The Dancer by Jane Toombs

glinting. "Now," he said hoarsely, so low only she could hear. "Tonight."
     
    She no longer knew who she was, La Coralilla or Elena, all she could do was nod.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
     
    Elena hardly heeded the applause as Davis released her and she made one final twirl, her castanets clicking. Because it was part of a performance, she smiled and curtsied in all directions but her attention wasn't on the audience, it was focused on the man next to her. On Davis.
     
    He caught her hand, pulling her with him through the ring of spectators, their words of praise falling like confetti as she passed among them. Davis led her from the drawing room into the deserted foyer and let her go at the foot of the stairs.
     
    "Riding clothes," he ordered. "I'll have two horses saddled--meet me at the stables. Hurry!"
     
    Elena mounted the staircase, still in the daze induced by the passionate dance. On the second floor, a maid asked if she could help but Elena dismissed her with a shake of her head. No one could help her now. She changed quickly, driven by the need to be with Davis, and ran down the back stairs.
     
    He waited by the back door with the horses--Bella and a gray stallion she hadn't seen before--and didn't touch her except to help her mount. She understood perfectly. If he felt like she did, one kiss and they'd never be able to part long enough to ride to the Burwash ranch. She knew he was taking her there.
     
    They rode in silence, everything had been said in the dance. A cool breeze blew from the ocean, carrying the scent of the sea, a sliver of a moon poked through wisps of cloud. Elena inhaled deeply of the California night and realized how much she'd missed being here. Mexico City was beautiful, but this was home.
     
    At Davis's house, he turned the horses over to Jack, grown into a gangly youth who goggled at her. She heard Davis tell him to see the horses were returned to the Bothwicks and then Davis ushered her through the front door, up the stairs past a manservant who politely didn't stare, then into the master suite where he shut the door behind them. Elena, who'd never before been inside this bedroom, had a quick impression of massive walnut furnishings before Davis gathered her into his arms.
     
    His kiss was sweet and urgent at the same time, offering while it demanded. She gave herself up to the pleasure of his embrace--this time there'd be no reservations, no drawing back. What came afterwards made no difference, she wanted, she had to have, the now.
     
    He drew away and stared down at her, his eyes glowing with the same passion that simmered within her. "You're more beautiful every time I see you," he murmured. "Are you really here with me, or am I dreaming?"
     
    Her fingers stroked softly down his cheek. "If it's a dream we're both having the same one."
     
    "Ah, God, Elena, if you only knew what your touch does to me."
     
    She felt as bold as La Coralilla as she slanted a look from under her lashes. "Why don't you show me?"
     
    He caught her to him, his hands pulling her hard against the length of his body as his mouth covered hers, his tongue tasting, exploring. Heat blossomed inside her, an aching warmth that made her press closer, wanting nothing at all between them. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed where, between kisses, he undressed her, then flung off his own clothes and lay beside her.
     
    His tongue, hot and moist, flicked across her nipple, making her arch to him. When he took her nipple inside his mouth, she moaned in delighted need, entwining her body with his. His hands caressed her nakedness, his fingers touched her in unexpected places, carrying the heat of desire everywhere they roamed. She clung to him, her fingernails digging into his shoulders, feeling as though she might die of pleasure, yet needing and demanding more. "Davis, please," she cried.
     
    "What?" His voice was husky and low. "What do you want?"
     
    She didn't know--and