Havana Heat

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Havana Heat Copyright 2006 Felicia Cummings ISBN: 1-55410-711-3 Cover art and design by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books, www.zumayapublications.com www.extasybooks.com

Havana Heat By Felicia Cummings

Havana Heat

Prologue

T

eresa stood along the shore of the sandy beach, mesmerized by the hypnotic waves of the soothing sea. The lights from the villa cascaded down on the water, rippling with the illusion of fairy dust. For the first time, in a long time, she was at peace, but unfortunately, it wouldn’t last. Her life had been like a tempest, full of unchanging weather and unpredictable currents of pain. They would come for her. He probably already knew where she was, waiting to drag her back to an existence that felt too surreal to the imagination. She took a deep breath and fingered the diamond teardrop, dangling from her gold chain. That golden collar that she wore around her neck was the only thing of her mother’s she had. All the anger and frustration she had been used to seemed to travel with the current, whenever she was on the beaches of Havana—her true home— the place where it all began. A velvet caress awakened her from her contemplation. Pausing, 1

Felicia Cummings she looked back at Carmine. “Our contacts just called. Antonio has been asking for you. He’ll be here soon looking for us. We need to go, Teresa,” he said out of breath. She stood in silence for a moment, fearful about the decision she made to flee from her family and friends in such haste. “Carmine, maybe you should leave. Being here with me is going to get you killed,” said Teresa, gazing past his broad shoulders at the abandoned mansion, the place where she grew up and all innocence was forever lost. He shook his head and swore softly underneath his breath. “Don’t you get it by now? My life was in danger from the moment I touched you to the time I made love to you, but I’m still with you—no matter what. I love you, Teresa Moreno, and if you haven’t figured that out by now then you’re more loco than I imagined.” She smiled at his taunting as he brushed a sweet kiss across her supple lips. Reaching around him, her hands thrust deep into the back pockets of his jeans. “You make everything worth while. Whatever happens Carmine, remember that I will always love you.” With a passionate ease, their lips met in a kiss full of lust, need, and love. “I’m going to go get the boat ready. We need to go, baby.” “Give me a minute. I want to say goodbye to 2

Havana Heat the ocean,” she answered, toying with the necklace again. As she watched him run up the beach, she massaged her stomach, underneath the soft fabric of her shirt. She would wait until they were safe and sound to tell him she was now carrying his child. Hopefully, her pregnancy wouldn’t cause destruction and a river of blood like hers did so many years ago.

3

Felicia Cummings

Part One Indiscreto

A

ntonio stood by the doors of the villa, watching his wife, Rosa, and his first born child, Alfonso, playing by the shore, as he smoked his cigar, wondering when the hell she was ever going to give birth to their second child. She was about a week overdue and Antonio had business to attend to. There was a cocaine shipment he needed to oversee from Colombia to the United States, but his children meant the world to him. He would like to be there for his son or daughter’s birth, but he just was growing impatient by the minute. If he didn’t know better he’d think she was doing it on purpose. For some time now, Rosa wanted nothing but to be trouble for him. She enjoyed the glitz and glamour of their Hispanic Mafia lifestyle, but as she grew older, she grew tired of the killings and dirty deals. But she was his forever—whether she liked it or not. 4

Havana Heat “Oh, excuse, Senor. I need to get these curtains back up before Senora Rosa comes back in. She says you two are expecting guests tonight,” exclaimed the maid, Desiree Bordeaux, making her way inside past him. She ran long cocoa fingers through her mahogany brown hair and sighed expansively, tired out from all the work she had been doing for them all day. Antonio put out his cigar and shifted his gaze to her, watching her adjust the step ladder in front of the window and gather up the French silk curtains from the basket. He had been watching this French delight for weeks now, attracted to her sultry Creole accent, her shapely hips, and those long copper legs that seemed to go on for miles underneath the black skirt of her maid’s uniform. She had come to them about a year ago, traveling through Havana, Cuba with a New Orleans Jazz Band. The gigs came scarcely and she wanted some money to get her by so an acquaintance told her about the rich family looking for some help. What he forgot to tell her was that Antonio Moreno owned everything and everyone under him, including the seductive songstress who was about to become the object of his explicit indiscretion. Beginning her climb up the step ladder, she halted on the third step, feeling a sensuous hand running its way up the back of her leg along her 5

Felicia Cummings calf. “You’ve been such a big help to all of us, Desiree. Is there anyway we could ever repay you?” whispered Antonio, running his finger along the length of her leg. Her heart seemed to have jumped into her throat and she was at a loss for words. Desiree had been in several relationships throughout her travels, but she had never had such an intense response from a man’s touch like that before. She wasn’t a fool. She knew the Cuban Casanova had been watching her, almost stalking her, waiting to pounce and drown her with erotic affection, but she also knew that there was no future in being the mistress of a Mafia Don. “Your kindness is all I need, Senor,” she finally responded, getting up enough nerve to speak again. He continued to massage her legs as she placed the curtains back on the golden rods. She bit her lip while working, feeling disgusted with herself for loving the feel of his touch. His wife was pregnant and had been so good to her. What on earth was happening here? “Desiree, come down from there,” he demanded, taking a step backwards. She hesitated for a moment and replied with... “Is there something you need, Senor?” “Si. Come to me,” he answered, observing her with anticipation lurking in the depths of his hazel 6

Havana Heat eyes. She did as he requested, but had no idea what he wanted. Well, in the back of her mind she knew what he wanted, but she was hoping he wouldn’t order her to do such a thing. Once her feet touched the floor, he grabbed her, spun her around and pressed his warm lips against her own. She wound her arms around his neck, murmuring French beneath his lips. The foreign syllables set off his desire for her and his kiss deepened, a slow hot kiss of experience that set sparks alive in her veins. “Senor, I can’t do this. What about your wife?” she breathed against his wet lips, peering out at Rosa down on the beach through the glass patio doors. A large grin spread across his handsome face as he peered down at her. His smile was hypnotically tender, his eyes soft and reassuring. “Shh, don’t worry mi amore. Come with me,” he suggested, leading her into the kitchen then into the wide spaced pantry. Once inside, he cornered her against the door, unbuttoned her shirt, and ran his fingers between the valley of her mocha breasts. A trembling began in her chest and whispered through her body to settle deep inside of her from his touch. She could do nothing but stare blankly as he slid his hand underneath her skirt, his thumb 7

Felicia Cummings massaging the dewy entrance of wet white lace between her thighs. His eyes darkened and took on a devious gleam while he slid her panties down to her ankles. When he stood, he had exposed himself, the erect organ waiting to be buried within her. He scooped her up and her legs wrapped securely around his waist. His hands moved down her back to cup her hips as a hushed moan of desire gurgled in Desiree’s throat. “Do you want me inside of you?” She fought to speak, but all she could do was search underneath his shirt for his nipples, her lips traveling all over his bronzed chest. “Yes. Please,” she begged in tiny whispers. He slid inside, his cock working its way into her sweet wetness. She closed her eyes, and tipped her head back, reveling in the feel of him moving within her. The rhythm of his thrusts flowed like warm honey, slow, satisfying, and oh so sweet. He watched her face as he moved in and out, her expressions contouring the deeper he pressed inside of her. He laid her down on the floor and spread her wide, trailing kisses down her bare breasts, suckling on her taut brown nipples. “You are mine. All of you,” Antonio proclaimed once he eased back into her dewy core. Unable to restrain her desire, she groaned, her entwined legs pulling him closer, deeper within her. His jerks became more erratic, and he knew 8

Havana Heat he was close to losing all control. She felt luscious and wet inside, and it was just what he needed, what he wanted for so long. Holding her tightly against him, every inch of his cock sheathed inside of her, he let out one loud ahhhh, as the hot sticky juice of their erotic game came flowing forth. Desiree spent the entire night making love to him, but little did she know that once she started this affair, she had signed her death warrant. The day had finally come. One day before Antonio was about to leave for his business trip, Rosa gave birth to his second child, Salvador Moreno. Rosa held her newborn son close, as Dr. Fuentes discussed with Antonio her frail condition. She held his tiny head close to her chest, her breathing making shallow wheezing sounds near his ear. “Give the baby to me.” Antonio beckoned from her bedside. “Not until I name him,” she answered, glaring up at him. “Why don’t we name him together?” “No. After all I went through to get him, I should be the one to name him, or have you forgotten that I had no say in the matter the night he was conceived?” she exclaimed. Her health may have weakened her spirits, but not her will to fight back. Unruffled by her comment, he carefully took the child away from her embrace and held 9

Felicia Cummings him close to his chest. “I won’t have your nonsense today, Rosa. You are my wife and it is one of your duties to please me, whenever. You need to be good for something,” he mumbled while smiling down at his son. Her nostrils flared. “What does that mean?” “It means when your father promised you to me for marriage, he failed to mention the part that you wanted nothing to do with the business. I will not fight with you today—not today. Today is special. My son, my beautiful son…I will name you Salvador,” he whispered, playing with the young child’s delicate fingers. Her body was so pricked through with rage, she couldn’t see straight. That was the final straw. Once she had her strength back, she would take Alfonso and Salvador and leave him and his mental abuse forever. A month had passed since he had begun his affair with Desiree. He would slip into her bedroom and then into her. It went on like this almost every night, until the night that everything changed between them. He usually would come in and find her draped in something sexy and provocative, mainly lingerie he had bought for her, but tonight was different. She stood by the window, staring out at the starlit Havana sky, wrapped in a bulky white terry cloth robe. He 10

