What Happens in Mexico











 

What
Happens in Mexico...

Stays
in Mexico

 

By
C.J. England



 

(Provided
as a Free Read on her website)




Chapter One

Sharra Roberts woke
up with the worse hangover of her life.  Laying utterly still, she
tried to get her bearings and remember what the hell had happened to her. 
Groaning aloud, she thought of the night before.  She had a faint memory
of one too many tequila shots, dancing on a table and a pair of icy gray eyes,
but that was all.  What happened after that, she had no idea.

She groaned
again.  Here she was on the Mexican Riviera, and her first night out she
had over indulged.  Cringing, she thought of what Frank would say. 
She was the first to admit that her fiancé was a little stuffy and
conservative.

Overwhelmed with all
the last minute details of the wedding, shełd taken this time for herself,
getting away from the gloomy central California weather of Fresno and her
nitpicking, soon-to-be mother-in-law.  This would be her last fling at
life before she settled down as Mrs. Frank Bingham, the respected wife of the
townłs leading mortgage broker.

Carefully sitting up
in bed, she cracked open her eyes hoping the pain in her head wouldnłt get
worse.  As she looked around, her eyes popped open in shock.  She
wasnłt in her own hotel room, but one that was totally unfamiliar to her.

Sharrałs heart
pounded, making her head pound with it.  Where the hell was she?  Her
gaze traveled around the room, noting with a frown that her clothes were strewn
all over, something very unlike her tidy self would do.  She froze when
she saw a pair of menłs cowboy boots tangled up with one of her silky thigh
high stockings.

Lifting the sheet,
she peeked under it.  She gulped and pulled the sheet tight against her as
she confirmed her fears.  She was naked. 

She stared again at
the big boots on the floor.  Where was she?  What had she done last
night?  And who did those belong to? 

As if in answer, the
owner of the boots came out of the bathroom.

“MorninÅ‚
 Sweetheart."

 Matt Sinclair
watched the woman in his bed open and shut her mouth, looking for all the world
like a cute blue-eyed guppy.  For one long moment he wished the thoughts he
knew were going through her mind were true ones.

Hełd come across the
tiny redhead at The ParrotÅ‚s Nest Bar and Grill last night.  Trying
to figure a way out of his own problems, hełd had no intention of being pulled
into anyone elseÅ‚s.  But when heÅ‚d seen Jose the bartender slip a mickey
into her drink, he couldn't help himself.  HeÅ‚d been too late to stop her
from drinking the doped tequila, but hełd been able to prevent the gorilla
whołd paid Jose to do it from taking her out of the door.

Matt ran his tongue
gingerly over his teeth.  He hadnÅ‚t gotten away unscathed. The gorilla had
gotten a few punches in before Matt had taken him out.  Once the goon had
hit the floor, Matt had gone after the redhead, whom by that time had tipped
another tequila down her throat and was dancing on the table to the cheers of
the rest of the men in the bar.

           
Hełd held out his arms to her and been surprised when she smiled at him,
stepping off of the table and into his arms.  Even hurting from the
gorillałs fists, Matt had been charmed by her flashing dimples.

           
His fertile mind had decided their accidental meeting had been fated, so hełd
checked them both into this hotel room.  HeÅ‚d come up a plan that would
help him fix the mess he was in.  Since heÅ‚d helped her out when she
needed him, now she would do the same for him.

           
As the lead investigator for Banyon Pharmaceuticals, hełd been sent to Mexico
to track down a missing scientist and some data that he had stolen.  Dr.
Herman Leftdetter had walked away with a formula for a new designer form of
cocaine that would be worth millions on the black market.  Matt had
tracked him to Puerto Vallarta and been lucky enough to catch
the absentminded professor before hełd been able to sell the formula to the
buyer.

           
What Matt hadnłt planned for, was the sneaky professor getting hit by a drunk
taxi driver.  HeÅ‚d been killed instantly and never told Matt who the buyer
was.  So instead of being able to track down the drug lord responsible for
the theft, he was at a dead end.

           
And if he wasnÅ‚t careful he might be dead himself.  Seemed the drug lord
didnłt take too kindly to Mattłs interference and had put a hit out on
him.  MattÅ‚s contacts said the man wanted the merchandise and he wanted
Matt dead.  So now he had to get out of townfast.  And the only way
to do that was to disappear into the copious number of tourists who were
swarming over the popular holiday destination and travel back to the
states.  That way he could get the formula back to his employer and
everything would be back to normal.

           
They would be looking for a single man, so Matt had come up with an alter
ego.  No one would think twice about him now he hoped.  

He
looked at the woman who was still staring at him wide-eyed.  Not his usual
tall, leggy, brunette type, this woman stood only about five foot five with red
hair and light blue eyes.  No tall slender model here, this woman had
curves in all the right places.  Matt smiled.  It didnÅ‚t matter, she
was still just right for him.  She would help him get home. 

 

           
Sharra stared at the man who stood in the bathroom door, grinning at her. 
She let her eyes travel over his towel-clad form.  Easily over six feet
tall, he had a hard powerful body rippling with muscles.  When his arm
rose to rake his fingers through his shaggy black, shoulder-length hair, she
could see the strength in his chest and forearm.  She blinked as she felt
a stirring low in her abdomen.

           
Sharra bit her lip.  He was eye candy all right, with that long dark hair,
silver-gray eyes and chiseled face and jaw.  Everything about him appealed
to her on a very basic level.  And she had been without for a long, long
time.  The few times sheÅ‚d been with Frank hadnÅ‚t been that satisfactory. 
She had chalked it up to wedding nerves or the fact that she just couldnłt feel
that way about a guy, but this man was proving her wrong.  Was that why
shełd come home with him last night?

           
She sucked in her breath as he sauntered over and leaning down, pressed a hard
kiss to her astonished mouth.  Unexpected heat coursed through her at the
touch of his caressing lips on hers.  Her own lips warmed and clung to his
instinctively and her hands reached up to grab his hair and bring him closer. 
She forgot all about him being a stranger.  All coherent thought fled.

           
MattÅ‚s body clenched with sudden arousal.  Whoa!!!  He hadnÅ‚t
expected his kiss to be tolerated, let alone returned.  Without thinking,
he reached down and pulled her tight against him, molding her body against
his.  He caressed her, enjoying the silky feel of her skin.

           
He groaned aloud as she softened against him.  God she felt good. 
Hełd seen everything when hełd undressed her last night to put her to bed, so
he knew the womanly curves that the wrinkled sheet hid.

           
For the first time he was tempted to put the job aside and just allow himself
to feel.  In a way he had the right.

           
Appalled at himself for even thinking about touching her, Matt pulled back,
ending the thought and the kiss.  His job might require him to lie, cheat
and steal, but hełd never been in a position to have to bed someone to keep his
cover, and he didnÅ‚t intend to start with her.  If he made love to her, it
wouldnłt be because of a lie.

           
Sharra looked up at the dark stranger, seeing the anger on his face, war with
the desire.  Suddenly, she realized she was sitting virtually naked in a bed,
kissing a man whose name she didnÅ‚t even know.  Maybe the tequila hadnÅ‚t
worn off yet.  She blushed all the way down to her toes.

           
“Errr" she said softly.  “I know this may sound ridiculous but I donÅ‚t
know what IÅ‚m doing here."

           
Matt sighed inwardly.  He hated what he had to do, but he had no
choice.  He had to get the formula out of Mexico safely.  Lives
depended on it.  If the drug cartel got their hands on the coke formula,
thousands of people could be killed if they used the stuff.  The woman in
his bed was his ticket home, so he had to make this work.  Smiling
seductively, he set out to charm her, touching a finger to her cheek.  “I
thought that would have been self explanatory."

           
Sharra blushed harder.  Oh, sweet Jesus it was just what sheÅ‚d
feared.  SheÅ‚d slept with the guy.  Stricken, she stared up at
him.  “I donÅ‚t even know your name."

           
MattÅ‚s jaw clenched, hating himself for the pain he saw in her eyes. 
“Come on Sweetheart," he said, ignoring his own self disgust.  “You should
know it.  After all itÅ‚s the same as your own."

           
Sharra frowned at him.  “Your last name is Roberts too?"

           
“No," he chuckled at her confusion.  “ItÅ‚s customary for the woman to
change her name.  Now, your last name is Sinclair."

           
Sharra did the guppy mouth again.  “What are you talking about?"

           
Matt swallowed once, before dropping the bomb on her.  “ItÅ‚s usually what
happens when you get married."

           
Sharra shot to her feet so quickly; she knocked him off the bed.  She
dragged the sheet with her, but not before Matt had gotten a glimpse of two
perfect white breasts.  “Are you crazy?" she shouted, wrapping the sheet
around her.  “We canÅ‚t be married.  I have a fiancé back home!"

           
Shit!  That was a complication he hadnÅ‚t foreseen.  When heÅ‚d gone to
her hotel room to pick up her stuff, there hadnÅ‚t been any sign of a fiancé in
her life, and she hadnłt been wearing an engagement ring when he found
her.  Picking himself up off the floor, he put on an angry look.  It
wasnÅ‚t hard.  The thought of her belonging to someone else pissed him
off.  “I donÅ‚t know about any fucking fiancé, but I do know youÅ‚re my
wife!"  He reached out and grabbed her hand, bringing her ring finger into
view.

           
Sharra stared at the golden wedding band that adorned her finger.  “ItÅ‚s a
ring," she said stupidly.  “IÅ‚m wearing a wedding ring."

           
Matt almost laughed at the incredulous look on her face.  He lifted his
own hand up to her.  “You made me get one too.  In fact, you said it
was the only way youłd marry me."

           
Sharra cringed.  Frank had refused to consider wearing a wedding
ring.  HeÅ‚d said they were old fashioned.  Had that bothered her deep
down, so that shełd made it a condition of this hasty marriage?

           
Matt saw the painful thoughts chase over his face, and cursed.  Hell, he
hadnÅ‚t wanted to hurt her.  HeÅ‚d exaggerated to make her believe
him.  SheÅ‚d mentioned the ring, once heÅ‚d put hers on her, but it hadnÅ‚t
been a demand, but a sighing wish before shełd all but passed out on him.

           
Sharra worried the ring on her finger.  “Are you telling me that I married
you last night?  Some stranger whose name I still donÅ‚t know?"

           
“You know my name, and I know yours.  My name is Matt Sinclair, and you
are my wife Sharra Sinclair."  HeÅ‚d found her name out when heÅ‚d gone
through her purse on the way to his old hotel to get his suitcases.  He
brought them to this hotel, getting away from all who knew he was involved with
finding the formula.   Luckily, heÅ‚d registered in the old hotel
under an assumed name.

           
“My name is Sharra Roberts."

           
Matt scowled.  “Maybe we had a few too many tequilas and threw caution to
the wind, but I didnÅ‚t force you to marry me."  He went on, hating the
lies he had to tell.  “You wanted to marry me.  It was all your
idea."

           
Sharra sank back down on the bed.  What had she done?  It had been
her idea?  “But I donÅ‚t know you," she whispered again.

           
Matt felt something pull in his chest.  He knelt and put his big hand on
her thigh.  “Hey," he said, waiting until her troubled eyes met his. 
“We may have done this a little backwards, but we are good together."  He
grinned.  “I kinda like being your husband."

           
Sharra suddenly saw FrankÅ‚s disapproving face in her mindÅ‚s eye.  He would
be so angry.  Not only because sheÅ‚d cheated on him even though she
didnłt remember it, but now she would have to postpone the wedding, and the
whole town would know what sheÅ‚d done in Mexico.  He would be so
embarrassed.  FrankÅ‚s reputation was everything to him, and he would be
furious if Sharra sullied it.

Frank
had warned her that this whole idea of a vacation was unnecessary, but shełd
ignored himincensed at his insistence that he could run her life better than
she.  They hadnÅ‚t been talking when sheÅ‚d left yesterday.  Now it
seemed she had proven him right.

 
          “HeÅ‚s going to kill me."

           
Matt frowned, feeling suddenly protective.  “Who?"

           
“Frank my fiancé."  Sharra met his gray eyes with hers.  “WeÅ‚re
supposed to be married in two weeks."

           
“So what are you doing in Mexico without him?"  Matt felt an alien sense of
possessiveness come over him, totally ridiculous in the circumstances. 
Her Frank was a fool for letting Sharra out of his sight.  She wouldnÅ‚t be
in the position she was in now, if heÅ‚d had any sense about him.  Then
Matt grinned.  Maybe he should be thanking old Frank.

           
“I wanted some time to myself," Sharra was explaining.  “One last
vacationalone."

           
“One last fling?"

           
“No," Sharra said sharply.  “I donÅ‚t do that sort of thing.  I donÅ‚t
cheat!"

           
“Maybe thatÅ‚s why you wanted to get married," Matt shot back angrily.  “So
you couldnÅ‚t call it cheating."  He cursed when he saw her eyes
fill.  Greathe was handling this just perfectly.  Way to go
Sinclair.  ThatÅ‚s the way to charm.  He shook his head.  He
didnłt get why he was taking her horror at being married to him so personally.
Hell, she thought he was a one night stand, gone wrong.  His thoughts were
jerked back when she stood again.

           
“IÅ‚ve got to fix this."  Sharra looked around.  “Where is the license? 
We can get it annulled."

           
Matt frowned.  She was smart, thinking of that, but he couldnÅ‚t risk
losing his cover now.  “We canÅ‚t get it annulled," he lied.  He
smiled at her sexily.  “We consummated the marriageremember?"

           
“No, I donÅ‚t remember," Sharra said, feeling herself redden again at the
reminder of her inexplicable behavior.  This just couldnÅ‚t be happening to
her.   Panic flared in her eyes.    “WeÅ‚ll just tell
them that we didnłt."

           
Matt shook his head.  “Not me, sugar."  He continued with the same
sexy smile, lying without compunction.  “IÅ‚m Catholic."

           
“But I canÅ‚t be married to you," Sharra shouted, her control finally giving
way.  “IÅ‚ve got a wedding in two weeks."

           
“Better cancel it."




Chapter Two 

“Cancel
it?"  Sharra looked at him incredulously.  “Are you out of your
mind?  I canÅ‚t cancel my wedding.  There are two hundred guests
coming, wełve booked the country club and wełve got tickets to go to Paris for
our honeymoon.  I canÅ‚t cancel it!"

“Well,
unless you are going to become a bigamist, I suggest you rethink that."

Sharrałs
heart fell and she wrapped her arms around herself.  “I canÅ‚t believe this
is happening.  Oh God, heÅ‚s going to be furious with me."

“He
shouldnÅ‚t have let you come to Mexico without him.  Any guy in his right
mind wouldnłt let you out of his sight."

Even
though she was confused and frightened, his words made her go warm
inside.  She shook them off with an effort.  “FrankheÅ‚s not the
possessive type.  And damn it," she snarled, pacing over to the window,
“IÅ‚m not a child.  I can take a vacation by myself."

“Yeah,
youłre doing a hell of a job so far, arenłt you?"

Tears
sprang to her eyes.  “DonÅ‚t say that.  Just donÅ‚t."  She wiped
the moisture away with a furious hand.  “IÅ‚m not sure what happened, but I
donÅ‚t just fall in bed with a man.  No matter how attractive." 
Shaking her head, she shuddered.  “What am I going to do?"

“HeydonÅ‚t
cry, honey."  Matt walked up and touched her shoulder, not knowing what his
reception would be.  The backhanded compliment had surprised him and he
wondered if she even knew sheÅ‚d said it.  His gut tightened.  The
pain in her eyes had been bad, but the shame he saw now was almost his
undoing.  Damn!  Why couldnÅ‚t he have hooked up with some woman who
was more experienced?  That wouldnÅ‚t be hurt by this little
masquerade? 

Going
on instinct, he gently put his arms around her.  She stiffened, but then
slowly relaxed.  “You being engaged is a problem, but like I said, you and
me being married is a done deal.  Guess we better get used to it."

“Used
to it?"  She whirled around and stared up at him, her green eyes
luminous.  “How can I get used to it?  I donÅ‚t remember
anything.  I donÅ‚t know you.  IÅ‚m standing, naked in a motel room
with a complete stranger who IÅ‚ve just spent the night with.  Just how do
you expect me to get used to that?"

Heat
raced through MattÅ‚s body and he spoke without thinking.  “By going back
to bed?"

The
slap across the face was painful, but not really unexpected.  It had been
a stupid thing to say.  Matt blinked at the stars he saw.  She really
did pack a wallop.  Carefully, he rotated his jaw and tested his mouth for
blood.

“Damn
it!" Sharra cried out as she covered her face with her hands.  “Look what
you made me do.  But how could you even suggest such a thing? 
God!  YouÅ‚re a stranger!  I donÅ‚t even know you!"

Matt
touched her arm.  Shit! He hated the role heÅ‚d forced them both
into.  “IÅ‚m sorry, honey.  Really.  For a minute there I was thinking
like a caveman."  When she glared at him, he shrugged.  “Look. 
IÅ‚m attracted to you.  Hell, I wouldnÅ‚t have married you if I
wasnÅ‚t.  And I didnÅ‚t expect you to forget me or the wedding.  So
this is just as hard on me as it is on you, all right?"

“I
donłt know what to do," she whispered again.

His
chest ached suddenly and all he wanted to do was soothe the hurt hełd caused,
but he knew he couldnÅ‚t.  There were other things he had to worry about
and calming SharraÅ‚s feelings had to be low on the priority list.  “Why
donÅ‚t you go in and take a shower.  Maybe youÅ‚ll feel better.  When
you get out, weÅ‚ll talk some more.  How does that sound?Å‚

He
wanted to squirm under her unblinking regard, but after a moment, she nodded
and silently stepped into the bathroom closing the door behind her.  Matt
blew out his breath in relief.  How had something that should have been so
simple, turn into a situation he wasnÅ‚t sure how to deal with?  Now that
he knew her a little, he hated even more the fact he had to use her.  And
the fierce attraction he felt wasnÅ‚t helping.  He couldnÅ‚t believe heÅ‚d
been so crass as to ask her to have sex with him again.

Matt
snorted out a laugh.  “Not again you idiot.  YouÅ‚re beginning to
believe your own fairy tale.  This is business.  Strictly business."

But
even as he said it aloud, he knew he was lying to himself.

 

The
hot water beating down on Sharra did make her feel better.  HeMatt had
been right about that.  But feeling better sure didnÅ‚t solve her
problem.  She was engaged to one man and married to another.  How
could she have been so stupid?

Putting
her head under the slashing spray, she thought she could answer that
question.  Her new husband was one of the sexiest men sheÅ‚d ever
met.  Not handsome, she mused again, but more of a wicked attractiveness
that made all her nerve endings stand on end each time she looked at him.

But
sexy did NOT make a good husband.  In fact, sexy in her mind meant the
same as a man who tom-catted around sampling all the other females, even though
he was pledged to just one.  Maybe that is why she had chosen nice, safe
Frank.  He might not be the most exciting man on the planet, but at least
she knew heÅ‚d be faithful, right?  He wouldnÅ‚t spend all his nights out
smoozing with clients who happen to be female.  And he sure as hell
wouldnłt wind up taking them to bed to seal the deal and then forcing his wife
and daughter pay for his stupidity by

Sharra
cut off her racing thoughts and gently pounded her forehead against the cool
tile.  Twenty years later and she still measured all men by her fatherÅ‚s
infidelity.  She should know better.  It wasnÅ‚t FrankÅ‚s fault he
didnłt rock her boat, and it surely wasnłt Mattłs fault that one smile made her
toes curl and her whole body tremble.

But
no matter how sexy her temporary husband was, she had to bear in mind he was
a mistake.  One that would be made even worse if she went to bed with him
again.  As she rinsed off the soap, she sighed.  It might be wrong of
her, but she wished she hadnłt been so drunk the night before.

She
really wanted to remember what making love to Matt had been like.

 

Twenty
minutes later, Sharra stepped out of the bathroom dressed in a white terrycloth
bathrobe.  Her nerves were calmer and she was determined to talk to Matt
and get everything straightened out.  She might have gotten married to the
wrong man, but she wasnÅ‚t about to ruin her life over it.  Decisions
needed to be made and then carried out.  She was an adult and took full
responsibility for her ridiculous actions of the night before.  She
wouldnłt blame her temporary husband anymoreat least she wouldnłt as long as
he was agreeable and helped her fix the mess they were in.

But
her strength of will took a definite nose dive when she saw him standing by the
window staring down at the street.  HeÅ‚d pulled on a pair of jeans, but
hadnÅ‚t fastened them.  Droplets of water still graced his shoulders,
fallen from his wet and tousled hair.  His abdomen gleamed in the sunlight
and the soft whorl of curls under his belly button made her fingers itch to
touch him.  Her nipples tingled in reaction and she swore inwardly. 
It was just too bad that he had the yummiest tummy sheÅ‚d ever seen.  Why
did he have to be so damned attractive?    And why did that part
of a manÅ‚s body have to be her favorite? 

Jerking
her gaze up to his face, she found that wasnÅ‚t much better.  The hard
lines of his jaw seemed harsher and for a moment she was almost frightened of
him.  A uncontrollable shiver ran through her.  Who was this man
really?

She
must have made some sound because he whirled back to her, his hand going to his
side just like an old time gunfighter.  It was a telling move, one that
made her even more curious about this man to whom she was married.

“Feel
better?"

His
deep voice made her start and she took a deep breath.  “Yes, thank
you."  Sharra moved purposely towards him.  “And now I think itÅ‚s
time we talked about how to get out of this mess."

Mattłs
eyes narrowed.  “I donÅ‚t think of it as a mess, sweetheart.  ItÅ‚s a
marriage."

Warmth
touched her cheeks.  “IÅ‚m sorry.  I didnÅ‚t mean to offend you. 
But to me itÅ‚s a mistake that needs to be fixed and fixed quickly.  So we
need to decide what we are going to do next."

His
eyebrow lifted as he grabbed a shirt and shrugged it on.  “I donÅ‚t know
about you, but IÅ‚m hungry.  So, what IÅ‚m going to do next is eat
breakfast."

“Breakfast?" 


“Yeah,
you know.  That meal you eat in the morning.  Break-fast?  Break
your fast."

His
mocking tone made her lips firm.  “There is no need to be snide.  I
know what it means, but I want to talk about whatłs hap"

“Not
on an empty stomach," he interrupted firmly.  “A man needs a full stomach
if his wife is going to ask him for a divorce."

 

Twenty
minutes later they were seated at a small outdoor cantina that overlooked sparkling
Banderas Bay.  Since Sharra spoke very little Spanish, Matt ordered for
them both, rattling off the language as if hełd been born to it.

After
the sloe-eyed waitress had left, Sharra took a sip of coffee.  “You speak
really good Spanish.  Do you come here often?"

Matt
tossed her a grin.  “That sounds like a pick up line if I ever heard one."

A
dimple appeared at the corner of her mouth.  “You know what I mean."

He
chuckled.  “IÅ‚ve traveled south of the border a few times.  Never
been to Puerto Vallarta though.  But IÅ‚m glad I chose this vacation
spot."  He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. 
“Otherwise, I wouldnÅ‚t have met you."

Red
colored her cheeks as she tried to pull her hand away.  He refused to let
her go.  “Matt," she whispered.  “We really need to talk about this."

“What
do we have to talk about?" he questioned.  “WeÅ‚re married.  I, for
one, plan on staying that way.  We may have married in haste, as the
saying goes, but IÅ‚m very happy with my choice."

Delight
and panic warred within her.  “ThatthatÅ‚s a sweet thing to say, but itÅ‚s
not that simple."

“Why?"

The
blunt question made her frown and she snatched her hand away.  “Because, I
am engaged to someone else, remember?  I canÅ‚t just call him up and say,
Ä™Frank, the weirdest thing happened to me in Mexico.  I got drunk and got
married.Å‚"  She rubbed the bridge of her nose tiredly.  “HeÅ‚ll be
furious and IÅ‚ll never hear the end of it."

Her
genuine distress made MattÅ‚s whole body tighten.  He really hated the
thought of her belonging to someone else.  It didnÅ‚t make sense. 
Christ, he hardly knew her.  But it was there, just the same.  And
since it bothered him to think about it, he did the manly thing and shoved it
out of his mind.

“I know
itÅ‚s not going to be easy, but hell, Sharra, itÅ‚s a done deal.  Why not
try to enjoy it for a while instead of trying to erase it.  We are
married, babe.  You gotta get that through your head."

Her
mouth opened, but the server came before she could say another word.  She
was silent as the plates of Huevos Rancheros, grilled sausage and fresh
local fruit was set before them.  Two effervescent glasses of mimosa were
next, and then with a bobbing curtsey, the waitress was gone.

Mattłs
stomach growled.  He hadnÅ‚t realized he was so hungry.  He gave
another quick glance around to make sure they werenłt being watched, then
tucked into his food.

“How
can you eat at a time like this?"

His
grey eyes lifted to meet her angry blue ones.  “I can always eat."

She
sighed and picked up her fork.  “IÅ‚ve gone crazy.  ThatÅ‚s the only
explanation."

He
swallowed a bite of spicy egg and shrugged.  “If it makes you feel
better."

“What
do I do about Frank?"  Sharra took a sip of her mimosa, licked her lips,
and then took another, bigger swallow.  “HeÅ‚s going to call me today to
check on me.  How do I tell him?"

Watching
her lick her lips that way was going to make him crazy too.  Matt took a
deep breath and tore his gaze away from her pouting mouth.  “ItÅ‚ll all
work out."

“Easy
for you to say."

Suddenly
irritated, Matt slammed down his hand on the table, making the dishes
bounce.  “Look, what do you want me to do?  I like being married to
you.  I want to be married to you.  IÅ‚m sorry you donÅ‚t feel the same
way, but IÅ‚m not messing up my honeymoon just because my wife is having second
thoughts."  Again, he wished silently that it was a real marriage so a
honeymoon was a possibility.  His need to get Sharra back in his bed was
growing every second.  “And thatÅ‚s not all thatÅ‚s growing," he
growled under his breath.

“I
beg your pardon?"

Her
stiff little voice made him close his eyes and count to ten.  He really
didnÅ‚t know how to play this.  He had to get out of the country, but if he
pushed too hard about going home to the USA, sheÅ‚d become suspicious. 
Better he play a couple days and give her a little honeymoon fun before he had
the brilliant idea that it would be easier to get a divorce if they went back
home.  Of course, he had no idea if that were true or not, but with any
luck, Sharra wouldnłt know either.

“Matt?" 
Her soft voice jerked him out of his thoughts.

Picking
up his glass, he leaned over and tapped it against her own.  “To us, Mrs.
Sinclair.  May we live the next few days like they are the most important
in our life." 

And, he thought to himself, they
just well may be.




Chapter Three 

The
man was a magician. 

Sharra
trotted alongside Matt as they navigated the tourist-filled streets and
wondered what kind of spell heÅ‚d put her under.  She should be heading straight
for the nearest courthouse to find out how to file for a divorce, but instead
she was souvenir shopping with a man who wouldnłt take no for an answer.

He
had succeeded in driving her crazy.

She
almost tripped as he hauled her into yet another tacky shop, intent this time
on buying her one of those Mexican hand-tooled bags.  The shop smelled
like burned tortillas and leather, but the storekeeper was all smiles and
gracious nods.

“Which
one do you like, honey?"  Matt pulled down a bag that could have easily
carried a small country in it.  “What about this one?  We could use
it as a beach bag."

Sharra
rolled her eyes.  “ItÅ‚s leather, Matt.  You donÅ‚t take leather to the
beach."

“Oh." 
He looked crestfallen.  “Are you sure?"

“Yes." 
She suddenly wanted to pat him on the head to soothe him.  Briskly, she
shook herself.  “Besides, I donÅ‚t really like this type of stuff."

“You
donÅ‚t?"  Now he just looked surprised.  “I thought all women liked
purses."

“IÅ‚m
not into dead animals, okay?  They are fine for others, but they just
donłt do anything for me."

Matt
sighed.  “Well, if you would rather not"

“No
one said we canÅ‚t get something for you."  Hating to see the
disappointment in his eyes and wondering yet again why she couldnłt just walk
away from this man, Sharra flipped through the stack of wallets sitting on the
countertop.  She found one that was particularly well designed, with
intricate swirls and a soft supple feel to it.  Turning back to him, she
smiled.  “How about this one?  My treat."

He
stared at the wallet for a moment then reached out and took it.  “YouÅ‚re
buying me a gift?"

She
raised an eyebrow and gestured to the shopping bags he was carrying. 
“YouÅ‚ve bought me things all afternoon long.  CanÅ‚t I do the same?"

“ThatÅ‚sthatÅ‚s
different."

“It
is?"

Matt
stared at her, his chest tightening with an emotion he couldnÅ‚t name. 
Hełd had women buy him gifts before, but for some reason this one seemed
differentspecial.  Maybe it was because she was his wife.  Nohe
stopped himself quickly.  Not his wife.  Sharra was a means to
an end, albeit a very attractive, interesting and enjoyable one.  He had
to remember that.

It
was just she had taken the marriage deception better than heÅ‚d expected. 
Hełd been prepared to do just about anything to keep her from running to the
authorities to free herself from the mock marriage, but instead she had gone
along with his plans for a day out getting to know each other.  After the
way shełd first reacted to the news of them being husband and wife, hełd
expected nothing short of a minor war.  To have her do the opposite had
thrown him for a loop. 

And
even more dangerous, her sweet compliance made him want her more than hełd ever
wanted a woman before.

“Matt?"

Her
curious voice brought him back to the present.  He smoothed a finger over
the wallet and then smiled.  “My first gift from my wife.  Thank you,
sweetheart."

Sharra
blushed.  “ItÅ‚s just a wallet.  Nothing that important."

“I
guess that depends on where youÅ‚re standing."  He watched as without even
bargaining, she paid the shopkeeper.  “IÅ‚ll treasure it."

Obviously
embarrassed, she pushed by him and out of the door.  “ItÅ‚s not a big
deal.  Just my way of keeping you from buying those dead cows."

Frowning,
he grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop right in the middle of the
sidewalk.  “ItÅ‚s a big deal to me.  DidnÅ‚t anyone ever teach you how
to accept a thank you?"

She
tossed her head.  “IÅ‚ve never had any complaints before."

“I
think you need a little more practice."  His eyes took on a wicked
gleam.  “Maybe it was the way I thanked you."

“Excuse
me?"

“LetÅ‚s
try this again."  Without giving her a chance to refuse, he pulled her
into his arms and his mouth was on hers.

His
lips were warmer than the hot Mexican sun.  SharraÅ‚s knees went weak and again,
just like heÅ‚d done earlier, he stole the will right out of her.  Her
thoughts dissolved into a muddle of tangled pleasure and need that made it
difficult to breathe, let alone think.  She couldnÅ‚t remember their
lovemaking, but she knew his kisses.  Hard, deep and possessive, as if he
had the right to put his mark on her in every way there was.

His
tongue delved inside her mouth, dancing with hers before capturing it and
sucking lightly.  Wetness suddenly pooled between her legs and she went
limp.  God!  The man knew how to kiss.  She forgot about
being in public.  She ignored the muttered comments of the
passersby.  All she could focus on was Matt and the way his lips felt as
they pressed firmly against her own.

She
could feel the bristles of his unshaven jaw tickle her cheeks and she
shivered.  She had a sudden thought of how he would feel brushing up
against the tender flesh of her inner thighs.  Her body clenched with a
passion sheÅ‚d never before felt and she pulled him against her in abandonment. 
This must be why sheÅ‚d thrown caution to the wind and married him. 
This type of desire would make any woman go a little crazy.

Wrapping
her arms around him, she smoothed her hands under his shirt and up his strong
back.  Now it was he who shuddered under her touch and Sharra felt
primitive female satisfaction flow through her.  His kiss grew more
desperate as he molded their bodies together.  He was fully aroused and
the thought she was responsible made her light in the head.  Had she ever
had a man respond to her in this way?

A
moan of disappointment escaped her when he pulled his mouth from hers. 
But she caught her breath in a surprised gasp as he instead used those magical
lips to trace down her ear and nibble on its unadorned lobe.

“Matt!"
she gasped and a tremor of longing raced through her.  “I"

Her
voice was cut off by the shrill sound of a cellphone and they both went
perfectly still.  After a long moment, Sharra eased out of his arms,
trying to ignore the ache left behind.  “IÅ‚m sorryI have to get
that.  ItÅ‚s probably"

“Your
fiancé.  Right," Matt interrupted, suddenly sounding furious.  “I
wonder what hełll say when you tell him he interrupted you kissing your
husband!"

It
was as if sheÅ‚d had a bucket of cold water thrown over her.  Reality returned
with a slap.  Teetering between slapping Matt silly and running screaming
into the crowd, she took a long, deep breath and did neither.

Instead,
she turned her back on him and fished her cellphone out of her purse.  She
could feel Mattłs angry eyes on her as she answered it.

“Hel-lo?"

“Sharra? 
Why did it take you so long to answer?"  FrankÅ‚s fussy voice sounded wrong
after hearing MattÅ‚s deeper, more masculine tones all day long.  “I donÅ‚t
have all day."

She
closed her eyes and counted to ten.  “IÅ‚m sorry, Frank.  IÅ‚m outside
and it was hard to hear the phone."

“WellI
guess that makes sense.  Have you had enough lazing around?  When are
you coming home?"

Panic
set in and she started chewing on a thumbnail.  “IÅ‚menjoying my vacation,
Frank.  I told you.  I needed some time to relax."

“This
is ridiculous."  FrankÅ‚s tone changed from fussy to aggrieved. 
“Mother needs you home.  There are decisions to be made."

Sharra
narrowed her eyes and her whole body tensed.  “And I told you, everything
that needed to be done has been done.  Your mother has nothing to do with
it.  W-When I get back," she glanced over at Matt to see him glaring at
her, “IÅ‚ll deal with everything."

“Not
acceptable," Frank informed her.  “Mother has made several changes. 
You must come home now."

“Your
mother made changes in my wedding plans?"  SharraÅ‚s voice went
whisper-soft and her eyes flashed with temper.  “She had no right!"

“DonÅ‚t
be melodramatic, Sharra.  You are too inexperienced to plan a wedding by
yourself.  Mother knows whatÅ‚s proper.  ThatÅ‚s why you need to come
home.  She can help you fix your mistakes."

Suddenly
realizing that no amount of counting would help her control her temper, Sharra
gave a loud growl.  It increased in volume when she caught sight of MattÅ‚s
grinning face. 

“Did
you just growl?"  FrankÅ‚s voice sounded shocked.

“Tell
your mother to keep her hands out of my wedding!"  Sharra had finally
had enough.  Maybe this was why sheÅ‚d taken the vacation.  Maybe this
was why sheÅ‚d wound up married to someone else.  “I mean it, Frank. 
ItÅ‚s my wedding.  Period."

There
was a long silence.  Then Frank sniffed arrogantly.  “Well, if thatÅ‚s
how youłre going to act, Iłll hang up now."

All
the temper drained out of Sharra, leaving her miserable.  She rubbed her
smarting eyes.  “Tell me, Frank," she whispered, “did you call just to
complain, or are you even a bit curious as to how I am.  If IÅ‚m having a
good time."

Seeing
SharraÅ‚s defeated face, that same strange possessiveness filled Matt.  But
this time it was mingled with temper.  Without hesitating, he snatched the
phone out of her hand.  Her horror-struck face barely touched him as he
swung away from her.

“Hello?"

There
was another long pause, before a shocked male voice spoke.  “Who is this?"

Dancing
away from SharraÅ‚s outstretched hand, Matt narrowed his eyes.  “My name is
Matt and IÅ‚m afraid IÅ‚ll have to ask you not to call again."

“I
beg your pardon?"

Matt
ducked as Sharra took a swing at him.  Passersby grinned and chuckled as
they took in the scene.  She swore aloud.  “Give me my phone!"

Ignoring
her, he turned away again.  “I said donÅ‚t call Sharra any more.  I
donłt like it."

Irritation
replaced shock as Frank answered.  “Just who do you think you are? 
IÅ‚ll call her anytime I feel like it.  She is my fiancé."

“Well,
I say you wonłt and what I am trumps you."

“And
what is that?" Frank asked snidely.

“IÅ‚m
her husband."

Matt
almost laughed at the strangled sounds that next emanated from the phone. 
It was as if a duck was being strangled by a wet puppy.  Then his breath
was knocked out of him by a solid right punch to the gut.

“Give
me my phone!" Sharra shrieked.  Her eyes were furious and her teeth were
bared.  Suddenly, she looked a hell of a lot more dangerous than any drug
lordÅ‚s people.  “Now, Matt!  I mean it!"

