Midnight Rider by Kat Martin Page A

about him now, something that reminded her of the man who had given her the rose.
    â€œAs your guest, ” she said tartly, “my time should be my own. If that is the case, I’d prefer that you leave.”
    â€œWhatever you say, senorita.” A faint smile touched his lips. “You may spend your time here in sullen rebellion if that is your wish, or you can make the most of it, learn something about the people of the land you intend to call your home. There is much I could show you, if you would let me.”
    Carly eyed him warily. Why was he being so pleasant? She knew the heartless man he was, even if his charm had once again appeared. “I want to go home—Senor El Dragón. That is my wish, and the sooner the better. In the meantime if, as you say, I am free to go outside, I would like to see the rest of my prison.”
    Straightening her spine, she crossed the room toward where he stood by the door and tried to walk past, but the don caught her arm.
    â€œAs I said, there are good people here, but there are also those who join our cause only because we need them, and they can benefit from the arrangement. They are hard men, ruthless men.”
    â€œMen like you,” she put in coldly.
    â€œPerhaps. But with me you will be safe.” Taking her arm, he led her out the door and into the small sala where a couch made of willow branches sat beside a matching willow branch chair. Bright colored pillows formed the cushions, and a woven rug covered the packed earthen floor.
    â€œWe will return in time for supper,” the don said to Florentia, who waved in reply as he urged Carly out onto the porch. Dressed in a full-sleeved white lawn shirt and form-fitting black breeches that flared out at the bottom over the toes of his shiny black boots, Ramon de la Guerra exuded virility and strength. Whether she hated him or not, whether he was ruthless or charming, he was the handsomest man Carly had ever seen.
    A prickle of warning slid down her spine. She did not intend to ignore it.
    *   *   *
    Ramon walked beside the petite Americana, admiring the way she looked in the simple clothes of a paisano. She had been lovely that day at the races in her peppermint-striped day dress, but in some strange way, he thought she looked even more beautiful today. Perhaps it was the long silky hair she had left unbound, a curtain of dark burnished copper hanging to her waist, or the way her breasts shifted seductively beneath the blouse when she walked, a hint of soft swells rising above the neckline.
    Watching the movement of her hips, Ramon felt a tightening in his groin. He was attracted to the woman. He had been since the moment he had met her. More so now that he had seen her spirit, her courage. Now that he knew she was none of those things he had imagined.
    At least not yet.
    Ah, but she was still a gringa. Whatever he felt for her could go no farther than lust, and he would not subject her to that kind of treatment now. Not after what he had done.
    Still, he could not help admiring the perfection of her features, the fine auburn brows, upturned nose, big, leaf-green eyes, and full ruby lips. Looking at her sweet, ripe beauty, it seemed impossible he could ever have treated her badly.
    â€œDon Ramon!” Sanchez walked toward them smiling, breaking into his thoughts. “And Senorita McConnell.” He glanced down at her small, sandaled feet. “I am glad the shoes fit.”
    â€œThey’re perfect. Thank you, Senor Sanchez.”
    He nodded, then turned away. “It is good to have you back, Ramon.”
    â€œI cannot stay long. Only a few days. I thought perhaps while I was here, I would show the senorita around.”
    â€œ Bueno. The fresh air will do her good. And I am sure she is eager to be out of the house.”
    Ramon nodded. “We will join you for supper a little bit later.” Turning away from Sanchez, he smiled at Carly and extended his arm. As