relief.
Sorry if I woke you, the other girl said, stumbling over the end of the bed as she tried to kick off her shoes, unzip her dress and tumble onto the bed all at the same time. Jane Harlot, foreign correspondent for Frenzy magazinepleased to meet you.
Romy Winner for ROCK!
Jane stretched out a hand and missed completely. BrilliantI love your pictures. Harlots not my real name, Jane managed, before slamming a hand over her mouth. Sorrytoo much to drink. Never could resist a challenge, even when it comes from a group of old men who look as if they have pickled their bodies in alcohol to preserve them.
Here, let me help you, Romy offered, recognising a disaster in the making. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she quickly unzipped her new roomies dress. Did you have a good time?
Too good, Jane confessed, shimmying out of the red silk clingy number. Those gauchos really know how to drink. But theyre chivalrous too. One of them insisted on accompanying me to the press coach and actually waited outside while I sent my copy so he could escort me back here.
He waited for you outside the press coach?
Of course outside, Jane said, laughing. He was about ninety. And, anyway, it didnt take me long to send my stuff. What I write is basically a comic strip. You know the sort of thingscandal, slebs, stinking rich people. I only got a look-in because my dad used to work with one of the reporters who got an official invitation and he brought me in as his assistant.
Looking alarmed at this point, Jane waved a hand, keeping the other hand firmly clamped over her mouth.
Jane had landed a big scoop, and Romy was hardly in a position to criticise the other girls methods. This wasnt a profession for shrinking violets. The Acostas had nothing to worry about, but some of their guests definitely did, she reflected, remembering those prominent personalities she had noticed attending the wedding with the wrong partner.
Are you sure youre okay? she asked with concern as Jane got up and staggered in the general direction of the bathroom.
Fine Ill sleep it off on the plane going home. The gauchos said their boss has places going spare on his private jet tomorrow, so Ill be travelling with the young royals, no less. And Ill be collected from here and taken to the airstrip in a limo. Ill be in the lap of luxury one minute and my crummy old office the next.
Thats greatenjoy it while you can, Romy called out, trying to convince herself that this was a good thing, that she was in fact Saint Romy and thoroughly thrilled for Jane, and didnt mind at all that the man shed had sex with hadnt even bothered to see her back to the bunkhouse safely.
He stayed on post until the lights went out in the bunkhouse and he was satisfied Romy was safely tucked up in bed. Pulling away from the fencepost, it occurred to him that against the odds his caring instinct seemed to have survived. But before he could read too much into that he factored his security business into the mix. Plus he had a sister. Before Lucia had got together with Luke he had always hoped someone would keep an eye on her when he wasnt around. Why should he be any different where a girl like Romy was concerned?
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, (https://www.litres.ru/susan-stephens/taming-the-last-acosta/) .
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Susan Stephens
Тип: электронная книга
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
Язык: на английском языке
Издательство: HarperCollins
Дата публикации: 16.04.2024
Отзывы: Пока нет Добавить отзыв
О книге: Her mother told her never to play with fire…Living her life vicariously through a camera lens, photojournalist Romy Winner is happy to stay in the background, capturing other people’s happiness. Until Argentinian polo champion turned Special Forces soldier Kruz Acosta challenges her to step out of the shadows – and into his bed!Their recklessness has one startling repercussion that should never be linked to a man with such a wicked reputation. If Romy is to secure her child’s future she must get beneath the mask that hides his scars and learn how to tame the wild Acosta…‘Susan Stephens is the reason why I am so passionate about the Mills & Boon Modern series.’ – Christine, 53, Altrincham