He
knew if he did, it might be all over for him.  Instead, he grabbed her arm
and with a neat twist of his body, had her tucked up close against him, unable
to get away.  He squeezed hard as she fought him, knowing there wasnÅ‚t
anything meaner than a pissed off woman.  Between her and the irate fiancé
on the phone, he had his hands full.

“Husband!"
Frank was finally able to speak.  “What do you meanhusband?  She
canÅ‚t be married to you.  WeÅ‚re engaged!"

“CouldnÅ‚t
prove it by me," Matt rejoined, taking an elbow in the stomach in payment for
his mocking words.  He sucked in a pained breath.  “Look.
 Frank, is it?  Sorry, you found out this way, but themÅ‚s the
facts.  Sharra and I got married last night and weÅ‚re celebrating.
 So IÅ‚d appreciate it if youÅ‚d just leave us alone.  SheÅ‚ll not be
taking any more of your calls."

“MATT!"
Sharra wailed, struggling even harder.  “Stop it!  YouÅ‚re going to
ruin everything."

“How
dare you!" Frank gasped at the same time.  “Let me talk to Sharra
immediately."

“CanÅ‚t
do that."  Ignoring both of their demands, Matt just smiled.  “See,
unlike some men, I take care of what belongs to me.  And SharraÅ‚s
mine.  IÅ‚ve got a ring on my finger to prove it."

With
that last sally, Matt snapped shut the phone.  Then, with a quick flick of
his wrist, he tossed it in a nearby fountain.  The dolphins decorating it
looked down at him with approving toothy grins.

“What
have you done!"  SharraÅ‚s screech almost numbed his ear.  He finally
let her go, and then had to duck as she took another swing at him.

“Easy,
honey," he soothed.  “I was just taking care of business."

Sharra
was so angry, tears of fury burned in her eyes.  “You told him we were
married!  How could you?"

“I
told him the truth.  You werenÅ‚t going to do it."

She
shook her head.  “You said weÅ‚d get to know each other and I could make up
my mind if I wanted this marriage or not.  Damn it!  If IÅ‚d
decided to end it, I wouldnłt have had to tell him about what Iłd done."

His
eyes narrowed.  “You would lie to him about us being married? 
Wowhad you pegged for the truthful type.  Guess I was wrong."

Guilt
filled her.  Cornered, she could only shake her head.  “I donÅ‚t know
what I would have done, but I would have handled it a hell of a lot better than
you did.  He must feel terrible.  I canÅ‚t believe you did that to
him.  How would you feel if your fiancé suddenly upped and married someone
else while she was on vacation?"

Her
mouth went dry when Matt grabbed her and jerked her close to him.  He wound
his hand in her long hair and held her while he leaned down until they were
nose to nose.  His hot angry eyes met hers.  “That scenario would
never happen with me, sweetheart.  See, IÅ‚d treat my fiancé a little
different.  She wouldnÅ‚t be going on any vacation without me.  SheÅ‚d
sure as hell never sleep alone."  He dropped a hard, punishing kiss on her
surprised mouth.

“Bottom
line?  IÅ‚d never let the woman I loved out of my sight!"




Chapter Four 

Losing
his temper hadnÅ‚t been a good idea.  Now Sharra wouldnÅ‚t talk to him at
all.  In fact, she wouldnÅ‚t even look at him.  After heÅ‚d made his
announcement of how hełd treat the woman he loved, her eyes had softened, and
for a moment heÅ‚d thought she might even kiss him.  But then her lips had
tightened, and without warning, she punched him again in the stomach. 
When hełd released her to catch his breath, shełd darted away and disappeared
into the crowd.  It was only his quick reflexes that had allowed him to
catch up with her.

Now
they were striding side by side down the sidewalk and if the worried looks from
passing tourists were any indication, they both must look mad enough to spit
nails.  Matt knew he was.  Hell, he had a right to be.  Treating
him like that when all he was trying to do was help.  Her ex-fiancé was an
ass.  And wouldnÅ‚t any man be pissed if his wife was getting calls like
that from another man?

He
ground his teeth together at the thought.  Damn it.  Sharra should
know she was better off without that bozo.  She should be fucking
appreciative that hełd married her and saved her from that moron.

His
steps faltered and he swore inwardly.  Damn it.  Matt shook
his head at his folly.  HeÅ‚d done it again.  Forgotten they werenÅ‚t
really married.  What was it about Sharra that kept making him wish it was
for real?  He didnÅ‚t want to get married.  The bachelor life was just
fine with him.  He could come and go as he pleased and he didnÅ‚t have to
worry about anyone else.  Least of all a hot-tempered red head with eyes
as blue as the tropical sea and a mouth that seemed to bring him to boiling
just by a touch.

Too
many ties there.  He could just feel it.

Glancing
over, he saw her set face and sighed again.  The thing was, he had to get
back in her good graces.  He had a job to finish and as much as he hated
to say ithe needed her. Sonofabitchwhen had it all gotten so
complicated?

When
she head Matt clear his throat, everything in Sharra went tense.  She felt
as if she might shatter, she was still so angry.  All she knew was if
sheÅ‚d had a gun, she would have shot Matt right between the eyes.  Then
she would have taken the next plane home and done the same to Frank.

Men
were all jerks.

“IÅ‚m
sorry, honey."

Matts
rough voice made her jump.  Tears burned in her eyes.  Damn! 
That wasnÅ‚t fair either.  She wanted to be angry for a while longer. 
What he had done had hurt and infuriated her.  He had no call to be
apologizing now.  She was just getting into a good mad.

“I
mean it, babe.  I am sorry.  I was jealous and I didnÅ‚t like how he
was treating you.  But youÅ‚re a big girl.  You could have handled it
yourself."

She
was mellowing.  She could feel itthat little bit of warmth around her
sore heart.  He sounded just sincere enough to make her believe he really
meant it.  But that didnÅ‚t mean sheÅ‚d let him off the hook that
easy.  Turning, she glared at him.

“If
you didnłt like what Frank was doing, then why did you do the same thing?

Matt
stopped and stared at her.  She held back a smile with an effort. 
This time it was him doing the wide mouth guppy thing.

“Me? 
What the hell you talking about?  IÅ‚m nothing like that bastard!"

She
jerked to a halt, whirling around to glare at him.  “Oh really? 
Seems you two are a lot alike to me.  You both enjoy telling what to do,
you want to make decisions for me and you act like an arrogant know it
alls."

His
face went red and she watched as his jaw started to tic.  But she didnÅ‚t
back down.  She was damn tired of the men in her life treating her like an
ignorant two year old. 

“All
I was trying to do was protect you."  MattÅ‚s eyes flashed.  “No one
should talk to the woman he loves like that.  And," his cheeked went even
ruddier, “I was jealous, okay?  HeÅ‚s got history with you and I
donÅ‚t.  You know him, but weÅ‚re still strangers.  We might be
married, but weÅ‚re just discovering each other.  I didnÅ‚t want him to fuck
that up.  I wanted you to myself.  But I handled it all wrong. 
I mean it, babe.  IÅ‚m sorry."

Sharra
crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him.  He seemed sincere, but
she had experience in dealing with men who said one thing and then did
another.  Her father had taught her early not to believe everything he
said. But Matt seemed so different than her father.  More solid and
dependable.  And he was trying to be honest with her.  For Sharra, that
meant everything.  She hated liars.

 When
her eyes softened again, something in Matt relaxed.  It had been a close
one, but it looked as if she was going to give him another chance.  Taking
his life into his hands, he stepped forward and slid his arms around her.

“Forgive
me?" he asked simply.

With
a sigh, her head dropped to his shoulder.  “I guess I have to.  Being
angry in this heat takes too much out of you."

He
brushed his lips over her forehead.  “Then IÅ‚ve got an idea for you. 
How about we go back to the hotel and get our suits on.  We can have a
drink and a swim, and if I remember right, there is a restaurant right there by
the pool.  We can have dinner too."

A
gusty sigh feathered across his throat sending fire trailing down to his
cock.  “A swim sounds good."

Matt
gritted his teeth.  SheÅ‚s just a job.  SheÅ‚s just a job. 
The mind-chant didnłt seem to be heard by the lust raging through his
body.  But he was pretty sure if he tossed up her skirts right there on the
sidewalk and did what he wanted to, not only would dinner be off, but hełd be
out on his ear faster than a bum asking for handouts at the Waldorf.

* *
*

“This
is nice."  Sharra leaned back in her lounge chair and sipped at the big
fuzzy drink heÅ‚d ordered for her.  The mini parasol was now stuck above
her ear, giving her a slightly exotic look.  “I guess I just needed to
relax."

Matt
smiled at the picture she made.  Damn, she was a beautiful woman. 
When shełd stepped out of the bathroom wearing a miniscule bikini, his tongue
had all but fell out of his mouth.  After heÅ‚d scooped it back in, heÅ‚d
muttered something about getting down to the pool so they wouldnłt miss their
reservation.  He had to get her out of the bedroom fast before he did something
he probably wouldnłt regret, but would definitely screw up any chance of using
her to get the formula back where it belonged.

Now,
seeing her stretched out on the chaise, so relaxed and tan, her long legs glowing
with suntan oil and her firm round breasts peeking out of the blue-green bikini
halter, he wondered if he was still drooling. 

He
was glad they were surrounded by other people.  Otherwise he might do
something crazy, like drag her into his arms and kiss her until she couldnłt
breathe.  HeÅ‚d even made sure after their quick swim heÅ‚d stayed in the
pool and away from her.  It also helped to hide his ever-present
erection.  Though the cold water sure didnÅ‚t seem to help cool the fire inside
him.

Now,
he leaned on the side of the pool, his arms crossed on the lip, his legs
kicking slightly to keep himself afloat.  “It does feel good, doesnÅ‚t
it?"  He tipped back his beer and took a long swallow.  “Almost worth
getting hot for."

Sharra
giggled and twirled her straw.  “I should still be mad at you, but IÅ‚m
enjoying myself too much."

“A
few more of those and youłll forget you were mad."

Her
eyes sobered.  “I think not.  It was drinking that got me into this,
remember?"

Matt
swore inwardly.  Last thing he wanted to do was make her self-conscious
again.  And since he couldnÅ‚t tell her the truth about the bartender
doctoring her drink, he had to let her think she had drunk too much.  The
lie all but choked him, making the taste of the beer go bitter.  It was getting
harder and harder to lie to Sharra.

Damn
if that didnłt fuck things up even more.

“Thank
you for dinner."

He
blinked at the soft words, then smiled.  “YouÅ‚re my wife.  Feeding
you is what a husband is supposed to do."

Troubled
blue eyes met his.  “It still doesnÅ‚t feel real.  Being married I
mean.  ItÅ‚s like a hole in my memory.  I wish I could remember."

His
gut twisted.  Damn it, she was doing it again.  Making him feel
guilty.  Cursing under his breath, he levered himself out of the pool and
went to her.  Sitting down by her side, he bent and dropped a kiss on her
trembling mouth.

“I
hope the time weÅ‚ve spent together today helps.  We had a good time. 
Well" remembering their fight on the sidewalk, he grinned ruefully, “at least
most of it was good."

The
sheepish grin on his face made ShannaÅ‚s stomach dance with nerves.  He
could be infuriating, arrogant and confusing, but there was something about
Matt that touched her deep inside.  Something that drew her no matter what
the circumstances.  Was that what had made her fling caution to the wind
and marry him?  The awareness that shivered through her each time he was
near?  This curling desire that grew stronger the closer they got to each
other?

Her
body warmed and it wasnÅ‚t from the fading sun.  It was Matt.  He was
the cause and this time she couldnÅ‚t put the blame on the tequila. 
Engaged or notmarried or not, this man made her feel things shełd never felt
before.  And a part of her yearned to be reminded of what she had
forgotten.

What
she was feeling must have been visible on her face, because Mattłs eyes
darkened to pewter.  His breathing thickened and his shoulders
tensed.  Very slowly, as if waiting for her to object, he bent and his
mouth covered hers.  But this kiss was different.  It wasnÅ‚t playful,
or fierce, or even dominating.

This
was seduction, plain and simple.

She
melted beneath it, feeling as if her will was being drawn from her by his
skillful lips.  His work roughened hand skimmed up her arm to knead gently
at the back of her neck and hold her still.  Her nerve endings fired and
she quivered at his touch, wantingneeding more.  When he nipped at her
lower lip, she gasped, and with a groan of satisfaction, he delved inside.

His
taste was dark and masculine and filled with secrets that Shanna longed to
discover answers to.  Without even being aware of it, her arms lifted to
wrap around his waist, bringing their bodies flush together.  The hard
length of his erection pulsed against her belly, and she felt her own body
respond in kind.  Liquid heat flared in her breasts, and her quim went wet
and needy.  A part of her was shocked at the ease in which Matt was able
to make her want him, but the other part didnÅ‚t care.  That part just
wanted him closer.  It was that part she listened to now.

She
wriggled against him, feeling his shudder, hearing his indrawn breath as her
hip rubbed against his hard cock.  His hand tightened on her neck and the
kiss became more desperate, yet still filled with the seductive power of a man
who knew just how to tease the emotions from a woman.

The
last bit of the wall between them crumbled as Shanna gave in to the need racing
through her.  That he could make her feel this way with just a kiss amazed
her.  She arched up against him, reveling in the strength of his firm
body, wishing she could pull him down on top of her.  She was tired of
pretending.  Tired of wonderingwhat if. 

And
if she had her way, she wouldnłt be wondering much longer.

“Christ!" 
Matt tore his lips away and put his forehead against hers.  “Damn,
woman!  That almost got out of hand."  He couldnÅ‚t help but pull her
closer.  He loved the feeling of her body against him even though they
were both sticky with sweat and the drink Sharra had spilled when he grabbed
her to him.

“Maybemaybe
we should go back to our room."

The
words were said shyly, but to Matt they had the same affect as an atom bomb
being dropped.  The lust he was fighting went from simmering to incendiary
in an instant.  His fingers bit into her arm and his eyes locked on
hers.  Fighting for control, he asked, “Are you sure, baby?  You know
what will happen if we get inside that room."

Her
cheeks went a pretty pink.  “I-I know.  I want it to.  I think
IÅ‚ve wanted it from the first time I woke up and saw you this morning."

Any
hope he might have had of been a gentleman disappeared with that
confession.  Without another word, he stood and scooped her into his
arms.  He wanted to show her he could be a romantic when necessary, and it
had the happy secondary effect of hiding his raging erection.

Sharra
squealed and several nearby tourists laughed and applauded.  Matt flashed
them all a grin.  “Honeymoon," he shouted back as he strode through the
revolving door and into the lobby.  A few seconds later they were in the
elevator and he almost dropped her when her hand slid down between them and
squeezed his already throbbing cock.

“Jesus!" 
His eyes crossed when her sharp teeth bit down on the side of his neck. 
“YouÅ‚re going to kill me, sweetheart!"

“Are
we there yet?" she murmured as her busy mouth moved up to nibble on his
ear.  “I want you, Matt.  I donÅ‚t think IÅ‚ve ever wanted anyone like
this before."

His
body clenched hard and he almost came right there in the elevator. 
Swearing hard, he shifted so his mouth captured hers.  Their tongues
warred together in a kiss that was as hot and steamy as the Mexican sun. 
Forgetting romance, he dropped her to her feet, pushed her back against the
elevator wall and feasted.

Finally  The thought shot
through her mind, immediately followed by moreoh God, please more 
SheÅ‚d kissed Matt before, but this was something different.  This was a
mutual raging hunger that couldnÅ‚twouldnÅ‚t be denied.  It didnÅ‚t make
senseshe hardly knew him, but right now she didnÅ‚t care.  He belonged to
her and she loved it.  She wasnÅ‚t about to stop him.  She wanted his
touch.  His hands were everywhere as his body pressed hers against the
cool metal wall.  She felt possessed and dominated, but instead of bothering
her, it only excited her more. 

She
moaned when his seeking fingers slid under the ties at her hip and traced down
her butt cheeks to tickle the cleft between.  She went even wetter, and
Sharra blushed as she felt the heat of her passion trickle down her leg. 
The ache in her belly grew stronger and she wished she could toss all caution
to the wind and throw him to the floor right here in the elevator.

Instead,
she returned the favor, easing both hands under the tight swim trunks and
squeezing his ass, while grinding herself against his erection.  Matt
shuddered and groaned out her name, and his kiss became even more desperate.

She
cried out when his hand moved from her rear to the soft mound of hair between
her thighs.  He cupped her and she arched against him, feeling the liquid
heat burn even hotter at his touch.

“Sonofabitch." 


Mattłs
curse made her want to giggle, but the feeling of his fingers teasing her clit
was all she could focus on.  Her nipples tingled and her knees turned to
jelly.  She pushed against him, bewildered and mesmerized by the desire he
made her feel.  She wanted moreshe wanted everythingshe wanted
him.  Then, without warning, the ding of the elevator door opening made
them both freeze.

“Excuse
me!"




Chapter Five 

They
both jerked away from each other and stared with horror at the prissy faced,
blue-haired woman who stood staring at them disapprovingly.  The obviously
shocked woman clutched her over-sized beach bag to her thin chest and shook her
head, clucking at them like an overwrought hen. 

“Some
people have no sense of manners these days.  You both should be
ashamed of yourself.  I am going to report you to the management."

Sharra
had the fleeting thought the elderly senior looked a little too much like
FrankÅ‚s irritating mother.  So tight-assed and ready to find fault with
everything.  Believing she was the only one who could tell those around
her how to behave.  Who did she think she was anyway? 

Maybe
it was that thinking that made Sharra turn around and do what she did. 
Stabbing a finger against the elevator close door button, she put her
chin up and glared at the older woman.

“This
elevator is taken.  I suggest you use the stairs."  Then, ignoring
the ladyłs gaping mouth and widened eyes, she pulled Matt back into her arms
and kissed him thoroughly.

“WellI
never" was the last thing she heard as the heavy doors snicked shut.

“IÅ‚ll
bet thatÅ‚s a true statement."  Matt kissed down her neck to suck on the
flesh just below her collarbone.  “Never in an elevator at least."

Sharra
giggled and boldly wrapped her hand around his cock.  “But not for us?"

His
eyes crossed again, and fighting for control, he put his hand over hers. 
“Baby, I want you more than I can breathe, but I want our first time in a bed
where I can love you properly."

She
stilled.  “The first time?"

Matt
cursed his slip of the tongue.  She had him tangled in such knots he
couldnÅ‚t even remember his name.  “I meanthe first time youÅ‚ll remember."

“Oh." 
She smiled and gave him a squeeze.  “Then you better make this box move,
or IÅ‚m going to remember my first time right here."

“Christ!" 
Matt covered her grinning mouth with his own, and in defense, pried her fingers
away from his throbbing erection.  When the door opened on their floor, he
sent up a prayer of thanks, then tossing Sharra over his shoulder he almost ran
down the hall to their room.

“Hurry!"
she said from somewhere near his ass.  Her fingers slid just inside his
trunks to touch his heated flesh and he fumbled the key in response.

“Shit!" 
He growled the curse out as he fought for control.  He finally got the key
card in and when the light flashed green, he pushed the door open so hard it
slammed back against the wall, leaving a nasty dent in the plaster. 
Ignoring the damage, he kicked it shut again.   Carrying Sharra over
to the bed, he dropped her, where she sprawled with innocent abandon.  A
green-clad goddess on a background of tropical flowers.

She
lifted her hands to her hair and then stretched as she smiled up at him
seductively.  “What are you waiting for?"

Nothing. 
Everything. 

Damn. 
Now was a lousy time for his conscience to make an appearance.  Sharra was
ready and waiting for him, but all he could think about was the fact he had
lied to her.  The attraction was real, but would she be acting on it if
she didnÅ‚t think they were married?  All of the sudden, he couldnÅ‚t go
through with it.  His body screamed in protest at his chivalry, but he
tried desperately to ignore it.

“Sharra"

His
breath wooshed out of him when she lifted her foot and brazenly ran it up and
down his stiff cock.  Heat and need raced through him so hard and fast, it
was an agony not to explode right there and then.  His brain shut off and
his conscience slid away when lust overwhelmed him.  He shook his head,
wondering what in the hell he was waiting for.  She was thereand she
would be his.

Matt
had his swim trunks off in less than a heartbeat.  He saw the admiration
in her eyes, and it made him swell even larger in response.  When she
leaned up and took his naked penis in her hand, he shut his eyes at the
feelings that shot through him.  From his groin to his toes and back
again, he could already feel the tickling in his balls that told him he was
close to coming.  His body was one big ache of need.  Shit.

Maybe
she was going to kill him.

God! 
HeÅ‚s gorgeous.  It was unfair of Sharra to compare her fiancéÅ‚s flabby desk
jockey form to the hard male flesh that loomed above her, but she couldnłt help
it.  Matt was everything sheÅ‚d ever wished to have in her bed.  From
his wide muscular chest to his slim hips and lickable stomach, she was suddenly
very glad for the tequila that had made her forget her responsibilities and
jump into marriage and bed with this handsome hunk of a man.

Her
gaze dropped, and her mouth watered at the sight of his thick cock throbbing
right in front of her.  She couldnÅ‚t help but reach out and take it in her
hand, her whole body warming to match the heat she now held.  He was
bigger than shełd expected, and she felt a very feminine moment of panic that
he would be too much for her.

But
at her touch, he groaned, and her fear skittered away like leaves in a summer
wind.  Awed by his response to her, she began to stroke him, feeling the
steel beneath flesh that was as sleek as satin.  She pulled him closer and
her pulse quickened when she saw the clear liquid beading on the broad
helmet-like head.

It
wasnłt something shełd ever been comfortable doing, but with Matt, she couldnłt
resist.  Urging him towards her, she squeezed until more of the moisture
painted the tip of his cock.

And
then she licked him.

His
reaction was all she could have hoped for.  MattÅ‚s whole body went stiff
and he grabbed the back of her head, holding her tightly.  His penis
pushed against her lips and he groaned again, a deep rumble in his chest.

“Please,
sweetheart," he pleaded in a guttural voice.  “Take me in.  I want to
feel your lips around me."

Even
though she was embarrassed, she could no more ignore his need than fly to the
moon.  Her cheeks turned a dark rose, but locking her gaze on his, she
slowly sucked him into her mouth.

Christ!  HeÅ‚d been
right.  She was going to kill him.  MattÅ‚s knees nearly
buckled as he slid in deep.  He hadnÅ‚t expected this turn of eventsSharra
seemed to surprise him a lotbut he sure as hell wasnłt going to stop
her.  Her mouth was hot and wet and snug around him, and she seemed to be
enjoying it as much as he was.  Her tongue was doing something magical and
he fought not to thrust even deeper.

His
fingers tangled in her hair, and he gritted his teeth when she began to move up
and down his slippery shaft.  Her hand snugged the base, squeezing and
stroking, at the same time her lips caressed and teased the rest of him. 
When her tongue licked at the thin fold of flesh under the head, he wondered if
his head would blow off.

The
burning in his balls increased, and he knew he wouldnłt be able to stand much
more.  When Sharra reached up with her free hand and gently squeezed his
balls, the burning exploded into flames.

Swearing
copiously, he jerked away from her and ignoring her soft cry of protest, he
pushed her back on the bed and came down heavily on top of her.  Burying
his face in the curve of her neck, he tried to control the wild need racing
though him.  The last thing he wanted to do was a slam-bam-thank-you-maÅ‚am
with Sharra.  But sheÅ‚d gotten him so close, Matt was afraid the second he
was inside her it would be all over.  And she was way too important to him
to treat in such a selfish way.  He had to regain command of himself and
to do that he needed time.  So that could mean only one thing.  His
sensuous lips widened into a smile.

It
was payback time.

And
so it started.  Trailing kisses down her softly curved neck to nip at her
generous breasts, he gloried in her soft moans and sweet gasps. 
Determined to make this something she would remember, he slowly licked around
each areola, starting at the outer edge and moving inexorably inwards to the
pink pointed nipple.  Her cry of delight made his jaw clench as he fought
again for control, but he didnłt stop the delicious torment.

Again
and again, he caressed her, his mouth and teeth sucking and nibbling until she
was arching up against him.  He held her hands down, mortally afraid if she
touched him in any way, it would all be over in a most embarrassing way.

His
lips moved down her slender body, finding all the ticklish and sensitive areas
hełd wanted to touch since hełd first taken her handwas it just the night
before?  It was hard to believe heÅ‚d known her for such a short
time.  She felt so right to him.  So perfect in so many ways.

Matt
groaned as he caught the spicy scent of her feminine arousal.  His aching
cock went even harder and it was all he could do not to pull her thighs apart
and thrust hard and deep.

Instead,
he nuzzled down into the auburn curls that hid her secrets from him.  Ones
he was damned determined to discover.  She murmured his name in that
husky, sex kitten voice that sent all his nerve endings tingling and he
literally had to swallow back the drool.  God, did she know how
beautifulhow fucking sexy she was? 

Sharra
didnÅ‚t know and didnÅ‚t care.  All her focus was on the man who right now
was licking at her clit like a man dying of thirst.  His tongue slipped in
between her already drenched folds, lapping and teasing until the heat rising
within her was ready to explode. 

It
hadnÅ‚t taken much.  His gentle touches had set her body on fire, and when
hełd started nibbling, she felt like she was the sweetest, most delicious
dessert around.  She shivered as he blew a puff on air on her quivering
flesh and when his lips clamped around it and sucked, she felt every nerve
ending shriek in utter delight.

Fire
sliced through her and she jerked her hands away to grab at his hair.  In
response, he caught her legs and shoved her knees up, opening her up even wider
to him.  Her breath caught in a gasp that turned into a sighing moan as
his mouth dropped again to her now exposed clit.

Sensation
pulled her into a vortex of pleasure.  His lips tugged at her wet nether
lips, his tongue curled around her throbbing clit, and then without warning, he
stabbed it deep into her aching quim.

It
was too much.

Screaming
out his name, she climaxed.  Her whole body was consumed with a passion
never before experienced.  Throbbing spasms of satisfaction rippled
through her making her arch up even closer to that wicked, marauding
tongue.  It was like being set on fire.  It was as if sheÅ‚d been
thrust into a vat of ice.  Sparkles of heat tickled all through her and
she wondered if she would die from the feel of it.  It was the most
exquisite thing shełd ever felt.

And
it wasnÅ‚t over.  As if her reaction made him even hungrier, Matt growled
and pulling her closer, did it again.  He feasted, nibbling and sucking
until Sharra wasnÅ‚t sure where the pleasure ended and he began.  Higher
and higher he took her, her cries and whimpers just spurring him on
again.  Once, twice, thrice, he sent her spinning into heated
abandon.  Only when she was a puddle on the soft bed, her mind and body
both loose and satiated with ecstasy, did he ease up to lie over the top of
her.

His
mouth caressed her jaw, then her nose, and then finally her trembling
mouth.  His body was rock hard against hers as he kissed her hard and deep. 
She felt his cock throbbing against her thigh and knew a sudden hunger to feel
him deep inside of her.

“Matt,"
she whispered.  “I"  But his kiss stole away her words and his
tongue swiftly parted her lips and teased her with her own fragrance and taste. 


“Shhh"
he murmured as he sucked on her lower lip.  “Now, itÅ‚s my turn."

 Without
another word his mouth crushed down on hers.  In the kiss was all the pent
up need heÅ‚d been fighting every since heÅ‚d seen her that first night.  No
more teasing or tempting now, his passion for her could no longer be
denied.  Fitting himself between her soft thighs, he was inside her with
one hard thrust.

Everything
went still for a heartbeat of time.  MattÅ‚s eyes locked with SharraÅ‚s and
he saw the same surprise and awe in hers he knew was reflected in his
own.  His body throbbed, not just from desire, but with the sudden
understanding that this was more than a simple roll in the hay.  This was
different.  This was more.  He read his future in her sultry blue
eyes.

And
it scared him to death.

Then
Sharra moved, and the spell was broken.  His focus switchednarrowed back
to the feelings whirling inside him.  He pushed aside the confusing
emotions and concentrated on the here and now.  Bracing himself above her,
he retreated, pulling almost all the way out of her snug, hot sheath. 
Then, just as slowly, he pushed back forward, feeling every nerve ending in his
cock scream in pleasure.

“Matt!" 
His name was a gasping moan as she tried to wriggle beneath him. 
“Please.  More.  Harder."

His
eyes crossed as he fought back the sudden need to hold her down and pump into
her hard and deep.  “Shut up, sweetheart," he growled.  “IÅ‚m trying
to do this right."

“You
do it any more right," she growled back at him, “IÅ‚ll die from the pleasure."

He
gave a strangled laugh as her words sent another throbbing pulse of heat
through him.  In desperation he captured her mouth with his.  If he
could keep her from talking, maybe heÅ‚d make it through this alive. 
Fisting his hands in her hair, he set out to conquer.

There
is nothing better than the feeling of a hot, hard male body on top of
you.  And MattÅ‚s was prime.  Sharra knew sheÅ‚d never forget this
first time they made love.  Strong and aggressive, yet wonderfully
attentive, even now, he was making sure she was enjoying their
lovemaking.  SheÅ‚d already comeseveral times, yet he acted like her
pleasure was more important than his.

He
moved so slow, she was dying from the measured, deliberate strokes.  No
quick race to the finish for Matt.  He seemed to delight in the feeling of
their bodies joined together.  Her heart gave a funny leap when he looked
down at her, his silver gaze darkened with passion and his hard mouth curved in
sexy smile.  Then he pulled her even closer, moving so her clit was
pressed against his moving cock and she all but felt her eyes roll back in her
head.

His
mouth took hers again and this time she tasted the difference.  More
intense, filled with even more controlled desire.  His tongue mated with
hers, and then stabbed deep, aping the same moves he was making with his strong
body.  Heat began to coil in her again, and she gave a whimper of
longing.  Then her thoughts scattered as he ground himself against her,
his body moving more rapidly until it matched her pounding heartbeat. 
Unable to do anything else, she wrapped her arms and legs around him and
matched him thrust for thrust.

Matt
felt her surrender down to his toes.  The knowledge she was finally his
was all it took to make him lose the last of his control.  When SharraÅ‚s
hands moved down to grab his naked ass, any thought of making their lovemaking
last longer disappeared.  Burying his head in the curve of her shoulder,
he just let himself go.

Their
bodies strained against each other; gasping moans and gentle sighs the music
they loved by.  The need built until it was a pleasure-pain and sweat was
dripping down his brow before he felt her shiver and her body go suddenly
stiff.  Her quim clenched down on his cock with such strength, he swore
aloud.

Her
climax rocked through her, sending him into his own.  Fire enveloped him,
and her cry mingled with his shout of satisfaction as he exploded, jetting into
her so hard and deep his vision grayed.  He shuddered above her, glorying
in the primitive sounds of release coming from the woman beneath him. 
Possessiveness swept through him, so hard and strong, it sent him into another
shattering climax before he finally collapsed limply on top of Sharra.

He
closed his eyes as he lay there, feeling her pounding heart and shivering body
beneath his.  Realization slowly dawned, and the truth of what he was
feeling ripped through him.  His whole world was changed in a
heartbeat. 

It
didnÅ‚t matter how things had started or why.  He didnÅ‚t give a damn about
her past or his.  What mattered was now.  And after this, Matt knew
one simple thing.  Sharra was his.

And
he was going to keep her.




Chapter Six 

“What
have you done?"

“What
I wanted to."

“But
hełs a stranger!"

“No,
hełs my husband."

The
argument with herself went on inside Sharrałs head for several long moments
before she forced the thoughts away.  She refused to worry about it. 
Shełd made her choice and she wouldnłt look back.

“I
sure hope youÅ‚re having second thoughts."  MattÅ‚s drawling voice rumbled over
her, making her shiver again.

She
blinked and met his satisfied gaze.  “You want me to have regrets?"

He
chuckled and rolled so they laid side by side, his strong leg flung over her
hip to hold her close.  “I didnÅ‚t say anything about regrets."  His fingers
threaded through her hair.  “I was talking about seconds."

Sharrałs
face heated at the smug look on MattÅ‚s face.  “Already?  DonÅ‚t you
need someummmdown time?"

This
time he laughed aloud before dropping a kiss on the end of her nose. 
“With you it looks like I could go 24/7."  He moved inside of her, and she
gasped as she felt his cock rapidly harden.  “Wanna see how fast my turn
around time is?"

“Matt!"

He
laughed, feeling better than he had in a long time.  It wasnÅ‚t just the
sex, though that had been incredible.  It was the knowledge that the woman
he held in his arms was the one heÅ‚d been looking for his whole life.  The
fact hełd found her in a back-alley cantina in Mexico when he hadnłt even been
looking, made him shake his head at fate.  It was a funny thing. 
Hełd played the white knight, thinking he could use her to help himself get
home, and now he was figuring out how to take her with him.

But
he was going to have to do some fancy explaining first.  How was he going
to tell the woman he was falling in love with they werenłt really
married?  And that was just the first of his lies.

“Matt?" 
His dour thoughts must have made his body stiffen, because Sharrałs hand moved
over his back soothingly. 

“ItÅ‚s
all right, love," he whispered to her.  “I was just thinking about younot
remembering the first time.  You wonÅ‚t know how I compare."

Now
it was Sharra who giggled.  “Are you so concerned with your reputation,
then?"  Her fingers walked up his chest and tugged gently on his chest
hair.  “Do you need me to shout your praises?"

Matt
reddened as he grabbed her wandering hand.  “I wouldnÅ‚t mind hearing a
compliment or two."

“Then
IÅ‚ll give you one."  Surprising Matt, she pushed him over on his back and
straddled him, driving his stiffening cock deep back within her body.  He
gave a loud groan, which made her smile broader.

“Since
you did such a wonderful job of pleasuring me, why donłt I see if I can return
the favor?"

His
hands went to her hips and held tightly.  “I wonÅ‚t say no."

“Are
you sure?"  Enjoying the power she had over him, she bent and brushed her
lips over his.  “I donÅ‚t want to wear you out."

A
sexy grin was his response.  “I think I can handle it."

She
immediately recognized the challenge and was determined to meet it.  A
wicked smile lit her eyes, and reaching down, she took his hands and pushed
them above his head so that they touched the slatted headboard.  She
curled his fingers around the bars and then looked down at him
seductively.  “I wonder.  Can you be trusted?"

Surprisingly,
a shadow crossed his face before disappearing so quickly she wondered if shełd
imagined it.  Instead, he winked at her.  “Try me."

“All
right."  Pushing away the thought she was missing something, she cocked
her head and considered him.  “Then you canÅ‚t let go.  No matter what
happens, you have to hold onto the headboard.  Okay?"

His
eyes went even hotter and he hardened perceptibly within her.  “O-kay."

“Promise."

“Promise."

Sharra
grinned and teasingly ran her finger down the line of hair that started at his
chest and disappeared where their bodies joined.  “Then hold on,
pardner.  I feel like a ride."

The
moment she moved, Matt knew heÅ‚d made a mistake.  The feel of her stroking
up and down on his cock was so hot and wonderful, he wondered if he would die before
she finished with him.  A few minutes later he was sure of it.

He
groaned as her quim squeezed him rhythmically, each caress pulling him back
into the inferno of desire.  Her hands pressed down on his shoulders, her
nails dug into his skin as her strong legs lifted her slowly at first and then
quicker as Sharra was caught by the same passion he was feeling.  He
watched, his own lust spiking higher as her head went back, and her lips parted
in a silent moan of pleasure.

His
hands tightened on the bars of the bed until they hurt, and he fought not to
grab her and slam her down hard and fast as his body demanded of him.  The
fire in him blazed hotter and he found himself arching up to meet her measured
moves.  She laughed throatily at his lack of control and ground herself
against him.  Sweat broke out as his need skyrocketed even higher.

“Let
me touch you," he growled, wishing heÅ‚d never made the promise.  He knew
he was begging, but he couldnłt help it.

Sharra
smirked at him and folded her arms above her head, holding her long silky hair
out of the way.  Her breasts thrust forward and her dark nipples beckoned
him.  He longed to stretch up and take one in his mouth, but she shook her
head.  “No.  I want to torture you, just like you did me."

Matt
gave a heart-felt groan.  “Baby.  IÅ‚m dying here."

She
laughed and tweaked one of his flatter, darker nipples.  “Just wait. 
I havenłt even started yet."

He
hadnłt thought he could get any hotter, but Sharra proved him wrong
again.  What she did next just about blew the top of his head off. 
Never stopping her slow, measured strokes on his cock, she bent and went to
work on the rest of him.  No part of him escaped her busy mouth. The
nibbles and sucking kisses touched everywhere she could get to, even if she had
to bend herself double.

