kids.”
Wow. What would someone like her know about abused kids? Well, she certainly was an abused adult. Something like that would require a lot of education. Not that she couldn’t afford it.
“So, what’s keeping you from pursuing your dream?”
She looked away. “It’s too late.”
How could it be too late? She wasn’t any older than he was. She had to have the time. Look what she was doing now. And money? Hell, she lived in Rancho, after all. Still, if she was so wealthy, why was she selling her body? Maybe she was one of the hired help, rather than an owner. Did she have a sugar daddy keeping her? Was it Jerk-off from the hotel? But, if that were the case, then why didn’t she have money?
She puzzled him.
If money was the issue, he wished he could help her pay for college. But he could barely support himself. And now that he’d been fired….
“Can’t your family help?”
“No.” She turned toward him and brushed a lock of hair off his forehead. “Don’t ask. It’s complicated.”
But why wouldn’t her family help her make a better life? Damián had come from a supportive, loving family. They didn’t have two nickels to rub together, but Mama had made sure they had food in their bellies, even if they had to eat tamales twice a day. Mama and Papa had both worked themselves into early graves, making money for the rich bastards in Rancho.
He decided to let it go.
Damián wondered if he’d ever see her again. Doubtful. They were worlds apart. But their bodies sure spoke the same language. Was there any chance they could date?
Yeah, right.
But he still had her with him now. Pulling Savannah into the curve of his body, he held her. She molded herself against him. Soon, he felt her breathing slow down and become more steady. She’d been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. Her body needed sleep. He hadn’t gotten much sleep either, but was too wired to give in.
He’d have to get her back home soon. But what awaited her there? Did she even want to go back? She seemed in no hurry, that’s for sure.
Then what? He lifted a lock of hair from her bare shoulder, rubbing its silk between his thumb and forefinger. He’d never dated a blonde before. And he wouldn’t be dating this one either. Too different.
Just a few more hours and she’d be out of his life. His head grew heavy and he laid it down on the towel, pressing his forehead against the side of her head. So right. Would he ever hold something so perfect again? He wished….
Fuck! Damián jerked up. He’d fallen asleep. He looked outside the opening of the cave and saw the sun making its descent to the horizon. It would be dark within an hour. He needed to get her home.
Savannah stirred next to him, then looked up with sleep-filled eyes and smiled. His dick hardened. Damn. He couldn’t get enough of her. She reached up and placed her hand at the back of his head and pulled him toward her.
His lips met hers and tenderness soon turned to flames. She opened to him and he reached for her breast, kneading her soft flesh. What he really wanted was to sink himself inside her again.
Half an hour later, both of them breathing hard and sated, Damián sighed. He stood and reached down to pull her to her feet. She winced again and he remembered how bruised and sore she was after the beating. He hated the thought of anyone hurting her like that again. She reached out and brushed sand off his side.
He turned his finger in a circular motion. “Turn around.”
She did so and he brushed the sand off her, as well. Luckily, there wasn’t much there. “I think the water might be a little too cold for us to wash more of this off.”
“I’m fine.”
“The ride back might be a little uncomfortable.” He worried about her legs, but at least the welts were still covered with the bandages.
“I said I’m fine.” Her voice had taken on an edge.
Damián shrugged. Fine then. He picked up her underwear and dress, shook them out, and handed them to her. “Come on. Get dressed. We have to go before the tide comes in.”
He couldn’t help but notice the disappointment in her eyes. She didn’t seem any more anxious to end their time together than he did. No sense prolonging the inevitable, though. They dressed in silence, then