Havana Heat approached her with anticipation. “I could really use a dose of your love tonight, my cocoa angel,” whispered Antonio. Desiree didn’t respond. Her dark eyes continued to peer out of the window, as his hands made their way underneath her robe. He sighed in exasperation, disappointed that she wouldn’t react to his touch. “Why’d you stop?” asked Desiree. “Seems pointless if you’re not even noticing that I’m even near you. What’s the matter?” he asked. She drew a hesitant breath before turning to respond. “I helped Rosa with the baby while you were in meetings today. He’s a beautiful child. You must be proud.” He sat on the bed, chuckling lightly to himself. “Do you think I’m going to stop coming to your bed because of Salvador? You’re not jealous are you?” he taunted in a whispered voice. She approached him, solemnly, and joined him on the bed. At first she looked sheepish, afraid of his reaction to what she had to say, but she soon gathered up the courage to take his hand and press it softly against the mocha skin of her stomach. “Antonio, I’m not jealous. You spend more nights with me than you’ve ever spent with your wife in the years you’ve been together. Tony, I’m 11

Felicia Cummings pregnant,” she said, swallowing hard. He shot her a nasty look and quickly stood, jerking his hand away from her grasp. “Desiree, you don’t have to make up these lies to win my affections. I will not tolerate this childish behavior from you.” “I ought to put a Creole curse on you that would extend to every member in this godforsaken family for calling me a liar. I’ve been throwing up a lot so I asked Dr. Fuentes to stop by about a week ago. I’m pregnant Antonio,” she hollered, her sultry brown eyes immense with fury. He grabbed her suddenly by her shoulders, jerking her up from the bed. “You didn’t tell the doctor anything, did you? Answer me woman,” he demanded, shaking her. Honeyed charcoal tendrils fell from her braid as he seemed to try and shake the answers out of her. “No, damn it. Let my fucking shoulders go.” The expression on his face caught her eye for a brief second, before it happened. He had never looked at her like that before, so she had no idea what was to happen next. His hand struck her against her left cheek and again on the back of her head, as she turned away in horror. Her Latino Casanova had transformed into a barbaric bestia. Catching her breath she said, “How could you hit me? I thought you loved me?” 12

Havana Heat “Love? My dear—you were sex—something to do when I needed to unwind. You’re the fucking maid, Desiree.” His causal response infuriated her and she plunged towards him, beating with a fervored force against his chest, screaming French profanities. Momentary rage was soon replaced by fear as he forced her blows away from his body, throwing her down against the bed. Her arm banged against the side of the headboard, tears swelling up in her eyes. “Don’t you ever do that again, if you value your life, woman. I will handle this situation, and the baby will be taken care of. This is my child, and he or she will be raised in this house as a Moreno—not on some disease ridden bayou with you,” he answered. “And what about me? Don’t I have a say in my child’s well being?” she inquired, wiping the tears away from her chin and cheeks. “You’ve done your part mi estimado. I’ll make sure you get what you deserve, once the baby is born.” Opening the bedroom door, he exited, leaving her there with her tears and a cloak of fear wrapped around her soul. Antonio didn’t have the time to watch Desiree 24/7, so he decided to send her to a remote cottage on the island and have two of his guards watch her instead. The night that she was to leave was a 13

Felicia Cummings stormy one. Rosa stood by the front windows of the villa, watching the streaks of white lightening slice through the sky. Change was coming. Everything was going to change in that one night. Desiree made her way down the twisted staircase, as the guards followed with her things. Rosa knew of the affair and she didn’t care; it was one more thing Antonio could do to hurt her. She sympathized with Desiree, in a sense. Approaching her, she stopped her adulterous maid at the foot of the stairs. Taking her hand, she massaged her damp cheek. She had been crying, she could tell. Her eyes were dewy, like two sad pools of pain. “I don’t know what your fate is, but I’m sure God will forgive you. I have,” said Rosa softly, massaging her face. She lifted a necklace from her neck, gold with a diamond teardrop hanging from it and placed it in Desiree’s hand. “I can’t take this.” “Please. I don’t need these things. Just remember to ask God for forgiveness. He is the only one who can judge you—no one else.” She lightly kissed her on the forehead and stood to the side to allow her to pass. She couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t upset with her or offended by the fact that another woman was having his child. All she knew was that tonight, she would leave it all behind. There was change in the air. Everything 14

Havana Heat was changing. It was two o’clock in the morning. The final hour. Rosa frowned, as she tried closing the bedroom door quietly so not to wake her sleeping husband. If he caught her attempting to abandon him, there’s no telling what he would do, but it was now or never. She slumped her way into Alfonso’s room, his five year old body snuggled placidly underneath the sheets. There was a part of her that felt guilty for leaving. Antonio may have been an abusive husband, but he made up for it by being a wonderful father, and Alfonso adored him. But she was doing this for her sons as well. The last thing she wanted was for them to inherit the business of crime and bloodshed. Quickly, she woke him up, got her son dressed, then quietly headed towards Salvador’s nursery. With the baby cradled in her arms and Alfonso down by her side, she tip toed her way around every corner, getting closer and closer to freedom. There was only one guard that Rosa knew without a doubt she could trust, and that was Diego. He stood outside the gates of the villa, a lone gunman protecting the king’s fortress. The two figures making their way down the sandy pathway like lost souls roaming the land quickly got his attention. “Senora Rosa, what are you doing out here with the ninos?” questioned Diego. 15

Felicia Cummings “It’s time, Diego. I can’t waste away in this house, in this life anymore. I’m leaving and I need you to drive us into town,” she answered. He raked his large hand through his jet black strands of hair, drawing a discouraged breath as he contemplated on what to do. This was not a good situation to be in, but he had worked for the Morenos for some time now. He saw her vegetating in a stultifying cell of misery and loneliness there. “Let’s go to the car quickly before he realizes I’m away from my post. Vayamos!” he whispered, ushering them to the back of the house. Joy was gradually taking the place of fear as the black Sedan curved its way down the hill of the beach and onto the main road leading into the marketplace. She sat in the back, gently rocking Salvador to sleep as Alfonso began interrogating her on where they were going and why they were leaving his father behind. She glanced out the window as she tried desperately to answer his innocent questions. The Havana moonlight rippled o the waves of the ocean and she absorbed the beauty of the scene one last time. And then the car screeched to a sudden halt. Another automobile had pulled out and blocked their way. In the distance, at the top of the hill, she could see Antonio’s car moving towards them from behind. “No. Oh, God, no,” she mumbled, holding 16

Havana Heat Salvador tightly to her. With a sigh of contentment, Diego turned the car off and waited patiently for his execution. Antonio stepped out with his two hit men close behind him. He approached the car and opened the driver’s door. “Do not fear me, Diego. You were merely following orders from my wife. You will not be punished. Rosa, get out of the car,” he demanded. “Papi, we’re going on a trip,” proclaimed Alfonso, eager to see his father once more. “Is that so? How bout we go home and I’ll take you on a trip tomorrow. Just you and me. Let’s get your brother back to bed, Alfonso. He’s tired, and so are you. I want you to take him to my car ok?” “Si, Papi,” he answered, reaching for his little brother. Rosa placed him carefully in his slender child arms, reluctantly, as Antonio opened the back door for them. “Rosa, step out and talk with me,” he stated once he saw the kids were almost inside completely. His jaw was covered with black stubble which always made it hard for her to read his expression clearly. “I can’t take it anymore, Tony. I just can’t do it,” she sobbed as she made her way out of the sedan. “Rosa, you could have told me, talked with me, but don’t take my children away. They’re my life. Come walk with me and we’ll talk, no guards— 17

Felicia Cummings just you and me.” His calm reasoning and understanding confused her. “You mean it?” “Si. Let me go tell them not to follow and to make sure to get the children back into bed,” he said, kissing her lightly on the forehead. Approaching the two hit men, solemnly, he said, “Carlo, you drive the boys home and make sure they get some sleep. Lucian, stay here with Diego. When you see me disappear down the beach with Rosa, start following, then fire.” The two men stood there in silence, uneasy by his request. He had never asked them to kill someone in his family. It seemed too cruel, even for Antonio Moreno. He dipped his hands into the pockets of his loose fitting black blazer and stared at them, waiting for some kind of response. “Is this too much to ask? I thought you two were loyal to me?” “We are sir. Completely,” answered Lucian. “Good answer. Good answer, my good man,” he said, patting Lucian lightly against his cheek. Compassion was not a quality that worked well with Antonio in his line of work, but that never stopped him from feeling it. He regretted what he had done to Rosa with every fiber of his being. When growing up, his father had taught him that at times, sacrifices must be made, but he never explained the guilt, the turmoil, or the aching pain 18

Havana Heat that came as a consequence. He had explained her murder to her family and most of the policia in Havana were on the Moreno payroll. It was too easy. Every murder always was. But this one, this one was the killing that hurt the most. He should have let her go and found some way to keep his children, but Rosa would have never left without her kids. Unlike Desiree, Rosa always fought back, her Spanish tongue ready for battle. Antonio stood over the open grave, hands folded behind his back, as he thought of Rosa’s blood trickling into the white sand, how he went to her body to watch her die, and that crimson stained hand clutching frantically the bottom of his pants. Now all he had to keep him company at night were the demons of her death. His gaze raised and he made contact with Rosa’s father, Luis Valerez. Tiny shivers ricocheted along his spine, the aged Cuban Mobster eying him speculatively, as he sat in his wheelchair, on the other side of the grave. He had let him down miserably. He promised the man he’d always protect her, when he gave him Rosa’s hand in marriage at that young, naïve age of seventeen, but he ended up being her destroyer instead. Before turning to walk away, Antonio shot him a quick, uncomfortable glance. Alfonso ran up to him and he scooped him up in his arms. “You’re getting too big for me to hold you, 19

Felicia Cummings baby. Your Papi’s an old man, Alfonso. How’s my little man doing?” he asked. He didn’t respond— just rested his head on his father’s shoulder blade, finding comfort in the rise and fall of his chest. He had been quiet all day of the funeral. What had he done to his baby boy? What had he done? After Rosa’s death, the months dragged on as if Antonio was on death row, waiting for the final countdown. His nights were riddled with nightmares, and it took some time for Alfonso to finally find the strength to start speaking again. Antonio’s business partner and childhood friend, Ginovanni Santanelli, had tried to convince him to come back to New York with him for awhile, to clear his head, but he knew he couldn’t leave. Wherever winter is casting its shadow, there’s a spring flower waiting to blossom. Antonio had another child on the way. It was the middle of the night when he got the call from the doctor. The ringing made Antonio jerk out of bed abruptly. He never remembered falling to sleep, the whispers of Rosa’s voice keeping him awake most of the night. Shaking his head, he grabbed the receiver and placed it to his ear. “Hello,” he said, a knot forming in his stomach. Phone calls in the middle of the night were never laced with good news. “It’s time. She’s having the baby,” exclaimed 20

Havana Heat Dr. Fuentes. The knot in Antonio’s stomach clenched, as he rose to his feet. He held her hand and guided her through the entire birth, something he was used to by now. His gentleness with her was a bit shocking, but Desiree loved it. Once, while the agonizing pain rippled through her body, she looked at him, his black eyes admiring her in a way they hadn’t till then. She felt there was hope. Maybe he would reconsider taking the child away from her. What kind of man would keep a mother away from her newborn baby? I mean after all—she was giving him something that Rosa hadn’t: a baby girl. Teresa Moreno.