His
cock was on fire and he was thrusting up against her in abandonment when she
finally nipped at his lower lip and smiled at him.

“Uncle?"

Matt
would have recited the entire family tree if it would have released him from
his promise.  His mouth was so dry he couldnÅ‚t even speak.  All he
could do was nod.

Her
smile turned triumphant.  “Then I win."

Jerking
his stiff hands away from the headboard, he moved so now she was on her
back.  “You certainly do."  He captured her mouth in a hard deep
kiss, before looking down at her.  He took over their lovemaking as he
grinned.

“But
now wełll both win."

No
other word was said as they both gave into the need that rushed through
them.  Their bodies pounded together, the heat inside them overwhelming
even the air conditioner in their room.  Their skin glistened with sweat
as they rolled over the bed in a final frantic mating.  Matt had never
felt anything like it.  It was sexy, it was passionate and it wasfun. 


All
too soon the fire within them burned out of control.  Their climaxes came
at the same time, Sharra crying out his name as she exploded beneath him. 
Matt growled out his own pleasure and sank down deep, his own orgasm shuddering
through him with such power he wondered if he would ever really recover.

The
overhead ceiling fan was the only thing in the room moving for several long
moments after that.  Then, as the frantic beating of their hearts slowed,
Matt lifted himself up and kissed Sharra with such gentleness, he saw tears
come to her eyes.  His own heart ached with emotion and at that moment he
wanted to keep her tight in his arms so she could never leave him.  But,
he didnłt want her to think it was all about the sex, no matter how perfect it
had been.  She had become far too important to him.  An idea
glimmered and he smiled.  Maybe it was time to show her.

“That
was quite a ride," he murmured.  “Something IÅ‚ll never forget.  Are
you up for another one?"

She
stared at him in shocked wonder.  “You want to do it again?  What are
you, the Energizer Bunny?"

Matt
gave a laughing snort and rolled so she snuggled next to him.  The air
from the fan wafted down over them and they both sighed in relief.

“Get
your mind out of the gutter, woman.  I was thinking about another kind of
ride."

She
blinked.  “Another?"

“Yeah."
 He pushed back her sweat dampened hair and grinned at her, enjoying her
confusion.  For the plan heÅ‚d just come up with to work, heÅ‚d have to keep
her off balance.

“Have
you ever been in a dune buggy?"

* *
*

Well,
this wasnÅ‚t exactly the ride sheÅ‚d been expecting, but it was fun.  Sharra
held on with both hands as the dune buggy raced over the sandy hills and sparse
brush.  Matt drove like a crazy man, purposely hitting every hole and bump
just so the buggy would buck and send her flying.  Every time sheÅ‚d
shriek, he burst out laughing, his perfect white teeth gleaming in his dirty
face.

She
knew she didnÅ‚t look much better.  There was a thick coat of dust all over
her and she felt like sheÅ‚d swallowed half the beach.  SheÅ‚d never done
anything quite like it, but she seemed to be doing a lot of new things with
Matt and this, like the rest, was a lot of fun.

Except
when her teeth were being jarred right out of her head.

“Hold
on!  IÅ‚m gonna take that jump!"

“NO!" 
Her scream of fear was swallowed by the roar of the engine as it soared into
space above the deep trench.  When they came down, her fingers were jolted
loose from their stranglehold and her butt left the seat.  SharraÅ‚s arms
flailed wildly, and she squealed, knowing this time she was going to go flying.

At
the last moment, Mattłs strong arm wrapped around her waist and dragged her
back down.  His gray eyes gleamed down at her as he pushed her into the
seat.  “Hold on, dammit.  You really donÅ‚t want to let go at this
speed."

She
tossed him a glare that should have curled his hair.  “I was
holding on.  But youÅ‚re driving like a maniac.  Slow down!"

“Why?" 
Ignoring her command, he laughed again and jerked the wheel into a spin that
sent her scooting into him.  “IÅ‚m having fun.  ArenÅ‚t you?"

Sharra
wanted to say no, but she wouldnÅ‚t lie.  But she refused to make Matt any
smugger.  “ItÅ‚s okay."

“Just
okay?"  His grin flashed again.  “Come on.  Admit it. 
Youłre having fun."

He
looked so much like a big kid, she had to laugh herself.  “You know I
am.  Even though IÅ‚ll" her head hit the roll bar and she yelped, “be
black and blue tomorrow."

“No
worries.  IÅ‚ll kiss it and make it all better."

She
felt the heat rise in her cheeks.  “I bet you would."

Matt
waggled his eyebrows at her, delighted in the blush that had touched her dirty
face.  She was so passionate, yet with an innate innocence that was a turn
on in itself.  Even dirty, sweaty and cranky, all he wanted to do was stop
the dune buggy and kiss her senseless. 

He
had it bad.

“Come
on, babe," he said as he turned the dune buggy into a clump of palms. 
“Hang on.  IÅ‚m really gonna let her rip."

Her
scream made him shout with more laughter as he whipped in and out amongst the
tall, fragrant palms.  HeÅ‚d kept her guessing all day long, from when he
roused her with an early morning kiss and an exciting bout of sex in the
shower, to when he whisked her away to a romantic picnic lunch.  It was
afterwards that he dragged her aboard the beat up dune buggy and off into an
adventure of dust and adrenaline. 

When
hełd discovered shełd never been on a sand buggy ride, he was determined to
show her a good time.  And to him, that meant scaring the socks off
her.  At least a little.  But he knew she was enjoying herself. 
Sharra might complain and holler, but it was easy to see she was having a good
time.  Her eyes sparkled and he could tell that each scream held
excitement as well as fear.  If it hadnÅ‚t, he wouldnÅ‚t have kept pushing
the envelope. 

Sharra
was an adrenaline junkie and she didnÅ‚t even know it. 

“Akkkk,"
she shouted at him now.  “I think I just ate a bug!"

He
roared with laughter and turned onto a sandy road that was covered by an arc of
palm tree fronds.  “No need, honey.  We have more food in the picnic
basket."

She
shook her head and spit out the offending insect.  “If youÅ‚d slow down,
IÅ‚d have a chance to duck."

“What
fun would that be?"

Her
giggle made his heart stumble, and he realized again just how much he was
beginning to care about Sharra.  The thought he was deceiving her flashed
through his mind, but he pushed it away as soon as it appeared.  He
refused to let that mar the day they were having.  And besides, he had a
plan.  He turned onto a smaller side road and glanced her way. 
“YouÅ‚re kinda messy looking.  Feel like a swim?"

Sharra
blinked.  “You mean like in water?  But weÅ‚re miles from the ocean
now."

Matt
turned into a hidden meadow.  Dappled shadows flitted over his face as he
grinned at her.  “Who said anything about the ocean?"




Chapter Seven 

She
gasped he brought the buggy to a halt.  Before her lay a small grassy area
surrounded by tall, waving palms and shorter scrub bushes.  Insects buzzed
lazily and she could hear the calls of tropical birds overhead.  But what
really made her sigh in delight was the crystal clear water that tumbled down
the side of a hill into a wide pool of turquoise blue.

“Oh
Matt," she breathed.  “ItÅ‚s beautiful."

He
climbed out and going around to her side of the vehicle, held out his
hand.  “After you."

Sliding
out of the dune buggy, Sharra let him help her to the ground.  Her legs
were a bit unsteady, both from the ride and at his touch.  When he bent to
kiss her, she didnÅ‚t object.  Their lips met, and she tasted sweat, dirt
and man.  She found it delicious and was about to go in for a second
helping when he pulled away.

“IÅ‚ve
got to be too dirty for you," he said sheepishly.  “Sorry."

She
thought his embarrassment endearing.  Grabbing him by the loose shirt he
wore, she tugged him back in for another kiss.  “If I didnÅ‚t like it, IÅ‚d
say so."

His
gray eyes darkened.  “Well, in that case"  His mouth captured hers
before she took another breath.  She went from slightly warm to hotly
aroused in a heartbeat.  How he could do it to her still amazed her. 
He was a wizard with those lips.  Sometimes he nibbled, sometimes he
sucked, but always he made her want to toss him down and dig in deep and long.

When
he finally let them come up for air, she was dizzy.  “Wow!"

He
grinned as he set her back on her feet.  “I hope thatÅ‚s a good wow."

“Oh,
it is."  She blew out her breath and waited for her system to
settle.  “But youÅ‚re dangerous."

A
shadow came and went in his eyes.  “I am?"

Running
a hand up his naked sweaty chest, she wondered at what he might be
thinking.  “To my libido.  Believe me, you make me crazy.  IÅ‚m
not sure if itłs you, being married, or both, but Iłve never felt so free
before."

To
her surprise, the shadow in his eyes returned.  “So you think being
married is a good idea, huh?"

Sharra
smiled.  “LetÅ‚s just say IÅ‚m getting used to it."

“If
thatÅ‚s so," he said, cradling her face in his big hands, “maybe weshould get
married again."

She
stared at him in shock.  “Again?"

He
shrugged.  “Well, since youummmdidnÅ‚t remember it the first time. 
A woman wants to remember her wedding day, right?"

She
wrapped her arms around him, suddenly overwhelmed with emotion.  He was
being so thoughtful.  “ThatÅ‚s sweet, Matt.  Thank you.  But I
donÅ‚t think I need to remember it."  She stretched up and kissed his
frowning mouth.  “As long as I remember what came after it, right?"

“Uhhhright." 
Matt pasted on a smile, still in shock that hełd actually offered to marry her
again.  He knew he was falling for Sharra, but a real marriage was
something that usually made him break out in a sweat.  The fact that he
was disappointed shełd said no, made him realize his feelings were deeper than
he thought. 

Pushing
away that disturbing thought, he linked his fingers with hers and pulled her
towards the small pool of water.  “How about a swim?"

Sharrałs
eyes widened.  “Is it safe?  I meansnakes or otherthings might live
in there."

“ItÅ‚s
perfectly safe," Matt lied.  He wasnÅ‚t going to let her miss a swim
because of a few snakes.  “The locals use it all the time."

“But
I donłt have my suit."

Matt
shrugged off his already unbuttoned shirt.  “Who needs a suit?  No
one comes out this way.  WeÅ‚re completely alone."

She
didnÅ‚t look convinced.  “I donÅ‚t know."

“Come
on, babe."  Matt grabbed her hand and tugged her closer to the pool. 
“Think of how nice and cool that water will feel.  And you could use a
bath."

The
longing in her eyes made him chuckle, but still she didnÅ‚t move.  
“Still"

“Well
then"  He grinned at her wickedly as a thought jumped into his
mind.  They were all alone.  Maybe he should take advantage of
it.  Shucking his shorts, he stood before her, naked, proud and very
aroused.  “Maybe I can give you another type of incentive."

Sharrałs
mouth went dry.  God he was gorgeous.  So strongso built.  Even
covered in dirt he was still the best looking man sheÅ‚d ever seen.  She
gazed at him, starting at his eyes with their take-a-dare gleam and moving
slowly down past that muscular chest to rest on the hard, hot appendage that
made her quim go wet and her knees weak.  His cock throbbed with life, and
she couldnłt help but step closer and run a finger up the underside to the
weeping head.  She grinned when he groaned.

“Babe,
you keep doing that and we wonłt make it to the water."

Her
body pulsed with heat as it responded to the utter need in his voice.  All
of the sudden she didnÅ‚t want to wait a moment longer.  Releasing him, she
took a step back and without a word whipped the tank top she was wearing over
her shoulders.

He
groaned again and patted his heart.  “YouÅ‚re killing me here."

She
sent him a seductive smile and cupped her naked breasts.  “So you like
what you see?"

“Oh
yeah."

Holding
his gaze, she ran her hands down over her flat stomach to her jeans
shorts.  Slowly, she undid them and with a wiggle let them drop to the
ground.  The soft breeze caressed her naked body, and she sighed in
relief.  This was perfectjust like paradise.  She smiled, feeling
like Eve to his Adam.  Stepping closer, she ran a finger down his broad
chest.  “So now what?"

Mattłs
teeth flashed white in his dirty face.  “Hold your breath!"  With a
move she never saw coming, he scooped her up in his arms and then leaped
towards the water. 

She
screamed when they hit.  The cool liquid flowed over her like a promise,
but what felt even better was the man who held her so closely.  When they
came to the surface, Sharra was laughing and sputtering.

“Did
you have to do that?"

“Sure." 
Matt grinned down at her.  “ItÅ‚s in the codebook."

Lifting
an eyebrow she cocked her head.  “The codebook?" 

“Yup. 
The IÅ‚m-on-a-date-with-beautiful-woman-and-I-have-to-make-her-laugh-codebook."

She
did laugh then, and Matt felt a swelling of emotion that had nothing to do with
the ache in his cock.  That same feeling of possessiveness came over him
again.  He was beginning to get used to it.  Still not sure if he
liked it or not, he pushed away from her, swimming across the pool to cool
himself offin more than one way.

Sharra
didnÅ‚t follow him.  After a brief frown, she stood and scrubbed at the
offending dirt, then rinsed out her hair.  He floated on his back and
watched, enjoying the sight of her naked body glistening with the silver
water.  Damn, heÅ‚d chosen well that night in the bar. 

That
thought made him feel guilty again and he closed his eyes as he quickly pushed
it away.  As it was he was playing with fire not leaving Mexico
immediately, but unfortunately for his plan, Sharra had become important
too.  And heÅ‚d justified the delay to himself by thinking their
relationship had to look solid or he wouldnłt be able to use her to get out of
the country.

But
deep down, he knew he was stalling.  He needed to get the formula back to
its rightful owner, but he wanted to spend all the time he could with Sharra
first.  Because once she found out what really had happened

A
spray of water caught him unawares and he choked.  Shaking his head, he
looked up to see Sharra treading water close by, her beautiful blue eyes lit
with unholy glee.

“Gotcha!"
she crowed.  “Serves you right."

Mattłs
eyes narrowed and he rolled over in the water so they were face to face. 
“I thought youÅ‚d learned your lesson about challenging me."

Her
face went pink, but she put her chin up.  “What are you gonna do
about it?"

Now
that was more than any man should have to take.  Taking a deep breath, he
submerged, swimming below where her long legs were kicking to stay
afloat.  He grinned, as he watched her flail around looking for him. 


Revenge
was so sweet.

But
when he reached up to grab her leg, he found himself holding onto something
much more tempting.  Instead of waiting for him to come up, Sharra had
come down after him, swimming right into his outstretched arms.  So,
instead of holding a kicking foot, he was holding a plump breast whose nipple
stabbed into the palm of his hand.

It
aroused him unmercifully.  All the heat and need heÅ‚d been fighting went
straight to his groin and twisted.  His heartbeat tripled and all thought
fled.  Wrapping his arms around her, he shot to the surface.

He
didnÅ‚t even let her speak.  Winding her hair around his hand, he kissed
her hard, stabbing his tongue deep into her mouth.  She sputtered a bit,
but then her arms were around him too, and she was kissing him back like she
was starved for him.  Her mouth was cool and sweet, and the feel of her
body against his, her beaded nipples brushing against his chest literally made
him ache all over.  Tearing his mouth away, he began to swim, pulling her
with him to where he could stand up. Christ!  When had he started
needing her so much?

“Put
your legs around me," he growled hoarsely.  He wanted to be in her so
badly he could taste it.  When she didnÅ‚t move fast enough, he reached
down and helped her, guiding his cock to her heated sex as if he was an
underwater missile homing in on a target.

“Matt!"
she gasped as he began to push solidly into her.

“I
want you."  The words were a guttural growl, but it was all he could
manage.  It was as if his brain had been short-circuited.  All he
could think about was fucking her long and deep.  “Right hereright now."

She
shuddered once, but when his mouth shifted to suck on the tip of her taunt
breast, she cried out his name and began to move with him.  That was all
it took to send him over the edge.  Letting the water help him, he pounded
into her, gasping when his cock would move between her warm sheath and the cool
of the water.

When
he felt his own climax approaching, he reached down to tease her into joining
him.  His fingers gently pinched at her clitoris, and her answering
shudder jolted into his loins.  Their breathing grew short and the water
around them warmed as their bodies heated with pleasure.  Then with a cry
that sent nearby birds shrieking from the trees, she came, her channel
clenching down on his with such force, he responded with his own release,
shouting out her name as he exploded inside her.

Afterwards,
he prayed his legs would hold them both.  SharraÅ‚s head was cradled
against his shoulder, her hands moving caressingly up and down his back. 
He couldnłt help but drop kisses on her forehead, nose and cheek.

“I
like your version of swimming," she whispered.  “Very much."

Matt
grinned.  “I couldnÅ‚t do this in the hotel pool.  They frown on this
type of water sport."

She
giggled, deciding she never wanted to move again.  She loved the feeling
all was right with her world.  “It was lovely, Matt.  Thank you."

“ShouldnÅ‚t
I be thanking you?"

Throwing
a mock punch at his shoulder, she shook her head.  “As much as I enjoyed that,
you know it isnÅ‚t what I meant." 

He
kissed her again, this time full on the mouth, allowing their tongues to tangle
together in a dance of desire and joy.  “I know, babe.  IÅ‚m just
teasing."

“I
could get used to this," Sharra murmured as she unhooked her legs and he slid
out of her.  Matt pulled her back against him and she smiled as she
snuggled closer.  “Makes me not want to go home."

“Then
donłt."

She
jerked her head up to stare at him.  He looked as surprised as she
felt.  “What did you say?"

His
jaw worked, and some emotion she couldnłt put a name to darkened his
eyes.  When he finally did speak, it was if it burst out of him. 

“Damn
it!  You know I care about you, Sharra.  I donÅ‚t give a shit about
how we started this, but I donÅ‚t want to lose you.  WeÅ‚ll be leaving in a
few days, but I donłt want you going home to that Frank character and the
wedding from Hell."

Sharra
felt like sheÅ‚d been hit in the chest.  She almost forgotten the outside
world.  Here in their special paradise it had no claim on her.  She
could love and laugh and pretend nothing existed except the two of them. 
But Matt was right.  They couldnÅ‚t put it off forever.

“I"

“Hear
me out, babe."  He cradled her face in his wet hands.  “I want you to
come back with me.  Give thismarriage more of a chance.  I know
wełve only known each other a few days, but I donłt think this is one of those
vacation romances.  I think we have something really special. 
Neither of us may have expected it, but it happened.  I donÅ‚t want it to
end before it has a chance to even begin."

Her
heart began to melt, right there in the cool water of the pool.  “But I
have a liferesponsibilities."

“I
know.  And if it winds up you canÅ‚t leave them, I-IÅ‚ll understand. 
Who knowsmaybe IÅ‚ll come to you instead."

Sharrałs
mouth dropped open.  She thought of all the times Frank had insisted she
rearrange her life to suit his.  “YouÅ‚d do that?  For me?"

He
pressed his cool lips against hers.  “I told you.  YouÅ‚re important
to me.  I want to see where we go with this."

“I
donłt know what to say."

“DonÅ‚t
say anythingyet."  Matt pushed back her wet hair and kissed her
eyelids.  “Think about it.  And while youÅ‚re thinking, think about
this too.  I-I want another ceremony.   One done right and
proper, so youłll remember it."

She
shook her head, but her heart was singing a different tune.  “I told you I
donłt need"

“Maybe
not," he interrupted.  “But maybe I do.  ItÅ‚s important to me."

“Matt."

“Just
think about it.  All right?"

She
nodded slowly.  “I will.  I promise."

The
relief in his eyes surprised her, but not nearly as much as the sudden sound of
a gun going off or the feel of a bullet whining by her face.

 “Get
down!"




Chapter Eight 

In
a single motion, Matt jerked Sharra behind him and threw himself and her into
the shallows of the pool.  A second shot hissed by, driving into the water
beside them, and he heard her gasp.

“That
was a shot!"

The
outrage in her voice would have been funny had things not been so
serious.  “I know, honey.  Just stay down."

“I
will not!  Hunters shouldnÅ‚t be allowed so close to a public area. 
ItÅ‚s dangerous."  She came to her knees and glared at the line of gently
swaying palms.  Raising her voice, she shouted, “Hey, you with the
gun!  There are people here!  Go hunt somewhere else!"

Her
answer was another bullet, this one so close it almost parted her hair. 
With a curse, Matt pulled her down again.  He was pretty sure those
werenÅ‚t hunters out there.  Those shots were aimed at him and he knew
why.  His idyllic paradise vacation was over.

The
drug lords had found him.

“Stay
down," he growled again.  His heart iced over at the knowledge heÅ‚d
brought Sharra into danger.  But he forced the thought away.  He had
to concentrate on the now.  Crawling forward, he searched the
forest.  They were well hidden.  He couldnÅ‚t see a thing.

“We
are going to report you to the policía!" Sharra
yelled again.  One look told him she wasnÅ‚t as much afraid but
furious.  Great.  A cowering woman he could deal with, but he wasnÅ‚t
sure the pissed off Amazon next to him would be so easy.

Maybe some of the
truth would help.  “Babe, listen to me."  He jerked her forward so
they were face to face.  “They may not be hunters.  These forests may
be filled with drug runners.  They might feel like weÅ‚re intruding.  You
know what I mean?"

Her eyes went
impossibly wide."  “Drugs?  But we donÅ‚t have anything to do"  She cut herself off.  “OhI get it.  I suppose
just telling them wełre tourists wonłt help?"

Not
if they were who he thought they were.  He shook his head.  “Drug lords
have a tendency to shoot first and ask questions later."  Another bullet
sped by, this one nicking his upper ear.  He swore at the rush of painful
fire that raced through him.  Grabbing Sharra by the arm, he pointed to
their vehicle.  “I want you to run towards the buggy.  DonÅ‚t
stopdonÅ‚t look back.  Do you understand me?"

Some
of his unease must have finally gotten through to her because she only
nodded.  But then, just as she was about to stand, she went still and her
mouth dropped open.  “Oh, my God!"  Her arms immediately went over
her breasts.  “WeÅ‚re naked!"

Hełd
wondered how long it would take her to remember that.  “CanÅ‚t be helped,
honey.  Now run!"

She
shook her head stubbornly, even as another bullet went whizzing by.  “I
donłt want them to see me like this!"

Part
of him hoped they would do just that.  A naked woman might be enough of a
distraction that they might both make it to the dune buggy unscathed.  But
he didnłt think Sharra would want to hear that bit of intelligence.

“WeÅ‚re
sitting ducks here," he snarled.  He gave her a none-to-gentle push. 
“Now shut up and run!"

A
shot striking the water right next to Sharra must have decided her, because she
was up and sprinting barely a second later.  Matt waited a beat, and then
followed, scooping up their clothes, wanting to make sure the targetif there
was onewas on his back and not hers.

Sharra
knew she must look ridiculous, running pell-mell across the sandy meadow. 
Her bare feet kicked up little puffs of dust, but it was better than seeing
marks left by bullets.  Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed that Matt
had stopped to grab their clothes, and while it was a relief, she knew
immediately he had done it to separate themmake him be the one they were
looking at.

Hesitating,
she wondered if she should go back for him, but before she could decide his
voice roared out, “Run, Goddamn it!  Run!"

She
ran.

As
it was, he caught her just as they arrived at the dune buggy.  More
bullets were flying now, but ignoring them, he picked her up and threw her
inside, then tossed her the clothes.  He ran around to his side and leapt
in.  It was then she saw the blood.

“Matt!"
she screamed, her hands reaching out to touch his blood stained neck and
shoulder.  “YouÅ‚ve been shot."

“Just
a scratch, babe."  He turned the key and the motor roared to life. 
Tires squealed and the buggy took off, fishtailing wildly before he got it back
under control.

Near
tears, she reached under the seat for a towel to wipe off the blood. 
Cursing gently, she pressed it to the side of his throat.  “I canÅ‚t
believe they shot you.  You have to get to a hospital."

Grabbing
the cloth, he wiped at his head.  “ItÅ‚s nothing.  They just nicked my
ear.  Head wounds bleed a lot.  DonÅ‚t worry so much."

She
gaped at him.  “Worry so much?  For GodÅ‚s sake, Matt.  Someone
was shooting at us.  We have to report them and get you some medical
attention."

He
shook his head stubbornly.  “When we get back to the hotel, IÅ‚ll take a
look at it.  If it needs stitches, IÅ‚ll go to hospital, but only then."

Sharra
narrowed her eyes at him.  “DonÅ‚t tell me youÅ‚re afraid of doctors?"

Slanting
her a glance, he only shrugged.  “DonÅ‚t like Ä™em."

“I
canÅ‚t believe it."  She sat back in the seat and stared at him.  “You
can run through a barrage of bullets and not look a bit scared, but the thought
of stitches make you turn pale?"

Matt
frowned fiercely   “IÅ‚m not afraid of stitches.  I just donÅ‚t
see the need for hospitals.  IÅ‚ll be fine."

 “Right." 
She gave a loud snort.  “The blood running down your chest shows that." 
Glancing back over her shoulder, she was relieved to see the road behind them
was empty.  “I donÅ‚t see anyone following us.  Can we stop and get
dressed?"

He
shook his head.  “Not yet.  I want to put some distance between them
and us."  Turning his head towards her, he suddenly grinned.  “And
you donłt have to get dressed on my account."

She
had to laugh at the lascivious look he tossed at her.  “IÅ‚m sure weÅ‚d
create quite a scene driving down the main street wearing nothing but
smiles.  But I have to admit, you sure know how to show a girl a good
time.  I donÅ‚t think IÅ‚ve ever been in a fire fight before."

“LetÅ‚s
hope itÅ‚s the last time too."  The grim note in his voice surprised her,
but when she looked at him again, he just shrugged.  “Go ahead and get
dressed, honey.  I know youÅ‚ll feel better.  IÅ‚ll pull off in a
little while and put my shorts back on.  IÅ‚ll want to clean up first
anyway."

That
made sense, so she reached down to grab the bundle of clothes hełd tossed
her.  When something heavy fell on her foot, she glanced down and then
just stared in surprise.  Could the day get any weirder?  What was
going on?

“Matt? 
Why on earth do you have a gun?"

Damn
it.  HeÅ‚d forgotten about the gun heÅ‚d had tucked in his waistband. 
He always had one, and it hadnłt been easy keeping her from finding it since
theyÅ‚d become intimate.  He liked her hands on him and heÅ‚d hated having
to keep Sharra away from certain areas of his body.  The small of his back
seemed the safest place to keep it.  He just pretended it was too hot for
hugging.  But, heÅ‚d hated every minute of not being able to have her arms
around him.

 
At the pool, hełd had to be careful ditching his shorts without her noticing,
but by that time, he was used to keeping his gun hidden.  HeÅ‚d wrapped it
in his swim trunks, never thinking hełd be tossing them to her in the middle of
a gun fight.  How the hell was he going to explain this?  His mind
went blank.

“Matt?"

Her
starchy voice made him jump and he glanced back over to see her holding his
weapon as far away from her as she could as if it were a poisonous snake or
something equally disgusting.  He swallowed hard and thought frantically
for some excuse she might believe.

“For
GodÅ‚s sake.  Her voice went from stiff to irritated.  “DonÅ‚t tell me
this came with the buggy?"

Would
she believe that?  Since he couldnÅ‚t think of anything better, Matt jumped
on it.  “ThatÅ‚s it exactly, babe.  It came with the dune buggy."

She
stared at him suspiciously.  “They send out American tourists with guns? 
I find that hard to accept."

He
felt himself floundering again.  Sharra was too damn smart. 
“Iummmwell, they give them to tourists who know how to use them."

“Why
do you know how to use a gun?"

Suddenly
he realized theyÅ‚d never discussed their jobs.  He had no idea what she
did back in the states, and she had no idea that he was a professional
investigator hired by different companies to take care of serious problems
official channels couldnÅ‚t.  Maybe it was time to tell herat least part
of it.  But how much?  If he told her the whole truth, she might
become a target herself, or worse yet, walk away from him.  Shit. Shit.
Shit.  Furious at himself all over again, he cleared his throat.

“I
never told you what I do for a living."

“Are
you a cop?"  The real concern in her voice warmed his heart. 

He
shook his head.  “No, sweetheart.  But I work with them
sometimes.  IÅ‚m a PI."

“PI?" 
She shook her head and gingerly set the gun down between the seats.  “You
mean like Magnum PI on TV or Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon?

Matt
chuckled.  “Nothing quite so dramatic, IÅ‚m afraid.  I mostly do
corporate work.  Very boring stuff."  Unless youÅ‚re getting chased
by drug lords or falling in love with flame haired sirens.

“So
if itłs so boring, why the gun?"

She
wasnÅ‚t going to let that part go.  He damned her tenacity, not wanting to
lie to her any more than heÅ‚d already done.  “Most PIs use them,
babe.  Just part of the package."

“So
when the people at the rental agency knew you could handle a gun, they gave you
one?"

“Better
safe than sorry, I always say.  Sorry if it scared you."

“I
wasnÅ‚t scared," Sharra said automatically.  She wriggled back into her
tank top and then slid on her shorts.  She noted MattÅ‚s approving smile
and blushed, but she wasnÅ‚t ready to end their conversation quite yet. 
“IsnÅ‚t it illegal for a foreigner to carry a gun in Mexico?"

“YouÅ‚ve
been watching too many tourist movies, honey.  You can always get a gun if
you need to.  Especially in Mexico."

She
glanced back over her shoulder.  “I donÅ‚t like guns."

His
lips tightened.  “Like I said.  Sorry I scared you, but itÅ‚s just
part of the job sometimes.  But who knew IÅ‚d need one when we were out on
a picnic."

“Who
knew?" she echoed.  “At least weÅ‚ll be rid of it when we turn in the
buggy."

“Well,
herełs the thing"

Sharra
narrowed her eyes.  “What?"

“If
those were drug types, they may have gotten the license plate number.  So
I think we need to be really careful right now."

“I
donłt understand."

Matt
pulled over and stopped the dune buggy.  Grabbing his shorts, he pulled
them on, then, with a motion that bespoke his ease with the weapon, he picked
up the gun and shoved it back in his waistband.  “If they are worried
weummmsaw something, they may try to track us.  I think when we arrive
back in town, we get rid of the buggy, and then we might want to consider
moving hotels."

Her
mouth dropped along with her stomach.  “You think theyÅ‚ll come after us?"

Pulling
her to him, he dropped a hard kiss on her trembling mouth.  “I donÅ‚t
know.  Those people are unpredictable.  IÅ‚d rather err to caution, if
you know what I mean.  The rental agency has our hotel room number and if
they are forced to give it out"

“The
drug people will know where we are.  Oh, Matt!"

“Hey." 
He kissed her again.  “IÅ‚m a professional.  WeÅ‚ll be safe.  Just
listen to me and weÅ‚ll get out of this.  I promise you."

As
he kissed her a third time, Sharra couldnłt help but feel there was something
more he wasnÅ‚t telling her.  Something in his eyes told her he wasnÅ‚t
telling her the whole truth.  But then she felt the butt of the gun press
against her stomach and she shuddered.  So much for this place being a
tropical paradise.  More like Paradise Lost.  But either way,
she was going to have to make one thing clear.  No more guns.  It
wasnÅ‚t like theyÅ‚d need it again.  Those drug dealers wouldnÅ‚t come after
them.  There was no reason for them to.

Was
there?

* *
*

It
was an argument she lost.  As Matt hustled them back to the hotel sheÅ‚d
fought with him about it, but even through the packing, the check out and the
multitude of taxi rides he claimed were necessary just to make sure they
werenÅ‚t being followed, heÅ‚d kept the gun.  It was in the back of his
pants now and he wore it like a seasoned veteran.  It bothered her in some
inexplicable way, but although she disagreed with him about having it, the
memory of his ear when shełd cleaned and bandaged it at the hotel made her
hesitant about pushing too hard.  If heÅ‚d been able to get to his gun
then, would it have been betteror worse?

Finally,
Sharra felt silent as Matt checked them into a slightly smaller, lesser known
hotel on the strip.  He was quiet as well, grabbing their bags and
carrying them himself up to their new room.  She didnÅ‚t like the look on
his face.  It was harsh and almost frightening.  He constantly
scanned the areas around him as if he was expecting the drug runners to jump
out at them at any second.

When
they got to their room, he set down their bags with a sigh and immediately went
to the window.  His eyes were guarded as he stared out on the bustling
Mexican street.  “We should be safe here."

Sharra
took a deep breath.  A thought had been whirling around in her busy mind
since the incident this afternoon.  Now it was time to voice it.  “If
itÅ‚s so dangerous," she said very quietly, “maybe itÅ‚s time for us to go
home."  But, she was shocked speechless when he turned back to her, an
intent thoughtful look on his face.

“Maybe
youłre right."




Chapter Nine

“IÅ‚m
right?"  Her blue eyes darkened to navy.  “You want us to go home? 
Now?"

Mattłs
heart tumbled to his feet at the shock in her voice.  It was obvious sheÅ‚d
expected him to argue with her, not agree.  But the ride into town had
given him time to think.  He was furious with himself.  Sharra could
have been killed, and he would have been to blame.

He
should have done what heÅ‚d meant to do in the first place.  Grabbed up the
pretty American woman and beat it back across the border.  But instead
hełd let his glands do the thinking for him and hełd given into the need to feel
her body under his.  HeÅ‚d claimed her for his own and now it was even more
serious.

He
never wanted to let her go.

And
because of that, heÅ‚d put her in mortal danger.  By staying in Mexico,
hełd given the drug lord the opportunity to find him and even if he walked away
from Sharra now, she would still be in jeopardy since they now knew she was
with him.

“Damn
it, Matt.  Talk to me!"

Jerking
his attention back to his lover, his eyes softened as he took in her trembling
lips and shaking hands.  Two steps brought him to her side and he pulled
her into his arms.  “I donÅ‚t like the thought of you being in danger," he
murmured into her fragrant hair.  “Today was too close.  I want you
safe."

She
wrapped her arms around his waist.  “But what about you?  You were
the one they shot."  She gave a convulsive shudder.  “I want you safe
too."

“DonÅ‚t
worry, honey.  I think weÅ‚re both okayno one knows weÅ‚re here, but just
in case maybe we should plan on heading back to the states.  Remember,
better safe than sorry."

“But,
I donłt want to leave you."

Her
whisper was so soft he barely heard it, but he felt the tears that wet his
chest.  His heart leapt, knowing she wanted to stay with him as much as he
wanted to be with her.  He pulled her head back and kissed her thoroughly. 
“YouÅ‚re not getting rid of me that easy."

“IÅ‚m
not?"

“No
way.  I know I wanted to spend more time here with you so we could get to
know each other better, but now we canÅ‚t.  But that doesnÅ‚t mean we have
to go our separate ways."  He kissed her again.  “In fact, if you
try, IÅ‚ll come after you.  ThatÅ‚s a promise."

“I
donÅ‚t understand."  Her pain-filled eyes searched his.  “This has all
been such a wonderful adventure, but if we leave, it will be over.  We
have our own livesour own responsibilities."

Fury
roared through him at her words.  “I told you this was no vacation
romance!  No one night stand!  When are you going to start believing
me?"

Her
mouth firmed.  “I know you say that now, but once we get back to the
states"

“Son
of a bitch!"  His shout pushed her back a step before he jerked her
back against him.  “DonÅ‚t you get it yet?  DonÅ‚t you understand?"

“What?"
she yelled back at him.  “What donÅ‚t I understand?"

Matt
lost his temper completely.  Lifting her so she dangled above the ground,
he gave her a shake that probably made her teeth rattle.

“IÅ‚ve
fallen in love with you, damn it!"

Sharra
went completely still as his words poured through her.  Shock and wonder
filled her.  It was impossiblecrazy.  TheyÅ‚d only known each other
for a few days.  People didnÅ‚t fall in love that quickly.  Matt was
mistaking need for love.  That had to be what was going on.  It was
the only thing that made sense.

But
for some reason the absolute fury on his face made her want to believe
him.  This wasnÅ‚t a line he was spouting.  He meant it.  And he
wasnÅ‚t too happy about it either.  She didnÅ‚t know what to think about
that. After a moment filled with hesitant expectation, she cleared her throat
delicately.  “Youloveme?"

“Yes,"
he ground out, his eyes flashing.  “But this sure as hell isnÅ‚t the way I
was planning to tell you."

She
wondered briefly what way would have been better.  For Matt, this felt
exactly right.  Forcing herself to think clearly, she gazed up at
him.  “Butwe hardly know each other."

He
laughed harshly.  “You think I donÅ‚t know that?"  Threading his hand
through her loose hair, he pulled her head back further.  “You think it
matters?"  His grip tightened.  “I know it should, but it doesnÅ‚t."

“But"

“Shut
up, Sharra.  No more buts.  Just deal with it!  I love you and
now IÅ‚m going to show you how much."

