Desperado - Part 1

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DESPERADO
By LadyAthena

Disclaimer: I don't own him, can't even AFFORD him! Please, don't sue.

Thanks a million to my beta Ladybug {She helped ALOT; especially with the morning balcony scene!}

Rated: R

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Part One

She walked through the door and dropped her purse and keys onto the cushion of the recliner. She slipped off her shoes and walked down the hall undoing the buttons of her blouse along the way. She let the cotton blouse fall onto the hallway floor in front of a set of folding doors, which hid the washer and dryer. She slid her skirt off along with the rest of her clothes; leaving them in a pile as she walked to the bathroom to take a shower.

After her shower Erin wrapped in a long silk plum-colored robe went to her computer and turned it on. While waiting for it to boot up she warmed up some tomato soup and checked her voice mail for messages. There were two; one from Ray, a man she had broken up with about four weeks prior; the other was from her best friend Angelique asking for a favor. The microwave chimed signaling the soup was done. She took the bowl and a bottle of water from the fridge and sat down at the computer. She dialed Angelique's number. In the midst of the second ring she picked up.

"Hey, Ange," Erin greeted wearily. "What did you need?"

"Gee, Erin, whatever happened to ‘Hello, how are you?’" Her friend kidded good-naturedly.

"I had to meet with the chair of the History Department. I just spent an hour coming up with excuses why I couldn't go out with him."

"Still after you, huh?" Angelique stated with mild amusement.

"It's not funny, Ange. Ever since he found out Ray and I broke up he's been hounding me. He doesn't show any signs of backing off anytime soon, either. I have been finding a single pink rose on my desk every morning for the last four weeks!" She exclaimed in exasperation.

"The nerve of him," came the sarcastic reply.

"Sure. I just wonder what his wife would have to say?"

"He's married?"

"I can't believe I left that little tidbit of information out! Yes, fifteen years as a matter of fact."

"You could always take it to the board and have him brought up on harassment charges."

"I will if it gets out of hand. Thus far he hasn't done anything that could be misconstrued as harassment; of course it is my word against his. The only note I've gotten with the flowers has been, ‘Hope you are having a good day. This should make you smile.’ He's been careful to not to touch me in anyway."

"If it gets too bad promise me you will file a complaint, alright?"

"Yes, Angelique, I'll file a complaint if it gets to be more than I can handle."

"Thank you."

"Anway, what did you need? You said you had a favor to ask of me."

"Oh yeah, well, I realize that Spring Break doesn't start for another couple of weeks."

"And..."

"Darren and I are leaving for Cancun next week."

"For two weeks, yes I remember you telling me about it."

"We were wondering if you could watch the condo and take care of Tiger for us?"

"Sure, I could stop by."

"No, I mean stay here," Ange interjected.

"Stay there?"

"You know how Tiger doesn't like to be alone and you're the only one we trust. Besides, you're one of the few people the cat will actually come out and see."

"Why not Tiffany, Darren's sister?"

"You really think a single nineteen year old should be here...alone?"

Erin gave an unlady like snort, knowing full well Tiffany wouldn't be alone. "Okay, point taken. But, you'll trust a single twenty nine year old?"

Angelique laughed, "Honey, if I found out you had a man staying here with you I'd have to kiss him."

"Don't start Angelique."

"All right, all right. I realize for that week you'll have to get up earlier for a longer commute to the school."

"For one week I'll survive. If anything you may not have much coffee left by the time you get back."

"Well at least you'll have a resort type atmosphere for spring break; with the beach and spa and all."

"All I'll be missing are the waiters serving me while I tan." They both chuckled at the comment, "Okay, Ange, you sold me. When do you two leave?"

"Friday morning."

"So the end of this week."

"That would be Friday, all right."

"Smart ass! I'll head over after school on Friday."

"Great! Now when do you want to come by and get the keys?"

"Well tomorrow I have my night class... how about Wednesday?"

"Sounds good."

"Anything else?"

"Not really."

"What? Not even an Antoine story?" Erin asked feigning dismay.

"I know you'd think living next to a male prostitute would be more exciting. But there has been nothing since hearing the whips through the walls last week. I mean we can still hear him entertaining but nothing out of the ordinary." Ange paused a moment. "Well, there is one thing."

"Quit keeping me in suspense, Ange!" Erin giggled.