21

Felicia Cummings

Part Two Severidad

A

fter Teresa’s birth, her very presence in Antonio’s life seemed to soften his spirit. She was his only daughter, and he would have done anything in his power to protect her from every evil the world had to offer. The ghosts of Rosa roamed the halls of the villa for far too long, and when Salvador and Teresa reached the age of ten, he decided to pack up and take Ginovanni up on his invitation. The family settled in a glorious home in the Hamptons, close to the residence of Gino and his two children, Gina and Jeff. Talk of the rich Hispanic family traveled quickly, most of what was said being true. Alfonso picked up on the family business quite quickly in his teenage years, and as an adult, became Antonio’s right hand man. Salvador did his best to compete with his older brother, but he always felt as if his efforts were never appreciated. Nevertheless, Antonio 22

Havana Heat was proud of them all, but perhaps he had spoiled Teresa just a bit too much. By the time she was seventeen, she was completely out of control. Something had to be done and quickly. Antonio stood by the window, waiting to see Teresa’s car flying up through the large gates of the estate. She was late, and that always infuriated him. He had told her to come straight home after school because there was something important he wanted to discuss with her, but she never took his words seriously. As he contemplated on what to say to her and how severely he would yell at her, he saw Gina Santanelli’s Mustang making its way towards their home. Wherever Gina was, Teresa wasn’t far behind; much like the friendship of their fathers when they were youths, the two were inseparable. Finally, he saw Teresa’s black Convertible dashing past the Mustang. They threw up their hands to each other and parted ways on the narrow highway. Parking, she peered up at the house. She could see his silhouette through the diaphanous curtains. Gazing down at her watch, the diamond studded numbers told her that she was late. Gradually, she made her way up the driveway, clutching her schoolbooks tightly to her chest, a familiar dread spreading over her. She hated the feeling she felt when he chastised her. She was seventeen, but for some reason he always knew 23

Felicia Cummings how to make her feel as if she was seven all over again. Cautiously, she stretched her hand out towards the doorknob. The door flew open and he grabbed her, jerking her inside. Her books dropped to the floor, and he pushed her hard against the back of the closed door. “What did I tell you yesterday, Teresa?” he grunted. “To be home at a decent time,” she answered in her innocent girl voice. His eyes narrowed, and he hit the door hard, inches from her face. “No, mi amore. I said come straight home because there are some important family matters I wanted to discuss with you. It’s almost 5:00 Teresa. Where have you been—no let me guess, hanging out with Gina, right? The two of you are too much. The fights at school, the constant partying—it’s time for some changes, my girl.” He backed away and waited for her to pull herself together. Slowly, she knelt down to retrieve her books, gazing up at him with a hateful, disgusted look on her face. “I’m only seventeen, Papi. What do you expect me to be doing?” He held his hand out to help her up off the floor, offering an apologetic smile upon his face. “I will never understand you, baby girl. You’re always asking me to treat you like an adult, yet you do childish things. In less than a year you will 24

Havana Heat be an adult and I want you to start thinking responsibly instead of running around like some slut in heat,” remarked Antonio, using his large fingers as a comb to detangle the brown blond strands of her hair back into place. “Sorry, Papi.” He kissed her on the side of the cheek and began guiding her into the dinning room. “It’s ok. We’ve got a lot of work to do on you, but you’ll be just fine. There’s someone I want you to meet. He’s in here getting looked over by your brother.” “Looked over? Who is he—my future husband?” she joked. “Not likely. If he ever placed a hand on you I swear I’d cut his tongue off and shove it down his throat,” he mumbled, pushing open the cherry oak doors leading to the dinning area. Once they entered, they found Alfonso, seated at the table with a young gentleman, caramel complexion, supple pink lips, smooth bald head and a well built torso that was almost bursting through his white shirt. He shifted in the chair, turning slightly to look at her. When he smiled, Teresa went weak in the knees. She hadn’t the strength to talk so she just stood there like a dummy by the door, wiggling her slender honey fingers in an effort to say hey. “And where have you been?” asked Alfonso, 25

Felicia Cummings leaning back in the chair. She approached her brother at the table as the mysterious stranger watched her walk, her hourglass figure beckoning him with every step. He wondered what would be harder—protecting her from danger or keeping himself from touching that fresh mahogany skin of hers. “Don’t you start too. I already got one daddy. I don’t need two.” She wrapped her arms tightly around Alfonso from behind and kissed him softly on the top of his head. Looking up at the stranger, their eyes met for a split second and her heart skipped a beat. Quickly, she gazed over at her father, not wanting to get caught in her exploration of their guest. “Teresa, you’re worth more to me than this house, our assets, anything. My children come first—always. This is Carmine Castanos. He’s around your brother’s age, but he’s had it hard, so he knows what to do to survive. That’s exactly what I need: a man who knows what to do to protect my little girl. Carmine, esto es mi chica de bebe, Teresa Moreno. You are to be her shadow — always,” exclaimed Antonio. She walked over to shake his hand. Their fingers touched, and her body seemed to jump, small electric currents of heat and mystery pulsating through to every nerve in her body. “I hope you’re in good shape. It takes a lot to 26

Havana Heat keep up with me.” He chuckled lightly. She watched the flicker of amusement in his eyes, and her heartbeat accelerated. He released his grip on her hand, her velvet touch slowly slipping past each sensor in his palm. “Trust me, Miss Moreno,you won’t get away from me,” he reassured her. **** Teresa breezed out of the front doors of the high school, gracing Carmine with a radiant smile. God, she was beautiful. The past month he had spent working for her was a trial he thought he would never win. He couldn’t deny the fact that some part of him wanted to be with her, wanted to know her, be consumed by her essence, but Carmine wasn’t a fool. His place in her life was as her servant, her protector, and that’s where it ended. He was beginning to regret taking the job. The more time he spent with the lovely Latina the more he felt helplessly uncomfortable. “Did you miss me?” she asked, slinging her book bag over her shoulder. “Always. Come on. Your father has plans for you this evening,” he said, holding the door open for her. The calm wind carried with it the erotic aroma of his cologne, as she made her way past his overpowering body to step inside. Oh how she 27

Felicia Cummings enjoyed every minute she spent with him. Once inside the convertible himself, she leaned in and gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek. “What was that for?” “Just testing the waters, seeing how far I can get with you,” she teased. He laughed wholeheartedly, rubbing the back of her neck under the silky curtain of honey brown hair. His huge hands were remarkably gentle, kneading and firmly massaging her soft skin. “Do you ever have serious moments?” She leaned in closer, sliding her hand on his thigh. “Try me,” she whispered. Carmine watched the expression of lust on her face, the determination in the narrowing of her eyes. God she was nothing but delectable trouble. “That’s enough of this. You ain’t about to get my ass killed. Buckle up so we can go,” ordered Carmine like her father as he started the car. She hated him when he did that—turning into an authority figure just when she knew she was getting to him. It was a maddening, delicious form of torture, nonetheless. They drove in silence for awhile, which worried her. Carmine always carried on some sort of conversation with her whenever they were alone. Something was bothering him—she could tell. 28

Havana Heat “You ok?” asked Teresa, propping her feet up on the dashboard. Those creamy smooth mocha legs were a sensuous distraction, but he managed to stay focused on the road the best way possible. “Yeah, I’m alright,” replied Carmine. He sounded forlorn and desolate. “You lie. What’s the matter?” Sighing, he threw his right arm across the seat, glancing impatiently at his watch. “I’m just worried about a friend of mine.” “What’s the matter with the friend?” she questioned, not letting up. “She’s about to do something that I don’t think she’s ready for, and I can’t stop her,” he answered, pulling the vehicle into the parking lot of their destination. “Why can’t you stop her?” “Because… never mind.” He could see Antonio and Alfonso approaching the automobile, so he quickly closed his mouth. Antonio opened the door for his princess and greeted his daughter with a kiss on the lips. “Hello baby. How was school?” inquired Antonio, helping her out of the car. “I’m surprised she actually went to school at all today,” taunted Alfonso, walking along side her. She grinned and hit him playfully on the back of his head. “What did I tell you about playing with me like 29