His
mouth came down on hers with such hunger any thought of dealing with anything
flew right out the window.  She responded instantly, instinct taking over
even as he lifted her again and whirled her around to where her back slapped up
against a nearby wall.  Her whole body trembled at the rush of desire that
swept through them both.

The
guttural groan he gave as his tongue swept in to duel with her own made her
quim go wet and needy in seconds.  Her breasts tingled and her body felt
like it was on fire.  When his rough hand slid under her tank top to
caress her naked breast she cried out his name and that was all it took for
Matt to lose whatever control hełd been holding onto.

He pulled
her shorts off with one hand then kneed her legs apart as he frantically pushed
his own trunks down.  “IÅ‚ve want you so fuckinÅ‚ bad," he groaned, his gray
eyes darkened to pewter in lust.  “I have since the second I saw you
dancing on that damn table.  I donÅ‚t know when it turned to love, but I do
love you, damn it, and itłs time you know exactly that means."

Sharra
had never felt so sexy or wanted in her life.  A part of her warned her
she should be scared of the wild passion in MattÅ‚s hands, but she wasnÅ‚t. 
He would never hurt her.  Ever.  She was safe in his arms. 
Daringly, she bit his ear.  “Then show me, Matt.  Show me
everything."

His
big body shuddered and his hand fumbled between them.  She swallowed a
giggle at the knowledge he was as shaky as she was, but a second later the
laughter was swept away by a gasp as his cock drove deep into her waiting heat.

He
was huge.  Bigger than sheÅ‚d ever known him to be.  She felt
stretcheddeliciously so.  With a moan of delight, she wrapped her legs
around his narrow waist and ground herself against him.

She
heard him swear, felt him swell even larger inside her, sensed the barely
leashed control he was struggling to maintain.  Sharra felt beautiful,
even cherished and the knowledge that he was the only one who could do this to
her made her kiss him with even more passion.  He answered in kind and
then began to move, slowly at first then faster, with strong measured thrusts
that sent every nerve ending in her body spiraling into the air. 

Matt
stabbed so deep inside her, she couldnłt tell if they were a single person or
two separate entities.  For the first time, she didnÅ‚t care.  She
wanted to belong to him.  Body, heart and soul.  HeÅ‚d said he loved
her, something sheÅ‚d never heard from a man before.  Sharra felt herself
drifting, falling and she knew

It
would be very easy to love the man in her arms.

He
felt her surrenderheard the gasping cries she made deep in her throat and went
even harder.  A part of him was furious that heÅ‚d lost control and told her
how he felt, but in a way he was glad too.  Now it was out in the
open.  At least he could give her the truth about this.

“I
love you," he muttered as he captured her mouth again.  He held her tightly,
letting the thrust of his body show her the need and desire only she could make
him feel.  In and out, the tightness of her sex clenching down on him with
such heat he felt the orgasm building low in his groin.  His balls went
taut and his cock ached with a passion heÅ‚d only thought about before. 
Her shiver of delight sent more ripples of lust through him and he fought to
keep himself from coming too fast.

Tearing
his mouth from hers, he instead kissed his way down to her budded nipple,
sucking it deep into his mouth.  Her astonished cry made him growl as he
nibbled and licked at the delectable berry.  When her legs tightened
around him he swore aloud, but it was the grinding of her hips against his that
sent him over the edge.

Grabbing
her ass, he forgot about everything but her as he adjusted himself so he
stroked against the most sensitive part of her.  Then he moved, pounding
against her with enough force to send the pictures on the walls bouncing and
tilting.

He
groaned as almost immediately, she went tense, and then with a shrill cry,
shattered in his arms.  Her climax trembled through her and into him with
such force it was like being hit by a tidal wave.  All Matt could do was
roll with it.  Any remnant of control heÅ‚d had was swept away by his own
orgasm.  The feeling erupted out of him with such suddenness his breath
was stolen.  He couldnÅ‚t even gasp out her name as he shuddered in its
grasp.  Colors and lights danced behind his eyelids as he tucked his face
into her soft throat and poured himself into her.

Afterwards,
he could barely stand.  He felt her heartbeat dance with his own and knew
a mixture of satisfaction and shame.  The same twin feelings he always had
when he was making love to Sharra.  She was everything heÅ‚d ever
wantedeverything hełd longed for in his lonely life, but she deserved so much
better.  She should have a man she could trust.  A man she

“I
hope yourlegs are stronger than mine."  Her breathless whisper caressed
his cheek, interrupting his painful thoughts.  “Mine are pretty rubbery."

He
didnÅ‚t want to admit his knees felt like jelly.  “Strong enough to hold
you up."

“My
hero."

The
gentle words made him flinch.  In the last few days heÅ‚d lied, cheated,
all but kidnapped her and almost gotten her killed.  If he was a hero,
heÅ‚d have saved her that first night and then let her go.  Not used her
for his own nefarious purposes.

Right. 
A real fucking hero.

“Matt?
Is there something wrong?  YouÅ‚re squeezing me so tightly."

He
heard the worry and wanted to curse long and loud.  But when he took a
deep breath, forcing himself to relax and leaning back to look deep into her
emotion-filled blue eyes, all his fears, hesitations and concerns were pushed
aside.  He saw something there, something he couldnÅ‚t quite put his finger
on.  It made Matt long for something he knew he had no right to. 
Once she learned the truth about what hełd done, Sharra would probably turn and
walk away from him, but when he saw that special light in her eyes he couldnłt
help but hope.  Maybe it would all work out.  Maybe sheÅ‚d cut him a
break.

If
he didnłt get them both killed first.

“Matt?" 
Sharra forced his head around to look at her.  “YouÅ‚re angrywhy?"

She
didnłt get an answer, but his mouth covered hers in a possessive kiss that took
her breath away.  But then the kiss changed, becoming gentle and
reassuring.  Her heart quivered then melted when he sighed and touched his
forehead against hers.

“IÅ‚m
sorry.  I didnÅ‚t mean to hurt you."

Her
fingers trailed down his chest.  “You didnÅ‚tnot really"

“Yes. 
I did."  His voice was grim.  “And I probably will again."  His
fingers tightened.  “But I do love you.  You have to believe that."

She
licked her swollen lips, wondering about the sadness of his words.  “You
havenłt known me long enough to love me."

All
at once his shoulders sagged.  Her feet slid to the ground and he held her
until she settled.  “I know.  I know.  DonÅ‚t you think IÅ‚ve said
that to myself a hundred times?  But it makes no difference.  I love
you."

“You
canÅ‚t love me," she repeated softly, still in shock over the idea of it. 
“ItÅ‚s ridiculous.  It makes no sense."

Mattłs
gaze slid to hers.  “Thanks a lot."

She
flinched at his tone.  “IÅ‚m sorry.  I didnÅ‚t mean that the way it
sounded."

His
gray eyes narrowed.  “Then just how did you mean it?  Is the idea of
me being in love with you so bad?"

“No!" 
The word popped out before she could even think and she forced herself to take
a deep breath.  “No," she said again, this time in a more controlled
voice.  “I only meant that love at first sight isnÅ‚t something IÅ‚ve ever
believed in.  I donÅ‚t think you know me enough to love me."

“Or
you to love me?"

A
delicate pink stained her cheeks.  “Or me to love you.  I do care,
Matt.  I really do.  But we got married so quickly.  Under less
than auspicious circumstances.  All we really have is a vacation romance
even if we do have a ring on our finger.  Can love come from that?" 
She shook her head.  “I just donÅ‚t know."

He
pulled gently out of her and turned away to clean himself up.  She watched
him for a moment before sighing and doing the same.  “I didnÅ‚t mean to
hurt you."

Shrugging,
he hiked his shorts back up.  “I know we did everything out of order, but
I wonÅ‚t apologize for what I feel.  I love you.  YouÅ‚re going to have
to deal with that whether you want to believe in love at first sight or not."

Sharra
grabbed a towel from the bathroom and wrapped it around her.  Her heart
ached seeing the pain in his eyes.  She had hurt him, but she knew the
truth was importantand the truth was she didnÅ‚t know how she felt.  Until
she did, it wasnÅ‚t fair to either of them to pretend differently.  Forcing
the gloomy thoughts away, she steered the conversation back to the original
topic brought up before heÅ‚d made his startling announcement.  “If we go
back to the states together, I canÅ‚t promise you anything.  I have a life
of my own and though we both have seemed to forget hima fiancé I still have to
deal with."

Matt
gave a soft growl.  “I havenÅ‚t forgotten good olÅ‚ Frank."

A
part of her was thrilled with his obvious jealousy, but it was pushed away in
the swirling confusion of her thoughts.  Stepping closer, she wrapped her
arms around his rigid body, hers warming when he relaxed subtly and hugged her
back.  “But I can tell you this.  IÅ‚ve never felt for a man what I
feel for you.  Even with Frank.  ThatÅ‚s just it.  YouÅ‚ve got me
so confused, I donÅ‚t know what IÅ‚m feeling any more.  I need time. 
Time to figure this all out."

His
fingers threaded through her hair and he pulled her head back so their eyes
met.  “IÅ‚m not letting you go, Sharra.  Whatever plans you make, you
damn well better figure that in."  He kissed her again, his lips teasing
hers until she was trembling in his arms.  “I made a promise to myself, honey. 
I may have found you by mistake, but by GodIÅ‚m gonna keep you."




Chapter Ten 

He
kicked himself the whole next day for spilling his guts to Sharra.  It was
too soon to tell her how he felt, that much was obvious by how shełd reacted to
his revelation.  But another part of him was glad it was out in the
open.  Even if her lack of response had made his chest ache, at least heÅ‚d
been honest with her.  With this part of their relationship.  He
could only hope that it would mean something when the rest of the truth came
out.

They
spent the day meandering through the smaller villages outside of the main city
of Puerto Vallarta.  Matt wanted to make sure they were out of sight, but
he couldnÅ‚t keep Sharra locked up in the hotel room.  Then she really
would become suspicious.  He hadnÅ‚t told her yet about the two plane
tickets heÅ‚d booked for the following day.  Not sure how sheÅ‚d take the
sudden departure, hełd decided to tell her at dinner so they could have one
last fun day together.  He wanted her to remember Mexico with joynot with
fear.

He
could only hope the thugs that had been after them in the jungle werenłt
keeping a watch on the airport.  Things could get dicey if that
happened.  As is was, he was going to have some explaining to do about why
the tickets were for a flight to San Francisco instead of Fresno, but he had no
intention of letting her go back to good old Frank.  Not yet.  Not
until he could make her understand they were meant to be together.

He
glanced over at Sharra as she perused a display of handmade local jewelry. 
Necklaces, bracelets and earrings of brightly polished silver and natural
stones of every color you could imagine all glistened in the afternoon
sun.  The owner kept up a steady patter of broken English and Spanish as
he smiled widely, trying to interest the American lady in his wares. 
Sharra only smiled politely and nodded, but her eyes sparkled with interest.

When
he saw her stroke a narrow bracelet of intricately woven silver set with
amethyst and topaz stones, he grinned.  Her eyes softened and went
dreamy.  The jeweler also noted the change and his face brightened. 
His spiel came even faster as he lifted it from the cloth display case and
almost shoved the bracelet at Sharra.  Her backwards step made her bump
into Matt and he chuckled as he ran his hands up her arms to her shoulders.

“Let
me handle this," he soothed.

Sharra
blew out a relieved breath.  “Sorry.  IÅ‚m not good at
bargaining.  They intimidate me."

“I
didnłt think you were afraid of anything."

“Sure
I am."  She nodded decisively.  “Spiders, tornadoes and people who
canÅ‚t properly merge onto the highway.  But bargaining, most of all."

He
laughed out loud at her whimsy.  “Then let me take care of this,
honey.  IÅ‚ll make the bad man go away."

She
giggled, making his heart turn upside down.  Tucking her behind him, he
smiled winningly at the eager seller.  “Cuánto para la pulsera?"

Sharra smiled as the
jeweler went into an impassioned speech about his wares.  Matt listened
closely, then shook his head, answering him in smooth perfect Spanish that made
Sharra sigh in envy.  If she ever made it back to Mexico, she promised
herself shełd know more than just how to order a beer or ask where a bathroom
was.  It was one of the reasons shopping here intimidated her.  She
didnÅ‚t like not knowing what was actually being said.  And it made her
very uncomfortable to have to tell one of the shop keepers no when she wasnłt
sure what she was saying no to.

Matt however wasnłt
having any trouble at all.  He spoke Spanish almost as quickly as the
jeweler did and the conversation was filled with good humor and laughter. 
Sharra watched in amazement as Matt nodded and took the bracelet out of the
smaller manÅ‚s hand.  Turning, he gave her a sly grin as he clasped it on
her wrist.

“I never did get you
a wedding present."

She stared down at
the beautiful jewelry and her heart melted.  “Oh, Matt.  I
shouldnłt"

“DonÅ‚t
even think about refusing it," he interrupted.  Lifting her hand, he
pressed a soft kiss to the inside of her wrist above the shiny bracelet. 
“I love you.  I want to buy this for you.  He dropped a harder one on
her lips.   “Please."

She
sighed and ran her finger tip over the smooth silver.  “I donÅ‚t
know.  It just looks too expensive."

“A
husband is supposed to buy expensive gifts for his wife."  Turning, he
grinned at the jeweler and rattled off a few more words in Spanish. 

To
Sharrałs surprise, the man laughed and snatched up the matching necklace and
earrings.  Her mouth dropped open as he wrapped them carefully in some
paper and dropped them in a small bag.  “Matt!  You canÅ‚t.  ItÅ‚s
too much."

Peeling
off several bills, he handed them to the now effusive jeweler.  “YouÅ‚re
worth every penny, sweetheart.  I plan to spoil you as much as I can."

Looking
up, she saw the determination in his eyes.  But to her shock, behind that
was a hint of vulnerability, something that made her go all soft and squishy
inside.  Without another word, she wrapped her arms around him and pressed
her face against his chest.  “Thank you," she whispered.  “IÅ‚ve never
had someone treat me the way you doever."

He
hugged her tightly.  “Get used to it.  I love you."

She
gave a shaky laugh.  “I guess I better get used to that too."

“Damn
straight."

Leaning
back, she lifted her hand to caress his cheek.  “IÅ‚m trying to understand
what I feel for you, and when you do things like this"  Her voice trailed
off.

“Does
it bother you?"

“No." 
The word burst out quickly.  “No.  I have to admit I like it. 
But"  She went quiet again.

“Not
something youłre used to?"

Hełs
right. 
The realization burst inside her making her throat clog with tears.  How
could he see her so clearly?  No one, least of all Frank, had ever treated
her like she was special.  Like she was someone they couldnÅ‚t live
without.  But Matt had done so from the very beginning.  He acted
like she was a precious treasuresomething of infinite value to him.  And
when he gazed down at her with those intense gray eyes, she felt like she was
the very center of his world.  What woman wouldnÅ‚t want a man to love her
like that? 

“Sharra?"

“No,"
she finally answered.  “IÅ‚m not used to it.  It may take a while
butI think IÅ‚d like to try, if you still do."

Mattłs
gut clenched in a mixture of passion and pleasure.  For the first time in
their relationship Sharra wasnłt talking as if they would walk away from each
other when the vacation ended.  Hope raced through him and giving into it,
he slanted his lips across hers in a passion-filled kiss.  “You wonÅ‚t be
sorry, honey.  I swear.  Just remember I love you, no matter what
happens from now on."

Her
brow furrowed as her eyes searched his.  “What do you mean?"

“Nothing. 
DonÅ‚t worry.  IÅ‚m just glad youÅ‚re giving us the chance.  I promise
IÅ‚ll make it right."

“What?"

He
realized he was rambling and snapped his mouth shut quickly.  Pulling her
into his arms, he only sighed.  “I love you, Sharra.  ThatÅ‚s all."

She
snuggled closer.  “ThatÅ‚s enoughfor now."

***

“Will
you wear this dress for me?"

Mattłs
deep voice came from behind her and Sharra jumped.  She glanced up from
where she was creaming lotion on her tanned legs and gave a throaty murmur of
delight.  “Dress?  What dress?" she whispered.  “All I can see
is you."

Gorgeousthere
was just no other word.  When freshly shaved and showered he was always a
delight to her eyes, yet tonight, with the setting sun behind him, and the
scent of wild jasmine in the air, he was even more special.  Used to
seeing him in casual clothes, she almost gaped at the picture he made now.

He
was outfitted in a pair of white slacks, crisply pressed, that hugged his butt
and strong thighs like a lover.  He also wore a traditional Mexican white
overshirtlong sleeved and full, yet because he was built so powerfully, it
still showed off his muscular chest and strong arms.  A smile touched her
lips when she saw the colorful scarf belted around his trim waist, hanging off
to one side.  Leather sandals graced his tanned feet.  She
sighed. 

“IÅ‚ll
have to beat the ladies off you with a stick.  You look wonderful."

His
neck went red as he grinned.  “Thanks.  But if you put this on, I bet
IÅ‚ll have the same problem.  All the men will be drooling for sure."

She
tore her eyes off her handsome lover and couldnłt help the smile that jumped to
her lips as she looked at the dress he held.  “Oh, Matt.  It is
beautiful."

And
it was.  As traditional looking as MattÅ‚s outfit, the cotton dress was so
white, it shone in the lamplight.  Full-skirted with intricate white lace
at the hem, neckline and sleeves, it was the most feminine dress she had ever
seen.  The bodice was full, yet tapered down tightly at the waist, and the
neckline was wide and elasticized, meant to be pulled low over the shoulders so
SharraÅ‚s shapely shoulders could be seen.  A shawl made of a lace as fine
as a spider web and a pair of white leather sandals completed the ensemble.

“Where
did you find this?"  She gently stroked the soft material.  “ItÅ‚s
exquisite."

He
dropped a kiss on her lips.  “As pretty as the one who will wear it. 
Will you?  I have somewhere special to take you."

“How
can I say no?  Especially when you look so handsome in your clothes."

Matt
grinned again.  “Great!  Can you be ready to leave in a half an
hour?  We have an appointment."

Raising
her eyebrow, she noted the surpressed excitement about him.  What was he
up too?  “Where are we going?"

He smiled
wider.  “ItÅ‚s a surprise."

“Will
I like it?"

To
her astonishment, the smile disappeared and a look of vulnerability replaced
it.  He cupped her chin in his hand as he kissed her again.  “I hope
so, baby.  I really hope so."

Reacting
instinctively to the worry in his eyes, she gave him a quick hug.  “DonÅ‚t
worry.  IÅ‚ll be all set in a flash.  I canÅ‚t wait to see what you
have planned for us."

True
to her word, she was ready well within the time heÅ‚d given her.  When she
stepped out of the little bathroom, the look in Mattłs eyes when he first saw
her was worth every bit of fuss and work sheÅ‚d gone too. 

Shełd
put her hair up in a red-gold coil on top of her head and allowed stray curls
to fall down around her face.  Discreet makeup added soft color to her
eyes and face and a slight touch of peach lip gloss gave her mouth a pretty
glow.  The dress fit as if it had been designed just for her.  She
knew shełd never looked better.

“YouÅ‚re
beautiful," he said hoarsely.  “More beautiful than I imagined."

Her
cheeks glowed pinker from his compliment.  “Thank you.  The dress
makes it easy."

“No,
whatÅ‚s in it makes all the difference."  Walking over, he took her hand in
his and kissed it in a courtly gesture.   “I love you."

The
emotion in his voice made her throat clog.  “Oh, Matt.  You make me
feel like IÅ‚ve swallowed the stars."

His
eyes darkened and tipping up her chin, he grazed his mouth across hers. 
“Then IÅ‚ve done my job.  Ready to go?"

“Can
you tell me where yet?"

He
shook his head.  “Nope.  Still a surprise.  But I have something
else for you to tide you over."  He handed her an object wrapped in
another colorful scarf.

Carefully,
she unwrapped it and gasped as an elegant white lace fan with swirls of vivid
color appeared.  “A fan?  I love fans."

“ItÅ‚summmhot
out there tonight.  Thought you could use it."  Color had crept into
his face as he spoke and he wouldnÅ‚t meet her eyes.  She wondered at his
nervousness, but the beauty of the gift kept her from asking any questions.

“Thank
you, Matt.  IÅ‚ll treasure it."

He
placed the lace shawl around her shoulders and then guided her from the room
and down the stairs.  To SharraÅ‚s surprise everyone they saw smiled
broadly and waved at them.  A few shouted out the words, Bendiciones en su vida junto.

“What are they
saying?" she asked Matt.

He opened the hotel
door but didnÅ‚t look at her.  “Just telling us to have a good time. 
Theyłre a friendly people."

She glanced behind
her and waved.  “I guess."

“Your ride awaits, my
lady."

Turning back around,
she saw Matt standing next to a short dark local man.  Both had enormous
grins on their faces.  They stepped apart and Sharra blinked in
astonishment.  Behind them was a carriage.  It had once been white,
but now was more of a dull gray color.  It was decorated with fake flowers
and white ribbons of the same dirty color.  A swayback brown horse drooped
disinterestedly in front of it.  He wore a straw hat with a feather that
looked as if it had been around since Mexico was discovered.  The thought
crossed her mind that the horse might fall over dead before they reached
wherever they were going.

But the smile and
anxious look on her loverÅ‚s face kept her from making any smart comments. 
Her heart melted at the trouble heÅ‚d gone to.  Their eyes met, hers filled
with tears.  “You did this for me?"

He pulled her close
to him.  “I thought youÅ‚d like a romantic ride around the city."

She kissed him. 
“You thought right.  This will be a night IÅ‚ll never forget."




Chapter Eleven 

Helping her into the
carriage, Matt gave a sigh of relief, praying Sharra would think the same when
the night was over.  First objective accomplished, he thought.  Now
if I can pull the rest of the evening off as well.  He settled Sharra into
the dilapidated seat and put his arm around her.  A nod to the driver and
they were off.

“IÅ‚ve always wanted
to ride in one of these," Sharra sighed.  “How did you know?"

“I saw you watching
them earlier today."  He kissed her hair and gave her a gentle hug.
 “You had that look in your eyes.  I thought youÅ‚d enjoy seeing the
city at night."

“The lights are so
beautiful.  And I love seeing the reflections on the water of the bay."

“They arenÅ‚t nearly
as beautiful as you are," he whispered nibbling her curved ear.  “I look
at you and I want Juan to take us right back to the hotel." 
Surreptitiously, he pulled her hand over to rest on the bulge in his
pants.  “See.  I look at you and want you."

She shivered and gave
his crotch a squeeze.  “DonÅ‚t tempt me.  DonÅ‚t we have someplace to
be?"

Sighing, Matt
remembered the rest of his plan.  Regretfully, he removed her hand from
his cock and held it instead.  “YouÅ‚re right.  But wait until
later.  You and I will have another appointment."

Sharra giggled and
snuggled closer.  “YouÅ‚re on."  Then she raised her face to his and
batted her eyes coquettishly.  “Think I could have a taste of what you
have planned?"

Heat raced through
him at her flirting.  “I think that could be arranged."  With a
groan, he covered her lips with his own.

Nothing more was
heard for a while except the soft clopping of the horsełs hoofs and the
tuneless whistling of the driver.  The noisy city dropped away and it was
if the carriage and its occupants were in their own little worldone made just
for lovers.  Time stood still as they shared emotions that were still too
fragile to speak aloud.

It was a long time
later when Matt realized the carriage had slowed to a halt.  All his
nerves came back in a rush as he regretfully pulled away from Sharra and helped
her from the carriage.  He spoke a few words to the still smiling Juan who
nodded happily.  The driver got out a feedbag and put it around the
horseÅ‚s face.  The sound of chewing filled the air.

“Where are we? 
What is this place?"

Turning to Sharra, he
cupped her face lovingly and with a deep breath put his heart into her
hands.  “This is a church.  One of the oldest in Puerto
Vallarta.  IÅ‚ve spoken to a priest and if youÅ‚re willing, I want you to
marry me."

Her eyes went wide in
astonishment.  “Marry you?  Again?"

He didnłt want to lie,
but  “The first time didnÅ‚t count.  YoudonÅ‚t remember it.  I
want to marry you, Sharra.  I love you.  And I thinkI think you love
me."

This
is it,
Sharra thought.  Do I love him?  She gazed up into his
intense, ardent eyes and thought about the days theyÅ‚d spent together.  So
full of adventure, passion and pleasure.  Different than anything sheÅ‚d
ever done beforefrom anything sheÅ‚d ever thought of before.  HeÅ‚d changed
her life. 

And
tonight.  The beautiful dress, the carriage ride, and now this beautiful
old church with the priest waiting inside.  Matt had gone out of his way
to make sure this wedding would be one sheÅ‚d remember.  How many other
guys would have done that? 

Reaching
up, she traced the line of his jaw and heard him stifle a groan.  Sharra
loved what her touch did to himwhat his touch did to her.  She did
believe in love at first sight and she knew now without a doubt shełd never
loved Frank.  SheÅ‚d loved the idea of being in love.  And what she
felt for Matt was beyond anything sheÅ‚d ever dreamed of.  But was it love?

“Sharra? 
Damn it.  Answer me."

There
he was.  She smothered a grin.  Her impatient, short-tempered,
act-before-you-think Matt.  But he was so much more than what was on the
surface.  His hidden gentleness, his protectiveness, his humor, and above
all the way he made her feel as if she were the most precious thing on the
planet.  His touch both soothed and excited her and his love would be
something she could count on forever.  Smiling with utter joy, she let
walls surrounding her heart fall and in that moment she was absolutely sure.

“I
do love you, Matt," she whispered, feeling the glory of the truth light up her
soul.  “I think I loved you from that very first kiss."

His
eyes flamed with heat and she was pulled against him so tightly, she could
barely breath.  “Oh God, honey.  You had me scared to death there for
a minute."  He pushed her away and cradled her face in his hands. 
“Are you sure?  Once we do this, youÅ‚ll be mine forever.  I told you,
IÅ‚m never going to let you go."

She
only grinned at his possessiveness, feeling the same emotion swamp her as
well.  “Not quite.  WeÅ‚ll belong to each other."

Happiness
lit his face and he embraced her again, this time even tighter.  “I love
you.  God, how I love you."

She
hugged him, giddy in the knowledge of what she was feeling.  “IÅ‚m sorry I
was so stubborn.  It was all so confusing at first.  I didnÅ‚t know I
could feel like this."

His
sigh shuddered through them both.  “I know, baby.  Neither of us
expected this.  And while I may be hard-headed, IÅ‚m not stupid.  I
know a good thing when I see it."

“And
IÅ‚m a good thing?"

Mattłs
voice was hoarse with feeling when he answered.  “The best!"

Love
sang through her as going up on her tiptoes, she kissed him.  “Then ask me
again."

His
eyes glowed with his feelings as he took her hands in his and lifted them to
his lips.  “Sharra.  IÅ‚m crazy in love with you.  I want to
spend the rest of my life with you.  Raise dogs and babies and maybe even
a cat or two.  Marry me, honey.  Make me the happiest man in the
world."

Blinking
back tears, Sharra could barely speak.  “YouÅ‚re perfect.  This is
perfect.  I love you so much.  IÅ‚ll take you and the babies. 
Even the cats and dogs."  She threw herself into his arms.  IÅ‚ll
marry you.  I did last week, and IÅ‚ll do it tonight and any other time you
want me to."

With
a shout of joy, he kissed her and this time it tasted of the sweet delight of
tender commitment.  They belonged togethershe knew it with every fiber of
her being.  They may have started their marriage under confusing
circumstances, but it was worth it.  SheÅ‚d found the man she wanted to
spend the rest of her life with and nothing would ever keep them apart.

Lifting
his mouth from hers, Matt pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.  “We better
get inside.  The priest is waiting."

Sharra
nodded.  “And I think weÅ‚re embarrassing the horseand Juan too."

Chuckling,
he gave her a last hug.  “IÅ‚ll need your ring."

Unconsciously,
she curled her fingers up into a fist.  “My ring?"

He
pulled his off and handed it to her.  “Gotta do the ceremony again. 
This time I want you to remember me putting a ring on your finger."

Without
another word, she worked her wedding ring down over her knuckle and handed it
to him.  Immediately, she felt naked without it.  When she spoke her
thought aloud, his eyes darkened. 

“DonÅ‚t
worry.  YouÅ‚ll get it back real soon.  Then weÅ‚ll find another way of
getting you naked."

Her
cheeks went pink and she shushed him while she looked over her shoulder at the
dozing horse and driver.  “Matt!"

Tucking
her hand in his arm, he only laughed softly.  “Come on, wife.  ItÅ‚s
time to make it all legal."

 

Later,
shełd remember the ceremony as being one of the most intimate and beautiful
experiences of her life.  The church was cool and quiet, with hundreds of
flickering candles lighting up the whitewashed stone walls.  The scent of
the fresh flowers Matt had ordered mixed with the odor of age and decay.

The
priest was as ancient as the crumbling building, his dark face creased with
wrinkles, but his black eyes were filled with wisdom and patience.  A
knowing that surpassed the ages.  When Sharra took his hand, it was as if
she were shaking a piece of roughened paper, his grip was so light.  But
his voice, when he began to speak over them, boomed like thunder in the small
chapel room.

He
spoke in Spanish, but Matt leaned in close to translate the words.  The
priest spoke of love and fidelity.  Of God and the Church.  He said
marriage was a gift given to men by God and was to be respected and never taken
for granted.  Sharra felt the tears burn her eyes as the old man spoke of
a love that would never die.  GodÅ‚s love for his people and a manÅ‚s love
for his wife.  And the whole time the priest was speaking, Matt never took
his eyes from hers.  Sharra felt the promise of all their future tomorrows
in his gaze.

Matt
could barely hold himself together.  HeÅ‚d been so scared sheÅ‚d rabbit on
him, or refuse to even consider the idea of marriage, he was literally weak at
the knees as they stood before the cross to speak their vows.  When the
priest recited the familiar words about loving, honoring and giving her all his
worldly goods, he remembered the bag of coins he had in his pocket. 
Pulling it out, he waited for the priestłs nod before pouring the golden coins
into Sharrałs cupped hands.

Her
tone was quiet and reverent when she asked, “What do these mean?"

“Trece monedas de oro.  The thirteen gold
coins.  They stand for Jesus and his disciples," he answered.  “A man
gives them to his bride to show her his commitment to share his wealth with
herto take care of her.  By taking them, you are giving me your complete
trust.  Believing that I have the ability to do so."

“Oh,
thatÅ‚s lovely."  She smiled.  “Then of course I accept them. 
You wonÅ‚t have to, but I know you can take care of me.  YouÅ‚ve done pretty
well so far."

Guilt
stabbed him once before he shoved it away.  He wouldnÅ‚t allow anything to
screw up this moment.  “And I will take care of you, Sharra.  I swear
on my own life.  No matter what."

She
frowned at his statement, but before she could say anything, the priest began
speaking their vows over them.  The words were old and beautiful, made
even more meaningful by the flowery language spoken.  Carefully, Matt and
Sharra repeated the time honored promises, their eyes locked and their hands
wrapped around the golden coins.

The
wedding rings were blessed and when Matt slid Sharrałs back on her finger, he
felt a relief so great his legs almost buckled.  When she did the same for
him, it was all he could do not to shout his happiness out loud.  He
couldnłt wait for the pronouncement they were man and wife.

For
real this time.

But
instead, he was handed a long white ribbon and instructed to wrap it around
them both.  Nonplussed, he did as the priest instructed.  Once he was
done, the man of God made the sign of the cross over them both and began
speaking again.  Matt smiled down at SharraÅ‚s confused face.

“He
says the white ribbon symbolized the joining of two people into one.  The
white represents the purity of love that will bind us together forever. 
It is called El Lazo, or lasso and it means everyday we are to equally
share the responsibility and joy of being married."

Sharra
fingered the ribbon.  “What a beautiful custom."

“As
beautiful as my bride."

Before
she could do more than blush, the padre was speaking again.  This time
there was no need for translation.  “Ahora pronuncio le, el hombre y a la esposa."  Then the old man grinned and spoke in
English.

“Senior, you may kiss
your bride."

Giving a whoop of joy
and relief, Matt swung Sharra up into his arms and kissed her deeply.  The
priest clapped and smiled and at the back of the church, Matt could hear happy
shouting.  Turning around, he saw to his surprise, not only Juan, the
grinning carriage driver, but his horse as well.  The animal let out a
lusty neigh that sounded very much like a cheer.  At the sight of the
creature in the vestibule, Sharra burst into laughter.

“Well," she said
between gasps of mirth, “I was right.  I wonÅ‚t ever forget this
night.  You truly did make it special.  What a unique wedding!"

Matt grinned and
kissed his bride again, just for the hell of it, before he lifted her into his
arms.  “If you like the wedding, just wait until you see what IÅ‚ve got
planned for the wedding night!"

 

And to Sharrałs
pleasure, it was all that she could have ever hoped for.  After the
beautiful wedding ceremony, Juan and the irrepressible horse drove her and Matt
to a restaurant that looked over the sea.  Matt had booked a balcony all
for their own, and the flickering candles and sweet ocean air melded with soft
Spanish guitar playing in the shadows.  They feasted on local sea
delicacies, some sheÅ‚d never tasted before.  Octopus soup, fresh Tuna and
Dorado, as well as local fruit. 

It was topped off by
a dessert that made her mouth water, Tres Leche, a white three milk cake
crowned with sweet whipped cream.  It wasnÅ‚t a wedding cake, but it was as
unique and different as the whole courtship was, so it fit just fine.

And of course the
sparkling champagne flowed celebrating their nuptials.  Matt was different
than shełd ever seen him before, light-hearted and laughing, the worry seen so
often in his gray eyes, missing for the evening.  The care he had taken
made her love him even more and when he swept her into his arms for their first
dance, she wept tears of joy.

He kissed them away,
his sensuous lips tracing over her face so gently, her heart skipped several
beats.  The love she felt for him swelled inside her as she surrendered
herself to him in a way sheÅ‚d never done before.  He took that gift
gladly, giving her back his own giftthe full flavor of his desire.

It made them both
shudder with passion, and they couldnÅ‚t pay the bill fast enough.  No slow
carriage ride this time.  Matt grabbed the fastest cab he could find to
get them back to their hotel room.  Once there, the laughing faces and
chattering voices sheÅ‚d seen earlier were explained.  Since Matt and she
were wearing traditional wedding dress, theyÅ‚d known what was happening. 
In fact, everyone had known but Sharra.  When the hotel manager and
receptionist cheered again, this time she was able to thank them for their best
wishes.

But Matt didnłt give
her much time.  He whisked her away to their room quickly.  There he
proceeded to make love to her in ways sheÅ‚d only dreamed about.  He was so
sweet and gentle, yet more possessive than heÅ‚d ever been before.  He
removed her gown carefully, as if knowing she would want to keep is
forever.  Then he kissed her, starting at her lips and slowly trailing
down her body.  By the time heÅ‚d removed the tiny panties sheÅ‚d been
wearing, she was dripping wet and all her nerves were screaming with heated
desire.

Her legs gave out
when his tongue teased between her silky, wet folds.  With a satisfied
chuckle, he let her slip to the soft carpet and then continued his evening
feast.  Sharra lost count of how many times he brought her to climax, but
by the time he was finished with her, she felt like a melted puddle of wax
beneath him.

Groaning with his own
need, hełd pushed inside her and all the control hełd been holding onto
disappeared.  He thrust wildly into her, his body taking over.  To
her surprise the friction against her already stimulated clitoris sent her into
yet another orgasm, and as she screamed out her completion, he joined her with
a shout of her name that shook the pictures on the wall.

It was a long time
later when Matt finally rose and lifted Sharra into his arms.  He slipped
into bed with her, holding her close throughout the rest of the night. 
And as she fell asleep, Sharra realized that life couldn't get more perfect than
this.




Chapter Twelve 

Gazing
around the airport, Sharra gave a heartfelt sigh.  She didnÅ‚t want to
leave Puerto Vallartaat least not yet.  The thought of returning to the
states and reality didnÅ‚t seem a bit inviting.  But when Matt had shown
her the tickets first thing that morning, she could see the determination in
his eyes.  As much as she wanted to stay to experience the heartbeat of
Mexico and get to know her new husband better, she knew he was still worried
about what had happened to them in the jungle.

Shełd
expected a ticket back to Fresno, so she could get her life in order, but Matt
had informed her in no uncertain terms that she was coming with him to San
Francisco.  When sheÅ‚d stiffened at his high-handedness, heÅ‚d hastened to
explain since she still had a few days left of her scheduled vacation, he
wanted her to spend the time with him.  Finish their honeymoon. 
Since she wasnłt looking forward to seeing Frank and explaining the fact shełd
fallen in love with and married another mantwice, shełd let him think
heÅ‚d convinced her. 

