Tender Savage by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online Page B

were streaming into the cell when Jurado returned Lara over three hours later.
    Ricardo’s gaze flew to Lara’s face, but Jurado gave her no time to speak as he pushed her across the cell toward Ricardo. “Did you miss her, Lázaro?”
    Ricardo’s gaze never left Lara’s face. “What did they do to you?”
    “Now, does she look ill-treated?” Jurado pushed Lara to her knees on the stone floor before Ricardo. “We thought we’d made her quite attractive.” He touched a silky strand of Lara’s fair hair. “She’s showered and perfumed, and we even brushed her hair until it shone. She couldn’t have had a more personal beauty treatment at the most exclusive salon in the United States. And all for you, Lázaro.”
    “Is that what they did to you?” Ricardo’s gaze searched her expression.
“Tell
me, Lara.”
    She nodded. “It was enough.” A shudder went through her. “Their hands on me. I hated it.”
    Jurado leisurely began to undo the buttons at the bodice of Lara’s gauze gown. “She’s most unappreciative. She doesn’t realize how lenient I’ve been to her, does she, Lázaro?” He pushed back the folds of material to reveal the upper slopes of Lara’s breasts. “But you realize how much worse it could have been.” He said softly, “Doesn’t she have pretty breasts? Don’t you want to touch them?”
    “No.”
    “I think you do.” Jurado smiled. “If you don’t touch them, I will. Do you want to see me fondle her?”
    “I’m going to kill you one day, Jurado.”
    “How fierce you are.” His smile faded. “Touch her, Lázaro.”
    Ricardo stood unmoving, looking down at Lara.
    Jurado’s voice cracked whiplike in the room. “Touch her. Fondle her.”
    Ricardo dropped to his knees in front of Lara. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “Lord, I’m sorry.”
    “I know you are.” Her eyes were bright with tears. “It’s all right.”
    His gaze held her own as his hands slowly slipped into the opening of her gown and gently cupped her breasts.
    She closed her eyes and drew a shaky breath as his warm, callused palms caressed her. She had expected to feel defiled, but there was nothing crude or obscene about Ricardo’s touch, only the most exquisite tenderness.
    “I see you like her,” Jurado said with satisfaction. “I knew you would.”
    “Shut up, Jurado.” Ricardo’s voice was thick. “You’re getting what you want.”
    “Not entirely. She looks like a sensual angel kneeling there with her hair flowing about her. How could any man resist taking her to bed? I really believe I’ve outdone myself.”
    “Get out of here and let her alone. Haven’t you put her through enough?”
    “You’ll have your privacy soon enough. Doesn’t she smell sweet?”
    “Yes,” Ricardo said hoarsely.
    “Her breasts are really quite lovely. How does it feel to have your hands on her?”
    Ricardo didn’t answer.
    “You don’t have to answer. I can see for myself. These five months are telling on you, Lázaro.” Lara heard the sound of footsteps as Jurado crossed the cell. “I’m leaving you now. Do enjoy yourselves.” He paused at the door. “And you
will
enjoy her tonight, Lázaro. Matters aren’t proceeding quickly enough to suit me. I’ll give you until midnight. If you don’t perform with suitable virility and enthusiasm, I’ll take her to the guards’ quarters.”
    Lara’s eyes opened as the door slammed behind Jurado. Ricardo’s olive complexion was paler than she had ever seen it and lines of strain carved either side of his mouth.
    “Are you really all right?” he asked thickly.
    She nodded jerkily. “It wasn’t pleasant, but perhaps Jurado’s right and I should feel lucky.” She looked down at his hands still covering her breasts. A tingling shock went through her as she saw the contrast of tan hardness against her softer fairness. The hot color rose to her cheeks as she felt her nipples harden against his palms in mindless response.
    His gaze followed her own and