Felicia Cummings that? I told you I don’t need another Papi. Where are we?” asked Teresa, looking back, wondering why Carmine was taking fewer paces, trailing slowly behind them. “A shooting range, baby,” exclaimed Antonio. Panic quivered through her body. She despised guns. He lead her into the building, holding onto her arm tightly, as if she would escape. Salvador was inside, practicing his shooting. The sound of the gun shots echoed in her ear, and Teresa was suddenly excruciatingly aware of the circumstances, and she wanted out. “Papi, no. I want to go home,” she stammered. “Teresa, I did not arrange for this entire shooting range to be deserted just to show you around. Salvador and Alfonso already know how to protect themselves. It’s time you learn,” Antonio announced, taking the 38. caliber from the owner. “Well what the fuck is Carmine for?” “What did I tell you about that mouth of yours, little girl? What are you going to do when Carmine gets taken down, Teresa? Those pretty looks of yours are not going to stop a man from killing you. Now get over here now,” demanded Antonio. “I’m not doing this. Papi, you know I hate guns,” protested Teresa. Her voice trembled, and she tried to control it. 30

Havana Heat Carmine’s head dropped, and he wished he was somewhere else. He understood the harsh lessons that she was forced to learn in the lifestyle that her family led, but he just hated to see her do something she was so dead against and uncomfortable with. She was just seventeen for Christ’s sake! “Now Teresa,” Antonio said once more and as far as he was concerned, it was going to be the last time he would tell her. She made her way to him, hesitantly. Her lips were clamped tightly shut, and her hands gripped the firearm, fearfully. Her father started preaching and lecturing her, but she blocked his voice out. When he finished, she swallowed the dryness in her throat and fired. Her body quaked violently, as the force of the gunshot pushed her back against Salvador’s chest. “That’s ok, Tee. Let’s try again,” he said, reassuring her. With dazed eyes, she tried again and again until her mind had ascended to another plane, while her body performed the movements necessary to please her father and brothers. **** Carmine sat in the kitchen with the other bodyguards and servants, eating dinner, when he saw the image of a distraught young woman, 31

Felicia Cummings rushing past the kitchen door and up the staircase to her room. Wiping the cream sauce from his lips, he excused himself, and followed the sounds of crying. She knew he was outside her bedroom door before he even knocked. Perhaps there was a part of her that was hoping he would come to comfort her. “Come in,” she whispered shyly, as he gradually pushed the door open. He sighed deeply, as he took a seat beside her on the large bed. “You had a pretty rough day didn’t you?” exclaimed Carmine, gently caressing her bare shoulder. Her gaze dipped to the rag rug, as her toes dug into the maroon fibers. “I hate him so much,” Teresa answered. “You don’t mean that. Sometimes fathers can be a pain in the ass, but I know you could never hate him.” She could tell by the edge in his voice that he was not merely preaching about Antonio. There was a part of his own childhood that was sprinkled into the conversation, but he’d never admit it. Carmine never discussed his past with her, but he was always there to listen and ease her own pain. She suddenly felt awkward with him being there, her eyes red and puffy and her face wet from crying. She did not feel as though she was looking her best at the moment. Her hand smoothed over her flushed face, a wave of 32

Havana Heat unattractiveness rushing through her. “Was I the friend you were worried about?” asked Teresa, quickly making her way to the mirror above the dresser to make herself appear more presentable. He smiled at the gesture and pretended not to notice. “I had no right to tell Antonio how to raise his daughter, but I knew you wouldn’t like it.” She pivoted on her heels, flowing brown hair dangling over her shoulder with a devious look upon her beautiful face. Her hazel eyes were twinkling devilishly. “You better be careful. I’m going to start to think that you like me,” she said, sauntering her way to him. Her white skirt clung tightly to her shapely hips and he watched the slow movement of her thighs as she advanced towards the bed. God, he wanted her so badly. He had to keep reminding himself that she was off limits. “Well you already know I like you, Teresa.” She pulled the bottom of her skirt up to make room for herself in his lap, straddling him on the edge of the bed. “No. I meant like me in another way,” she whispered, letting the thin straps of her top slip down her smooth shoulders. “What you getting at, Teresa?” “Do you think I’m pretty?” she questioned. 33

Felicia Cummings “I think you’re the hottest, sexiest Latina I’ve seen in a long time,” he replied, running his hands up and down her back. A tense silence followed his comment as they sat there in a mutual fantasy world all of their own. Her head inched closer and closer to his face, lips quivering and aching to taste his. “Teresa, I can’t do this,” he breathed against her waiting lips. “Don’t you want me?” she asked, reaching underneath his shirt, stroking the pinkish champagne nipples that instantly became erect from her touch. He just grinned and laughed outright. “Fuck girl, you know I want you, but I also want to live.” Passion ignited in his eyes, and he began kissing her. Those soft lips of hers were the sweetest he had ever tasted—so delectable, so fresh, so forbidden! Her hips began to move and sway in his lap, brushing against the one organ that was so damn pleased to have her there. Pulling back, he looked at her, shocked and surprised by his impulsive actions. Gazing in her eyes, he allowed her to see a depth of his emotions that no one had seen in a long time. Gently, he picked her up, laying her across the bed. It took everything in him to fight the urge to take her in his arms and fuck the shit out of her. 34

Havana Heat He had been with a number of women in his youth, and he had no doubts she was truly experienced and wouldn’t disappoint his expectations, but for some reason, he didn’t want things going down like that between the two of them. Clamping down on his teeth, he fought back the sexual visions and suggestions his body was whispering to him and opened his mouth to speak. “I’ll be in the hallway if you need me.” “What the hell is going on? No, no. This is not happening. Are you telling me you don’t want any of this pussy?” Suddenly, he pressed her down against the sheets, unfastening her shirt and fondling the supple skin of her breasts. His knee pried open her legs, and he laid there between them. Long fingers wiggled their way underneath the damp lace of her panties and dallied in the warm pink folds of flesh. “Is this what you want? You want me to fuck you good, baby?” he roughly growled in her neck. She grew dizzy, as their first intimate contact between each other took place. Lush with need and ripe for the picking, his fingers dug deeper inside her wet center. “Yes. Oh, God, yes. I want you to fuck me.” “Well, I’m not going to,” he said, leaning back and closing her legs together. Her gaze narrowed 35

Felicia Cummings in confusion. “What?” she inquired, pulling her skirt back down. A faint breeze from the window carried her wildflower and jasmine scent to him. “If you’re not gonna start treating yourself like a lady and stop giving your pussy away to any guy who shows the slightest bit of interest in you then damn it I will. I’m not sleeping with you to take the pain away, Teresa. You’re not some fucking whore in a bar, and I hate it that you don’t seem to see that. Like I said, if you need me I’ll be in the hallway.” She leapt from the bed and quickly blocked the bedroom door. “You do know I can make your life a living hell? All I have to do is tell Papi about this and your ass is fucked.” He looked at her for a long, questioning moment before responding. “Is that what you really want, Teresa?” Shaken by the intensity of his gaze upon her, she shook her head and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest. “Oh Carmine. I’m a spoiled bitch. Why do you keep this job?” she asked, squeezing him tight against her. With trembling hands, he ran his fingers through her hair, massaging the nape of her neck with his thumb. 36

Havana Heat “I’m starting to like you, even though I have a feeling you’re going to be the death of me. Damn it Teresa, what the fuck have you done to me girl?” he pondered in a whispered breath, holding her tight against his taunt body. **** Graduation for Salvador, Teresa, and Gina had finally rolled around. The Santanellis invited the Morenos over for a celebration, but Teresa wasn’t in the mood for a party. She knew Antonio would want her to get involved in the business. All she wanted to do was go to NYU, study music, and be in Carmine’s arms, but none of that was possible. Antonio planned on her majoring in business and economics and she had a pretty good idea who he wanted her to be with. He and Gina’s father, Gino, had been pushing for a Moreno/Santanelli union ever since Salvador and Gina dated, but as soon as Salvador called it off, they began to focus their attentions on Teresa and Gino’s eldest child, Jeff. The party continued inside the grand mansion, but Teresa busied herself in the Santanelli’s glorious back garden. She was taking in the sweet fragrance of the marigolds when he found her, trying his luck at romance. “Not planning an escape are you?” taunted Jeff, joining her in the garden. She recognized the deep, 37

Felicia Cummings kidding tone. Turning, she smiled. “Please. In this dress! This dress was not made for climbing walls,” joked Teresa. “No, but it definitely was made for you. You look beautiful tonight.” The grin he flashed her had a surprising effect on her. He approached her, running his finger along the length of her arm. She expressed mild shock, as his touch caused a tiny quiver to roll along her spine. “Why aren’t you inside with the others?” He had moved up behind her, his breath beating against the back of her ear. Exhaling slowly, the warm air rustling a few golden strands around her neck, he responded. “This party is mostly for you and Gina. The question is, why aren’t you inside?” She brushed long fine fingers through her shiny chestnut hair and sighed expansively. “I guess a part of me isn’t ready for the next step I suppose,” Teresa answered, finding a seat on the cold stone bench between the roses and the perennials. He accompanied her, his arm resting nonchalantly around her shoulders. “Yeah. We never get a say in anything it seems, but you’ll be ok. You’ll do just fine,” he assured her. She rubbed his freshly shaven cheek and kissed it lightly. He seized the opportunity and pressed 38

Havana Heat his lips against the dampness of her own. She was a bit surprised at first, but allowed the kiss to continue. His lips were hot and demanding, leaving her no choice but to kiss him back and enjoy the moment. “Excuse me, Miss Moreno. Your father would like for you to join us outside. It’s time to leave,” exclaimed Carmine from the garden entrance. He loathed the fact that he had arrived just in time to see the Italian ass slobbering all over her. He felt a surge of anger and jealousy pulsating through him, and Teresa loved every minute of it. “I guess it’s time to for me to go. Will you call me tomorrow? I would like for the two of us to spend more time together this summer,” she said, egging Carmine’s jealousy on. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. You have a good night Teresa.” “You as well. I’m ready, Carmine.” He grabbed her arm and began hurrying her through the mansion, zigzagging between enumerated guests. She stopped and jerked her arm away from his massive grasp once they reached the long open corridor. “What the fuck is your problem, Chico?” When he turned back to face her, a killing blaze raged in his eyes. Teresa couldn’t move, paralyzed by his fury. It was the first time she had noticed how intimidatingly tall and big he was. 39