Besides,
she really did want to be with Matt for a little longer.  They needed the
time together and they had some decisions to make about their future
together.  So in reality, he would have been hard pressed to get rid of
her, especially after the wonderful ceremony last night.

She
smiled as she thought back to her weddingwell, at least the one she
remembered.  It had been so beautiful, so sweetly romantic.  More
than sheÅ‚d ever hoped and dreamed of.  A far cry from the stuffy church
Frankłs family grew up in, with its pinched-faced pastor who always looked so
disapproving of her.  And she found she couldnÅ‚t regret not having an
overblown reception at the equally conventional country club.  FrankÅ‚s
mother had invited over five hundred guests, most of whom Sharra hadnłt even
met, and she hated the maroon and gold trimmings the society matron had
insisted were this years perfect flourishes!

No,
this tiny white draped church with its smiling priest and congregation of a bedraggled
horse and gap-toothed driver had been perfect.  The flickering lights and
traditional ceremony was one sheÅ‚d never forget.  Just like the reception
for two Matt and Sharra had shared on an ocean-scented balcony. 
Beautiful, intimate, filled with love and passion.  She wouldnÅ‚t have
changed a thing.

And
her wedding night wasnÅ‚t half bad either.  A grin split her face and she
hugged herself.  No, it was a thousand percent better than any honeymoon
in Paris.  Until sheÅ‚d met Matt, sheÅ‚d assumed sex was a pleasant twenty
minute activity that she would have on schedule two or three times a
week.  SheÅ‚d never imagined the mind-blowing passion of a quickie in the
shower, or that hours could be spent touching and tasting each other until you
couldnłt take a second more and the need overwhelmed you.

Frank
had made her feel totally inadequate, but one night in Mattłs arms had shown
her that wasnÅ‚t true.  He seemed to have a constant erection when she was
around.  In fact, if her husbandÅ‚s loud groans and earthy shouts during
their lovemaking were any indication, she was damned good!

“You
ready to go, honey?"

Her
husbandÅ‚s voice jerked her back to the present and she turned.  Matt
looked delicious in his tight jeans, blue T-shirt and dark jacket.  More
cosmopolitan than sheÅ‚d seen him before.  Her laid-back tourist lover was
gone.  Only the bristly chin remained.  Sighing at the loss, she
nodded.

“I
just want to visit the ladies room before we get on board."

He
smirked as he dropped a kiss on her lips.  “Hurry.  I want to be in
the air and going for entrance into the Mile High Club as soon as we can."

She
felt herself go red at the idea of having sex on a plane with people all around
them.  “Matt!"

Bursting
into laughter, he hugged her.  “You should see your face.  Christ,
woman.  ItÅ‚s our honeymoon, remember?  I havenÅ‚t touched you inabout
an hour and a half.  IÅ‚m dying here."

More
warmth flooded her as she joined him in amusement.  “YouÅ‚re insatiable."

“Yup,"
he inclined his head, completely unconcerned with the moniker.  “But only
with you."

“I
love you."

His
smile broadened.  “I know.  And I really like that part about being
married."  He kissed her again and took her carry-on bag.  “Now go do
your business.  IÅ‚ll meet you at the reception desk and then weÅ‚ll board."

She
nodded and turned toward the nearest bathrooms.  Sharra always made a
point of going before she got on a plane or train.  She hated the small
cubicles they had on board.  Often she wondered if she was claustrophobic.

Her
mind was on tiny silver rooms and not on where she was going, and it was for
that reason she ran into the person striding towards her.  She hit him
with a muffled thud, dropping her purse.

“IÅ‚m
so sorry," she gasped as she bent to retrieve her bag.  “I wasnÅ‚t watch"

“Sharra? 
My God!  Is it you?" 

Icy
shock traced down SharraÅ‚s spine.  Lifting her gaze, she saw to her utter
horror, her fiancéex-fianceFrank standing in front of her.  Her throat
closed down and she could only stare at him in mute surprise.

He
looked exactly as he did before going to the office in the morning.  An
elegant three piece, button down suit in dreary brown covered his lean, yet
slightly flabby body.  He was sweating profusely, and she wondered briefly
why heÅ‚d worn such a heavy suit into the heat of Mexico.  Yet knowing
Frank, heÅ‚d probably have worn it to the beach as well.  His irritated
clearing of the throat brought her back to the present.  She forced
herself to speak.

“Whatwhat
are you doing here?"

He
flicked at an invisible piece of dust on his sleeve.  “What do you think
IÅ‚m doing?  IÅ‚ve come after you."

“After
me?" she echoed.

Frank
looked around at the hordes of people milling around Puerto Vallartałs small
airport and sniffed bad-temperedly.  “After that man hung up on me,
I waited for you to call and you didnÅ‚t.  I thought you might have gotten
yourself in trouble, so I came to find you. It was all very
inconvenient.   I had to put off a very important meeting, you know."

Anger
and surprise warred inside her.  “You worried I was in trouble, but youÅ‚re
more upset because I messed up your schedule?"

“DonÅ‚t take that tone
with me, Sharra.  Your last fling has cost me and Mother precious
time.  The caterers, the country club, your gown fittings.  Since you
werenÅ‚t available, I had Mother make the decisions for you.  If you donÅ‚t
like them, itÅ‚s your own fault.  You should have been in Fresno, doing
them yourself.  But at least youÅ‚ve come to your senses.  YouÅ‚re
herein the airport and on your way home.  We can catch the next plane
home and everything will get back to normal."

Get back to
normal.  She couldnÅ‚t
help a shudder at his words.  That was the last thing she wanted. 
And to her surprise, Frankłs reference of their upcoming wedding made her feel
no guilt or anger this time.  The mention of his mother, which in the past
would have sent her into a teeth-gnashing episode of fury, did absolutely
nothing.  Instead she felt a curious sense of relief.  The last thing
sheÅ‚d expected to feel.  She stared up at him, trying to sort through her
confused thoughts.

Why had she decided
to marry this man in the first place?  He was handsome, if you liked the
every-hair-in-its-place-at-all-times type.  His button down, white color
looks were attractive to some women.  And his dark brown eyes were sexy, if
heÅ‚d ever use them for something other than staring at a balance sheet. 
His kisses had been nice, but cold.  SheÅ‚d never felt as if it really
mattered who he was kissing.  There had never been a spark.  That
ultimate connection between them.

Shełd enjoyed being
with him at first.  HeÅ‚d paid such close attention to her when they were
dating.  HeÅ‚d taken her to expensive restaurants and the opera, all places
sheÅ‚d never been to before.  SheÅ‚d liked being on his arm.  And he
was a gentleman, never touching her sexually.  Other than a gentle good
night kiss, he never forced the issue until after they were engaged.

When theyłd been
seeing each other for several months, shełd told him about her father and what
had happened.  The whole sordid story of how heÅ‚d taken one of his rich
woman clients to bed to convince her to deal with him.  How theyÅ‚d been
discovered in flagrante delicto by the womanÅ‚s husband.  Since the
man was one of the most powerful tycoons on the west coast, after he divorced
his cheating wife, he made a point of destroying SharraÅ‚s father.  Who,
like the true coward he was, killed himself in shame, leaving his shocked,
grieving widow and twelve year old daughter to pick up the pieces of their
life.

She remembered that
Frankłs face had gone all serious and still, and shełd thought at the time that
heÅ‚d been angry with what her father had done.  She knew that was in part
why sheÅ‚d said yes.  His reaction to the devastating blow sheÅ‚d
suffered.  SheÅ‚d believed him safethat he would never cheat or lie to
her, but now, she wasnÅ‚t so sure.  After several months of being engaged
to him, she was pretty sure shełd been mistaken about his initial
response.  It wasnÅ‚t anger at her father sheÅ‚d seen, but disgust at being
involved with someone whoÅ‚d been part of such a tawdry situation. 

Could it have been
his wealth?  He was rich, powerful and successful, but Sharra wasnÅ‚t
mercenary.  While his money had been nice, it wasnÅ‚t what really appealed
to her.  She loved her job as a graphic artist and had resented his
constant harping about going out and getting a real job.  In fact, she
hated the whole lifestyle she had been expected to conform to. 

And later on, he
wasnÅ‚t all that fun to be with.  They never went to the movies, or on a
picnic.  HeÅ‚d never have thought of a carriage ride through the city or a
dune buggy ride in the jungle.  In fact, when she thought back now, she
had a hard time remembering anything theyÅ‚d done that was fun. 
Apparently, once the courtship was over, he didnłt think they needed to spend
that quality time together.

So why had she said
yes?  Why had she stayed with him?  Looking at him now, knowing the
intensity of how she felt about Matt, she couldnłt think of one real reason,
other than she gotten in the habit of being with him.  And she knew with a
certainty that made her smile sheÅ‚d never loved this man.  Nor had he ever
really, truly loved her.  That made everything much clearer.

“Are you
drunk?"  Frank waved a hand in front of her face and grimaced.  “My
God, Mother will have a fit if I bring you home like this.  You look as if
you just rolled out of a cheap Mexican bar.  Do you have something to
change into?"

Sharra looked down at
what she was wearing.  It was one of the bright, colorful sundresses sheÅ‚d
treated herself to.  She loved it and MattÅ‚s eyes had glowed when heÅ‚d
seen her putting it on.  “No."

“No?"  Frank
frowned again.  “Then what happened to your clothes?"

“ThatÅ‚s not what I
mean."  Sharra struggled for a moment, but then all her hesitation fell
away and she was suddenly one hundred percent exactly sure of what she was
going to say.  “I mean, no, IÅ‚m not coming back to Fresno.  IÅ‚m not
going to marry you."

Her ex-fiancé blinked
twice, very precisely.  “DonÅ‚t be ridiculous.  WeÅ‚re going to be
married in ten days.  The country club is booked.  Mother has your
gown all ready."

“No, I donÅ‚t think
so."  SharraÅ‚s voice was serene in its certainty.  “IÅ‚m breaking the
engagement, Frank.  IÅ‚m sorry.  Very sorry to do it this way, but I
canÅ‚t marry you.  You see, I donÅ‚t love you."

His dark eyes widened
as he ignored the second statement and concentrated on the first.  “YouÅ‚re
breaking our engagement?  YouÅ‚ve got to be joking."

She shook her head
and sighed.  This was worse than sheÅ‚d thought it was going to be. 
Matt was right.  She should have done it over the phone and gotten it over
with.  Although, she wasnÅ‚t sure Frank would have accepted it even
then.  “IÅ‚m sorry.  I didnÅ‚t even know it myself until I got down
here.  All I knew was that I was uncomfortable and needed a break. 
But then I realized it wasnÅ‚t a break from the wedding plans I needed." 
She swallowed and met his eyes squarely.  “It was a break from you."

“You think you can
dump me in this scruffy little airport?"  His eyes had gone to narrow
slits and his whole face tightened.  “DonÅ‚t be insane.  YouÅ‚re my
fiancé and youÅ‚ll do what youÅ‚re told.  I told you IÅ‚ll forgive your
ridiculous fling, Sharra, but I wonÅ‚t be toyed with any longer.  ItÅ‚s time
to come home."

She took a step back
from his obvious anger.  “I said IÅ‚m not going back to Fresno.  I
wonłt marry you."

He grabbed her arm,
so quickly she didnÅ‚t have time to move.  “You little bitch. 
I told Mother you were too flighty, but she said we needed new blood and she
could train you to be a lady.  But IÅ‚ll be damned if youÅ‚ll shame me in
front of my family and friends this way.  YouÅ‚ll marry me or IÅ‚ll ruin
you.  You know IÅ‚m connected, Sharra.  IÅ‚ll make it so no one will
ever hire you again.  If you think youÅ‚re father was destroyed, wait until
you see what IÅ‚ll do to you."

Her mouth dropped
open at his threats.  Where had the quiet, gentle mamaÅ‚s-boy gone
to?  Or was this the real Frank?  Was this the way heÅ‚d become so
powerful?  Through cruel intimidation?  Suddenly, she was seeing her
ex-fiancé through new eyes.  She tried to pull away.  “Let me
go!  There is nothing you can do to me.  I donÅ‚t love you and youÅ‚re
right.  IÅ‚m not the right woman for you."

“Is this about the man
youÅ‚ve met here?  The one pretending to be your husband?"  FrankÅ‚s
face went red.  “What is he, some cheap, hustler, Mexican gigolo? 
IÅ‚ll bet he takes you to all the best bars and cheap motels.  If thatÅ‚s
how you wanted me to treat you, Sharra, all you had to do was ask."

Anger raced through
her at his disparaging remarks.  “You have no idea what Matt is like, and
I donÅ‚t intend on telling you.  But IÅ‚ll give you this much.  He
treats me like Iłm precious to him and hełs made me know what itłs like to be a
real woman.  And heÅ‚s not pretending to be anything.  Another reason
I wonÅ‚t marry you, Frank, is that IÅ‚m already married.  To him."

Frank stared at her
for a long moment then his eyes became so cold she swore she felt icicles
forming.  “Then he was telling the truth on the phone.  You married
him.  The day after you got here?"

She swallowed hard
and nodded, refusing to tell him anything more.  He didnÅ‚t deserve
it.  “I fell in love with him, Frank.  I didnÅ‚t mean to.  It
just happened.  But IÅ‚m not sorry.  Except for the part about what it
did to you.  For that, I will apologize."

“An apology isnÅ‚t
enough!"  FrankÅ‚s eyes flashed angrily.  “You cheated on me, you
little whore.  Who the hell do you think you are?"  He swept back his
hand to strike.

It never got to its
target.

Suddenly, Matt was
there and if Frank was mad, her new husband was all but raging with fury. 
A solid uppercut to Frankłs jaw and the man was down on his ass.

“IÅ‚ll tell you who
she is," Matt growled as he pulled Sharra into his arms.  He ignored the
murmuring crowd around them.  “SheÅ‚s my wife.  And no one touches her
but me."




Chapter Thirteen 

Matt was
furious.  The fact that another man had tried to manhandle his woman
pushed him close to losing control.  It didnÅ‚t matter that Sharra used to
belong to the moron in question.  Ignoring the gathering crowd, he reached
down and jerked Frank up by the shirt collar.  “So, this the famous Frank
Bingham.  You like hitting women, you sorry piece of shit?"

Frank said
nothing.  He just gagged from the choking hold.  His hands came up to
pluck at Mattłs.

“Matt, no!" 
Sharra appeared beside him, her eyes filled with concern.  “Please. 
Hełs not worth it."

He turned his head
and looked at her.  His fury was overwhelming.  “He was going to hit
you."  He spoke very slowly as if she were someone of limited
intelligence.  “That means IÅ‚m gonna have to kill him."

She gasped and
clutched at his arm.  “No!  You canÅ‚t.  Please, letÅ‚s just
leave.  He means nothing to me.  Not any more."

Her ex-fiancé let out
a guttural snarl as he pushed away from Matt.  He glared at her.  “Bitch!"

Matt gave a feral
grin and hit him again, this time right in the nose.  Blood spurted as
Frank fell back to the ground.  “Say another word, you bastard and IÅ‚ll
knock out each of your teeth."

He watched as Sharrał
ex rolled around on the floor in the pool of his own blood.  It gave him a
primal satisfaction to know that hełd put those marks on his rivalłs
face.  In fact, he wished he could have done more.  He couldnÅ‚t help
but remember if he hadnłt talked Sharra into marrying him for real, shełd still
belong to the asshole writhing on the ground.  What had she ever seen in
him anyway?  Bingham wasnÅ‚t worthy of Sharra, that was for damn sure.

“Please, Matt,"
SharraÅ‚s voice cut through the fog of his anger.  “ItÅ‚s over.  IÅ‚ll
never have to see him again.  Please, can we go?"

Taking a deep breath,
he battled back his rage.  Keeping his gaze on his fallen enemy, he put
his arm around his new wife, giving her a little squeeze.  “You sure I
canłt kill him?"

She frowned, but then
relaxed when she saw he was kidding.  Her ex was safefor the
moment.  “No, love, you canÅ‚t kill him."  Glancing down at the
hapless Frank, she gave a loud sniff.  “At least not yet.  But I may change
my mind if he comes near me a second time."

Frank pulled out a
white handkerchief and mopped at his bloody nose.  “Damb it, Sharra. 
Ooo canłd mean dat."

“I promise you, she
does," Matt growled menacingly.  “SheÅ‚s my wife and I donÅ‚t take kindly to
other men bothering her."

“IÅ‚b Ä™er finade."

“Are you deaf?" Matt
snarled.  “Or just stupid?  She married me which means youÅ‚re
not anybody.  Not anymore.  Now, IÅ‚ll give you one more chance to get
the hell out of here before I break something else."

The other man
narrowed his already swelling eyes.  It was difficult to hear him through
the bloody handkerchief.  “IÅ‚ll call da polide."

Matt laughed. 
“Knock yourself out.  I canÅ‚t wait to hear you explain why you took a
swing at another manÅ‚s wife.  Thing is, men down here are pretty
possessive of their womenfolk.  DonÅ‚t think theyÅ‚ll take kindly to you
mistreating one.  Especially one as pretty as Sharra is."

Frank shakily got to
his feet.  His blood-soaked handkerchief over his nose made him look like
a slightly deranged bank robber.  “Der is no deed.  IÅ‚b goig." 
He lifted his head and tried to look down his broken nose.  But the mess
of his face ruined the haughty look.  “Ooo are Ä™elcome to Ä™er.  I
neber Ä™eally waded to marry Ä™er.  Sees nod wurf ma timb or mondy."

Cursing at the slight
to his lady, Matt took a step closer.  He looked forward to putting some
more bruises on the bastard, but Frank was already moving.  “Dis idnt
ober, Sharra.  I probise ooo."

Skipping backwards
and almost slipping in his own blood, Frank turned and quickly ran toward the
bathrooms, glancing back only to shake his fist once before disappearing from
sight.

Sharra stared after
him.  “I canÅ‚t believe that was Frank.  HeÅ‚s never acted like that
before."

“HeÅ‚s a worm," was
Mattłs surly response.

She was still in
shock over what sheÅ‚d seen.  It was as if during the six months of her
engagement Frankłs behavior had been a complete sham and now she was seeing him
for what he really was.  “He was always such a perfect gentleman.  He
never raised his voice or swore.  I thought he was safe.  That heÅ‚d
never hurt me."

Matt frowned and
glanced towards the menÅ‚s bathroom.  “You sure weÅ‚re talking about the
same guy?"

Thinking back over
all the times she and Frank had been together she couldnłt help but wonder what
else sheÅ‚d missed.  “Obviously, I was wrong about him.  Very
wrong."  She shook herself and turned to Matt, gratitude in her
eyes.  “Thank you for saving me.  Seems youÅ‚re making a habit of it."

To her surprise he
looked uncomfortable.  “ItÅ‚s no big deal."

“Hey!"  She put
her arms around his waist and snuggled closer.  Being near her husband
made her feel much better.  “I think it is.  No one has ever stood up
for me before and youłve done it twice now."

He tensed. 
“Twice?"

She kissed his
chin.  “Duh!  Remember the bad guys in the jungle?  They chased
usyou got us out?"

Relaxing visibly, he
bent and kissed her nose.  “Oh, yeah.  IÅ‚d, ummm, forgotten the drug
runners."

“IÅ‚ll never
forget it."

“Well," he said with
a sexy grin, “you can thank me later."  He waggled his eyebrows at
her.  “Maybe when weÅ‚re a mile high?  "

Sharra felt her
cheeks get warm.  “YouÅ‚ve got a one track mind."

“Only about you,
baby."

Smiling, she glanced
over at the bathrooms.  “I think IÅ‚ll wait and go on the plane.  I
donłt want to run into him again."

Matt nodded. 
“Good choice."  He gathered up the fallen bags and took her hand. 
“Next stop, San Francisco."

Giving him a sultry
look, she gave his butt a squeeze.  “By way of the mile high club?Å‚

His eyes went to pewter. 
“You got it, honey!"

* * *

“Will Miss Sharra
Roberts please pick up a white courtesy phone?"

The tinny
announcement came only a few minutes before they were to board their
plane.  SharraÅ‚s tensed and her eyes widened as she looked at Matt.  “D-Do
you think itłs Frank?"

Matt frowned. 
“I canÅ‚t believe heÅ‚d be that stupid."  He took her hand.  “But just
in case, you want me to answer it?"

She glanced over at
the phone on the wall.  “No.  HeÅ‚s my problem.  I need to handle
it.  But donÅ‚t get on board without me, okay?"

“Not on your life,
sweetheart.  Where you go, I go."  He kissed her palm
lingeringly.  “And we always go so well together."

Warmth touched her
cheeks at the sexy banter.  Dropping a kiss on his grinning mouth, she
rose and made her way to the row of telephones on the wall.  Going to the
closest white phone, she lifted the receiver and gave the operator her name.
 Then waited.  A moment later there was a burst of static.

“Senorita
Roberts?"

An accented male
voice spoke softly, and Sharra had to strain to hear him.  “Ummm, itÅ‚s Senora
Sinclair now, but yes?"

“Perhaps, perhaps
not."  The man laughed.

She frowned at the
odd comment, wondering if she was the victim of a crank call.  “Is there
something I can do for you?"

“Oh yes, Senorita." 
He chuckled again.  “I think I have something that belongs to you."

“Excuse me?"

There was a loud
clattering on the phone.  A sudden spate of Spanish made her cringe and
then she heard a deep masculine groan.  Her heart skipped a beat.  It
couldnłt be

“Sharra?"

Her heart stopped
beating all together.  “Frank?"

“He..lp me"

She almost dropped
the phone, but then another voice came over the receiver.  “So, Senorita,
you know this man?"

“Yes."  She
turned and looked back at where Matt stood.  He was gazing worriedly at
his watch and then looking over at the entrance gate.  “WhatÅ‚s wrong with
him?  Is he hurt?"

“You mean more than
the broken nose your pretend marido gave him?"

“Pre  What are
you talking about?  Who are you?"

“Ahhh  That is
the million dollar question, is it not, Senorita?  Perhaps you will
remember some of my men."  He chuckled again, and she heard FrankÅ‚s
whimper of pain in the background.  “You met them in the jungle, si?"

Terror traced down
SharraÅ‚s spine.  “YouÅ‚re one of the drug runners!"

The chuckle turned
into full blown laughter.  “Is that what SeÅ„or Sinclair told
you?  Cómo divierte.  A true comedian he is."

Sharra caught Mattłs
eye and frantically gestured him over.  “Please, stop all the riddles and
tell me what you want"

“What I want?" 
The manÅ‚s voice abruptly went cold.  “I shall tell you what I want, Senorita. 
I want my merchandise back."

 

One look at Sharrałs
face and Matt knew something was wrong.  SheÅ‚d gone horribly pale, and she
was clutching the phone like it was a lifeline.  Grabbing their bags, he
ran over to her.  “Babe?  What is it?"

She waved her hand,
shushing him and leaning over, whispered in his ear.  “My God, Matt. 
ItÅ‚s the drug runner from the jungle.  But how did he know where we were?"

Matt swore inwardly
as fear and anger iced his blood.  HeÅ‚d been so fucking close.  Just
a few more seconds and Sharra and the microfilm with the formula would have
been out of the country.  He glanced around the small waiting area.  How
the hell had they found him?

Sharra dragged him
closer, and then turned the receiver so they both could hear.  Clearing
her throat, she kept her eyes on MattÅ‚s.  “What do you mean, you want your
merchandise back?"

“I suggest," the
voice on the phone hissed out, “you ask the man youÅ‚re standing next to that."

When her shocked eyes
went to his, it was all Matt could do not to flinch.  Could things get any
worse?  He forced himself to shake his head and look confused.  He
hated lying to her, but if he couldnłt get Sharra on the plane soon, it would
all be over.  “Hang up, honey.  ItÅ‚s just a bad joke or
something.  LetÅ‚s get the hell out of here.  The plane is going to
leave."

“Maldición. 
So that is his stand," the man on the phone snarled.  “Pretend he knows
nothing when he is the one that stole from me."

Her mouth dropped
open.  “Matt?  Hewhat?"

“Sharra, come
on.  We have to go."  He grabbed at her hand as if he was going to
hang up the phone, but she jerked away. 

She kept her eyes on
his as she spoke into the receiver.  “Explain what you mean."

“You think we came
after you in the jungle by chance?  No.  SeÅ„or Sinclair
has something I want.  If he gives it to me, I will give you back your
Frank."

Mattłs stomach
dropped to the ground.  Shit.  Things could be worse. 
They had a hostage.  “HeÅ‚s got Bingham?"

“Yes, SeÅ„or Sinclair. 
I have the man you bloodied so thoroughly.  I must compliment you on the
job.  But while you may not care what happens to him, I do believe the chica
does.  Memories of the past, no?  Perhaps she even feels
guilty that she took up with you instead of staying faithful to the man she was
promised to."

“Shut the fuck up,"
Matt snarled.  “You leave my wife alone."

“Your wife?" 
The laughter came through loud and clear.  “Does she really believe you
married her?"

He felt Sharrałs
nails dig into his arm.  “Matt, what is he talking about?"

Shaking his head,
this time he was the one to shush her.  “Leave Sharra out of this. 
What the hell do you want?"

 “I told you, SeÅ„or. 
I want my property."

“And if I donÅ‚t know
what the hell youłre talking about?"

There was another
long tirade in Spanish.  Matt pretended not to listen to the filthy names
and crude language.  “Sorry.  DonÅ‚t understand a word youÅ‚re saying."

“Bastardo! 
You think you can play with me?  IÅ‚m afraid you have made a bad enemy by
displeasing me.  People who do that usually donÅ‚t live long."

Matt gave a
snort.  “IÅ‚m fucking terrified."

The other manłs voice
turned to ice.  “You should be.  No one crosses me, amigo. 
As you can see, I have a very long reach.  And if SeÅ„or Bingham is
found dead, you were the one who had the very public fight with him.  I do
not think it will be hard tohow do you say itpin the murder on you.  But
I do not want to frighten Senorita Roberts.  At least not
yet.  For now, let me make this very clear to both of you.  You have
thirty minutes to bring me my merchandise or she will never have to worry about
seeing her fiancé again.  I will kill SeÅ„or Bingham."




Chapter Fourteen 

Sharrałs mind was in
a whirl as Matt ushered her out of the airport and into a nearby taxi.  A
glance at his hard face told her that he wasnłt in the mood for talking, but
she was determined to find out what exactly the man on the phone had meant.

Who was that
guy?  What merchandise?  Had Matt really stolen from him? 

An icy feeling went
down her spine.  If he had stolen something, what else could it be
but drugs?  Her stomach rolled in anguish.  No.  She couldnÅ‚t
believe that of her husband.  Matt wouldnÅ‚t steal drugshe wasnÅ‚t that
type.  She couldnÅ‚t be wrong about him.  Not the way sheÅ‚d been with
Frank.

Could she be?

She chewed on the
possibilities as they made their way to a small cantina near the airport. 
Once seated, with a beer in front of them, she reached over and grabbed his
hand.  “Talk to me, Matt.  I want to know what the hell is going on."

“Honey"

“DonÅ‚t!"  His
placating voice just made her angry.  “I need to know the truth."

Matt took a long swig
of his beer and then sighed.  “Damn it.  I was hoping we could be
back in the states before I had to tell you everything."

Then there was
something.  Her stomach dropped.  “Tell me what?"

He rubbed his eyes
and then leaned forward to hold her hands.  “IÅ‚ll tell you, but you have
to promise to listen and not get angry."

“Too late."  She
glared at him.  “IÅ‚m already mad, and someone I used to care about is in
trouble because of us.  I want to hear it all."  The look on MattÅ‚s
face told her he wasnłt happy with her announcement about Frank, but she was
past worrying.  He had some explaining to do.

“All right."  He
let go of her hands and glanced carefully around the cantina.  “I do have
something that guy thinks is his.  But itÅ‚s not, Sharra.  I swear
it."

She frowned. 
“Keep going."

“I told you IÅ‚m a
private investigator?"

Nodding, she kept her
gaze on his. 

“Well, I am, but IÅ‚m
not like one of the guys on TV.  I donÅ‚t have an office or a bunch of
clients.  And IÅ‚m no Sam Spade looking for any damn bird.  I work for
big corporations.  Usually doing white collar gigs.  Right now IÅ‚m
working with Banyon Pharmaceuticals.  They hired me to find a missing
scientist."

“A missing
scientist?"  This wasnÅ‚t anything like she expected.  “Why?"

“HeÅ‚d stolen a
formula for a new kind of topical anesthetica designer form of cocaine. 
He brought it down to Mexico to sell to the highest bidder."

“Coke?"  She
shivered at the thought.  “And you found him?"

“I tracked him
hereto Puerto Vallarta.  Caught up with him just outside a
nightclub.  I was able to get the microfilm back, but before I could get
him to tell me the name of the drug lord buying the formula, the idiot ran in
front of a taxi driver and was killed."

“My God, Matt." 
She bit her lip.  “Did you?"

“No, baby."  He
shook his head firmly.  “I had nothing to do with it.  Dr. 
Leftdetter, the scientist, knew hełd go to jail if he was taken back to the
states.  He got scared and took off running.  Stepped out into the
street and got nailed by a fuckinł Mexican taxi."

The thought made her
want to be sick.  “What happened then?"

“There was nothing I
could do for Lefdetter, so I faded into the crowd and tried to disappear. 
But somehow the czar found out I had the formula.  I guess he started
searching for me."

The pieces started to
come together.  “And so thatÅ‚s why they came after us in the jungle. 
It wasnłt just a random thing."

Mattłs cheeks went
ruddy.  “No."

Anger licked at her,
and she wanted to swear at her own naiveté.  SheÅ‚d been such a fool. 
“And the gun?  That wasnÅ‚t something you were given by the rental
agency.  ItÅ‚s yours, isnÅ‚t it?  You lied to me."

“Sharra"

“You lied to me," she
repeated, unable to decide whether she was still angry or just hurt. She
blinked back tears.  “All this time and you knew we were in danger? 
Damn you!  How long, Matt?  How long?"

He ran his hand
through his hair and wouldnÅ‚t meet her eyes.  “I-I thought IÅ‚d lost them
before I met you.  It wasnÅ‚t until they picked us up during the buggy ride
that I realized I was still on their radar."

“But"

“I did try to protect
us," he interrupted.  “I tried to get us out of there.
 Remember?  I wanted to go hometo the states."

Sharra did
remember.  Just like she remembered him admitting he loved her in almost
the same breath.  Like she remembered the heated lovemaking that
followed.  Warmth rushed through her stealing away some of the icy
shock.  She took a deep breath and waited for her emotions to even
out.  It didnÅ‚t help.  Instinctively, needing to touch him, she put
her hand on his.  “But why didnÅ‚t you tell me?"

“Oh, baby," he groaned
out.  His hazel eyes pleaded with her to understand as he threaded his
fingers through hers.  “I-I was afraid to.  I was already in love
with you, and I was so damned afraid youÅ‚d run.  I couldnÅ‚t bear the
thought of you leaving me.  And since they knew we were together, it could
have been dangerous for you if you did take off.  They could use you as
bait.  IÅ‚m sure by now they know IÅ‚d do just about anything to keep you
safe."

Love swelled again,
but she pushed it back ruthlessly.  She was still angry over what heÅ‚d
done.  First Frank and now Matt.  She was getting damn tired of men
treating her like she was stupid.  “Then why didnÅ‚t we go home after they
shot at us in the jungle?"

Mattłs face went even
redder, and his eyes slid away.  “I know I should have gotten us out of
there, that it was dangerous, butcall me a romantic.  I wanted to spend
more time with you."  He rubbed his face again.  “I shouldnÅ‚t have
let myself be swayed by that, and now everythingłs all screwed up."

“So you kept the
truth from me because you were afraid IÅ‚d walk?"  Tears threatened
again.  “What about the part where he said we werenÅ‚t married?"

“HeÅ‚s a fucking
liar."  His eyes flashed.  “We sure as hell are married. 
IÅ‚ve got the paper to prove it."

His anger actually made
her feel better and she subtly relaxed.  “You mean papers."

He didnłt answer,
just squeezed her hand.  “IÅ‚m sorry Frank is involved in this.  I may
think heÅ‚s a piece of shit, but he has nothing to do with the drugs.  He
shouldnłt be the one paying for it."

“No."  Sharra
shook her head then her gaze pinned his.  “Is that all?  Is there
anything else you need to tell me?"

Matt wanted to tell
her the truth so bad he could taste it, but if she got angry and ran from him,
Sharra could be grabbed by the drug lord and really hurt.  No, for her own
sake he had to keep lying to her.  At least for a while.  When they
were safe in San Francisco he would tell her everything.  Fighting back
the sickness he felt, Matt forced himself to meet her eyes.  “ThatÅ‚s it,
baby.  IÅ‚ve told you everything.  I promise." 

Her shoulders
slumped, and she gave him a tremulous smile.  “Okay.  Thanks.  I
guess I just needed to hear you say it.  So what should we do now? 
How do we save Frank?"

He breathed an inward
sigh of relief.  SheÅ‚d accepted his explanation.  Sharra might be
angry with what hełd done, but at least she wasnłt stomping away from him in
fury.  HeÅ‚d have some serious damage control to do when this was all
over.  He knew she hated liars, and heÅ‚d just dropped a pile of deception
in her lap.  Hopefully sheÅ‚d understand once he got her back home to San
Francisco.  But he had to keep them both safe and get that bastard Frank
out alive first.

“Matt?"

He jerked his
thoughts back to the moment.  “Telling them I had to go pick up the
microfilm bought us a little time.  Now we have two hours until the meet."

“What good will that
do?  And where is the microfilm?"

Patting his pocket,
he smiled grimly at her.  “ItÅ‚s right here, safe and sound.  But to
answer your other question, before we meet with our mystery drug lord, IÅ‚ll
have to make up a fake formula. No way can I trade him the real McCoy. 
Itłs too dangerous."

“But wonÅ‚t he
know?  WonÅ‚t it be too dangerous for Frank?"

The fact that she was
worried about her ex-fiancé pissed him off, but he pushed back the anger. 
She was right to be concerned.  “He never saw the original, so he wonÅ‚t
know the difference.  It wouldnÅ‚t pass inspection with an expert, but it
should give us time to get Frank out safe." 

“How?"

He couldn't let Sharra know how worried he was, so he sent up a prayer
for a miracle and only winked at her. “One thing all us private dicks know how to do is pull a con. 
What ya think, honey?  Want to be Nora to my Nick?"

* * *

Two hours later
Sharra stood just outside the broken down warehouse and wished she was anywhere
but there.  She could hear something squeaking in the nearby piles of
broken rubble, and the smell of the alley made her eyes water.  If only
she hadnłt picked up the phone, she and Matt could have been half way to San
Francisco.

Shame touched
her.  She shouldnÅ‚t even be thinking such a thing.  FrankÅ‚s life was
in danger.  He might not be her fiancé any longer, and he really was a
jerk, but he had meant something to her once.  And her falling for another
man was what had brought him to Mexico and into this mess.  So, in a small
way, it was her fault.

She pushed the guilt
away.  It would do no good and she couldnÅ‚t be distracted from what she
had to do next.  Smoothing down her dress, she cast a quick look over her
shoulder.  Matt was out there, close by.  He might already be in the
warehouse waiting for her.  HeÅ‚d promised this would workthat Frank would
be safe when this was done.  And that soon they would be in San Francisco
sipping a beer on his patio, celebrating their honeymoon and laughing about the
close call.

But laughter wasnłt
something she could even consider now.  She was too frightened to think of
anything but doing exactly what the drug lord had told them to do. 

“Listen carefully,
SeÅ„or Sinclair.  Your lady will bring the formula to me at Plaza
Serpiente.  The last warehouse on the end.  She must come
alone.  If I see you or anyone that else that makes me que picaitchy,
then SeÅ„or Bingham?  He will be killed.  And so will your lady."

Of course Matt had no
intention of sending Sharra in alone.  HeÅ‚d wanted to take her place, but
sheÅ‚d argued against it.  The bad guy had told them her and her
alone.  If she didnÅ‚t show up the drug lord could kill both Matt and Frank
just out of spite.

He hadnłt been able
to sway her, so heÅ‚d thought up another plan.  She would go in, trade the
formula for Frank and if anything went south, he would be hiding, ready to
cover their escape.  She wasnÅ‚t stupid, she knew a thousand things could
go wrong, but Matt acted so confident, she allowed herself to believe
everything would be all right.  Besides, she had no other real choice.