"Antoine is going to be out of business soon."

"Don't tell me immigration caught up to him once again."

"No, nothing nearly that entertaining. He's going into physical fitness."

"As in personal trainer?"

"Something along those lines, yes."

"And how, pray tell, do you know this?"

"He asked Darren to do some architecture work for him."

"Don't you have to get some sort of a certificate to be a personal trainer?"

"He has it."

"What are his clients going to do?"

"I could care less! I'm just looking forward to not hearing his escapades. Should I sign you up to be one of his first 'clients?’"

"Yeah, okay, Ange. Whatever. As if I could afford him at all!"

"Luckily he isn't moving so I’ll still get my daily dose of seeing him swimming. He certainly is easy on the eyes."

"The one time I saw him from behind I'd have to agree with you."

"Anyway, my dear, Darren is ready to leave for dinner so I shall let you go. I'll see you Wednesday, around six?"

"Sounds good to me."

"I'll have Darren make lasagna."

"My favorite!"

"See you then." She hung up and placed the phone back on its charger. She then logged onto the internet. While waiting for it to connect she placed her empty bowl into the sink and got herself another bottle of water. She sat back down at her computer and began to read her e-mail. She was just reading a joke that Ange had forwarded to her when an instant message popped up in front of her.

Erin smiled. Her screenname was 'Ladyteach' and the only person who ever I.Md her with that introduction was Desperado. They had been talking for over six months now. It all started because he’d been perusing the member directory and liked her quote, 'May you live in interesting times.' He had instant messaged her with the comment, "Why are you putting an old Chinese curse on everyone?" Since then they had talked about everything under the sun ever since. Upon finding out she was alone he had tried to get her to try cyber sex. She always refused, but it was now a standing joke between them. Erin IMd back <Good evening to you too, Des.> then returned to reading her e-mail.

<Tired.> she typed before once again returning to the rest of her twenty some odd messages.

She laughed amidst blushing. He had the statement complete with a winking smiley face icon. <whatever you say, Des.> Neither of them had ever exchanged anything too personal. Just the bare basics. She was a single woman who lived in California and taught History. He was a single man who also lived in California and ran his own business. That was all that had ever been given. They were two people out of millions surfing the web.

Again he ended with the winking smiley face. She couldn't help but laugh. <In my limited experience that's all men do is TALK. In my opinion actions speak louder than words and sex itself is highly over rated.>

<Well, my Lady, I would be happy to expound on that, however, you will not allow me the pleasure.>

<Impersonal? Fine, then give me your phone number and you can feel my voice surround you while we pleasure ourselves.>

<Aren't you even curious?>

Erin was blushing as she typed. Only Angelique knew about those two. Of course she was the one who had bought them for her along with a vibrator as a gift for her being a bridesmaid at her wedding. Erin shook her head in amusement at the joke. The note in the box was "to help relieve sexual frustration and stress".

If she had any idea what Desperado looked or sounded like she could swear she heard accusation in that statement. It also meant he knew her well. Maybe too well. <Possibly.>

<I'm not that easy.> She sighed. The idea did have merit. It had been a long while since someone had tried to romance her. She thought a moment, then again, had she really ever been romanced?

She wondered what it would be like to be seduced. In her mind romance and seduction were two totally different things. Seduction was to entice one into bed for a night. Romance… now romance meant being courted. Could one be romanced and seduced at the same time? She mentally shook herself. What was she thinking? She was feeling lonely if just a conversation with Des was making her have these thoughts. Okay, she amended, a tame conversation with Des brought on these thoughts.

Erin finished her email with only one other interruption. Ange had instant messaged her with a quick hello and verifying that six was ok. With that she was left in peace to peruse the net. Her conversation with Desperado played over and over in her mind. She had figured out his lure long ago - he was safe - she was never going to run into him. They could spar over the internet and she never had to suffer the repercussions. She could bare her soul to him and never have to worry about meeting the person who knew her even more intimately on some levels then Angelique.

****

It took Erin another hour to drive the extra twenty miles to Angelique and Darren's condo. Once at the entrance to the complex the security guard stopped her to verify that she was in fact Erin St. Martin by looking at her Driver's License. "Hi, Ed,” she greeted the silver haired retired police officer with a smile.

"Hi, Erin. Sorry to do this to you but they're cracking down on security everywhere and we're under surveillance."