Felicia Cummings “Teresa, Jefferson Santanelli is only after one thing.” “Well maybe I want to give it to him.” “You don’t mean that.” “Listen, let’s get one thing straight. You’re not my boyfriend, Carmine, so you have no right to get mad. You had plenty of chances to get all of this, but you said no. Now just do your job and escort me to the fucking car,” she demanded. His eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists down by his sides. She was nothing but a spoiled brat and damn it he wanted her like crazy. “Yes ma’am,” he replied, taking her hand in his. When they arrived back home, Teresa showered and went to bed, letting the breeze from the window and the affects of the wine she wasn’t supposed to have put her to sleep. After about an hour of quiet contemplation, she began to hear noises. She wasn’t alone in the darkness. Rolling over to investigate, she was met by two eager lips, passionately kissing her, sending a surge of warmth all through her body. “Carmine?” “Shh. Don’t talk,” he stated, sliding under the covers with her. She had worn his defenses down. Tonight, Teresa would be his—completely. Unable to restrain her desire, she began to unzip his pants, but he stopped her roaming hands. “No baby. You gotta take your time,” he 40

Havana Heat whispered against the hot flesh of her neck. Gradually, he pulled the silk blue camisole over her head and marveled at the site of her mocha breasts. His head rested between her fleshy mounds, as his slow lips massaged her skin. She became consumed with a desperate need, as his mouth took one taunt nipple, tugging playfully. She quivered beneath him, overcome by his touch. Sliding between her legs, pressing his aroused cock against the wet cotton of her panties, he cupped her breasts and thumbed her nipples, teasing her further. “You want me?” he asked. “Si,” she responded, wriggling under his strong body. “Good,” he breathed against her lips. While sliding her panties down to her knees, he kissed her to seal the deal. It was a long kiss, a kiss which tasted and plundered her mouth, a kiss which sent her heart knocking and thudding. As he continued removing her underwear, she reached over to the night stand to turn on the light. “Don’t worry. It’s only dimly lit. I want to see you move against me so I know it’s not a dream,” exclaimed Teresa. He brushed the semi wet strands of hair away from her face and stared at her for a long moment. 41

Felicia Cummings “You’re beautiful Teresa. God, I’m going to get killed for this.” She reached up and pulled his shirt over his head, her palms tingling to touch him. Her gaze moved across the breadth of his shoulders and down the long golden length of his chest. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. I would never let him hurt you,” she promised, her hands running down his back, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips. He rained kisses along her chest and neck as he positioned himself between her soft thighs. Hot fire scorched her body when she felt his hardened arousal press inside of her sweet wetness. His masculine frame towered over her, diving in and out, causing her entire body to explode with ecstasy. “Oh, God, you feel so good, baby,” he breathed against her delicious lips. Teresa’s body strained to meet his, his chest rubbing across the tight rigid points of her nipples. Suddenly, Carmine slipped out and rolled on his side. Slowly, he trailed his fingers from the smoothness of her breasts, down her stomach to the cleanly shaven valley between her thighs, then gradually back up again. “I want to taste you,” he said thickly, bending his head between her legs, his tongue savoring the honeyed taste of her wetness. Wild surges of passion shuddered through her body, and she 42

Havana Heat clamped down on his head, forcing his mouth deeper on her silky folds of feminine flesh. When he knew she could take no more, he stopped and rolled onto his back. Her sensual torturer. Straddling him, with the delicate precision of a cat, Teresa began to caress him with her tongue. She started with his ears, worked her way past his lips, and slowly tracing an invisible line down his torso. Gradually, she eased onto his dick, the warm wetness of her body sending electric pulses through his skin. He was breathing hard by the time her shapely hips started to move, her fingers stroking his tiny male nipples into hard little points of sensation. They filled the room with their moans, as he cradled his sweet Latina’s body to his own. His eyes closed, as her hips made erotic, fluid like motions on his cock. She was pleased to watch him and the effect her body was having on his facial expressions. “Damn it, I’ve wanted you for too long,” he breathed brokenly, impatiently nuzzling her hair out of his way, as his tongue found its target at the delicate center of her ear. Immediately, they were both filled with a great delicious heat, an inflamed obsession that was driving them to uncontrollable sexual heights. She couldn’t stop rocking against his hard body and he didn’t want her to. Gasping at the delectable ecstasy of their love, he clutched her hips to his, 43

Felicia Cummings exploding with hot, wet lava of satisfaction. Their romance went on for weeks, building up a false sense of security for Teresa. She was completely at peace in Carmine’s arms every night, but during the day they had to go back to the charade of employer and body guard. She could feel him, taste him every second he drifted into her thoughts. He was like a drug, and with all addictions, common sense is a distorted concept. Three weeks had passed since graduation, and Teresa was enjoying the summer before college classes started in the Fall. Lounging by the elaborate pool in a flimsy black bikini, thinking of her sweet Carmine, she had no idea that Antonio was watching her. Anita, the house maid, passed by with fresh towels, wondering what Antonio was studying so carefully, but she knew not to question him about it. Carmine emerged from the servant’s quarters with one of the other bodyguards, Alex, looking like an urban Latino cowboy with his gun and holster flashing underneath his short sleeved jacket. Antonio stood in the door of the patio, his eyes warming momentarily at the site of his beautiful daughter. Carmine was so tempted to hop right in the water with her, but instead, he pushed the urges to the back of his mind, walked by causally and smiled discreetly. Teresa blew him a kiss then 44

Havana Heat wiggled her slender fingers his way. Antonio sensed immediately that there was something tainted about the two of them and he didn’t like it. Turning back, Carmine took one more look at her. He could never drag his gaze away from her gorgeous face. Antonio made his way back into the house. Watching and waiting. An abrupt flash of sensuality came over Teresa, and she decided to follow him. Sneaking up behind him in the kitchen, she pressed her wet body against his back, her hands working their way up his shirt, caressing his nipples. He groaned, but he also knew better. Hesitantly, he pried her hands away from his waist and turned around. “We do not need to take a risk like this. Teresa, we’re out in the open right now,” protested Carmine, licking his lips at the site of her dripping wet body. “Well I can take care of that,” she replied, taking his hand and guiding him into the pantry. “You are trouble, Teresa, but I love it,” he remarked, pushing her against the far corner of the pantry. His fingers slid into her hair, tilting her head back until she looked into his face. What was this woman doing to him? She wasted no time sliding her hand down the front of his pants, stroking his dick, thumbing the sensitive tip. His arms slid around her, drawing 45

Felicia Cummings her close. Their lips met and a feeling of happiness bloomed in her chest then spread in a warm tide throughout her body. He struggled with the strings of her bikini top, feeling the fire hot against her flesh. He suckled on each taunt nipple and then all hell broke loose. BANG. A bullet sailed past their heads, shattered pieces of wood falling down upon them. Their faces turned in the direction of the gunshot. Antonio stood in the door of the pantry, gun pointed straight at the bastard that was defiling his little girl right under his nose. Carmine quickly stepped away from her as she held her hands over her bare chest. “Papi, please. Don’t kill him. I came onto him,” Teresa pleaded, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. Antonio fired again, this time into the air. Salvador rushed into the kitchen to see what was happening. “Don’t kill him? Are you out of your mind? I hire you to protect my baby girl and you fuck her. I thought you were a smart man, Castanos, but I see I was wrong to trust you,” exclaimed Antonio. Before Carmine could respond, Teresa reached for the gun in his holster and pointed it at her father. “Tee are you crazy? Put that down,” yelled Salvador. “Teresa, don’t, baby. He’s your father,” said 46

Havana Heat Carmine. “Don’t you dare call her that. She will never be your baby as long as I have a breath in my body,” hollered Antonio. “Papi, just leave us alone. It won’t happen again, but don’t hurt him.” “You would raise a gun at your own father? Do you see what he’s doing to you?” stated Antonio, almost near tears that Teresa would consider such a thing. Carmine placed his hand on top of hers and gradually eased the gun down by her side. “It’s not worth it, baby. Please. Let me have the gun,” he said, his voice calm and comforting. And then another shot was fired. Dark crimson spots splattered against Teresa’s face and in her hair. Carmine slid down the wall onto the floor, screaming in pain. Salvador rushed to his sister. She wiped the blood from her cheek, blinked then passed out in her brother’s arms.

47

Felicia Cummings

Fugitivo hey say time can heal a broken heart, but

Tsometimes time can be the enemy. Teresa’s

heart sank into the blackest sea imaginable when Carmine was shot five years ago. She didn’t remember much about the whole thing, and at times, she didn’t want to. After fainting, she woke up in bed with Anita by her side, as if everything had been one terrible nightmare, but then the police were questioning her. Her father convinced them of rape and they kept the wounded suspect in custody at the hospital. She swore up and down she wouldn’t testify against him, but it didn’t matter. Although his hospital room was heavily guarded, the NYPD weren’t clever enough for Carmine, and he escaped. Whether he bleed a la muerte somewhere or he just got as far as he could away from her, she didn’t know, and frankly she didn’t care. How could she? There was nothing left inside of her to feel anything. After that day, Teresa was destined 48

Havana Heat to a life of misery and now she finally understood what Gina said and she was right. Things would never be the same between her and Antonio. To him, he saw no change and she was still his baby girl, but Teresa only saw him as a business associate and learned to keep her distance from him at all costs. She was willing to do anything to move out of that Godforsaken house, so when the opportunity came, she grabbed it without a moment’s hesitation: Teresa had become Mrs. Jefferson Santanelli. She stood in the doorway of the bathroom, working on her third cigarette of the day, watching him climb out of the shower. His tanned, naked body emerged from the steam, as his blue eyes motioned for her to hand him a towel. Stealing a few more puffs from the nicotine seductress, she obliged, throwing the red towel his way. Putting out the cigarette, she found his reflection staring at her from the misty mirror. “What?” she asked. “I know what you’re thinking,” replied Jeff. “Then you also know I’m right.” Her expression softened as her hands skimmed the silky surface of his back. He took her hand and kissed the tops of her fingers one by one. “Teresa, nothing is going on in Miami. The shipments have been late. End of story. If we go 49