But now as she stood
before the open warehouse door, her blood iced with fear.  She wasnÅ‚t a detective,
she was just an artist who wanted to go home with her husband and start her new
life.  Yet, she knew until this was finished, she wouldnÅ‚t be going
anywhere.

Sending a prayer
winging up to heaven, Sharra stepped inside the warehouse.  It took a minute
before her eyes adjusted, but it wasnłt hard to see that the inside was as
dilapidated as the outside.

“Hello?" she
quavered.  “Ummm, IÅ‚m here."

Utter silence
permeated the big empty space.  All she could hear were the skittering of
rats and the fluttering of pigeons in the rafters.  Swallowing down her
nerves, she tried a second time.

“Hel"

“Senorita Sinclair,"
a harsh voice interrupted.  “I am pleased to see that you obeyed.  I
have looked forward to finally meeting you face to face."

 

Hidden behind a pile
of rusted bedsprings and stinking garbage, Matt crouched down with his eyes on
Sharra.  HeÅ‚d known fear before, but watching his wife walk into what he
was sure was a trap terrified him.  HeÅ‚d come close to pulling the plug on
the whole operation and letting Frank find his own way out, but Sharra had
proved to be more stubborn than he was.  No matter what heÅ‚d said, sheÅ‚d
only shaken her head and become more obstinate.  She was bound and
determined to get Frank out.  Not because she still loved her ex, she
hastened to assure Matt, but because she wanted that part of her life over and
done with so she could come to Matt with no shadows or worries on her heart.

That type of logic
defeated him and unless he knocked her over the head and carried her onto a
plane, he was stuck rescuing the bozo.   But he had a really bad
feeling about the whole thing.  So many things could go wrong, and he
didnÅ‚t trust the big boss to keep his word. 

All the dropped hints
and innuendos about his new wife bothered him, too.  He felt like he was
waiting for the other shoe to drop, but he didnłt know exactly what that shoe
was.  One way or the other, he was worried something would go wrong with
Sharra.  He could only hope when this mess was all over and done with, and
he told her the rest of the truth, she would still want to be with him. 
He had the awful feeling if she walked away from him, his life would be over.

Hełd made a quick
reconnoiter of the building, sliding in and out of shadows as hełd done so many
times when he was working for Uncle Sam.  His experience as an Army Ranger
had come in handy in situations before, but now he thanked God for his skills
as he was able to slip close to the men hiding in the corners of the
building.  HeÅ‚d counted eight before he found who he was really looking
for.

The manłs identity
surprised him only in the sense hełd expected someone lower on the food
chain.  The designer cocaine formula must be really important to have the
head of the whole Tiburón Drug Cartel being so hands on with it.

Seńor Crespin
Aguilar stood in the middle
of the filthy warehouse in his three-piece immaculate white suit looking for
all the world like a man on his way to a fancy party.  One of the richest
men in Mexico, hełd earned his money through the pain and suffering of
thousands of people whoÅ‚d become addicted to his white poison.  His
reputation for brutal retribution towards anyone who got in his way sent a
chill down MattÅ‚s back.  It was just MattÅ‚s luck he was now one of
those people.

But he wasnłt planning
on staying around long enough to let Aguilar get his elegant,
bloodstained hands on either him or Sharra.  HeÅ‚d get Frank out, but then
the bastard was on his own.  And if all went well, theyÅ‚d be out and on
their way very quickly.

The sound of the door
opening made him duck lower, and he watched as two more men dragged the
half-conscious body of Frank Bingham into the room.  He was tossed
unceremoniously at the drug lordłs feet.

“Frank!" 
Sharrałs voice rang out and she stepped forward only to halt when Aguilar
lifted his hand.  “Is he okay?"

“He is fine, Senorita
Roberts.  At least for the moment."




Chapter Fifteen 

Sharra shivered but
held her head high.  “All right.  I have the merchandise.  You
have Frank.  How are we going to do this?"

“Straight to the
point.  I admire that in a woman."  The drug lord smiled as he came
into view.  He was quite good looking with harsh-cut features and thin,
sensuous lips.  Dark and well built, he wasnÅ‚t nearly as tall as Matt was. 
In fact, he was well under six feet.  Sharra opened her mouth, but he cut
her off.

“Allow me to
introduce myself."  He sketched a short bow.  “I am Crespin
Aguilar.  The film you are holding belongs to me."

“IÅ‚d like to say itÅ‚s
nice to meet you, but I canÅ‚t."  One look at his face told Sharra there
would be no mercy from this cold man.  “Just tell me what you want me to
do."

“Are you in such a
hurry to get back to yourmarido?  I have been told you were
married very recently, no?"  The thin manÅ‚s dark eyes flashed with
amusement.  “Still filled with all that early passion?  Is he good, I
wonder?  Good enough to make you forget what a liar he is?"

She ignored the crude
statement.  “HeÅ‚s not a liar.  He told me everything.  How you
were going to buy the cocaine formula from that dead scientist, and he found it
before you could.  And how that man was killed by a taxi driver."

“He has been
filling your ears with many stories, has he not?"  Aguilar
chuckled.  “Has he, I wonder, told you how you met?"

She frowned wondering
what that had to do with anything.  “We met in a bar.  So?"

The man flashed
surprisingly white teeth.  “He is ever the hero, saving you from that
deceitful bartender."

Confusion set
in.  “What are you talking about?"

Aguilar pretended to look surprised.  “Senorita,
you cannot be ashamed of your meeting.  I think you would, how do you say
it?   Brag on him?"

Her frown
intensified.  What was he talking about?  “I donÅ‚t know what you were
told, but weÅ‚re not here about me and Matt.  IÅ‚m here to trade the
microfilm for Frank."

“I am very sorry, Senorita"the
manłs voice went so icy that Sharra couldnłt help a shiver going through
her,"but this is very much about Sinclair.  You see, he has cost me a
great deal of time and money.  I feel I owe him for that."

She looked into the
ebony eyes and was suddenly terrified.  Everything in her wanted to turn
around and walk away.  “I donÅ‚t understand." 

Aguilar stepped forward and prodded the fallen Frank
with his toe.  “Granted, he does not look so good now, but at one time you
thought SeÅ„or Bingham was worthy.  I do not understand.  You
sent this man away.  An intelligent, wealthy man who would have taken care
of you for the rest of your life.  Instead you have chosen Sinclair, a man
who has quite a colorful past and an interesting track record with the
ladies."  He lit a small, dark cigar and inhaled it slowly.  “You
will explain why."

Sharra wished Matt
was there to deal with the man.  She hated hearing about MattÅ‚s past,
whatever game the drug lord was playing was way above her head.  Nothing
made sense.  All she could do was give him the truth.  “I fell in
love with him."

The dark man
laughed.  “Ridículo.  You just met him.  How can you know
love so soon?  Especially to a man who lies to you."

“He doesnÅ‚t lie to
me."  Her heart beat faster.  “You keep saying that but youÅ‚re
wrong."

“I find you very
beautiful, Senorita Roberts.  Gentle and sweet.  Like sugar."
He smiled and a shudder ran down SharraÅ‚s back.  “And you have a very
trusting nature.  If I was looking for another woman, I would mold you
into the perfect companion.  But alas, I cannot give you that gift. 
Instead, I will give you another one.  I will tell you the truth about
your supposed husband."

Crouched behind the
stack of broken furniture, icy fear traced down MattÅ‚s spine.  All of a
sudden he knew what Aguilar was going to do.  The man would ruin
everything.  “You son of a bitch," he whispered as he glanced around
trying to find a way to get closer to the drug czar.  There was no way he
could let it could end like this.  Not when heÅ‚d found the one woman he
wanted to spend his life with.  Panic threatened.  He had to be the
one to tell Sharra everything, not this slimy piece of shit.

He forced himself to
take a deep breath.  If he lost his cool now, it would be all over. 
He had to stop Aguilar, but he had to do it in a way Sharra would still
be safe.  Too bad he couldnÅ‚t just shoot the asshole, but he didnÅ‚t think
his wife would go for that scenario either.

Quickly, he revised
his plan and moving slowly, he inched his way around the furniture and into the
surrounding shadows.  If he could get close enough, he might be able to
get his gun on Aguilar.  Then heÅ‚d have something to bargain with.

The bastardłs life.

“You think you know
everything about your supposed husband?" Matt heard Aguilar ask Sharra. 
He tried to concentrate on being quiet, but the fear he wouldnłt get there in
time to prevent some telling revelations kept distracting him.

“Of course
not."  SharraÅ‚s voice trembled, and Matt wanted badly to jump out and step
between her and her tormentor.  “I know we havenÅ‚t known each other long
enough."

“Yet still you trust
him." 

Matt made his way
around a corner and almost ran into one of AguilarÅ‚s men.  Fading
back behind a column, he changed direction and came up on the swarthy man from
behind. A moment later, he had the guy around the neck, and one quick twist
made sure he had one less enemy to worry about.  Slinging the henchmanÅ‚s
gun around his shoulder he slid back into the darkness.

Killing didnłt bother
him.  Not when it was SharraÅ‚s life on the line.  Matt would be
willing to kill everyone in the building if he could just get her out of there
in one piece.  Tucking away his anger, he listened to Aguilar try to
destroy him.

“I love him," Sharra
was saying.  “He wouldnÅ‚t lie to me."

“Ahhh, chica"
AguilarÅ‚s voice actually sounded sad, “IÅ‚m afraid he has lied to you
from the beginning."

“I donÅ‚t believ"

“You will be
silent!"  The drug
lordÅ‚s words slashed across SharraÅ‚s making her gasp.  Matt swore
silently.  He wasnÅ‚t anywhere close to the man and things were going south
fast.

Aguilar continued,
his words ripping apart MattÅ‚s future without a second thought.  “He has
deceived you, Senorita.  The marriage you speak of so
glowingly?  It never happened." 

For the first time,
SharraÅ‚s voice sounded angry.  “I beg to differ, sir.  I was
there.  We said vows in a church and everything.  Our witness was a
horse, for GodÅ‚s sake.  You wonÅ‚t be able to make me doubt my husband that
way."

There was a pregnant
pause, then Aguilar turned and rattled off a bunch of Spanish to the man
behind him.  He got in response a long spate of eager sounding
words.  Sharra couldnÅ‚t understand, but Matt did.  The drug lord was
asking for confirmation of her claim and one of his men was assuring him the
wedding never happened.  Matt relaxed.  So they didnÅ‚t know
everything.  Maybe things would be all right after all.

But when Aguilar
turned back, his first words showed Matt his luck was still running low.

“Senorita,
just when did this wedding take place?"

She frowned. 
“Yesterday."

A knowing look
crossed the MexicanÅ‚s face and he laughed aloud.  “Ahhh, so Sinclair is
smarter than I gave him credit for."

“What are you talking
about?" 

The sting in Sharrałs
voice made Matt flinch.  If she angered Aguilar, he might
retaliate.  “Please, babe," he whispered under his breath, “donÅ‚t piss him
off."  He moved closer, searching desperately for a way to shut the drug
lord up.

“That was not your
first wedding.  Correct?"

She looked a bit wary
now.  “No.  We were married before, but Matt wanted to give me a
proper wedding, so we had a second one in a church."

“And that was just
one of his lies."

Sharrałs heartbeat
doubled, and she suddenly felt like she was standing blind, a gaping hole at
her feet.  “I-I donÅ‚t believe you."

“Listen to me." 
Aguilar stepped over Frankłs prone body and she forced herself not to
back up.  “SeÅ„or Sinclair found you in a bar.  He paid the
bartender to slip a drug into your drink so he could play the hero.  He
did not marry you that night.  He only took you back to his hotel and
dishonored you."

Sharrałs mouth
dropped open.  Shock made her go still.  “Why would you say such a
thing?  ThatÅ‚s not true.  It couldnÅ‚t be.  He wouldnÅ‚t do that."

“I am sorry to be the
one giving you the news, Senorita, but I have no reason to lie."  Aguilar
looked properly sympathetic.  “I had Sinclair watched that night.  I
promise you, he did not go to any wedding.  You went straight from the bar
to his hotel."

She suddenly
remembered sheÅ‚d never seen the first wedding certificate.  SheÅ‚d asked
Matt, but heÅ‚d always put her off.  Could it have been because there
wasnÅ‚t a wedding?  She shivered.  “YouyouÅ‚re just trying to make me
distrust him.  Divide and conquer.  Right?"

The man
laughed.  “I do not need to do anything.  In this case, verdadthe
truth will do it for me."

He sounded so sure of
himself.  The sick feeling in her belly got stronger.  “Why? 
Why would he do such a thing?"

“Ahhh, chica. 
Have you not figured it out yet?"  Aguilar puffed his cigar. 
“Sinclair knew I was on to him.  He needed a way out of the country. 
A known man alone is easy to find, so he decided he would stop being
single.  He found a pretty Americano, one who was sweet and
naïve.  Someone would not ask too many questions.  He convinced her
they were married and suddenly, how do you say it?  Presto! 
He is now a couple and can hide among many."

“But"

“Enough!"  The
drug lord tossed his cigar on the ground and stomped it out.  “Do you not
understand?"  His dark eyes bore into hers.

“He is using you."

Sharra backed away,
her heart aching as memories raced through her.  Her foggy memory of the
first time theyÅ‚d met.  The gun.  The lies about who he was and why
he was here.  His insistence that they remarry.  She fought against
the slowing rising conviction the drug lord was telling the truth.  “No,"
she said fighting back a sob.  “I wonÅ‚t believe it.  He wouldnÅ‚t do
that to me.  He l-loves me."

“Now you are just
being foolish," Aguilar snorted.  “He does not love you.  The
only reason he was with you was to cover his escape.  I do find it
interesting that he married you after all.  But as I have been told,
Sinclair leaves nothing to chance."

She refused to
believe it.  She couldnÅ‚t.  If the drug lord was right then everything
Matt had told her was a lie.  All of it.  A sudden thought raced
through her.  That meant Matt might be long gone.  If all he needed
was a distraction, he could have taken the formula and run for the border as
soon as SharraÅ‚s back was turned.  Bile rose in her throat, but she pushed
the fear away.

A tear ran down her
cheek, but she lifted her chin.  “I d-donÅ‚t believe it.  I asked him
if there was anything else, and he told me there wasnÅ‚t.  I gave him a
chance.  He wouldnÅ‚t lie.  He wouldnÅ‚t."

Aguilar cursed harshly.  “You are obviously too
stupid to understand the truth.  He stepped closer.  “I must admit,
Sinclair chose the perfect pawn in his little game.  A woman who will
believe everything a man tells her.  What a gift that would be."  He
flashed another quick grin.  “Depending on the circumstance, of
course." 

Sharra closed her
eyes.  Even though she refused to admit it to Aguilar, heÅ‚d scared
her with his wild claims.  While she knew he hated Matt for stealing what Aguilar
considered his, telling Sharra they werenłt married seemed a pretty far-fetched
way to try and hurt Matt.  The sickness in her stomach grew, but she
wouldnÅ‚t let the drug lord see it.  “If youÅ‚re done trying to separate us,
can we get on with this?"

“Such brave words," Aguilar
snarled.  He moved suddenly, grabbing her around the throat so quickly
Sharra couldnÅ‚t move away.  “Do you truly think I would let you go? 
No, chica.  You are merely the bait I need to get Sinclair."




Chapter Sixteen 

Matt had gotten to
within ten feet of Aguilar when the bottom dropped out of his plan.  The
bastard had exposed him, telling Sharra about his lies and adding a few of his
own into the mix.  Now he had the woman Matt loved by the throat and was
threatening her life. 

“Bait?" Sharra was
saying in a choked voice.  “IÅ‚m not bait.  He wonÅ‚t fall for that."

“WonÅ‚t he?" 

Mattłs gut clenched
when the drug lord flicked open a switchblade knife and ran it almost
caressingly down SharraÅ‚s throat.  “I donÅ‚t think even a liar like Sinclair
will let me kill you."

Fighting back the
urge to jump out and grab Aguilar, Matt circled around to the
side.  If he was lucky, he could get close enough to take the bastard out
before he hurt Sharra.  He cursed himself for letting it get this far. 
He should have just shot the man as soon as hełd walked in, but hełd been
worried about how Sharra would feel if he killed a man in cold blood. 
Again, his feelings for her had messed up his plan.  But no longer. 
Going very still, he let out his breath and took aim at the drug lordłs head.

Just as he took his
shot, a shadow rose from behind him.  The bullet meant for between
Aguilarłs eyes went high as Matt was knocked to the floor by a hidden henchman.

The drug lord turned
his way, holding Sharra as a shield in front of him as Matt and the other man
rolled on the floor, punching and gouging.  He heard his wife scream his
name, but he was so caught up in keeping himself alive, he didnłt even look at
her.  After several painful minutes he finished the fight with a punch to
the guyÅ‚s kidneys, followed by a slashing upper cut.  The MexicanÅ‚s eyes
rolled back in his head and he was down for the count.  Immediately, Matt
grabbed his gun and turned it on Aguilar.

Keeping his arm
around SharraÅ‚s throat, Aguilar applauded.  “Well done,
Sinclair.  I wasnÅ‚t sure if you were here or not.  A man such as
yourself might have taken the formula and run.  I must admit.  It is
what I expected."

Matt wiped blood from
his mouth.  His eyes met SharraÅ‚s frightened ones.  “You okay, babe?"

She nodded, but said
nothing.

“Touching," the czar
sneered.  “You keep the lies up, even now?"

“IÅ‚m not lying about
how I feel about her, you son of a bitch.  IÅ‚ll shoot you dead if you harm
one hair on her head."

The other manłs eyes
narrowed.  “Can it be?  Has the hunter fallen for his own
prey?"  He laughed and his blade traced cruelly over SharraÅ‚s pale
cheek.  “That makes this even better."

“Let her go, and IÅ‚ll
give you the formula.  No one else has to die today."  Matt sighted
down the gun and took a step closer, never taking his gaze off of Aguilarłs
hands.  It was the hands that telegraphed the action, not the eyes as so
many thought.  “And weÅ‚ll take Bingham, too.  Just to be nice and
keep him out of more trouble."

“You are so kind," Aguilar
chuckled.  Without warning, the knife slashed as he made a tiny cut at the
base of SharraÅ‚s throat.  Sharra cried out and then went still as the drug
lord pulled her head back by the hair. 

Matt swore at the
trickle of blood that welled and oozed down her slender neck.  “Damn
it!  You donÅ‚t need to hurt her."

“I find it very
interesting that you are surrounded by my men, about to die and still giving
orders."  AguilarÅ‚s ebony eyes gleamed in the low light.  “But
IÅ‚m afraid I canÅ‚t let you go.  You and I have some unfinished business,
Sinclair."

Panic threatened
again.  He had to keep his wife safe.  “This is about menot
Sharra.  Let her and Bingham go.  Then you can play whatever sick,
twisted game you want with me."

“Matt! 
No!"  Sharra struggled against the smaller manÅ‚s hold. 

“This woman of yours
is quite brave.  I find I admire herhow do you say it? 
Spunk."  Aguilar laughed again.  “And she is very loyal to
you.  I told her the truth and still she wonÅ‚t believe you have deceived
her."

“I love Sharra. 
Thatłs all you need to know."

“Is that so?" 
The way the man said it made MattÅ‚s skin crawl.  “Then I think a test is
in order."

“What the hell are
you talking about?"  MattÅ‚s temper threatened to erupt, but one look at
SharraÅ‚s frightened eyes made him bite back more angry words. 

“I will make you a
bargain, Sinclair."  AguilarÅ‚s ebony eyes narrowed in
amusement.  “We will see if you can tell the truth or not."

Matt lifted his gun,
instantly knowing what the man was doing.  “And if I refuse?"

“That would not be
wise, SeÅ„or."  The drug lord shook his head sadly.  “IÅ‚m
afraid I will have to hurt your lady."  Bending down, he bit SharraÅ‚s ear
hard enough to break the skin.  Holding her easily as she struggled, he
licked the blood from the tiny wound.  Tears leaked from SharraÅ‚s eyes,
but other than a soft gasp, she made no other sound.

“You fucking
bastard," Matt growled.  He wanted to shoot the guy so badly, his hands
were shaking.  It was only the knife at SharraÅ‚s throat that made him
hesitate.  Aguilar was said to be an expert at knife play and
nothing heÅ‚d seen yet had told him otherwise.  “Tell me what you want."

“It is simple." 
The dark manÅ‚s eyes bored into MattÅ‚s.  “I want you to tell her the
truth."

“Why?" he asked,
honestly confused.  “What good would it do?"

“Because," Aguilar
answered him, his smile making Matt want to shudder, “if you tell her the
truth, I will let Senorita Robertsforgive me.  I guess it really
is Senora Sinclair.  I almost forgot."

“Get on with
it!  Let her do what?"

The other man
chuckled.  “Why, I will let her go."

“Just like
that."  Matt tamped down the hope that rose at the czarÅ‚s words.

Aguilar nodded.  “Just like that.  I have
nothing against this beautiful lady."  He kissed SharraÅ‚s cheek. 
“She, through no fault of her own, was dragged into something she had nothing
to do with.  That, amigo, is your doing.  I will let her go, but
first I want her to know exactly what kind of man she thinks she is in love
with."

“IÅ‚m asking you
again," Matt argued, trying desperately to think of a way out of this
mess.  “What good would that do?  Seems to me youÅ‚re just wasting
time here."

“DonÅ‚t you see?" AguilarÅ‚s
smile was almost beatific, but his eyes were like ice.  “I am going
to kill you for stealing from me.  But I want you to suffer first.  I
was going to torture you, long and slow, and now that I know you love this
woman, I can think of no greater agony than to have you die knowing she hates
you."

Matt swallowed back
the sickness.  One look at SharraÅ‚s face told him heÅ‚d run out of
time.  She would want to know the truth, no matter how hard it was.
 “And if I lie?"

“Then I will kill
her."

Sharra gasped but she
refused to say anything more.  The cut in her neck burned, but she was
more afraid for Matt than she was for herself.  It didnÅ‚t sound like the
drug lord was going to let him go.  Tears blurred her eyes as she watched
her husband struggle for control.  “Matt," she whispered. 
“Please.  Just tell him the truth.  Everything will work out. 
It has to."

 “Yes, Matt," Aguilar
mocked.  “Tell us the truth.  Or" he jabbed cruelly at SharraÅ‚s bare
throat causing Matt to growl menacingly, “say goodbye to your pretty wife."

“Fine!  All
right!  Just donÅ‚t hurt her anymore."  Matt took a step back and
lowered his gun slightly.  “Ask your fucking questions."

Aguilar smiled with
satisfaction.  “Then start from the beginning, SeÅ„or.  Tell
your sweet wife how you met."

“We met in a
bar."  MattÅ‚s eyes met SharraÅ‚s, and she saw the banked fury in him. 
“But I didnÅ‚t drug her, you son of a bitch.  I saved her from someone
else."

“I was
drugged?"  SharraÅ‚s eyes went wide.  “I thought he was lying about
that."

“Someone bribed the
bartender to slip you a Mickey," Matt growled.  “I happened to see
it.  When you started acting crazy and dancing on the tables, the guy came
after you.  I stopped him."

The way he said, I
stopped him, made Sharra shiver.  She knew he hadnÅ‚t smiled and said
please.  It distracted her from the fact sheÅ‚d been making a spectacle of
herself at a bar.  “What happened then?"

“I took you and
ran.  Iwanted to keep you safe."

“SeÅ„or" 
Aguilarłs tone held warning.

Matt tossed him a
furious look.  “ItÅ‚s the truth."

“If that is so,
continue."  The drug lordÅ‚s face hardened.  “Tell her about the
wedding you say you had."

Her husband hesitated
and his eyes closed briefly.  The look on his face made SharraÅ‚s stomach
drop to her shoes.  “Matt?"

He swallowed hard,
and then he gazed at her, the regret flashing over his face.  “I lied to
you.  There was no wedding.  II told you that so youÅ‚d stay with
me.  I was hiding from Aguilar, and I thought you could help me."

Pain raced through
her, shattering her heart, and she went limp in AguilarÅ‚s arms.  “No," she
whispered brokenly.  “That canÅ‚t be true."  She couldnÅ‚t believe
it.  She wouldnÅ‚t.  “You said youÅ‚d told me everything."

Matt glanced at the
drug lord and then back at her.  “I couldnÅ‚t, babe.  I was afraid if
you knew the whole truth, youłd walk out, and then Aguilar might hurt
you.  I couldnÅ‚t take the chance."

Her lips trembled as
she forced herself to stand upright.  A single tear escaped as she saw her
beautiful future disappear down the dark hole of reality.  It had all been
a horrible lie.  From the very beginning.  He didnÅ‚t love her. 
HeÅ‚d used her. In every way.  SharraÅ‚s heart broke into a million
pieces.  It fell to the ground around her feet as she stared at her
husband.  “Y-You lied to me.  None of it was true.  He was
right.  You used me."

Matt took an
involuntary step forward before Aguilar pressed the knife harder against
SharraÅ‚s throat.  But her heart was aching so badly she didnÅ‚t even notice
the prick of the blade as it dug deep.  She only stared at her
husband.  “Go on, Matt.  Tell me the rest."

The look on Sharrałs
face told Matt he had used up all his luck.  She was as white as death,
and the darkness of her eyes and trembling lips showed her pain at his
deceit.  He swore inwardly, knowing because of his stupid lies he just
might have lost her forever.  The future suddenly looked bleak and lonelyif
he made it out of the warehouse alive. 

He shook off the
thought of his destroyed tomorrows.  He couldnÅ‚t worry about himself
now.  Sharra was the one he had to protect, and he had to make her
understand why heÅ‚d done what he did.  If only so he could die with a clear
conscience.  But Aguilar wasnÅ‚t making it easy.

“Yes, Senor
Sinclairtell us the rest.  Tell her about how you lied to her and told
her you loved her.  Tell her that each time you fucked her you were
dishonoring her since you werenÅ‚t really married.  Tell her how you would
use her to get back into the United States safely and then disappear, never to
be heard from again."

“Shut up!" Matt
hissed, hating the man more than ever as he watched the last bit of color fade
from SharraÅ‚s cheeks.  “You donÅ‚t know anything."  He met his wifeÅ‚s
tear-filled eyes and took a deep breath.  HeÅ‚d only have one chance at
this.  He could only pray she would listen to him.

“HeÅ‚s right.  I
did lie to you.  From the beginning.  There was no wedding that first
night.  But heÅ‚s wrong too.  I didnÅ‚t save you from that creep at the
bar just so I could use you.  I did it because I hated the idea of a
pretty American lady being drugged and raped."

“So you raped her
instead?" Aguilar sneered.

Mattłs gaze never
left his wifeÅ‚s face as he snarled at the drug lord.  “Your men arenÅ‚t as
good as you think they are, you bastard.  They sure as hell werenÅ‚t in
that hotel room."  He took a deep breath and continued, wishing he could
just pull Sharra into his arms and hold her.  “I rescued you and got you
out of there.  It wasnÅ‚t until we were in the taxi that I realized that
you would be a goodcover and help me get out of the country.  I swear it,
babe.  I had nothing to do with what happened in the bar.  But I did
use the meeting to my advantage.  I admit that."

“You used me." 
Her dull voice was like a knife scraping on his nerves.  “You never loved
me."

“I-I didnÅ‚t at
first.  Although I wanted you.  Right from the beginning."  He
tossed a glare at Aguilar.  “But heÅ‚s lying when he said I
dishonored you.  I wouldnÅ‚t do that.  I never touched you that first
night."

Sharrałs mouth
dropped open.  “We didnÅ‚t sleep together?  But you said"  A
tear ran down her pale cheek.  “You lied about that too?"

He nodded, his eyes searching
hers for any softening.  “I had to.  I had to make you think weÅ‚d
consummated the marriage so you wouldnłt head straight out and get it
annulled.  IÅ‚m sorry, honey.  I was a fool.  I wish IÅ‚d done
everything differently.  At the time, I was just concerned with getting
the microfilm out of the country.  But then everything changed."

“Ch-changed?" 
Her voice trembled.  “How?" 

Matt took a step
forward, ignoring the drug lordÅ‚s threatening move with the knife.  This
was far too important.  “I kissed you.  And once I did, everything I
knew went upside down.  You were something special.  And how I
started to feel about you distracted me.  My simple plan of getting out of
the country with the formula was shot to holy hell.  I gave into my need
to spend time with you and you know what happened then."

“No, I donÅ‚t!" she
shot back.  “All I see are the lies.  Tell me what you mean."

“Damn it, arenÅ‚t you
listening?  We werenÅ‚t together a day, and I was already wishing I waswas
with you for real."  He glared at her.  “And since up until I met you
I was very happy being a bachelor, I was pretty confused about everything."

“Not so confused," Aguilar
put in silkily.  “Once we found you in the jungle, you could have told her
the truth.  Gotten her out of danger, but instead you kept up the lie,
going so far as to bind her to you with a real ceremony.  One not so
easily tossed away."  The drug lord shook his head.  “I must
admit.  It was an intelligent move.  One I would not have expected from
a man like you."

Matt clenched his
fist, wanting to throttle the man instead.  “I fucked up and I admit
it.  Is that what you want to hear, you son of a bitch?  I should
never have pulled Sharra into this mess and when it all started coming apart, I
should have told herfound another way of protecting her.  But I wonÅ‚t
have you telling her I married her to cover my ass.  I married her for one
reason only!"

“And w-what was
that?"  SharraÅ‚s soft, broken voice was a complete contrast to the harsher
ones of the men.  “Why go through all that, Matt?  I already thought
we were married.  Why put yourself through the church ceremony?"

He stared at her,
willing her to believe him.  “I told you the truth, baby.  I fell in
love with you.  I didnÅ‚t mean to, and it complicated the hell out of
everything, but once I knew how I felt, everything I did was to protect
you.  I swear it."  He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. 
“I love you.  I wanted us to be together.  Forever.  I wanted
the marriage to be real soso I made it that way."




Chapter Seventeen 

Sharra felt numb down
to her toes.  She didnÅ‚t know what to believe.  What was true and
what was false.  The man she loved with her whole soul had lied to
herused her.  He admitted that much freely.  She hadnÅ‚t been married
to himat least not when theyÅ‚d first made love.  Now that she knew
everything, the thought shamed her.  And knowing the disgusting drug lord
knew all about it made it even worse.

Suddenly, her
motherÅ‚s sorrow-filled face appeared in her minds-eye.  The memory of the
past and her fatherÅ‚s perfidy and lies was like the lash of a whip.  A
crippling pain shot through her.  It was happening again.  With
another man she was close to.  And this time it was even worse.

Shełd given her heart
to this one.

“Please believe me,
honey," Matt was saying.  “I never wanted to hurt you.  Just love you
and keep you safe.  I was going to tell you when we got back to the
statesout of this bastardłs reach."

Through the fog of
pain, she remembered his explanation in the cantina.  “B-Because you
thought I might try and leave you and then get in more trouble."

Matt nodded
eagerly.  “If youÅ‚d walked, he could have snatched you up like he did with
Frank.  I couldnÅ‚t take that chance.  I had to keep on lying until we
got back to San Francisco."  His gray eyes begged her to believe him, but
she was still so upset she barely noticed. 

“He said you were
going to dump me when we got back."  She winced at her own words.  It
hurt just hearing them.  Would he have left her like her father had? 
Disappeared and forced her to pick up the pieces of her broken heart? 
“YouÅ‚ve lied to me about everything else.  Why should I believe you wanted
to stay with me?"

“Sharra,
please."  MattÅ‚s words were gritted out.  “I never lied to you about
how I felt.  Never.  I love you.  I wouldnÅ‚t have married you if
I didnÅ‚t.  DonÅ‚t let this piece of shit ruin it all for us."

“You see, senorita?" Aguilar
said with a smug smile.  “He cannot stop his lies.  Even facing his
own death he seeks to turn you away from the truth.  My heart bleeds for
you."

She didnłt answer,
too caught up in her own agony to deal with more of the drug lordłs shattering
statements.  At her silence, the man holding her chuckled. 

“I think she has had
enough of both of us, Sinclair.  I do believe my revenge is
complete.  You not only will lose your life, but you will die knowing
youłve lost your wife as well."

For a brief moment,
SharraÅ‚s and MattÅ‚s gazes met.  Her eyes were filled with the painful
knowledge heÅ‚d lied to her.  That everything between them was nothing but
a convenient fantasy created to help him get his job done.  And the storm
clouds in his showed the bitter anger of a man who knew hełd crossed the line
one too many times to be trusted.  No matter how he truly felt, sheÅ‚d
never believe him now.  His gaze was filled with the utter despair of
someone whołd lost everything that mattered.

“So what now?" Matt
asked hoarsely as she turned away from him.  “You said youÅ‚d let her
go.  Or are you a liar, too?"

“Be careful,
Sinclair."  The warning was made in a whisper-soft voice filled with
satisfaction.  The drug lord was in the driverÅ‚s seat and knew it. 
“I will keep my word.  Both your soon-to-be widow and her ex may
leave.  But"

“I knew thereÅ‚d be
something."  MattÅ‚s growl was filled with disgust.

Aguilar gave him a chiding look.  “I have to
look after my interests.  It would not go well for me to have this pretty tourista
and her one-time fiancé go to the authorities with a wild tale about how I
kidnapped them and killed her husband.  So, I have come up with a
plan.  A way we are all happy and safe."  He smiled dangerously
across the expanse of space at Matt.  “Except you, of course."

“Of course." 
Matt shoved the bitter hurt and anger deep inside of him where it would fuel
his strength.  It was over.  She wouldnÅ‚t even look at him now. 
Everything hełd hoped and dreamed of, lost because of this bastardłs
manipulations and his own stupidity.  HeÅ‚d never get over itover her, but
heÅ‚d be damned if Sharra was hurt anymore because of him.  If heÅ‚d lost
her forever this was the one last time to show her how he really felt.  He
would get his lover out of here safely or die trying.

“So whatÅ‚s this grand
plan of yours?" he rasped.  Better he know everything before he decided how
next to act.

“It is simple." 
Aguilar white teeth flashed in a grin.  “You will die.  But it
will not be by my hands."

Matt frowned, not
liking where this was heading.  “Then who gets the honor?"

Aguilar squeezed Sharra gently.  “That
distinction will be given to your loving wife."

Sharra gasped and
finally looked back at Matt.  “I wonÅ‚t kill him for you.  Not for any
reason."

“Of course not,
senorita.  I did not expect it.  But, he will die and since you are
here, it will be easy to manufacture the evidence needed to make it seem as if
you and your ex-fiancé did it together."

“And youÅ‚ll keep the
evidence safe and secure unless they go to the police with the truth?" 
Matt shook his head.  The drug lord had it all worked out.

“But what motive
would I have to kill my husband?" Sharra cried.  “It doesnÅ‚t make sense."

“My dear," Aguilar
soothed.  “Let me explain it to you.  When your fiancé appeared at
the airport you suddenly realized how wrong you were in marrying this
gringo.  And when Sinclair attacked and beat the man you really love, you
saw him for what he truly is.   A rough, no-account drifter who
seduced you with talk of romance and a generous helping of tequila.  This
Frank is wealthy and has high standing back in Fresno.  You were appalled
at what youłd given up."

“So I killed him to
be free?"  Sharra shook her head.  “No one will believe it."

“They will with the
evidence I will give them.  Your bloody fingerprints on the gun. 
Hair and fiber from both you and your fiancé on the body.  Maybe even a few
pictures."  The czar laughed.  “Believe me when I say I am very good
at making lies into truth.  Much better than your soon-to-be-dead
husband."

“IÅ‚m not dead yet,"
Matt growled.  “So youÅ‚ll kill me, pin it on my wife and threaten her into
silence by promising to get her arrested for the crime."

“Succinctly put, but
yes.  That is it exactly."

“No! 
Please!"  Sharra started to struggle again.  “I wonÅ‚t let you kill
him.  I wonÅ‚t!"

“Do not move,
senorita."  Aguilar pulled her against him and put the knife to her
jugular.  “While it would distress me to kill a beautiful woman like you,
I will do it without hesitation if you irritate me."

“Sweetheart, be
still," Matt entreated.  He watched his enemy closely.  Now that the
drug lord thought hełd won, he seemed to have let down his guard a
little.  With luck, Matt could use that small mistake to his
advantage.  But not if Sharra put his back up again.

“I wonÅ‚t.  He
wonÅ‚t use me as an excuse to commit murder."  She struggled harder and a
second thin line of blood appeared on her slender throat. 

Mattłs blood iced
over.  “Sharra!  Stay still."

“No!  I wonÅ‚t be a part of this.  Not any longer."  With
an unexpected twist of her shoulders, Sharra fought partially free and shoved
her hand in her pocket.  A moment later, she jerked it back out.  The
tiny container of microfilm was clutched in her fist.  She surprised
everyone with her next move. 