"No problem, Ed." He gave her back her ID and opened the remote controlled rod iron gate. She slowly wheeled her Saturn through the gate and parked in visitor's parking. She turned the engine off in the car and waited a moment to listen to the rest of her favorite song, "I'd Do Anything For Love But I Won't Do That," by Meatloaf.

Once the final strains of the song was replaced by the obnoxious DJ's voice she turned the car off completely and stepped out. She felt the beginnings of a headache and prayed to God it didn't become a full fledged migraine. She smoothed her Navy knee length skirt down from her mid thighs and sauntered across the parking lot to the Spanish style tiled fountain that marked the entryway to the condominiums. Darren had helped design the complex and the fountain was his love child. He had even designed built in planters into the base. She walked around the fountain after trailing her finger tips in the water and went to the left. Darren and Angelique lived at the end of the complex.

Just as she walked by the door adjacent to theirs opened. A tall lean man with rippling washboard stomach and dressed in a pair of navy blue swim trunks walked out. She scanned upward to find herself looking into a pair of deep almost doe colored eyes with an angular long face edged with a thin beard along the jaw line. A goatee and mustache framed full sensual lips. The whole picture was finished off with shoulder length curling black hair. He smiled seductively revealing even white teeth. It was a smile that said, ‘yes I know you are staring at me and I hope you enjoy all the fantasies it invokes.’

"Is this ray of sunshine coming to visit me?" He asked blocking her way, "May I introduce myself, Antoine LaConte." He held out his hand as he studied the voluptuous woman in front of him. She was squinting up at him as if her head hurt. What once was a proper bun had tendrils of hair straying from it. He was impressed; most women upon seeing him immediately started primping. This one nonchalantly brushed her hair away from her eyes with her hand so she could peer at him better through her wispy bangs.

Erin felt herself blush as she clasped the proffered hand, "Erin St. Martin." Antoine took her hand and gently raised it to his lips where he laid the softest of butter fly kisses upon her knuckles. Erin felt the blush warm further, "I'm here to visit Angelique and Darren MacDonald." She rushed the statement as an after thought.

"Perhaps I will run into you again and you shall brighten my heart for a moment. Until then, Ciao, Erin." He knew he was grinning when they parted ways. He couldn't help it. He saw the way she looked at him and yet she tried to hide it. Why? He wanted to know. Why would anyone hide their desire? He knew Ange made no secret of what his profession was. Surely this Erin woman knew she could buy him. Why on earth would she hide the fact she found him attractive? These questions circled in his mind as he walked off for his evening swim.

"Good evening, Antoine," she muttered as she brushed by him and knocked on her friend's door. Still feeling the warm spot where his lips had brushed her skin. {Good Lord woman! He's a gigolo for crying out loud. He's supposed to have that effect on women. Get a grip before Ange figures out and ribs you for the next month!}

******

Erin rocked easily on the loveseat glider on the back porch, watching the quarter moon crest on the horizon. The silvery rays brought out the gold highlights in her hair. She sipped absently at her glass of wine. Angelique came and sat down next to her. "Contemplating your navel I see," she teased sarcastically.

Erin turned and stared at the striking raven haired beauty next to her, unable to meet the emerald green gaze; she quickly looked to the ocean once again. Letting the sound of the waves crashing into shore soothe her overwrought nerves. "Among other things."

"Ahh, the universe then?"

"Just thinking," was the non-commital reply.

"You're always thinking and comparing and contrasting. That's what makes you a good historian."

"And you wield your tongue like a fine sword, that is what makes you an excellent lawyer."

"Feeling alone again are you?"

"Not alone just wondering."

"You are such a romantic."

"I am not," she snorted softly in denial, her fingers circling the rim of her wine glass.

"Yes you are," Ange replied firmly. "You keep thinking that Mr. Right will appear at your castle tower and holler, ‘Rapunzel! Rapunzel let down your hair!’ And Poof! You'll be married and live happily ever after." Ange stared sympathetically at her friend's profile. "Erin, I've known you since our freshman year in college. You are a hopeless romantic trapped under a security blanket. Isn't it about time to get rid of the blanket?"

"I know better."

"Regarding which part?"

"I'm no Rapunzel."

"You were once. I remember you played her in the first college production our freshman year. If memory serves Eric Manahan played the prince. You had the biggest crush on him."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Erin rolled her eyes as she crossed her legs.