Felicia Cummings down there snooping around he’ll think we don’t trust him.” He flashed a patronizing look which always made her cringe inside. She could feel the hot, hurting emotion boiling up inside of her just the way it had when she was a teenager, her father taking her intelligence for granted. “Jeff, you’re a damn fool. Luis has another partner; he’s just too fucking scared to let us know that,” she said, never afraid to speak her mind about business with him. He flung the towel on the shower rack and walked past her into the bedroom. “Luis is not that brave to double cross us, Teresa,” he said, silencing her response with a sweet kiss. Sighing heavily, Teresa raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by his efforts to shut her up. “Alone, he’s not brave, but he may feel fearless if he has someone with him to back him up. I’m just saying maybe you need to go pay him a friendly visit, with your gun preferably.” He smiled at her reply and playfully pinned her against the bathroom door. “You’ve got all the answers don’t you Mrs. Santanelli?” The low-voiced question told her one thing: Jeff was horny. “You damn right I do. Papi didn’t raise a fool. Aren’t you going to be late for your meeting with Gino?” she asked, digging around in her pocket 50

Havana Heat for her pack of cigarettes. He placed his hand on hers to seize the search and dipped his tongue into her mouth again. “You taste like cigarettes,” exclaimed Jeff against her lips. “No shit. Jeff, I’m not in the mood for this right now. Get dressed,” she protested, placing her hands against his damp, hairy chest. “Is it so hard to humor your husband?” She hated the sound of that word: husband. There was only one man she had wanted to spend the rest of her life with, and he was God knows where, or dead. “If you promise to come home on time for a change I’ll suck your dick dry and drown you in pussy...how’s that sound?” she asked, making her escape from his embrace. He was immensely satisfied with her response. Teresa was a dirty girl and that was part of the attraction he had towards her; you never knew what would come out of her mouth next. “Much better. I love you,” said Jeff. She stood by the window, a blank, cold expression painted on her face, as she stared out at the blossoming tulips down below in the garden. “I love you, too,” she replied, all emotion lost in her response. She hated going to that house for any reason. Before she even stepped foot in the door, she 51

Felicia Cummings found her thoughts drifting to Carmine. How ridiculous was that? He was a memory now, yet somehow underneath the ice and stone of her heart, she couldn’t let him go. Her stiletto shoes dredged up the stone path towards the mansion’s kitchen entrance, her fingers maneuvering in her purse for the old house key. Before she reached the door, it opened and Antonio stood waiting for her, a Cuban cigar between his lips. “Why does it take you so long to walk up here?” he asked, blowing smoke rings her way. “Always a pleasure to see you too, Papi,” she answered, pivoting on her heels to avoid any physical contact with him as she entered the house. He watched her march towards the living room and chunk a thick file down on the coffee table. How direct and unfeeling she had become; she definitely wasn’t his Teresa anymore. She hadn’t been for years now, and that worried him. With a hearty grin, he threw his arms around her shoulders and squeezed her tightly. After a silent moment, she pulled away from his grasp, his callused hands framing her delicate face. Her frown began to ease as his concerned brown eyes studied her closely. “It amazes me to think that this is the little niño who used to run around the villa in Havana with her pig tails waving. Now look at you, married, an 52

Havana Heat excellent business woman, and the most beautiful Latina I’ve ever seen,” said Antonio. She drew within herself. Carmine had said the same thing to her when she was a teenager. The memories began to surge back and so did the pain. Hating what she was feeling, her gaze fought free of his as she distanced herself from him emotionally. “What’s the matter with you?” asked Teresa, flashing him her skeptical look. “Nothing, mi amor. Just letting you know how much I love you.” You mean how much you love ordering me the fuck around and running my life her brain yelled out. “Well, I hate to interrupt this tender moment you’re having, but you called me over here to bring by Cooper’s file. Detective McMichaels says this is all the information he has on him. If he talks, he’ll know what to do. From the looks of it, he’s good at making deals with the cops about things. Maybe Alfonso shouldn’t have trusted him to do this hit after all, but I’m sure...” “Teresa, sit down with me for a minute,” he interrupted, putting out the cigar into the crystal ashtray on the edge of the coffee table. She sighed and reluctantly flopped down on the couch. Cautiously, he sat down beside her, taking her hands in his. 53

Felicia Cummings “Don’t you want to discuss this?” she asked. He threw back his head and laughed. “There was a time when I couldn’t get you to do anything and now all you want to do is work,” he stated between chuckles. Her gaze had gone sour and she seemed to be fighting some internal battle in her soul. “Why are we taking this trip into the past, Papi? You know I don’t like people to beat around the bush so jump in the middle and tell me what’s up because I don’t have the time. I need to get home and make some phone calls before Jeff comes home for dinner,” snapped Teresa. Her profile was serious as she waited impatiently for his response. “Teresa, usted es feliz?” “Why? What does that matter?” “That will always matter to me. I want to know that my daughter is happy,” he snapped back. “It never mattered to you before,” she answered, standing and approaching the mini bar. “That’s not fair, Teresa. I have always wanted what’s best for you and I have done whatever I could to make sure you had it. You have always been number one on my list of priorities and you know it,” he replied, nostrils flared. Dark emotions seemed to come and go, when she twirled around and looked at him. She chuckled wickedly then gulped a large helping of 54

Havana Heat brandy from her glass. “I don’t want to get into this with you Papi, so yes, I’m happy, Jeff’s happy, you’re happy— everyone is fucking happy—ok?” She felt feverish and light headed and all she wanted to do was get the hell out of there. Lost in her thoughts at the bar, she didn’t hear him approach her, until his large hand gently guided the glass away from her lips. “At least tell me you still love me,” Antonio pleaded. Turning, her dark eyes glittered with some spark of adoration. She pressed her trembling hands against his rough cheeks and lightly kissed his lips. “You silly old man. Of course, I love you. I’ll never stop loving you, Papi. You’ll have to excuse me sometimes. I can’t help being a bitch,” she answered, offering him a friendly, warm smile. **** That night, Teresa ate dinner with Jeff in silence, but it wasn’t anything new. He would always talk and talk about something that happened or some business transaction that was going down and she just nodded, smiled, and laughed when she sensed he said something that was supposed to be funny. 55

Felicia Cummings After dessert was served, he turned the full force of his wide blue eyes on his wife, hoping she would keep up her end of their bargain from earlier. Spooning the cool ice cream in her mouth, she realized immediately what was on his mind and attempted to stray his thoughts. It wasn’t that she didn’t like having sex with her husband. In fact, he was quite good in bed, but there was never any emotion when they had sex and that she didn’t enjoy. It always felt like an act, as if she was some trick doing her job the best way she knew how to. “Luis called while you were out. He said he tried your cell phone but you never returned his call. Everything ok with that?” asked Teresa, fishing for answers. He flashed her an evil smile over the brim of his wine glass; she was good at playing this game of stalling whenever it was time for them to have sex. She ignored his stare and kept eating, not willing to give him the slightest glance. It was a technique she learned from Salvador and it always drove Antonio crazy. “Everything’s fine. That reminds me, how would you like to go to Miami for a bit of relaxation? We both could use the rest and maybe spend some time working on that baby we’ve talked about. What do you say?” asked Jeff, standing and leaning against the table beside her 56

Havana Heat seat. Her soft mouth twisted up in a sly grin. “Vacation huh? We’ve been to many exotic places for our vacation in the past, yet now you want to go to Miami. Just can’t admit I was right, can you Santanelli?” “Officially, we’d be enjoying the sites, but we may check up on Luis. Thank God, I’ve got a brilliant wife.” She stood to take her bowl into the kitchen and for the briefest of seconds, their bodies rubbed against each other. “Aren’t you the lucky one? Go ahead and make the arrangements, but if we do find out he’s double crossing us, let me be the one to blow his brains out,” she said. He wrapped his arm securely around her waist and pulled her close to his body. “I love it when you talk dirty,” joked Jeff. **** She had no validation for it, but for some reason, Teresa felt uneasy about flying to Miami. Staring out the window, as the plane began to make its descent onto the run way, she tried convincing herself that she had nothing to worry about, but it wasn’t working. As they stood by the car, waiting for the personal handlers to gather their bags, a cobra tattoo caught her attention. It glistened on the sweaty, muscular arm of the man near the side 57

Felicia Cummings gates, as he swept up a trail of garbage. Her soft brown eyes glittered. Was it Carmine? No, it couldn’t have been. What were the chances? Miami was rich with Latino and Cuban culture; it probably was just a man who resembled the memory of him in her head. But she just had to know. “I’m gonna go get some water,” she quickly said. “We’ve got bottled water in the car,” said Jeff. “I have to use the bathroom too and it can’t wait.” Before he had a chance to question her strange behavior, she was off and he was opening the trunk for their bags. She entered the doors adjacent to his work station and watched him through the window, above the water fountain. Letting her gaze wander to his face, down to his feet, and back up again, her heart began to flutter. Pressing her hand against the glass, in an attempt to reach out and touch him, she felt like going histérico right there in Miami International Airport. Finishing his work, he pushed open the door near the window and saw her there. Those seconds of strained silence passed in slow motion, as if the world was waiting for something to happen. She thought that maybe he wouldn’t recognize her now that her hair had grown longer and her figure fuller and shapelier, but he knew those sad brown eyes anywhere. 58