“You want this?" she shouted. “Then catch!"

“No!" both men shouted as they watched her toss the canister up into
the air.  Instinctively, the drug lord grabbed for it and when he was off
balance, Sharra brought her high-heeled sandal down sharply on his foot and
pushed herself away from him.  Aguilar shouted in pain and anger,
but his focus was on the falling microfilm.   He let the woman go in
favor of catching his prize.

The distraction was all that Matt needed.  Shouldering his gun
again, he launched himself at his enemy.  He hit with a bone-jarring
crunch.   Aguilar cursed again and slashed at him with his
knife, but with a simple chopping motion, Matt knocked the lethal weapon out of
the smaller manÅ‚s hand as they both crashed to the floor.  He heard
Sharrałs scream from above him and as he and his adversary grappled on the ground,
he risked a look over his shoulder at her.

“Run, damn it, run!"

Sharra ignored his shout and dropping to her knees, grabbed at the
knife the drug lord had dropped.  Terror filled her, driving out all the
bitterness and anger over MattÅ‚s deception.  She may hate him for his
lies, but she loved him too.  TheyÅ‚d deal with what was or wasnÅ‚t between
them later.  But there was no way she would leave him to die in this
godforsaken warehouse.

A heavy hand on her shoulder made her aware of her own precarious
position and looking up, she saw one of Aguilarłs gorillas standing over
her.  His dark eyes gleamed with hatred.  He spat some angry Spanish
at her then snatched at the knife in her hand.  Acting without thinking,
she slashed it upwards, driving the thin stiletto into the manłs chest.

They both stared at each other for a long moment. Then, without a
single sound, he toppled forward, his crushing weight pinning her to the
ground.  Her breath left her in a gasping rush as confusion swirled in her
mind.  Her head rang from hitting the concrete slab and she fought to gulp
in air. She could hear the shouts of Aguilarłs men and it frightened her
all over again.  What was happening to Matt?

It took her long moments to push the beefy manłs inert body off her,
and Sharra cringed at the sticky blood that stained her once beautiful
dress.  She was covered in it, the metallic stink making her stomach roll.
One look at her foełs empty eyes told the full story, and horror filled
her.  SheÅ‚d killed a man.  One whose name she didnÅ‚t even know. 
No matter how necessary it had been, knowing she had taken another personłs
life was abhorrent to her. 

Forcing the bile back down, she clambered to her feet, but just as she
got her balance she was knocked over again when her husbandłs body slammed her
back down.  Bullets peppered the floor around them and her breath was once
again stolen from her as he rolled them towards safety.  She ducked the
flying bits of concrete that flew into the air and could feel the sharp pinch
as they hit her exposed flesh.  Angry shouts in Spanish mingled with the
sound of gunfire, but Matt got them safely to behind one of the piles of
trashed furniture.  Once there he shook her, hard.

“God damn it!  What the hell were you thinking?" he growled. 
“Of all the times to get heroic on me."

She opened her mouth to yell at him, but stopped when he sucked in his
breath and panic darkened his eyes.

“Where are you hurt, honey?  Who did this?  IÅ‚ll kill
him."  His hands moved frantically over her, uncaring of the blood
smearing them both.  “Damn it, I knew you were too brave for your own
good."

His fear unnerved her and she grabbed his hands in her own.  “IÅ‚m
fine.  ItÅ‚s not my blood.  ItÅ‚sitÅ‚s his."

His intelligent gaze took in the still form on the ground back where
theyÅ‚d fallen and he relaxed.  “Thank God."  Then his eyes narrowed
and the warrior was back in full force.  “Sharra, this time do as I
say.  I want you to run away.  Now.  I wasnÅ‚t able to kill Aguilar,
just knock him out.  And when he wakes up, heÅ‚ll be out for even more
blood.  Yours this time.  So IÅ‚ll make sure the bastardÅ‚s attention
is on me, and you get the hell out of here.  Take the next flight out to
the states, go to the cops.  Whatever it takes to get yourself safe. 
Promise me youłll do that."

Sharra shook her head as tears filled her eyes.  She was so
confused.  He really sounded as if he cared.  “IÅ‚m not leaving
you.  And we have to get the film and Frank out of here."

His piercing gray eyes held hers as he uttered a word rarely used in
public.  “You are more important than me, Frank or the fucking film. 
Damn it.  DonÅ‚t you understand, woman?  I love you.  Whether you
believe it or not, itÅ‚s the truth.  And I want you to be safe."

She glared right back at him, too frightened and angry to listen. 
She was done with taking orders from anybody.  “Then you better get us
both the hell out of here, because IÅ‚m not leaving without you."

He shook her again.  “I may not be able to get us all out
of here. ItÅ‚s too damn risky.  Have you taken a look at who's out there?
 ItÅ‚s better if you were out and long gone."

“No."

 “God damn it!"  He actually snarled at her he was so
angry.  “Aguilar was right, babe.  Everything he said was dead
on.  IÅ‚m poison.  IÅ‚ve lied and cheated and used you.  Hell, I
enjoyed it and will probably do it again.  ItÅ‚s what I amwhat I do. 
Why stay with a loser like me?  YouÅ‚d be better off cutting your
losses.  Get out!  Now!  Run while you have the chance."

His words cut what was left of her heart in two.  Did he really
mean that?  Had Aguilar been right all the time?  Had she been
nothing but a prop?  A convenient tool to keep him safe?   And
now when he didnłt need her, she was tossed aside like so much garbage.

Then she looked in his eyes.  They were filled with a mixture of
worry and torment and as she stared at him, his gaze slid away from hers. 
Anger shot through her at the tell-tale sign and she wanted to hit him.

He was lying again.  Trying to get rid of her.  His excuse
would be he was trying to protect her, but she was sick of that.  Wellit
wasnÅ‚t going to work.  Not with her.   Not anymore.  It may
have taken a while, but she was finally onto his games.

Lifting her chin, she waited until hełd reluctantly looked back at
her.  Her answer was the same.  “No."




Chapter Eighteen 

Matt cursed under his
breath.  He knew when he was beat.  SheÅ‚d seen right through his
little act.  He was usually much better at lying, but with Sharra it had
become almost impossible.  SheÅ‚d ruined him for intrigue.  At least with
her.  A part of him was glad.  It had almost killed him to lie to her
again.  He vowed it would be the last time.

He had no choice but
to move on to plan B.  One heÅ‚d hoped not to have to use.  It was
dangerous.  Too dangerous for Sharra to be anywhere near.  He growled
in frustration.  His stubborn wife didnÅ‚t know when to back down. 
Hełd have a few words to say to her when they got out of this mess.

Providing they stayed
alive and shełd ever speak to him again.

“So what do we do
now?" she asked him as bullets whined over their heads.  AguilarÅ‚s men
were not taking their leaders defeat well at all.  They moved slowly
closer to their hiding place, not knowing how well-armed Matt really was.

Swallowing hard, he
took her face in his hands.  “I need you to trust me."

“Trust you?" 
Tears welled as those beautiful eyes filled with pain.  “How can I,
Matt?  After everything youÅ‚ve done."

His throat tightened
as he answered her.  “I know itÅ‚s asking a lot, but for me to get us out of
here alive, I need you to do what I say when I say it.  If I could, IÅ‚d
tell you everything, but weÅ‚re out of time.  Please, baby.  Give me
another chance.  Trust me."

The look in her eyes
told him she didnłt trust him in any way, shape or form. Then, slowly, the
realization she had no choice touched her face.  With a sigh, she
nodded.  “Tell me what you want me to do."

Forgetting the enmity
between them, he kissed her.  Hard.  She stiffened, then as if unable
to help herself, she leaned into the embrace.  Wishing he could hold her
forever, he instead broke the kiss and touched his forehead to hers, praying
that she would actually do what he requested.

“IÅ‚m going to go get
Frank.  When I tell you to run for the door, do it.  No
questions"  He ducked as a stray bullet dinged off a bed frame next to
him.  “No looking back.  I need to have you out of the way before I
can do what I need to do."

“But"

“Damn it,
Sharra.  Just do it.  Please."

Her lips tightened
and she looked away towards the door.  After a long moment, she sighed
again and nodded.  “All right."

Relief filled him and
he gave her a quick hug.  “Crawl over as close to the door as you can
without being seen.  When I say to run, run and donÅ‚t stop.  No
matter what happens.  Just get yourself outside and away from the
building.  Do you understand me?"

Sharrałs eyes
widened.  “What are you"  She cut herself off.  “I know. 
Trust you.  All right.  But just for now."

He ignored the
painful caveat.  “Then go."

She gave him a
speaking glance and then kicking off her heeled sandals, she made her way down
to the end of the pile of furniture.  Once there, she moved into a crouch
and looked back over her shoulder at him.

It was now or
never.  But he had to say it one last time just in case he got himself
killed.  “Sharra?"

Her gaze met his.

“I really do love
you."

Those blue eyes went
dreamy, and her lips trembled out his name in a soundless whisper.  Then,
her face hardened and with an obvious effort, she turned away.

Mattłs heart ached
with pain and regret.  There was nothing he could do.  Nothing he
could say to convince her he was telling the truth.  The only recourse was
to show her the truth of his feelings, and hełd start with making sure she got
out alive.

Picking up his gun,
he snuck a quick look over the pile of garbage to get a bearing on
things.  Immediately, bullets sang around his head and he ducked back
down, his brow furrowed thoughtfully.  Aguilar wasnÅ‚t where heÅ‚d
left him, but Bingham was still a groaning pile on the floor.  Now to get
to him.

Reaching into the
pack he had strapped around his waist, he pulled out a small black
remote.  His callused thumb moved gently over the recessed button and he
carefully flipped the safety off.  He heard SharraÅ‚s gasp behind him and
knew sheÅ‚d figured out what he was going to do.  He sent up a quick prayer
that shełd not get cold feetthat shełd run when he told her to.

He eased around the
end of the pile just enough to take another glance at Aguilarłs menłs
positions.  Then, he closed his eyes and pressed the button.

All hell broke loose.

One of the five C-4
charges hełd planted earlier while waiting for Aguilar to show up
detonated, making the old building shake and a corner of the roof on the far
side come down.  The noise was tremendous, but MattÅ‚s voice was clearly
heard over the screams and shouting.

“Run, Sharra! 
Run!"

He waited just long
enough to make sure his wife was up and sprinting for the big door before he
himself ran towards where Frank lay curled up in a ball.  He whipped up
his gun and shot two men who were coming at him, leaving them groaning and
bleeding on the floor.

Another henchman
attacked him just as he reached Bingham.  The manÅ‚s muscular body knocked
Matt down and his gun went skidding away.  Cursing, he drove his elbow up,
hard, into his enemyÅ‚s windpipe.  The Mexican went down with a garbled cry
and didnłt move again.

A fourth guy shouted
a filthy curse in Spanish and took a shot at Matt.  The bullet nicked his
arm, but ignoring the stinging ache, he launched himself at the man.  They
both went flying into a nearby wall just as the second and third charges Matt
had set went off.

The building rocked
as showers of splintered wood and roof crashed down, sending up a choking cloud
of dust and debris.  Matt and his opponent were covered by fallen timbers,
and they fought against them as much as they struggled with each other. 
Pain shot through Matt as a strong left made him see stars, but fury took over
and adrenaline kicked in.  A right, a left and then a quick uppercut to the
chin and that man was down for the count, too.

Since his gun was too
far away, Matt grabbed up his adversaryłs pistol and tucked it in his back
waistband.  Then, he slung Frank over his back in a firemanÅ‚s carry and
ran for the nearest door.  “Christ, man," he groaned as he adjusted the
other manÅ‚s weight, “you really need to lay off the tacos."  There was no
answer from Bingham.

Matt did a quick
count in his mind.  He didnÅ‚t have much time.  The charges were all
set to go off at a specific time and place.  The next one would bring this
part of the building down around him.

Twenty feet from the
door he felt a sharp twinge in his shoulder and his whole right arm went
completely numb.  He stumbled and almost dropped his burden as agony
coursed through him.  It was immediately followed by a blessed numbness.

Hełd been shot.

Immediately after
that, his prediction about the charge proved true.  HeÅ‚d barely made it to
the door when the C-4 exploded.  The strength of the blast blew him off
his feet, sending him and Frank flying into the outer courtyard of the
warehouse.  Rubble and debris piled around them, but amazingly, other than
a few bruises and scrapes, they both came though unscathed.

Not so whoever was
left in that part of the building.  The entire place had caved in on
itself.  There was no way anyone could have survived the blast.

Sharra!

With his good arm,
Matt dragged Frank over against a nearby wall.  He dropped the
semi-conscious man and ignoring his own injury, ran around the building towards
the door from which his wife had escaped.  He had to find her.  Make
sure she was all right.

“Sharra!" he shouted
as he turned the corner.  “Damn it, woman!  Answer me!"

“IÅ‚m here, Matt."

Her terror-filled
voice was the first indication something was wrong.  His body tensed as
she was jerked into sight just inside the overhang of the building.  Now
Matt knew where the drug lord had disappeared to.  Aguilar had a
death grip around her neck.

“Let her go, you son
of a bitch," Matt snarled.  “ItÅ‚s over.  The microfilm is gone. 
Destroyed in the blast."

“Ahhh, you are so
wrong, amigo," AguilarÅ‚s furious voice rang out.  “This is
not over.  You and Iwe have unfinished business."

Sharra could see the
fear and anger war in MattÅ‚s face.  She was sick at herself for being caught
so easily, but shełd been so intent on following her husbandłs instructions,
she hadnłt seen until too late the drug lord leap out at her from the
shadows. 

“IÅ‚m sorry, Matt,"
she whispered.  “I didnÅ‚t see him."

“Not your fault,
babe."  Matt took a step closer.  “I should have killed him when I
had the chance."

“But you didnÅ‚t," Aguilar
gloated, “and now I have something you want.  Again."

To Sharrałs surprise,
Matt didnÅ‚t answer.  He just glanced behind her at what was left of the
building. A new fear shot through her as she saw blood running down his filthy
shirt sleeve.  Her heart thumped in her chest and her eyes filled with
tears.  It was obvious Matt had been shot, but she couldnÅ‚t tell how bad
it was.  He was holding his arm funny and his face was tight with
pain.  She opened her mouth to call out to him, but Aguilar
interrupted.

“Do you not care
about your sweet Sharra anymore, Sinclair?  Or has the deception become
tiresome for you?"

“Why donÅ‚t you come
out of the building and weÅ‚ll talk about it."  Matt motioned to the fallen
debris.  “You can tell me why I should listen to you."

“Again, you act as if
you have a choice," the drug lord spat, his arm tightening around her. 
“But it is I who have your woman.  And it is I who can snap her neck like
a twig."

“Fine, fine." 
Matt took a step back and put his good arm out in a non-threatening
manner.  “Just come on out of there and weÅ‚ll discuss what you want from
me."

Sharra frowned. 
Her husband wasnÅ‚t acting like himself.  By this time he should be cussing
Aguilar out and threatening him with certain death, but instead he was
acting more fearful and conciliatory.  Was the pain he was experiencing
slowing him down?

Aguilar gave her a little shake and she choked
against his hold on her.  She saw MattÅ‚s eyes flare, and she shook her
head, silently begging him to be careful.  He backed away again with an
icy glare at her captor.

“Hurt her and IÅ‚ll
make sure youłre sorry for it."

The drug lord
laughed.  “I have no fear of you.  But IÅ‚ll admit to be impressed at
your skills of deception.  It is no wonder you fooled the lady.  You
deceived me for a moment as well."  His face hardened.  “But no
longer.  I know the formula is somewhere else safe.  You would not
allow your wife to dispose of it in such a way.  I want you to bring it to
me.  Now or IÅ‚ll break her neck."

“IÅ‚ll do whatever you
want me to," Matt said.  He seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then
shook himself.  “But for GodÅ‚s sake come out of that building.  There
are more explosives in there."

Aguilar went still and then he laughed again. 
“Do you really expect me to believe you, Senor? I am smarter than
that.  What will truly happen?  Will a sniper friend of yours pick me
off when I get into his sights?"

Now Matt
cursed.  “No, damn it.  IÅ‚m telling you the truth."  He stepped
closer and put one hand out entreatingly.  “Please, get out of
there.  If not for your sake, for SharraÅ‚s.  Remember, she is the
innocent in all this."

“Not so innocent
now," Aguilar responded.  He tightened his arm again around her
throat.  “She has played me for a fool, and so I have no reason to be
merciful.  All of you will die."

Sharra saw Matt cast
a glance down at his watch and suddenly knew for a certainty her husband was
telling the truth.  A bomb was about to level the building.  Both she
and Aguilar were in mortal danger.  “Please.  HeÅ‚s telling you
the truth.  I can tell."

“Ridículo. 
You couldnłt tell when he lied to you before."

She flinched at the
reminder, but she knew in her heart Matt was telling the truth now.  She
began to struggle against AguilarÅ‚s choking grip.  “No.  WeÅ‚ll
die if we stay."

The drug lord cursed
as he jerked her against him.  “We have been in this position once before,
you and I.  But this time it will end differently.

He was right. 

Before Matt could
convince him of the danger, the promised explosion went off.  There was a
pregnant moment of silence.  Then, with the sound like a thousand
thunderclaps, the bomb sent everything around them flying.  Sharra heard
MattÅ‚s shout of horror and AguilarÅ‚s furious howl of pain.  With a
sudden woosh, the roof under which theyłd been standing rained down on
her and the drug lord.

The terror that shot
through Matt when he saw Sharra disappear under a pile of rubble was more than
anything he could have imagined.  His roar of worry and pain was louder
than the falling of the debris.  Without regard for his own safety, he
sprang towards what had once been the door, wading through the fallen drywall,
wood and bent metal to where hełd last seen his wife.

“Sharra!" he
screamed, ripping at the pile of wreckage as his eyes stung with tears. 
He cursed the fact the bullet hełd taken prevented him from using both
hands.  But then his thoughts focused inwards.  What had he
done?  Had he killed the only woman who he would ever love? 

Bit by bit he cleared
away the remains of the warehouse, tossing them uncaringly behind him.  He
had to find her before it was too late.  His hand soon became scraped and
torn as he ignored the sharp splinters of wood and jagged twisted metal. 
His only thought was to get to the woman he adored.

It seemed like a
lifetime had gone by before he finally lifted a board and saw a slender,
blood-covered hand.  “Sharra!" he gasped, redoubling his efforts. 
Debris flew as he uncovered the still and silent form of his wife. 

“Oh, God, baby," he
whispered as he pulled her limp body against him.  “IÅ‚m sorry.  IÅ‚m
so fucking sorry."  Smoothing her tangled hair back from the deep cut on
her face, he pressed a kiss against her dirty forehead.  “Come on,
honey.  Open those baby blues and show me youÅ‚re alive."

When he got no
response, he buried his face against her neck, his eyes filling with
tears.  “Please, please, please.  Wake up, sweetheart.  Wake up
and yell at me.  I donÅ‚t care about anything else. I just need you to come
out of it.  I need you to be all right.  Come on, Sharra, please be
okay."

“M-Matt?"

Relief flooded
through him and he eased her carefully away from him.  Her eyes were open,
although glazed slightly and the blood running down her face from the cut made
her white face look even paler.  Ignoring both, he pressed a gentle kiss
to her lips.  “I thought IÅ‚d lost you."

She shook her head
slowly.  “I thought youÅ‚d lost me, too."

He ran an experienced
hand over her body, checking for any breaks or sprains.  “Where do you
hurt?"

“I-I-IÅ‚m not sure."

“Can you
stand?"  He slowly helped her to her feet and held her close, reveling in
the feel of her soft warm body.  “DonÅ‚t try to do too much.  You could
have a concussionor even worse."

“I hurt all over,
b-but I donłt think anything serious is broken."

“Thank God.  It
a miracle you werenÅ‚t crushed."  Matt whipped a handkerchief out of his
pocket and pressed it to the cut on her forehead.  “But this will probably
need stitches."

She shuddered. 
“Great.  I hate needles."

Matt grinned. 
“I thought I was the only one with a doctor phobia."

Sharra didnłt answer
his whimsy.  She just looked at the building and sighed.  “I was so
frightened.  All the guns and the bullets, and then when I realized you
were going to blow up the building"

He kissed her. 
“You did good, honey.  Just what I wanted you to do.  It was my fault
you got caught by that asshole.  I should have destroyed him when I walked
in the building."

She shuddered again.
“At least he canÅ‚t hurt anyone else.  I meanitÅ‚s over, isnÅ‚t it?"

Unable to help
himself, he pulled her into a one-armed embrace.  “Yeah, babe.  ItÅ‚s
over.  The microfilm will be safe and it looks as if Aguilar is
history."

“And again, senoryou
are wrong."

Matt went completely
still as like a monster rising from a pile of rubbish, Aguilar pushed
aside a board and struggled to his feet.  He was covered in filth and
blood, and in his hand was a small derringer, one easily concealed in a shirt
or ankle holster.  The drug lord spat out a mouth full of scarlet liquid
and glared at Matt and Sharra.

“You cannot get rid
of me that easily, bastardo.  I am El Tiburón,
untouchable.  No one comes against me and lives to tell about it."

Cursing to himself,
Matt thought through his options.  Aguilar had the drop on them and
he couldnÅ‚t do anything about it.  His one arm was useless, numb at his
side, unable to move, and his other arm was around Sharra, holding her
protectively against him.  To get to his weapon heÅ‚d have to move quickly,
and if it wasnÅ‚t quick enough, the drug lord could get a shot off.  And
since it was Sharrałs back that was exposed, he didnłt like the odds of her
coming out unhurt.

He ignored Aguilarłs
cursing and struggled to decide a plan of action.  Suddenly, he felt a
tug at the back of his waistband and to his shock, a moment later he felt cold
steel ease its way under his shirt and smooth up his side.  A moment later
he felt the hard outline of his gun pressing against his stomach.  He
looked down and saw the weapon in SharraÅ‚s trembling hand.  Her eyes
lifted to meet his and she lifted her chin and nodded.

“At-a-girl," he
whispered, loving her more in that moment than he ever had before.  She
hadnÅ‚t folded up in a terrified heap.  Instead she was helping him, making
it possible for him to do what needed to be done.  Keeping his gaze on the
raving drug lord, Matt eased his good hand around to between their bodies and
took the gun.

“Aguilar?"

The smaller man waved
his gun at them both and grinned menacingly.  “What is it, amigo? 
Do you wish to plead for your life?"

Matt shook his
head.  “No.  I just got one more thing I want you to do for me."

The drug lord gave an
undignified snort.  “And what is that?"

“Die."

Jerking around in a
single smooth motion, Matt pushed Sharra behind him as he fired the pistol
point blank at Aguilar.  The snap of gun fire was loud in the
silence.  A neat hole appeared in the center of the other manÅ‚s forehead
and he stared at Matt in shocked silence before his eyes went blank and he sank
to the ground.

El Tiburón, the most feared man in all Mexico was dead.




Chapter Nineteen 

Sharra wiped her
sweaty brow and sorted through the pile of books on her coffee table. 
“Take, take, yard sale, take," she muttered as she placed the books in the
appropriate boxes.  “I hate to get rid of any of them, but my new
apartment is much smaller than this one."  She taped the lid shut and
smiled sadly.  “At least IÅ‚ll be out of Fresno.  IÅ‚m looking forward
to living on the coast.  Santa Cruz will be a new start for me.  A
brand new start."

Straightening, she
gusted out a hefty sigh and looked unseeingly out the window of her
bedroom.  She fought back a shiver.  SheÅ‚d been back home for almost
two weeks and still she couldnłt put Matt and the death of Aguilar out
of her mind.

After the drug lord
had fallen dead at their feet, the whole world had taken on a surreal blur to
Sharra.  The thought that sheÅ‚d helped kill a man had taken a bit to
comprehend, but once reality set in, shełd started to shake
uncontrollably.  Matt had pulled her closer into his embrace and held her,
muttering nonsense words of reassurance as he ran a soothing hand up and down
her back.  SheÅ‚d relaxed into him, needing his touch more than anything
else at that moment in time. 

It was only when
FrankÅ‚s querulous voice had interrupted them with, “Hey!  IÅ‚m bleeding
here.  I need a hospital. Ohmygoddid you just shoot that guy?", did
she shudder and pull herself away from Mattłs comforting warmth.

On the taxi ride to a
nearby hotel, sheÅ‚d come back slowly to earth.  All that had happened
since theyÅ‚d tried to leave Mexico came flooding back.  FrankÅ‚s abuse, the
drug lordłs viciousness, and most of all, her husbandłs painful lies made her
stomach heave and her heart ache.

Matt had continued to
take charge, ignoring Frankłs whines and complaints when he dumped him at a
Mexican hospital.  Sharra would have felt guilty, but the memory of
Frankłs attack at the airport made her happy to see the last of the man.

Her feelings about
her husband were bewildering.  HeÅ‚d saved her from the mad man and his
henchmen, and gotten himself shot in the process.  He then got them out of
the warehouse district before the wailing police and fire trucks came too close.
Yet the knowledge of his perfidy prevented her from being grateful.  It
was his fault theyłd been in the position in the first place.

She realized that was
just the tip of the iceberg.  It was more than putting them in danger,
more than him lying about his involvement with the drug lord.  Those
things she might have been able to understand if heÅ‚d told her the truth. 
But Matt had done something even more unforgivable.  Something that made
her sick to even think about it.

Hełd pretended to be
in love with her.

The knowledge was
agony.  HeÅ‚d teased and tempted and kissed his way into her life all the
while knowing none of it was real for him.  SheÅ‚d fallen fast and
hard, her hungry heart seeing in him something shełd been waiting for her
entire life.

Too bad it had all
been one of his lies.

Knowing that hełd
used her to get out of Mexico was bad enougha part of her understood the
importance of getting the formula out of the country and Aguilarłs
reachbut what destroyed her was the realization that none of what theyłd
shared had been real.  

The soft touches, the
caresses in the moonlight, the heartfelt words of love and adoration hełd
showered her withall had been the lies of a man whołd needed to make her
believe in something so he could complete his mission.  That was all that
had mattered to him.

Once theyłd reached
the small seaside hotel, hełd kissed her long and hard and told her they needed
to talk.  SheÅ‚d fussed about his wounded shoulder, but heÅ‚d ignored her,
taken her hand and pulled her over to sit on the bed.  SheÅ‚d been so hurt
and confused shełd let him, but just as hełd leaned in to kiss her again, his
phone rang.  It was his Mexican contact, and with a muttered apology heÅ‚d
left her to take the private call. 

It had given her the
time she needed to regroup and face the hard, painful truth.  SheÅ‚d looked
down and seen the dried blood still on her hands and suddenly everything became
clear.  After all his lies and how heÅ‚d treated her she had no business
being here.  Not with him.  Not now. 

And once reality had
set in, sheÅ‚d grabbed her purse and hightailed it out of the room.  The
last shełd seen of Matt was him chasing after the cab as it sped down the
narrow winding street.  SheÅ‚d driven right to the airport and got on the
next plane out of the country.  Then sheÅ‚d spent the next two weeks trying
to get over him. 

She was still trying.

Sighing, she turned
away from packing and walked into the kitchen to get a drink.  Thirteen days,
seven hours andshe looked at her watchforty-three minutes had gone by since
she last looked into those moody gray eyes.  Each day she woke up
expecting things to be a little bit better.  Each day she was
disappointed.  Sharra rubbed at her chest and fought back tears.  She
was beginning to believe her heart may never recover.

Frankłs attitude
didnÅ‚t help.  Once heÅ‚d gotten out of the hospital, he too had flown home,
and one of his first stops was SharraÅ‚s apartment.  HeÅ‚d tried to
intimidate her again, tossing MattÅ‚s duplicity in her face.  Instead of
frightening her, hełd only pissed her off, and this time it was she whołd
knocked him on his ass.  It made her feel much better.  At least for
a little while.

After hełd left,
screaming more threats about how shełd be sorry, she made a pitcher of
strawberry daiquiris, took the phone off the hook and sat on her balcony and
had a long overdue cry. 

And when she awoke
the next morning, she had a hangover, a bad taste in her mouth and her heart
was still broken.

But refusing to
wallow in her misery, sheÅ‚d made a decision.  She gave notice to her
landlord, reserved a moving truck and made plans to start over far from the
dusty flat fields of central California.  Frank couldnÅ‚t bother her and
Mattwellif hełd wanted to see her hełd had thirteen days, seven hours and
nowforty five minutes to do so.  He hadnÅ‚t.

Which meant
everything that had happened between them in Mexico had been just what shełd
thought. 

A lie.

“So much for being
crazy in love with me," she murmured as she poured herself a glass of
water.  Her heart squeezed in familiar pain.  “So much for babies and
dogs and those cats.  All he wanted was a cover and I made it easy for
him."

Tears threatened as
they did every time she thought of her husband.  She hadnÅ‚t started
divorce proceedings, but once she got to Santa Cruz, she promised herself that
would be the first thing sheÅ‚d do.  Then she would bury herself in work
and not come out until she couldnłt remember how Matt smelled or the wonderful
way he felt pressed against her in passion.

The neighborłs dog
barked loudly and she blinked.  Her hand was shaking and she swore under
her breath.  Even though she was furious and hurt, the thought of him
still affected her.

She almost dropped
the glass when the doorbell rang.  Frowning, she tugged down the cut-off
shorts she was wearing and adjusted her tank top.  She was expecting a
package from one of her clients, but usually the delivery guy came late in the
afternoon and it was just coming on noon.

She made her way to
the door, her mind still on the way her body was tingling.  But when she
opened it, instead of the usual dred-locked truck driver who wore purple
tennies and called her “sweetie pie, it was someone she thought sheÅ‚d never see
again.

Matt.

 

One look at Sharrałs
face told Matt two things.  First, he was as hungry for her as he had been
in Mexico.  All he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and feast on
that delicious trembling mouth.  To pull her to the ground and bury his
aching cock deep within her warmth.  It had been a long fucking thirteen
days, seven hours andthe last time he glanced at his watchforty-nine
minutes.  He didnÅ‚t want to wait another moment.

  But then the
second thing came into play.  She was furious.  Forget a kiss. 
HeÅ‚d be lucky if he got to say a word, let alone walk through the door. 
So, he wasnłt surprised when her eyes narrowed and with a toss of her head, she
slammed the door in his face.

He gave a heartfelt
sigh and knocked again, not really expecting her to open it.  That last
day in Mexico, heÅ‚d wanted to sit down with her and explain everything. 
Apologize.  Beg.  Grovel.  Do whatever it took to make her smile
again with that special look she wore only for him.  ItÅ‚s why heÅ‚d taken
her to the hotel.  Why heÅ‚d ignored his injury and sat her down to
talk. 

But when the phone
call came, heÅ‚d had to answer it.  He didnÅ‚t want to chance going to the
airport this time.  Not after what theyÅ‚d just gone through.  They
could be on some watch list, both criminal and police.  His contact was
the only one who could get them out of Mexico without any questions. 

But he hadnłt taken
into account SharraÅ‚s stubbornness and anger.  When heÅ‚d left the room,
heÅ‚d given her time to think, and thatÅ‚s where he made his mistake.  Her
pain and fury had taken over and sheÅ‚d run from him.  The next thing he
knew, he was chasing her taxi down the bumpy Mexican street.

The last two weeks
had been a nightmare.  It had taken him a week to get out of Mexico. 
His mad dash down the road had caught the attention of a local constable and
since Matt was still bleeding copiously from his gunshot woundthe cop was
justifiably suspicious of the gringo with the furious eyes and cold
smile.  Matt had to do some fast talking to be able to re-call his
contact, and while his friend had kept him out of jail, the call hadnłt done
much else.  Matt had to cool his heels as an “invited guest" of the
Mexican government until the American Embassy and his friends stateside could
work their magic and cut through all the red tape of what Matt couldnłt
tell them.  HeÅ‚d paced and champed at the bit the whole time heÅ‚d had to
wait.

Hełd tried to call
Sharrałs apartment, but instead of her sweet voice, all hełd gotten was a busy
signal.  Nothing else, no matter how many times he tried.  Not
knowing if she was all right drove him crazy.  He was in a hell of his own
making.

When he was finally
able to leave the country, he had to fly home to San Francisco to drop off the
formula.  That led to more questions and debriefings, not only by the
people whołd hired him, but by some dark-suited figures with serious faces and
no sense of humor.  HeÅ‚d been furious at the delay, wanting nothing more
to find Sharra and answer her questions, but since he had killed several
Mexican citizens, blown up half the warehouse district and caused the toppling
of a drug-pinłs empire, he figured it would be in his best interest to
cooperate.

Hełd managed to keep
SharraÅ‚s name out of it.  His marriage wasnÅ‚t mentioned, so he didnÅ‚t
bring it up.  The gringa heÅ‚d been seen with, he told them was just
his latest holiday fling.  Nobody important.  His stomach twisted at
what Sharra would say if she heard him call her that.  She would
think all her fears about him were true, and it would be the final nail in the
coffin of their relationship.  But the last thing he wanted was any of
these humorless g-men showing up on his wifełs doorstep.

His wife.  Was
she still his wife?  Or had she gone straight to some shyster lawyer to
dissolve their troubled union?  He couldnÅ‚t blame her if she had. 
Not really.  HeÅ‚d used her.  It didnÅ‚t matter why heÅ‚d done it. 
Or that at the time heÅ‚d thought the ends justified the means.  Now, all
he could remember was the shattered look in Sharrałs eyes when that bastard, Aguilar,
had told her of her husbandłs lies.

If he was a
gentleman, heÅ‚d probably just walk away and let her go one with her life. 
Give her the divorce she no doubt wanted and disappear into the sunset. 
Let her find someone else.  Someone who wouldnÅ‚t lie to her.  Someone
who could make her happy.

But Matt had never
claimed to be a gentleman.  What he was, was a man in love with his woman,
and hełd be damned if hełd let anyone else know the sweetness of her
kisses.  She belonged to him!  And as heÅ‚d told her in Mexico, he was
going to keep her.  If he had to stand on this doorstep until Christmas,
he would. 

Sharra wasnłt the
only one who was stubborn.

He pounded on the
door again.  “Damn it, honey.  Let me in.  You know we have to
talk."

There was nothing but
silence on the other side of the door.

Sighing, he put his
forehead against the wooden frame.  “Please, Sharra.  Give me a
chance.  Give us a chance.  I know I fucked up, but I love
you.  ThatÅ‚s gotta mean something."

The door came open so
fast he stumbled forward, almost running into the furious form of his wife.

“DonÅ‚t you dare," she
hissed at him, pushing him back outside with one strong shove.  “DonÅ‚t you
ever say those words to me again.  Ever.  TheyÅ‚re too
important.  Too special for you to mock me with them."

A curling anger
started in his gut.  “IÅ‚m not mocking you," he growled, “and I wonÅ‚t stop
saying it.  I love you.  ThatÅ‚s the truth."

Her face closed up
tight.  “You couldnÅ‚t tell the truth if it bit you on the butt!"

It was a direct hit
and they both knew it.  His lips tightened as he stared into her beautiful
eyes.  Somehow he had to make her understand. 

“YouÅ‚re right. 
I didnÅ‚t tell you the truth about some things.  And I regret that more
than youÅ‚ll ever know.  But I never lied to you about how I felt.  I
fell in love with you.  I didnÅ‚t mean to.  Hell, I didnÅ‚t want
to.  You were a complication that only made things harder.  But I did
and I wonłt have you telling me Iłm lying about that!"

Her lips trembled,
and thinking she was going to burst into tears, he stepped closer to pull her
into his arms, but before he could do so, she lifted her hand and slapped him
across the face.

“You bastard," she
breathed, her eyes flashing her contempt at him.  “I was a complication? 
You didnÅ‚t want to fall for me?  IÅ‚m so very sorry that I messed up your
plans.  Sorry the kidnapping didnÅ‚t go as well as youÅ‚d hoped."

Belatedly, Matt
realized his honesty had set off SharraÅ‚s redhead temper.  Rotating his
jaw, he wiped away the tiny trail of blood her blow had left behind.  HeÅ‚d
forgotten just how good a punch she could throw.  “I didnÅ‚t mean it that
way, damn it.  IÅ‚m glad I fell for you even if it wasnÅ‚t the best timing
in the world.  You and I are meant to be together, honey.  You may be
mad at me now, but"

“IÅ‚m not mad!" she
shouted.  “I hate you!  I hate you for what you did to me."  She
stomped her foot so hard, he worried she might fall out of that tiny tank top
she was wearing.  Not that heÅ‚d mind, but he had other things to think
about.  But her next words brought him to full attention.

