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Conquered and Seduced
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Tempted By Innocence
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“This was a marvelous idea,” Anne said, looking around at the candlelit space. Alejandro turned toward her. “What? The wine? Or the lace-edged sheets? Or the ship?”

“All of it.” Anne laughed happily, hugging her arms around herself. “Oh, Alejandro. I can hardly believe we’re truly wed, much less alone together aboard your ship to enjoy all that should naturally come next.”

Alejandro drew her into his arms. “I can assure you, querida. Good Padre Francisco made certain of the first. And I...” he nibbled playfully at her ear “...I made certain of the latter. Once this night is done, there will be no way to seek an annulment. No one will dare take you from me. Not your father, not your betrothed, nobody.”

“I’m sorry my father could not have seen me wed you,” Anne said quietly. “He never really wanted me to wed Don Pedro. He always hoped I’d have what he had with my mother. They were very much in love.”

“Then I should be able to appease his anger with the straightforward truth and a generous financial gift to offset the dowry lost with the breaking of the troth.” Anne’s palms slid down his cheek. “I’m certain of it, Alejandro. So ease your mind.”

“We’ll be returning to Spain before long,” he said quietly. “I have written to my father that I’m coming home.”

“I’m glad,” Anne said, hugging him tightly. “Your place is no longer here.”

Alejandro’s intense blue eyes found hers. “My place is wherever you are.”

Anne lifted her lips. “Then, my love, let me welcome you into the safest harbor, the most calm bay. The place that will always, always be your home.”

Alejandro understood the sensual invitation and took her lips with a groan. “Oh, Anne.” She met his passion with passion of her own, without restraint.

Alejandro’s face showed an odd tension when he pulled away from her after the searing kiss. “I am at such a loss, querida. Though I would woo you gently on this most sacred of all nights together, you are tempting me sorely with such passion.”

“The vows have been spoken and sealed by the Church. I see no more reason to hold back. Do you?”

A slow smile spread across Alejandro’s lips. “I knew you’d let me know when you were ready.”

“I’m ready.” Anne clutched her hand into his garment and pulled him hard against her body, smiling into his smoldering eyes. “Believe me, I am more than ready.”

The sound Alejandro made in that moment was guttural and harsh, the feral sound of a man who needed to consummate pent-up desire. And his hands, how hot they were! How bold they were in touching her, making her desperate with arousal. Within a short time they were both naked, their skin sliding like hot silk against each other.

Her world was spinning hard upon the axis of desire that she wanted to scream with frustration when Alejandro pushed himself away from her, his eyes as dark as a stormy sea.

“What are you doing?” she asked when he walked, in glorious, full arousal, to the other side of the small cabin.

“I need a drink,” he said. “I’ll pour you one, too. It will steady us.”

She frowned at him when he brought it back. “Seems we’ve been here, done this, at least once before.”

He laughed. “Aye, but not quite. This is sweet Spanish Madeira, perfect for this first night of love. I will taste it on your lips and savor the taste of both woman and wine.”

“And for me?”

His eyes darkened. “It will lessen the pain of the rending of your virtue. For in truth, my angel, I do not want to cause you pain.”

“I welcome it, Alejandro,” she whispered. Their eyes caught and held. “I will cherish even that if it makes me your woman for all eternity.”

“Merciful Savior,” he breathed, his eyes closing. “The things you can do to my heart.” He opened them again, and Anne saw an agony of love there. “Take one long drink of it then and there shall be no more waiting.”

Anne tried to do as he said, but even so sweet a wine could not be measured against the taste of her anticipation.

To be continued…

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