Ange chuckled. "Whatever happened to you and Eric. I remember you two did go out at least once, but then I never heard anything about it after that."

Erin drank the last of the wine and finally looked her friend in the eye. "I was never very good with dates."

Ange sensing that the subject was off limits asked, "By the way how is Desperado?"

Erin smirked shaking her head. "I see, going from the past to the present." She sighed and stretched her legs. "He has moved from cyber sex to phone sex."

"Did you take him up on it?"

Erin looked at her friend incredulously. "You think I'm going to give a strange man my phone number just for phone sex?"

"I realize that you think sex is over rated, Erin, but maybe you should try the phone sex with him. You've been chatting with him for six months so it's not like he's a total stranger."

"But why? What's the point?"

"Well, for starters you might learn something. It's kinda like watching adult movies; it can be educational if done properly and with the right person. And besides you might actually enjoy yourself."

Erin suddenly had an image of watching an erotic movie with Antoine. Of course if Antoine were there, what would she need with an erotic movie? She shook her head scattering the image and said, "Yeah but it's not like I have anyone to share my adventures with."

"There's always, Antoine."

Erin decided that Ange was psychic. She felt a blush spread across her cheeks as the memory of Antoine's touch on her hand assailed her senses. "Ange, I'm not paying some guy to help me experiment with sex."

"It was a joke, Erin." Her friend laughed then turned serious. "You thought I was serious?"

"With you sometimes I never know."

"Hmm, it is a thought though," she teased. "It could be your gift from us for watching our house. I can pay Antoine to seduce you for two weeks."

"Don't you dare!" Erin knew her blush could be seen even in the moonlight.

"Oh for heaven sakes, Erin, I'm just kidding. Lighten up! I know you are not looking for a fling."

"You are trying to pair me with a prostitute!"

"Correction man-whore, and why not? Think of all the knowledge he has."

Erin felt herself redden once again. A pair of intense brown eyes set into olive skin seemed to be branded upon her brain. In a desperate attempt to change the subject she asked, "Anyway, what do you plan on doing in Cancun?"

Ange smiled knowingly at her friend and let the subject of Antoine and sex drop for now. "We have a couple of tours out to Chichen Itza and Taluum in addition to some snorkeling. Other then that it's a second honeymoon."

"Well I hope you both have fun." She glanced down at her watch. "I should get going I have a long day tomorrow."

They both got up and went inside. Erin set her empty wine glass on the counter in the kitchen and retrieved her purse. "Well you have fun in Cancun." She said giving Ange a hug. Darren looked up from his computer game and smiled. "Thanks for watching the house for us Erin."

"Just have fun in Cancun and don't get heat stroke!"

"We won't."

"Night," Darren said as he turned back to the computer. Ange walked her to the door. They hugged once again and said goodnight.

She headed towards the parking lot, pausing once again at the fountain running her fingers through the water before continuing onto her car. She was just fumbling for her keys when she felt a touch to her elbow. She let out a small shriek and turned to find herself lost in Antoine’s mesmerizing brown eyes.

"Forgive me, cara mia. I did not mean to scare you," he told her as he smiled easily down at her. Her eyes were wide with fear. He was staring at a very frightened woman, the last thing he wanted.

Erin stood gasping for air, her hand over her heart hoping it wouldn't give her a heart attack. She leaned back against her car in an effort to put some space between them. She smiled weakly. "You only scared ten years of my life away, no big deal."

Antoine smiled amusedly as he lifted her trembling hand to his lips. "Again, I am sorry." His husky voice brushed across her hand as he kissed it. He noticed how her nostrils flared as she sucked in a quick breath. He gently let go of her hand as he let his eyes drift over every inch of her. He let his eyes tell her what he thought of her. She obviously understood because her face and neck took on an extra mauve color under the light. "You're leaving so soon?"

Erin let the erotic accented tones wash over her. "Ahh, I uhh, have to get up early tomorrow for work," she blurted out.

"And what kind of work do you do, cara mia?"

"Is there a reason for this interrogation?" she asked a bit flippantly. She was getting annoyed with herself for letting this Adonis have such an affect on her good sense.

"Ahh, you must be another attorney like Angelique," He responded, not affected by her rudeness in the least; instead he found it amusing. This was no shrinking flower.

"No, I'm not."

