Free Love Captive by Jacqueline Hope Page B

insistent beat. They danced until they were so exhausted they had to sit, and then they watched the exotically dressed people who swarmed around them.
    It was dawn as they left one club and began walking wearily arm in arm down the street. The sun was not yet visible in the sky, but the air was clear and crisp.
    "Carlos, surely we have now had enough," Anne suggested, glancing around at him and feeling very bleary eyed.
    Carlos's eyes met hers, and he burst out laughing. Putting an arm around her waist, he gave her a little squeeze. "
Oui, ma chère
, even I have had enough. Time to go home."
    As Carlos drove them slowly through the nearly deserted streets, Anne rested her head back and almost fell asleep. What a fantastic twenty or so hours this had been! Anne knew that she had accumulated memories that would grow even richer over the years, but for the moment all she wanted was to crawl into bed and fall asleep.
    When they reached the
pension
where she was staying, Carlos parked his car and walked her into the little entry hall. There he reached for one hand and held it as he gazed down at her.
    "Well, dear Anne, it was worth it, was it not? Putting aside our hostility for one day to enjoy the city? I promised you a day you would never forget. Have I made good on my promise?"
    In spite of her exhaustion, Anne felt a wave of affection and excitement wash through her. How charming Carlos could be when he chose!
    She leaned forward to press a soft kiss on Carlos's cheek. "Yes, you more than made good on your promise. You gave me a day such as I have never experienced before and quite likely never will again, for which I thank you."
    "And I thank you," Carlos responded softly. He reached out, put his arms around her and drew her close. Anne felt so tired she instinctively rested her head on Carlos's shoulder as he held her. How warm and comforting his nearness was! They stood unmoving for several seconds, then as Anne lifted her head to pull away, Carlos drew her even closer. His sensuous mouth pressed down on hers. Anne felt her pulse speed up. She lifted her arms and slipped them around Carlos's neck. Their kiss slowly deepened, Carlos moving his lips against hers to urge them open. As he tasted the soft sweetness within she gave a little moan, tangling her fingers in the luxuriant dark hair at his nape. His answering groan caused Anne to shiver and tremble with excitement. Of her own accord she pressed even harder against him, to where she could feel his hard masculine strength moving, breathing against her. As their kiss ended at last, as Carlos slowly, erotically withdrew from her, Anne thought this seemed the perfect way to end their day.
    Finally each drew back, as though in accord, and stood a moment gazing steadily at the other.
    "Thank you again, Anne. I had a truly wonderful time." Carlos spoke softly in his full, deep voice.
    Anne felt happy and tired and bewildered and excited all at the same time. "I'm the one who thanks you," she murmured in response.
    A door opened onto the entryway and the tiny white-haired woman who ran the
pension
peered out, bright old eyes appraising them. Anne drew back, murmured one final, "Thank you," and turned to begin ascending the stairs. She heard Carlos address her landlady, but as he spoke in French she would not have understood his words even had she lingered to listen, which she didn't. All she wanted now was to make it up the stairs to her second-floor room.
    She had just finished undressing and turning down her bed when there was a rap on the door and Carlos's voice called out, "Anne? Anne, you aren't asleep yet, are you?"
    Startled, momentarily frightened, Anne walked over to the door without opening it. "Carlos, what do you want? Why are you here?" Her pulse raced with both excitement and unreasonable fear.
    "Open the door, please, Anne. I want to tell you something, that's all. I know how tired you are but it's quite important, really. If it weren't, I wouldn't be bothering