Havana Heat He looked down the length of her long, champana legs, all the way up to a pair of eyes he never thought he would look into again. “Carmine?” she softly called out. He opened his mouth to respond, but nothing seemed to come out. They stared at each other for a few seconds more, neither of them knowing quite what to say. “What is wrong with you? You look like you’ve seen a fucking ghost,” exclaimed Jeff, walking up to her. She blinked, turned to him, and within seconds he was gone again. “I thought I saw someone I went to school with. Let’s go. I think I need a drink,” she answered. Carmine stood in the corner of the terminal, watching them exit the building, together, as a couple. She surveyed the place one last time before the automatic doors closed on them, but still he was no where in sight. **** Carmine sat at the bar, sipping his drink slowly. A fine brown skinned honey was trying to get his attention from across the noisy room, but he wasn’t in the mood to get laid tonight. He was struggling with so many mixed emotions from seeing her. On one hand, he was thrilled to see his love again, so breathtakingly beautiful, but on the other hand he hated that he saw her, especially 59

Felicia Cummings with that bastardo italiano. He refused to be shaken up by her presence. They were probably only there for a few days, and there was no way she would be able to find him. Besides, Teresa Moreno has been trouble from the day he met her. Why the hell did he want to walk back into that shit again? He had got shot at by being with the bitch, and it had been five long years. Honestly, he didn’t give a flying fuck about... “Hello, chico. Is this seat taken?” asked Teresa, sliding onto the barstool beside him. “How’d the fuck did you find me?” he grunted. “I’m a very resourceful woman. So you want to tell me what happened, or shall I guess?” He rolled his eyes at her in disgust, the effects of the alcohol starting to kick in. “I don’t owe you any fucking explanation. Let me remind you of something, Mrs. Moreno, oh excuse me, Mrs. Santanelli, I was the one who got a damn bullet in me. If you’re going to be here then I’m going home. Enjoy your stay in Miami, Senora.” Teresa frowned at him, snatching his arm as he stood. “That’s all you have to say? I was about to shoot my damn father for you and that’s all you have to say? Oh hell no, you better start talking,” she said, her voice raised. “I don’t work for you anymore so your orders 60

Havana Heat mean jack shit to me. Let me go, woman and fuck off,” snapped Carmine, making his way through the crowd and out the door. He made his way down the neon lit streets of Miami, with Teresa close behind him. He forgot how stubborn she was. Stopping abruptly at his car on the side of the street, he grabbed her and pressed her hard against it. “What the fuck do you want from me?” “You. That’s what I’ve always wanted and even though you’re being a jerk towards me right now, you’re still all I want,” she replied. His eyes softened and the fire seized. She waited patiently in the hallway as he unlocked the door to his apartment. There was a fresh coat of paint on the walls and the scent still lingered in the building. Opening the door, he held it open and let her pass. Gradually, she stepped inside, the strong aroma of his cologne hitting her instantly. He flung the keys on the glass coffee table and sunk down into the couch, sliding his hands over his bald head and face. Peering at her, through the cracks of his splayed fingers, he absorbed her beauty. He drew in a sharp breath, then exhaled it in a shaky chuckle. “I didn’t think you could get more beautiful than you were, but damn if you didn’t prove me wrong,” said Carmine, letting his hands drop from 61

Felicia Cummings his face. Very carefully, so he wouldn’t see her fingers trembling, she locked her hands behind her back and took a seat beside him. He wore black slacks and a white tank, she noticed, as she checked him out as well. She flashed him a quick grin as her legs methodically crossed underneath the slinky blue dress. “You’re not so bad yourself. Carmine, when you left, you took my soul with you. I haven’t been the same ever since. Why didn’t you try to contact me?” asked Teresa. “I did, but it was too late. Anita told me you were in Italy on your honeymoon.” His bronzed skin had drawn taut over the starkly brutal contours of his features, as he stared down at the carpeted floor. “She never told me you came by.” Sighing, he relaxed his back against the sofa and turned to her. Taking her hand in his, he toyed with the delicate fingers as he cursed underneath his breath. “That’s because I told her not to tell you. You had moved on; what was the point,” he replied. “I went through the ceremony and I took the vows, but trust me, I didn’t move on. Tell me what happened,” pleaded Teresa, giving his hand a slight squeeze. “Antonio is a smart man. He knew if he killed 62

Havana Heat me, you would hate him forever, and besides, he could make me suffer more if I was alive. I remember seeing you pass out and I tried to get to you, but the wound in my shoulder was making me feel light-headed and almost numb from shock. I woke up in the hospital and the cops were there reading me my rights, telling me that I was being charged for rape.” “Knowing Antonio, he would have gotten one of his cops on the Moreno payroll to add some more charges and jacked up evidence to keep me in prison for life. Luckily, one of the officers watching my room was a partner of mine from back in the day. We went through a lot together and I explained the situation to him. His advice was to get the hell away from you and the Morenos all together ‘cause their specialty was making your life a living hell. He helped me escape and I went to the one place that I knew I would be welcomed: home.” He finished and there was silence. She recalled the sound of the gun going off, the blood on her cheek and in her hair, and the silence that followed when she fainted. He leapt to his feet and walked into the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water. Looking back at her, waiting for a response, she looked mournful, as if she was reliving the event all over again. Teresa closed her eyes for a moment, recalling 63

Felicia Cummings the complexity of emotions that had surged through her when she thought of him dead somewhere, without her being able to tell him she loved him. “I didn’t know you were from Miami, then again you never wanted to talk about your family with me, or anyone for that matter,” she finally said, pulling herself together. “My mother died when I was 17 and my stepfather used to beat the shit out of me, so I took off. I was homeless for a good bit, until I met this guy who had me doing odd jobs. Saved up money and found myself in Queens. Every job imaginable, I did in New York. I was doing some construction work on this office building across from your school when I first saw you. You had on that cute school uniform and your hair was in this long braid and it seemed to sway as you walked. You were with Gina and I glanced up thinking, damn I’m going to hell for what I’m thinking about these girls. You two had to have been around fifteen then. That’s when this other guy told me who you two were and that I was to concentrate on my work and not your ass.” “After the construction gig was over with, I became a bouncer at this strip club and that’s where your father approached me about the job. And then I met you...Miss Teresa,” he said, lifting the glass of water up to her with a grin. 64

Havana Heat She remembered when she first saw him sitting in the dining room, waiting for her, looking like a gladiator fresh out of battle, her seventeen year old heart pounding oddly in her chest. “Do you regret ever taking that job?” she asked, making her way into the kitchen with him. “I don’t regret taking the job and strangely enough, I don’t regret being with you either. No woman has ever put me through so much shit as you have and I do believe I would do it all over again. You ruined me, you know that don’t you?” joked Carmine. It brought a smile to her face as she drew closer to him near the counter top. “Do you love him?” he asked, finishing his water. She shrugged her shoulders and looked sheepish, not knowing how to discuss Jeff with him. Drawing her lower lip between her teeth, she began to piece together a way to respond to his question. “I do care for him, but I don’t love him the way a wife should love her husband. Jeff is more of a friend than anything else,” said Teresa. She leaned her stomach into the counter and played with the miniature plants above the sink. “So you decided to marry your friend? Come on now woman; you gonna have to do better than that. I answered all your questions; now it’s your turn.” 65

Felicia Cummings She ran her long fingers through her silky brown strands of hair and sighed hesitantly. “Like I said before, after that day, a little part of me died. I can’t explain it. I grew cold and distant and to be honest with you, turned into a down right bitch. That was an awful year for me: my best friend moved away and then I finally find my first love and not only does my father shot him, he goes missing and I don’t even know if he’s dead or alive.” “I think I cried every night. Jeff would come by and check on me. Then as time passed, he started spending the night in my room with me, helping me forget the tears. And then one day I just stopped crying, like a child when he’s having a tantrum then suddenly stops as if nothing happened. I stopped feeling anything and was convinced that I was destined to be miserable for the rest of my life.” She stopped and looked at him. “You know, I don’t even remember the courtship. I’m sure we went out to dinner a few times, fucked in between then. But I remember nothing about being with Jeff except for the fact that when he asked me to marry him I said yes, but only to get the hell out of that house and away from that man,” she answered, her eyes focused on the fridge, lost in a world of painful memories that were all her own. 66

Havana Heat His eyes dropped to her half-opened lips, recalling how sweet they had tasted and how soft they felt against his flesh. “And how do you feel about everything now?” Teresa turned to face him, deep brown eyes sparkling with so much love. A breeze from the opened kitchen window ruffled the loose wisps of hair about her face and he wanted badly to touch them, to pull her into his arms and make love to her right there in the kitchen, but if anything Carmine refused to be the other man to any woman. Gradually, she made her way closer to him, a stirring, electric presence, pulling her to where he was. “I never stopped loving you, and I don’t think I ever will,” whispered Teresa into his ear. Bitterness and frustration aside, he still loved her too. “What have you done to me, Teresa? I swear you’re going to be the death of me sooner or later,” he replied, massaging her cheek. “You always said that about me,” she said with a bright smile. “I always meant it.” Pulling his face to hers, she kissed him exquisitely slowly, savoring the feel and taste of his lips. It was a long deep moment between them that seemed to go on forever. And then, her purse began to ring on the adjacent countertop. She 67

Felicia Cummings pulled away from him unwillingly and reached inside for her cell phone. “Hello.” “Teresa, where the hell are you? I’ve been waiting for you for hours. You had me worried. I thought you were just going out for an hour to see the sites,” yelled Jeff into the phone. For a long time she stood, gazing at nothing in particular, as he waited for her answer. She paused and turned to face Carmine. “I ran into an old friend—you know the one I mentioned at the airport. When two women get to talking we lose track of time.” “Apparently so. It’s almost two in the morning. Teresa, come home. I wanted to spend this time in Miami with you… alone.” “I’m on my way. Hasta luego,” she said, flipping the top down on the phone. “I can’t do this with you anymore, Teresa. You’re already lying to your husband. I’m going on thirty now and I’m getting tired of playing these fucking games with you,” said Carmine, his eyes closed and his head flung back in frustration. Her hands slid up his chest. His hard muscular chest was warm, even through the layers of clothing. “Tomorrow around 9:30 to 10:00 pm, I want you to meet me at the Sheraton Hotel on Miami Beach. You can arrive earlier if you like. I’ll call 68