“I never want to see
you again."

 His gut twisted
as pain shot through him.  “No way IÅ‚m going anywhere.  I swear,
Sharra.  I love you.  CanÅ‚t we talk it through like I wanted to
before you ran away from me?"

She tossed her head
again, the sapphire of her eyes glinting furiously.  “I donÅ‚t think
so.  The only way weÅ‚ll talk in through a lawyer."  She stomped her
foot again.  “Now get the hell off my property!"

That was it. 
HeÅ‚d had enough.  A man could only take so much before  Well, heÅ‚d
already admitted he was no gentleman.  Might as well act like the caveman
she thought he was.

With a single motion,
he lifted her up in a firemanłs carry and tossed her over his strong
shoulder.  “I said we need to talk and we are going to talk." 
Ignoring her curses, he strode through the entryway and slammed the door behind
him.

Once inside, he
carried her wriggling and cursing form through the messy front room looking for
the bedroom.  He knew in his gut that if he could just get past the anger,
he might have a chance of making things right.  And the easiest way he
knew to do that was to remind her of how they desired each other.  A part
of him noted the piles of boxes and newspaper strewn around the room.  She
was moving.  Excitement flashed though him.  Could it be she was
coming to him?

When her kicking foot
came dangerously close to his testicles, he decided that hope was probably
unmerited.  With a sigh, he found her bedroom and tossed her on the unmade
bed.  She was up like a shot.  Matt grinned as he grabbed her around
the waist and this time followed her down.  Damn it felt good to touch her
again.  Grabbing her hands, he pinned them over her head.

“Not this time,
honey," he panted.  “IÅ‚ve got you just where I want you and this time, you
arenłt going anywhere."




Chapter Twenty 

Sharra went
completely still.  She stared up into the stormy gray eyes of the man
sheÅ‚d loved more than anything else in the world and wanted to weep.  Why
was he doing this?  Why all the lies?  He had what he wanted. 
Why didnłt he just leave her alone?

She didnłt realize
she was speaking aloud until his eyebrows came together in a fierce
frown.  He gave her a shake that rattled her teeth.

“Why the hell do you
think IÅ‚m doing this?" he snarled.  “I told you.  I love you. 
You think Iłd put myself through this shit if I didnłt?"

It wasnłt the
romantic sweet-talk youłd expect from a guy trying to make amends, but from
Matt it seemed perfectly right.  Shaking off that notion, she glared up at
him.  “I donÅ‚t know.  ThatÅ‚s what is so confusing to me.  Why
bother, Matt?  You got what you wanted.  I read in the paper about
the formula being returned and Aguilarłs drug enterprise falling
apart.  WasnÅ‚t that your mission?  DidnÅ‚t you get your pay?" 
Pain shot through her again.  “Though you got a lot more than you
expected, didnÅ‚t you.  The perks of the job were great.  Or are they
like that every time?  IÅ‚m sure IÅ‚m not the first woman taken in by
yourcharm."

Incredibly, hurt
flashed over his face.  “You think that of me?"  His jaw clenched
several times as he shook his head.  “Christ.  I really did a number
on you, didnÅ‚t I?  The pressure of his hands increased around her wrists
as he struggled for words.  “It wasnÅ‚t like that, damn it.  For your
information, IÅ‚ve never done that with any other woman.  Ever."

Hope shot through
her, but she pushed aside the traitorous emotion.  “Why should I believe
you now?  YouÅ‚ve lied to me from beginning to end."

“I know, baby.  And
like I said back at the warehouse, I wish IÅ‚d come clean from the start." 
He sighed again.  “So let me say it all over again.  In the past I have
lied and done anything else it took to get the job done.  But you were
different.  I met you and my mind just stopped working.  I didnÅ‚t
choose you for the jobyou have to understand.  I worked the job around
being with you."

Sharra blinked. 
“Excuse me?"

His eyes begged her
to believe him.  “When I pulled you off that table in the bar, I did it
because I couldnÅ‚t walk away from you.  I tried.  At the time you
were just another American gringa whołd been stupid enough to let
herself get drugged."

“Thanks a lot!"

“What I mean is,"
Matt went on doggedly, “it happens and no one looks twice.  But I couldnÅ‚t
walk away and leave you.  Not only wouldnÅ‚t it have been right, but one
look at you and it was impossible.  There was something about you that
made me want to fight every guy in the room for you."  He swept a tongue
over his teeth as if remembering the blows heÅ‚d taken.  “And I pretty much
did."

“So what does that
have to do with your mission?"  She shook her head.  “Why didnÅ‚t you
just take me back to my hotel room to sleep it off?  Why use me in such a
despicable way?"

His lips
tightened.  “I should have.  I would have.  But thatÅ‚s what IÅ‚m
trying to explain."  He bent and brushed his mouth over hers.  “I
couldnłt."

“I donÅ‚t
understand."  Sharra heard the tremor in her voice and cleared her
throat.  He was getting to her, damn it.  Those clear gray eyes
seemed to be filled with such remorse and vulnerability, she found herself
wanting to believe him.  “Why couldnÅ‚t you?"

“Because," his voice
was hoarse as he put his forehead against hers, “I was already falling in love
with you."

Matt felt her go
tense under him and continued quickly.  It may be the only chance he had
to convince her.  “I was, honey.  I may not have known it at the
time, but I do now.  Like I said, IÅ‚d never acted that way with another
woman.  Never bedded one for a jobnever put them in the position I put
you."  He risked letting go of one of her arms so he could cup her face in
his hand.  “I told you before I was a confirmed bachelor.  I didnÅ‚t
understand what I was feeling.  Just convinced myself I was keeping you
close because of the job, but it was just an excuse."

“How can I believe
you?"  Her voice was very quiet as her eyes filled with tears.  “You
lied to me about our first wedding.  You made love to me knowing I thought
we were legally married.  You let me get shot at in the jungle"

“And that," Matt
interrupted, “was when I knew IÅ‚d screwed up."  Unable to help himself, he
kissed her.  When she jerked away from him, his heart fell to his
shoes.  “Baby, I hated myself then.  You could have been hurtor
worse.  And even though we got away, now they knew about you.  I
realized then I hadnłt been thinking straight, otherwise Iłd have had us on a
plane the day after I met you.  Made some excuse about getting back to the
states and made sure you and the formula both were out of Aguilarłs reach."

“So why didnÅ‚t you?"

“BecausebecauseI
wanted to be with you.  I told myself it was because we needed to build
the cover of a honeymooning couple, but that was bullshit.  The truth is I
liked being your husband so much I kept forgetting it wasnÅ‚t real.  And
then we made love"  MattÅ‚s body hardened at the memory, and when Sharra
sucked in her breath, he knew shełd felt his erection growing against her
hip.  “I couldnÅ‚t let you go.  IÅ‚d never felt about a woman the way I
did about you.  It blindsided me and made me make one mistake after
anotherstarting with not telling you who I really was."

“I gave you a
chance," she whispered.  “I walked into that warehouse still believing in
youstill loving you.  But it was all lies.  I donÅ‚t know what to
believe anymore."

“Marrying you wasnÅ‚t
a lie," he growled.  At her narrowed stare, he went red.  “I mean the
second one.  I love you, and I wanted you to have a wedding youÅ‚d always
remember.  And after I told you the truth I hoped youÅ‚d understand and
forgive me because IÅ‚d made sure we were really married."

“Are we?"

Matt froze. 
“Are we what?"

Sharra gaze searched
his face.  “Are we actually married?  It wasnÅ‚t anothercon?"

He barely managed to
keep his temper from boiling over.  As it was he had to speak through gritted
teeth.  “Hell yes, weÅ‚re married.  To death do us part and all
that.  Jesus, woman.  I had a priest, candles, the coins. As
witnesses, I had a horse so ancient it should have been glue, and his master
who had no hair and no teeth.  You think IÅ‚d do all that for a
con?" He couldnÅ‚t help but swear under his breath.  “And think about
this.  Why?  You already thought we were married.  What fucking
good would it have done me?  Tell me that!"

She stiffened, but
his words caught her attention.  He wouldnÅ‚t have had a reason to do a
second fake wedding.  Maybe he was telling the truth.  This
time.  But she wasnÅ‚t going to let him off that easily.  “IÅ‚m not the
one defending myself here.  I have every right to ask you.  And, damn
it, it would be the first time youÅ‚d told me the truth!  ThatÅ‚s for sure."

He let out a snarl
that made her blink.  “I told you the truth plenty of times. 
Starting with how I was in love with you."

A mixture of fury and
expectancy welled up inside Sharra.  “You donÅ‚t lie to someone you love."

All the anger
disappeared from MattÅ‚s face, and he closed his eyes.  “No," he said
heavily as he reopened them and gazed down at her, “you donÅ‚t.  Why I did
it was stupid, both at first, and then later when I didnłt tell you everything
because I was afraid youÅ‚d bolt and put yourself in danger.  But I did
it.  Now the question iscan you ever forgive me for it?"

Staring up at him,
Sharra wasnÅ‚t sure how to answer.  She did love him.  The last two
weeks had shown her how much sheÅ‚d grieved over losing him.  But could she
forgive him the past so they could move forward?  A sudden thought crossed
her mind.  Was that even what he wanted, or was this visit a quick
sorry-I-lied-to-you-and-how-about-a-quickie-for-old-times-sake booty
call?  She gathered her courage.

“Tell me why youÅ‚re
here.  Obviously seeing me wasnÅ‚t too important." She thought sourly that
thirteen days, seven hours and forty-three minutes proved that.

He stared at her
incredulously.  “What the hell are you talking about now?  IÅ‚m here
because youÅ‚re my wife and I want to be with you.  Seeing you was all I
thought about over that last two weeno, scratch that thirteen days, seven
hours and forty-nine fuckinł minutes."

Having her thoughts
mirrored so exactly surprised Sharra into a long silence.  Then she lifted
her chin.  “Really?  Then where have you been?"

“I was stuck in
Mexico, sweetheart."  His gray eyes glinted.  “And it was all your
fault."

“My fault," she
squeaked.  “How is it my fault?"

“Because, if I hadnÅ‚t
been chasing you down the blasted street with my arm covered in blood, I
wouldnłt have been seen by a damn cop and dragged into the closest police
station.  LetÅ‚s just say I couldnÅ‚t talk my way out of that one."

Her heart lodged in
her throat.  “You were in jail?"

“Almost," he growled.
“I was a guest of the Mexican government until I could prove who I
was.  That took a week.  Then, the people who got me out wanted a
word with me about drug empires and some missing C-4.  Oh, and they were a
little irritated about me not informing them of what I was going to do."

The tight band around
her heart loosened.  He hadnÅ‚t stayed away because he didnÅ‚t care. 
He didnłt have a choice.

If she believed him.

“You have to believe
me," he said as if reading her mind.  “I would have stopped you at the
airport if I could have.  Made you see that we were meant to be
together.  But I couldnÅ‚t.  I was able to keep your name out of it"

“They donÅ‚t know
about me?"

“No record of our
marriage here in the states.  That bastard, Aguilar, didnÅ‚t even
know about it, remember?  I didnÅ‚t want you questioned, honey.  So I
didnłt tell them the truth about you."

Her eyes narrowed at
that statement.  “The truth?"

His neck went
red.  “I let them think you were just a gal IÅ‚d picked up for a good
time.  DidnÅ‚t even know your real name.  Told them you called
yourself Bambi."

She was half
horrified, half amused.  “Bambi?"

Matt gave her a
sheepish smile.  “IÅ‚m usually better at coming up with aliases, but it was
the first name that came to me."

She realized her hand
had gone to his shoulder and was caressing it softly.  Quickly, she let it
drop.  “So you didnÅ‚t come before now because you were in custody? 
First the Mexican government and then ours?"

“You got it." 
He brushed his lips across her forehead.  “IÅ‚d have been here in a
heartbeat if I could have.  I was worried about you.  Not just
because I knew you were pissed at me, but youÅ‚d been hurt."  His fingers
brushed against the still healing knife scars on her throat.  “Sweet
Jesus, every time I think of how close I came to losing you, I get sick."

“IÅ‚m all right," she
said automatically, her body heating at the light touches of his hand.  If
she wasnłt careful, shełd give in to the needs of her hungry heart and body,
but she still wasnÅ‚t sure about Matt.  Sure, she loved him, but was that
enough to forgive him for all the liesfor the things hełd put her through?

Again, it was as if
he read her mind.  “I know you arenÅ‚t sure about me, sweetheart, but what
can I do to convince you?  I love you.  I want us to be togetherto
stay married.  Hey, we have a plan, remember?  Dogs, cats and
babies?  I havenÅ‚t forgotten.  Have you?"

Her throat closed up
tight.  “No," she whispered.  “I remember."

“Then tell me. 
What can I do to prove to you IÅ‚m sorry for what I did?  Prove that I love
you?  IÅ‚ll do anythingI swear it."  His eyes took on a feral
gleam.  “IÅ‚ll beat Frank up for you.  Maybe that crazy mother of his,
too?  Hell, IÅ‚ll even take on your old wedding coordinator if you want me
to.  Tell me how to make you believe we belong together and IÅ‚m there."

Matt felt like his
whole life was on the line as she stared up at him uncertainly.  Oh, he
was pretty sure now that she still loved him.  There was a certain look in
her eyes and a softness about her that couldnÅ‚t be hidden.  But love
wasnÅ‚t enough.  There had to be trust, too.  And he knew heÅ‚d used up
any spare bits of trust Sharra might have had for him.

He brushed back a
curl of hair off her forehead.  “I love you, Sharra.  I know I hurt
you.  I know I was a jerk for not trusting you with the truth
earlier.  But please, baby.  DonÅ‚t ruin our future just because I
fucked up the past."

A small smile touched
her curved lips and then was gone.  “You didnÅ‚tfuck up everything,
Matt.  You were a real hero."

His heart
leaped.  “I can be a hero again.  I swear it.  Just give me a
chance, honey.  Please."  He touched his forehead to hers as emotion
filled him and made his voice deep and hoarse.  “Please, Sharra.  I
want to be with you forever.  Here, San Franciscohell, even back in
Mexico if you want.  As long as weÅ‚re together."  He lifted his head
and glared down at her.  “Damn it.  I donÅ‚t think IÅ‚ll make it
without you."

A single tear rolled
down her cheek as she choked back a sobbing laugh.  “How romantic."

His neck went
red.  “I can be.  You know that.  But right now all I am is
scared.  DonÅ‚t you get it, woman?  Thinking I might lose you is
scares me right down to my bones."

Another tear followed
the first and to his relief, her body relaxed a little beneath his. 
“Truly, Matt?  Am I that important to you?"

His heart pounded so
hard it hurt.  Leaning up on his elbows, he took her soft face in his
hands and kissed her with all the love and need heÅ‚d been storing up. 
Then he looked down into those brimming blue eyes and said simply,

“YouÅ‚re my world."

A sob shook her
slender body and suddenly she was embracing him.  Her arms wrapped around
him like she would never let him go.  Rolling to the side, he did the same,
holding her tight against his strong bodyallowing her to weep out all the
remnants of anger, fear and pain she might be harboring.  He cried too,
for the future hełd almost lost because of stupid male pride and fear.

“I love you," she
whispered into his damp throat.  “I never stopped.  I was just so
angry.  I thought youÅ‚d used me.  And then when you didnÅ‚t
come"  Her voice trailed off and she shuddered as if thinking of all the
lonely days and nights since theyłd been separated.

“I know, sweetheart." 
Matt kissed the top of her head.  “I know.  And I donÅ‚t know if IÅ‚ll
ever forgive myself for what I did.  So much could have been prevented had
I only been honest with you."

“Th-thatÅ‚s in the
past now." SharraÅ‚s voice was a bit stronger now.  “We canÅ‚t go back and
change the mistakes and misunderstandings, but we can learn from them. 
Promise me youłll never lie to me again."

“I promise." 
The words were immediate and easy.  He had no intention of ever putting
either of them through that again.  “There may be times I canÅ‚t tell you
everything because of my job, but I swear IÅ‚ll never lie to you."  He
kissed the tears off her cheeks.  “Will you be okay with that?"

She looked up at him
and smiled slowly.  “Will you love me forever?"

The desire hełd
pushed down since hełd seen her at the door, flared up with burning
intent.  He bent and nipped her lower lip.  “Always."

“Then show me."




Chapter Twenty-One 

It was like setting a
match to fire.  MattÅ‚s lips came down on hers with such possessive hunger Sharra
could only gasp.  The weeks theyÅ‚d been apart suddenly seemed
unbearable.  The memories of his kisses had kept her awake many a night,
and finally having him touch her made her want to both weep and shout for joy.

He murmured her name
as he roughly kissed down her neck, pulling the tank top strap off her shoulder
to nip the soft curve of her collar bone.  “God, IÅ‚ve missed you. 
Every second of every day.  And the nights"  He shuddered. 
“All I could think about was being inside you."

Sharrałs heart
skipped a beat and her body tightened with desire.  When MattÅ‚s hand moved
down to cup her breast, she arched up into his palm, her whole being wanting to
be closer to him.  “Touch me, Matt.  Please.  I need you so
much."

Those gray eyes
turned into burnished silver and with a single strong pull he ripped the flimsy
tank top off her and tossed it to the floor.  His lips came down on her
naked breast, sucking the nipple into his mouth.

Electricity shot
through her and she cried out in pleasure.  Matt growled and sucked
harder, one hand cradling her neck, the other sweeping down her body to unsnap
her shorts.   The heat in her body exploded when his clever fingers
slid inside and brushed gently over her sensitive folds.  She bucked
against him and heard him swear as he shuddered above her.

“You feel so good,"
he muttered.  “So damn good."

“Please, Matt," she
couldnÅ‚t help begging as she twisted closer. “DonÅ‚t stop.  Please donÅ‚t
stop."

He didnłt
answer.  Only jerked her shorts open and pulled them down her legs. 
His hand moved between her thighs again, and she whimpered as he eased long
fingers slowly inside her.  His thumb brushed against her clit as he began
moving in and out her now wet quim.  Rolls of pleasure swept over her, so
strong, so beautiful that she almost couldnÅ‚t bear it.  She cried out
again, but he didnÅ‚t stop.  Instead he kissed her, his tongue parroting
the moves of his fingers. 

Her breasts tingled
as a wave of heat flared out from her nipples, racing down to where his fingers
stroked and played.  It was too much and her body imploded in a blaze of
glorious splendor.  It went on and on until she was sobbing from it. 
She was as limp as a noodle and wanted only to rest, but Matt wasnłt having any
of it.

“Again," he growled,
tearing off his own clothes before pouncing on her again.  His muscular
body moved down her shivering form until he was resting between her
thighs.  She screamed as he grabbed her hips and buried his mouth in her
soft triangle of hair.  Just the thought of it had her hot and needy all
over again, and it only took a few strong teases with his tongue to make her
eyes roll back in an even stronger orgasm.

He didnÅ‚t wait. 
The final shiver of her climax hadnłt yet finished when he slid up her body and
thrust deep into her warmth. 

She gasped.  How
could she have forgotten how good he felt?  He filled hercompleted
her.  SheÅ‚d been a fool to ever think she could exist without him. 
As he thrust deeper and deeper within her, she clutched him closer, raking his
shoulder with her nails.  As the pleasure built a third time she began
dropping kisses on his chest, sighing in delight when her searching tongue
encircled his flat male nipple. 

Mattłs overheated
body went incendiary at her touch.  He groaned, trying desperately to
control himself so their joining could last longer.  He didnÅ‚t want it to
end, didnłt want to leave her warmth, but he had been too long without her and
his body had other plans.

Capturing her mouth
with his own, he kissed her, matching his thrusts to the action of his
tongue.  More heat raced through him as she wrapped her long legs around
his waist and squeezed.   Grabbing her hips, he tilted her so his
cock pressed against her clit.  She moaned into his mouth and arched up
against him.  His movements became wilder and wilder as passion took over.

The soft sounds she
murmured and the tremors of her body under his made it almost impossible to
think.  His desire to make the lovemaking last disappeared under a white
hot ball of lust.  Out of control, he drove into her over and over
again.  His penis swelled as his release approached and sweat broke out on
his forehead as he fought to hang on until Sharra found her own. 

It seemed as if it
took forever, but in reality it only took a few minutes before her eyes went blind
and she screamed out his name.  Her vagina clenched down on him with such
force he groaned and exploded, his climax so strong his vision grayed.  He
shuddered over her for several long moments before collapsing, his face pressed
into her throat, their hearts pounding together.

When he came back to
himself, Sharrałs fingers were tracing gentle swirls in the hollow of his lower
back.  He shivered once and she giggled.  A grin touched his usually
hard mouth as he rolled over, keeping their bodies connected and bringing her
over the top of him.  Her breasts brushed his chest and he shuddered
again, this time in the utter joy of knowing she was his.

“I love you," he
whispered as he threaded his fingers through her silky hair and pulled her
mouth to his.   “I was so worried IÅ‚d lost you."

“You almost did."

He grunted.  “I
know.  Thanks for not throwing me out."

She poked him. 
“I tried to throw you out.  You just wouldnÅ‚t go."

Matt laughed. 
“Damn straight I didnÅ‚t.  You belong to me.  I had to remind you of that."

Narrowing her eyes,
she nipped at his chin.  “And you belong to me."

“Yup.  Have
since you danced on that table."

Her expression
softened.  “I did?"

He kissed her
again.  “You did."

Sighing, she laid her
head on his shoulder.  “To think I went to Mexico to have some time
alone."

“No, you didnÅ‚t."

Sharra blinked. 
“I didnÅ‚t?"

Matt shook his
head.  If he was sure about anything, it was this.  “You went to
Mexico because you knew you couldnÅ‚t marry that bozo, Frank.  You may not
have known it when you booked the ticket, but that was the real reason."

Her eyes
widened.  “I was having second thoughts, but"

“But nothing," he
interrupted.  “You were having second thoughts because you knew he wasnÅ‚t
for you.  DonÅ‚t you get it?"  He grinned in total satisfaction. 
“You were coming to find me."

A teasing smile lit
her face.  “Well, I donÅ‚t usually set out to find a man by dancing on the
table, but IÅ‚m glad it worked this time."

His lips captured
hers in a loving kiss.  “It was destiny, honey."

Her eyes turned serious. 
“So where do we go from here?"

Remembering the
packing going on in the front room, he rolled again so she was beneath
him.  He wasnÅ‚t about to let her go now that he had her back where she
belonged.  “You tell me.  What are all the boxes for?"

She shrugged. 
“IÅ‚m moving.  I donÅ‚t want to stay here any longer.  Since my mom is
dead thereÅ‚s really no reason to.  Frank was being a pest about things, so
I decided to start over somewhere else."

Anger rolled through
him.  “Being a pest?" he growled. 

Sharra sighed. 
“DonÅ‚t be a caveman.  Nothing I couldnÅ‚t deal with.  He felt like I
owned him for the trouble in Mexico."  She smiled slightly.  “I
explained just how wrong he was."

Matt wasnłt about to
let Frank get away with bugging her.  He made a mental note to have a chat
with the manwith his fists if necessary.  He took a deep breath to
release the tension building within him.  “Where were you moving to?"

“The coast."

He relaxed even
more.  “The coast is good.  Decent weather, beautiful beaches. 
So what do you think about a town with great food, good music and interesting
sights all around?"

Her gaze lifted to
his and he saw hope warring with uncertainty.  “You want me to move to San
Francisco?  With you?"

Cupping her face in
his hands, he kissed her again, this time with less heat and more
expectation.  When she was trembling against him, he lifted his
head.  “Even in this day and age, wives live with their husbands. 
And yeah, San Francisco is a great town.  IÅ‚ve got a nice place on the
waterfront.  I think youÅ‚d like it there."

She stared up at him
for so long he began to get nervous.  Cupping her ass in his big hand, he
pulled her closer.  “You better say yes soon.  If you think IÅ‚m going
to let you go, youłre not as smart as I think."

“IÅ‚m plenty smart." 
Surprising him, she wrapped her legs around him, drawing him deeper within her
warmth.  “And I know a good thing when I have one on top of me."

Matt snorted out a
laugh even as his cock went hard.  But he wasnÅ‚t to be denied.  “So that
better mean youÅ‚re coming home with me.  IÅ‚m not leaving here without
you."

Lifting her arms
around his neck, she treated him to a long kiss filled with all the hope of the
future.  He groaned and adjusted their bodies so they were even
closer.  He was just about ready to start loving her again when she
whispered in his ear,

“How about we make a
deal?"

He froze.  “A
deal?"

“Umm hmm."  She
nibbled on his ear.  “You take care of finding a cat, and IÅ‚ll get us a
dog."

Suddenly all was
right with his world.  He laughed and kissed herhard.  “That works
for me, but IÅ‚ve got another condition."

Sharra lifted an
enquiring brow.  “And that would be?"

 Matt brushed
his mouth over hers.  “We both take care of making the babies."




Epilogue 

The weepy whisper of
jazz music mingled with the sound of the waves crashing against a nearby
pier.  Sharra heard the snick of the sliding glass door opening behind
her, but she didnÅ‚t move.  Her body was limp with satisfaction and
contentment, and the rocking motion of the boat made her sleepy.

The scent of
strawberries filled her nostrils and the bristle of her husbandłs whiskers
tickled the curve of her neck.  “Are you sleeping, honey?"

She stretched
languidly on the chaise.  “Not really.  Just lying here, enjoying the
quiet and the"

The excited bark of a
dog interrupted her and Matt snickered.  “So much for it being quiet."

Opening her eyes, she
watched as the half-naked figure of her husband scooted a deck chair closer to
her.  She smothered a sigh of pleasure at the play of his muscles in the
moonlight.  “Is Paco chasing Gatito again?  I swear the dog is going
to take all nine of that catłs lives."

Matt laughed. 
“They do fight like cats and dogs."

She groaned at his
pun.  “Ever since you brought that kitten home sheÅ‚s been picking on my
poor sweet puppy."

“Poor sweet
puppy?"  He stared at her in mock disgust.  “That dog is a wolverine
in drag."

Sharra giggled. 
Paco was a black cocker spaniel puppy who had the courage of a pit-bull. 
Shełd found him fighting off two larger dogs in a back alley her first week in
San Francisco.  By all rights the dogs should have torn little Paco apart,
but when shełd come upon them, the tiny dog had a German shepherd backed up
against the wall and was chewing on a GreyhoundÅ‚s leg.  HeÅ‚d snarled
furiously at his enemies as she scooped him up to safety, and Sharra and hełd
been inseparable ever since.  He was missing part of one floppy ear and
had a scar down the side of his face, but to Sharra he was the cutest puppy on
the planet.

Gatito, on the other
hand, was a beautiful golden Persian kitten that had been born with the
proverbial spoon in her mouth.  Matt spent a portion of the bonus money
hełd received from the Mexican case on the kitten as a wedding gift for
Sharra.  But instead of warming up to his bride, Gatito had fallen in love
with Matt and followed him around whenever he was home.  The small kitten
was spoiled rotten and a born troublemaker, always getting into scrapes.

When the cat and dog
met each other, it had been hate at first sight.  They fought likewell,
as Matt had said, like cats and dogs.  But as the weeks went by, the two
developed a grudging respect for each other.  Now-a-days, the chasing,
yowling and barking hid a mutual affection.  It was a source of amusement
to both Matt and Sharra.

“TheyÅ‚ve chased each
other around the boat for the last two hours," Sharra said with a giggle.

Leaning forward, he
kissed her laughing mouth.  “Well, since weÅ‚ve been occupied in the
bedroom for those two hours they were probably bored."

Sharra batted her
eyelashes at him and stretched again.  “This has been a wonderful
vacation, Matt.  IÅ‚m so glad we came back here."

He grinned.  “No
cheap motel rooms, blown up warehouses or drug runners in sight.  Just
lots of sex, sand and surf."

“The perfect second
honeymoon."

Matt had to
agree.  It was a year to the day since heÅ‚d bulled his way into SharraÅ‚s
apartment and begged his wifeÅ‚s forgiveness.  TheyÅ‚d spent seventy-two
solid hours making up and making plans.  When theyÅ‚d come up for air,
everything had been decided.

He was going
home.  But Sharra was coming with him.

The next few months
had been filled with the hectic chore of moving and getting her settled into
his condo in San Francisco.  TheyÅ‚d argued about redecorating, whether she
needed a car and whether they should have a stateside wedding or not. 

Theyłd compromised
about the redecorating and sold her old car, but both had agreed that the
church wedding in Mexico was a memory they didnÅ‚t want to replace.  It was
too specialtoo important to both of them.  And when the wedding pictures
came, courtesy of Juan the carriage driver and his ancient horse, they were put
in a place of honor above the fireplace.

Sharra had settled
in, relocating her graphic arts business and making a comfortable home for them
both.  When Matt had to go out of town for businesswhich wasnÅ‚t as often
any moreshe spent her free time exploring the city.  She found many
inspirations for her art in the cityłs people and architecture and found herself
falling in love with her new homealmost as much as she loved the man who
brought her there.

Not that it had all
been easy for them.  They were two strong-willed people who both had
different habits and beliefs.  They worked, they played, they argued and
they made love.  Blending their lives together wasnÅ‚t easy, but they
cherished each other so much, in the long run those small irritations werenłt
important.

And now, after a full
year together, theyÅ‚d come back to where it all started.  As an anniversary
present to each other, theyłd purchased a small yacht, packed up the animals
and sailed it down to Puerto Vallarta. Theyłd anchored in Banderas
Bay, and for the last two weeks theyÅ‚d fished, swam, and made love.  Every
morning they drank mimosas on the bow.  In the afternoons Matt taught
Sharra how to scuba dive.  And in the evenings they took the small
powerboat to the harborłs pier and ate at one of the many restaurants along the
strip.  They danced, laughed, shopped and did all the things they hadnÅ‚t
had a chance to do the first time around.

Theyłd
even rented another dune buggy and traveled back to the hidden pond for a well
deserved picnic.  And this time Sharra didnÅ‚t worry about any other eyes
on them when Matt pulled her down to the blanket and made sweet love to her.

But
all good things must come to an end and tonight was their last night in
Mexico.  Rather than heading back into town, they decided to spend it
alone together, making love and enjoying the view of the city lights.

“Open
up."

She
obeyed, parting her lips and humming in appreciation when the tangy-sweet taste
of fresh strawberries and whipped cream tickled her tongue.  “Oh, thatÅ‚s
good."

“Only
the best for my wife," Matt answered.  He took a bite himself and felt the
flavor burst in his mouth.  She was right.  The fruit was good.

“IÅ‚m
going to miss Puerto Vallarta," Sharra murmured as she stroked her hand down
his muscular thigh.  “ItÅ‚s been so relaxing and wonderful."

Bending
closer, he licked a whirl of cream off her upper lip.  “No bad thoughts
about the past?"

She snatched a quick
kiss and then helped herself to another berry.  “It was fun coming back
here.  And it seemed rightlike we were finishing something we
started.  Does that make sense?"

He knew exactly what
she meant.  “You mean closure."

Sharra smiled. 
“Yes, thatÅ‚s the perfect word.  We may have started on the future
together, but we had some unfinished business in our past."

“I thought about
going somewhere else," he murmured.  “You know what they say, what happens
in Mexico stays in Mexico."

She leaned forward
and fed him a sweet berry.  “Thank God what happened between us didnÅ‚t
stay here.  If you hadnÅ‚t come after me"  Her words trailed off and
she shivered.

“But I did,
sweetheart."  He soothed her with a caress of his hand.  “I couldnÅ‚t
walk away.  I love you too much.  You know that."

Without warning she
pulled him down on top of her, sending berries and whipped cream flying. 
The chaise lounge squeaked loudly in protest, but he didnÅ‚t complain.  He
loved the feel of her soft body beneath his. 

She nibbled gently on
his chin.  “I do know.  I love you, too."   Her eyes
twinkled mischievously.  “Besides, we had cats and dogs to collect." 
As if called, the two animals sprinted towards them, tails held high. 
Finding the spilled food, they settled down to slurp it up contentedly.

Matt laughed, feeling
the joy well up in him.  If a year ago someone had told him heÅ‚d find his
soulmate in a tourist town in Mexico heÅ‚d have laughed himself sick.  But
here she was, her sexy smile beckoning him, the moonlight shining on her pale
hair and her warm body moving beneath his.  He pressed a kiss to her soft
lips.  “Well, maybe itÅ‚s time we got to work on those babies, too."

She blushed a
becoming pink and her gaze dropped.  “About that"

He went still and
used his index finger to bring her chin up so their eyes met again. 
“Sharra?"

Her hand went up and
covered his heart.  “I-I wanted it to be a surprise.  I saw a doctor
before I left and he confirmed it."

Mattłs throat closed
up tight.  He had to swallow twice before he could speak.  “Are y-you
telling me youłre"

She nodded, her smile
lighting up her face like a candle.  “Happy anniversary, my darling. 
IÅ‚m pregnant."

He stared at her for
a moment then gave a shout of joy.  “WeÅ‚re having a baby!  Damn,
honey!  I love you so much." 

Giggling, she wrapped
her arms around him.  “I love you, too."

“Are you feeling all
right?  Sick at all?"  He swore loudly and rolled to the side of her,
almost falling off the chaise in his hurry.  “God, IÅ‚m probably squashing
the baby.  You should have told me."

“Shhh," she whispered
as she stopped him from pulling away.  “IÅ‚m fine.  WeÅ‚re fine. 
Not a bit of sickness at all.  In fact, I feel great."

Calming, he laid his big
hand on her still flat stomach.  “A kid.  I canÅ‚t believe it."

“Believe it. 
WeÅ‚ve finally kept all our promises to each other."  Her eyes
sparkled.  “And what a tale weÅ‚ll have to tell him about how we met."

Matt reddened and he
shook his head.  “I donÅ‚t know if I want him to hear that story. 
Itit wasnłt my finest hour."

“YouÅ‚re wrong, you
know."  It was SharraÅ‚s turn to take his chin in hand as she met his
troubled gaze.  “You were my hero.  You saved me from certain rape,
protected me with your life, romanced me in ways a woman can only dream about
and made certain that I had the most beautiful wedding a bride could ask for."

“But, Sharra"

“No buts," she said
firmly, wanting to erase his worry forever.  “You saved my life and I fell
in love with you.  Not only did you keep me safe, you found an important
formula and brought down an entire drug cartel.  What are a
fewmisunderstandings when you love someone the way I love you."

Mattłs eyes were
suspiciously wet.  “YouÅ‚re rewriting history, but I love you for it. 
I donłt deserve you."

She grinned, happier
than sheÅ‚d ever been in her life.  “Of course you do.  Just as I
deserve you.  And the new life weÅ‚ve begun.  Our baby is part
of that, but what happened in Mexico will always be what brought us together,
and IÅ‚ll never forget it."

“I wonÅ‚t either," he
vowed.  “Besides, I like some of the memories."  He pulled the robe
she was wearing apart and his lips found the tip of her breast.  “Like the
first time I tasted you.  Or the first time you cried out my name when I
was inside you."

She sighed as
pleasure raced through her.  “Or our first kiss.  Or when you shouted
that you loved me.  It was so romantic."

He lifted an
eyebrow.  “Shouting was romantic?"

Smiling, she reached
beneath his boxers and wrapped her hand around his cock.  “It is when itÅ‚s
you."

“Then IÅ‚ll shout more
often."  He groaned as she pumped him gently.  “God, that feels
good."

Sharra whimpered as
he bent back to her breasts.  The robe was pushed off her shoulders and
his hand moved down her body to delve between the moist folds of her body.

“I canÅ‚t get enough
of you," Matt muttered as he stripped his boxers off and pulled her carefully
under him.  “I just had you and I want you again.  If this keeps up
wełll have a dozen kids."

“Kids, cats, dogsI
donÅ‚t care how many we have."  She gasped as he slid into her welcoming
heat.  “As long as weÅ‚re together, thatÅ‚s all that matters to me."

He pulled out of her
and then thrust back in sending spirals of heat through both their
bodies.  “I told you plenty of times, honey, once I found you, I was gonna
keep you."

Giddy with love,
Sharra nipped his shoulder.  “IÅ‚m so glad I went on vacation last
year.  Finding you made all my dreams come true."

Mattłs eyes gleamed
with lust and love as his mouth took hers in a deep, torrid kiss.  “Dreams
are wishes that can come true if you work at them hard enough.  And thatÅ‚s
what we did.  I love you, Sharra.  More than anything in this world."

“And I love you,
Matt."  She moved against him, glorying in the desire she felt in his hard
body.  “Now and forever."

“Now and forever,
babe," he growled as he began to make love to her all over again.  “Now
and forever."

 

The End