Mexican Fire by Martha Hix Read Free Book Online Page B

breath curling on her sensitive skin as the tip of his tongue touched her pulse point, the brush of his mustache tickling that aroused flesh.
    Unwittingly, unexplainably, she reacted in woman’s age-old way of responding to a man.
    Her fingers wound into Reece’s thick hair, and she brought his mouth to hers. His arm slid behind her back, urging her to him while his lips slanted across hers.
    Moments later, Reece fell to Spanish whispers against her ear, “Ah, mi vida—”
    Stunned into sanity, she turned her head. “Don’t! My husband called me that! And how could I mean so much to you? We are strangers!”
    â€œNot any more.”
    His fingers began to massage her shoulder, but she jerked away.
    â€œDon’t touch me,” she demanded, refusing to meet his eyes. “I don’t want to be touched.”
    â€œLie to me, lie to the world, but don’t lie to yourself, Alejandra.”
    Her eyes flew to his, studying his expression. Her voice a husky whisper, she admitted, “Widowhood does strange things to a woman. But that’s all I felt: I was missing my husband.”
    â€œYour husband is gone, Alejandra.”
    â€œNot as long as he lives in my mind.”
    â€œI don’t want to take his place. I want my own. And in time, I’ll have it.” His gaze settled on the lips still warm from his kiss. “I’m thinking it won’t take much time for me to find my own place.”
    She feared he was correct. She would not succumb, though! Her voice as chilly as the peaks of Popocatépetl in winter, she said, “Shall we talk business? Do you have anything to report now, Señor Montgomery?”
    Reece faced the sea. “You’re forgetting something. I haven’t been paid.”
    The scoundrel! “You’ll be paid.”
    Half turning her way, he cocked a brow. “Let’s hope you’re good at your word.”
    â€œI am. Now—What are Santa Anna’s plans?”
    â€œFirst of all, a trip to Mexico City,” Reece answered smoothly. “President Bustamante has ordered him there. I don’t know why, not for certain, but I imagine he wants to keep his eye on Antonio. Antonio wants to make peace with those in the ruling party. He plans to leave next week. There. Now you know.” Reece smiled. “I’ll expect payment at your dinner party. I’ll have more to report by then, no doubt.”
    â€œFine,” she replied casually. And she almost laughed. This really had been much easier than she had ever imagined. Wouldn’t Erasmo be surprised? Anxious to relay the information to him, she marched toward the door. Reece’s words stopped her.
    â€œI’ll be bringing a guest.”
    â€œA guest? Fine.”
    â€œDon’t you want to know who to plan for?”
    â€œNot really.”
    â€œYou surprise me, my sweet. I thought you’d worry about seating arrangements.”
    She sighed. “It seems to be important to you, so go on. Who is the mystery guest?”
    â€œGeneral Santa Anna.”
    An invisible cleaver rent her chest. “He is not welcome at Campos de Palmas.”
    â€œWhy is that?”
    â€œWere you deaf to all I’ve said? He is my enemy.”
    Reece’s expression was nonchalant. “You’ve nothing to fear from the good general. Prepare a table, offer him wine.”
    â€œI refuse hospitality to Santa Anna.”
    â€œNow why is that?” Reece asked. “I think as Don Colonel Miguel Sierra’s widow, you owe his commander an invitation.”
    â€œWrong. He is the scourge of this land, and I will not associate with the likes of him.”
    â€œYou will if you want my cooperation.”
    Ashamed at ever finding this scoundrel attractive, she battled against feminine weakness. Be strong! she told herself. “Señor, you’d put me in jeopardy, bringing him to my home. Several who are his outspoken opponents will be