Havana Heat and arrange everything tomorrow morning. Just tell the desk clerk your name and he should give you a key to one of the executive suites,” she whispered. He took her hands in his and pushed her away. “Teresa, a quick fuck is not going to solve this problem.” “Who said anything about sex? I was planning on running away with you, but only if you’ve got the balls to do it?” He cocked one eyebrow and debated whether or not to take her seriously. “Go where?” “Wherever you want to go. Jeff and I have separate bank accounts just in case the police want to freeze one, and my figures are in the millions. Daddy didn’t raise a stupid business woman and uncle Sam has nothing to do with my dough. For once in my life, I’m not giving the orders and I’m gonna listen to you. You decide where we go, and we’ll be there, just like that,” she answered, snapping her fingers and twisting her hips. “Wouldn’t it just be easier to divorce him?” “Ironically, the Santanellis are devout Catholics and although murder doesn’t seem to be a problem, divorce is. He’d rather kill me than grant me a divorce. It’s now or never, Castanos.” He let out a long, slow breath, massaging the nape of his neck as he contemplated the consequences of their actions. Closing his eyes, he 69

Felicia Cummings said, “I must be out of my fucking mind. What all do I need to bring?” She threw her arms around him and filled his ears with the sweetest laughter he had heard in years. “Just yourself. We need to plan this out very carefully. Trust me, Carmine. Everything will be ok. God brought me to Miami for a reason and I’m not losing you again,” she said, holding him tight. **** Jeff dashed downstairs, all dressed and handsome, ready to go out and enjoy a beautiful night with his wife, but Teresa had other plans. She stood in the kitchen of the huge beach house, pouring a glass of wine, mixing the white powder thoroughly. “Teresa, are you ready? Where the hell are you?” yelled Jeff throughout the downstairs. She emerged from the kitchen, two glasses of red wine, and a red and black laced babydoll top with matching crotchless panties underneath. “Hi. I was hoping we could stay in tonight,” she exclaimed. Her eyes darkened and took on a romantic and seductive gleam. Jeff’s brow lifted in amusement. “I don’t think that would be a problem. You look absolutely sexy,” he said, literally breathless. 70

Havana Heat She rarely dressed up for him, so it took him completely by surprise. She sat him down, handed him the wine glass and made his lap into her personal chair. “Well don’t waste good wine. Drink up,” she insisted, nuzzling her face against his chest. The liquid went down smoothly, as she reached into his slacks, gently massaging his dick. “You are full of surprises you know that?” His thumb slid beneath the lace of her top, awakening delightful sensations in her nipple. “Isn’t that why you married me?” she joked, pulling the aroused body part out for further inspection. Nipping at his jaw, she made a wet trail of los besos down his neck. She could feel the vibrations of his moan trembling in his throat. Positioning herself, she slipped on top of him, absorbing every inch inside of her. Holding her close, his breath was soft and hot in her hair, as she rocked her hips against his. Their tongues slid together and then apart as he teased the recesses of her mouth and teeth in a sultry, intimate dance. She wound her arms around his neck, murmuring Spanish words of love against his lips. As she pushed forward to drive his dick deeper inside of her, he stopped moving, his head flinging back against the recliner. The drug was taking effect and her husband 71

Felicia Cummings had passed out in the middle of their lovemaking. Quickly, she undressed him, and then she dressed herself. If he awoke before she returned he would assume they had made love. Grasping the doorknob, she looked back at him, a vulnerable nude body, motionless in the chair. For a split second, he looked dead, and that she couldn’t stand. Once outside, she offered the guard a cash bonus and instructed him to go inside and carry Jeff upstairs to bed. If he awoke while she was gone, he was to remind Jeff that she went to pick up a little something to snack on and that she would be back shortly. The bills she flashed in his face assured her of his loyalty to her requests and off she went to see Carmine. **** The boat slowly made its way to the dock in the murky waters of the night ocean. Carmine draped a loving arm around her shoulders and marveled at the stars blanketed across the sky. The rocky vessel halted as the captain moved quickly to anchor it. Their companion, Gina, joined them on the edge to offer her advice. “I really don’t think it’s a good idea for you two to stop her on your way to...wherever it is you’re going. Your father has too many contacts here in Havana,” said Gina. 72

Havana Heat “I know. We’re going to stay somewhere on the outskirts of Havana, until we decide where to go next. Thank you for putting up with us for so many weeks at your home, Gina,” said Teresa, giving her hand a slight squeeze. Moving towards her, she lightly kissed each corner of her mouth. “What was I supposed to do? I haven’t seen my best friend since her wedding and you think I’m going to turn you away?” said Gina, pulling her sweater more securely around her shoulders. “But you lied to your family and for what...so I could hide out at your home?” “Teresa, I knew that marriage was doomed from the moment Daddy called to tell me it was happening. Jeff wanted to please him and whatever he wanted he got, including a Moreno daughter-in-law. I can’t say I agree with what you’re doing, but I do know Antonio, Daddy, and Jeff would kill Carmine in a heartbeat if you stayed to face the music.” Her eyes shifted to him. “You better damn well appreciate this woman. She’s giving up a hell of a lot to be with you.” “I love this woman. Trust me, I will never take her love for granted,” he answered, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Well, you two better get going. Call when you get settled. I love you, Teresa.” “Te quiero también.” Teresa removed her shoes once they made it to 73

Felicia Cummings the villa. She wanted to feel the cool sand crinkling between her toes once again. He followed close behind her, amazed by the majestic beauty of the beach. For weeks, they had been sheltered in Gina’s home in Monte Carlo like prisoners. This was the first time in awhile that they were able to roam free without any worries. She knew it was unwise to go to Havana, but she wanted to see her home once again, before she left her family behind forever. “Do we bring our bags inside or are we setting up house on the beach tonight.” “Very funny. Let me see can I find the key. It’s probably dusty and rank inside, but I just want to stay here for one night. We’ll take a boat out tomorrow,” she said, a big smile painted on her face. He sat the bags down behind them as she slowly turned the key. She hadn’t been in that enormous house in thirteen years; apprehension came over her as if her Antonio would be inside, yelling at her for staying out by the water too long or running off around the island without letting anyone know where she was. The door creaked open and they were greeted by black oscuridad. She curled her arms around his and guided him inside. “The utilities should still be working. Alfonso 74

Havana Heat stayed here whenever he had business to tend to in Cuba,” she said, reaching for the light switch. “Too bad we can’t stay here. This place is gorgeous.” “Yeah I know. I loved it here, but it won’t take long for someone to contact Papi about spotting us here. One night is all we can afford,” she exclaimed, gracefully making her way up the staircase like a queen returning to her long lost castle. Gathering her bags, he followed, as they settled down in her old bedroom. They had arrived early in the night, so Teresa had to heavily disguise herself in order to go into town to get them dinner. Once she returned with the food, they decided to picnic on the beach in a secluded spot where she went as a child to do her drawings. Maybe now she would be free to pursue that dream of becoming an artist once more. As he finished his meal, he watched her playing in the water, the soft fabric of her dress sticking to the contours of her body. He had never seen her so happy. That’s when he decided that wherever they ended up, he would make sure it was an island, a replica of the place that truly brought her happiness. She was dripping wet when she ran up to him on the blanket, tackling him from behind. “If I wanted to get wet I would have gotten in the water with you. Get off of me,” he teased, 75

Felicia Cummings tossing her on her back. “Don’t you like me wet?” asked Teresa, massaging her knee into his groin. The width of his soft hands caressed her neck, paving a trail for his delicate lips to follow. “I think you know the answer to that,” he whispered against her flesh. She stared up at him guilelessly and then smiled, beginning to unbutton his shirt. Placing his hand against the damp fabric of the dress, he brushed the peaks of her breasts with his thumb, rubbing back and forth, back and forth. His touch always made her quiver involuntarily. Peeling the dress off, his hands and eyes admired her wet body, sliding against the slippery texture of her skin. Leering over her, his chest was rising and falling with deep, cathartic breaths. Their eager bodies quaked with lustful anticipation and mutual need. “There’s something I want to tell you.” “Shh, mi amore. Not now. I just want to make love to you.” Carmine breathed against her sweet lips. Sliding off his pants, he lowered himself inside of her slowly. Every inch of his dick ached to be deep within her. She reached up to caress his cheek, whispering, “Will it always be like this?” Strong arms held her to him as he continued to move against her. “Always.” The feel of his hands and the sound of his 76

Havana Heat heavy breathing made every nerve tingle with excitement. They moaned and moved together, revealing a river of lush feelings that coursed through their bodies, bringing him to a body shuddering climax. She nuzzled close to him on the blanket, his hand gradually stroking her damp hair away from her face. “Carmine, I haven’t been on the pill since we left. I stopped taking it because Jeff wanted to start on a baby and so...” her words trailed off into silence when she noticed his caressing seized. He hadn’t heard her. The calmness of the ocean, the effects of the wine, and the exhilarated satisfaction of their lovemaking had seduced him to sleep. Resting her head on his chest, she watched the rippling ways of the ocean. Twenty-three years ago, that very same ocean had witnessed the allurement of her father and mother, and now it gently rocked her love to sweet slumber, underneath the torrid heat of the Havana night sky.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR I live in a small town of Irwinton, Ga, but my imagination has limitless boundaries. I am 25 years old and an English graduate. I plan on going back to school to get my Masters and receive my teaching certificate. I have been writing ever since I was ten years old, my writing exceeding my age. Only recently have people taken my writing to heart and realized my true potential. I am grateful that the great people of Extasy saw that potential as well.