Antoine smiled, liking this woman's spunk. She was unlike most women he knew. Obviously he affected her on a physical level, but she wasn't going to give him an inch. He realized he liked this game of trying to get a response from her; anything to get her to admit she might lust after him. He looked into her eyes once again; the smoldering lust was there, but also a defensive look. She was one package of intrigue, he mused to himself. A package, he wouldn't mind unwrapping; not in the least. "You have nothing to fear from me, dolcezza. I am merely curious."

"Why?"

"It’s in my nature." He grinned.

"Yeah well, curiosity killed the cat, you know," she responded haughtily.

"Ahh yes, but a cat has nine lives." He stepped an inch closer. Just barely invading her space. "Why are you so distrustful of me, piccola? I am merely being friendly."

"I don't trust strangers," she grumbled knowing he was right. She was being rude and he was being friendly.

"But we are not strangers, piccola. I introduced myself earlier." He let his voice dropped an octave and played upon her skin. He noticed her slight shiver and couldn't help the feeling of pride that engulfed him.

"I'm a teacher," she abruptly stated, ready for this conversation to be over and done with.

He smiled noticing how she was balancing her weight from one leg to the next. "Kindergarten?"

"Oh good Lord no!" She chuckled relaxing a bit. "I don't have the patience for that. I teach at the collegiate level."

"Ahh, a professor."

"Associate professor."

"Still a very honorable position."

"Yeah well, my students could careless about my position being honorable or not. It's all in if I can hold their interest and keep it fun."

"And do you?" he asked with a teasing grin.

"Do I what?" she asked, feeling nervous once again.

"Hold their interest and keep it fun?" He watched her eyes as she mulled over his words; wondering if she would catch the double meaning and what she would do if she did.

Erin knew the words themselves were innocent. She got the feeling, however, that Antoine had meant it as a double entendre. Then again, maybe she was reading the sexual innuendo into it. "So they say," she softly answered, blushing yet again.

"I'll keep that in mind." He winked playfully at her. She could play. She may be a bit out of her league, but she would play. This knowledge warmed him. He would figure out why later, but for now, he basked in the feeling.

"Yes, well, it's getting late and I really should be getting home." She frowned at his soft chuckle.

"Have a safe drive home, Erin St. Martin. I do hope to see more of you soon." His smile widened when she spun about quickly and unlocked her car door. It had not been his intention to make her uncomfortable and nervous, yet he found it oddly amusing.

Erin quickly got into her car and started it. His parting smile reminded her of a predator who had caught his sight of his prey and was now on the hunt. She shook the image from her mind and pulled out of the parking lot.

****

Erin pulled on her silk nighshirt and made herself a cup of hot tea. It was almost eleven and she knew that she needed to go to bed in an hour but she wasn't tired. She made sure that the coffee maker was ready for tomorrow morning otherwise there would be hell to pay.

She was checking e-mail when as usual Desperado IMd her. <Hello, Lady.>

<Couldn't sleep.>

<No, just a lot on my mind.>

Erin almost sputtered tea all over the monitor. <It doesn't matter, it was a chance meeting. Besides I don't wish to talk about it. However you might appreciate the fact that my girlfriend thinks I should have given you my phone number.>

<LOL. Maybe I should talk to your friend.>

<She's married. Besides, she and her husband have probably already tried phone sex.>

<LOL.>

<Yeah. Oh by the way next time you see me it will be under a different name. I'm going to be house sitting and they have given me a name on their internet account. It's not LadyTeach.>

<It's LdyIntrigue on their account>

<That's because you've never met me.>

<That's what you keep saying. So anyway, about that phone sex…>

She laughed. He was doing it again; the winking smiley face. <Not tonight I have a headache.>

<LOL. I keep asking because one day you will go on that adventure with me.>

She had finished with her e-mail and was surfing the web. She couldn't get Antoine out of her head, his smile his accent, she sighed. <Des, can I ask you a question?> she typed.

<Yes, milady?>

<Seriously, Des.>

<I'm being serious.>

<Des, get serious, please.>

<No.>

<No, I mean as in they are secure enough with who they are that they don't try to be something they are not.>

<So, be myself.>

<Precisely.>

<Both.>

<Anytime. I like you, milady, and I have never seen you. I keep hoping that will be remedied.>

<Always, milday. I have faith. But alas the night grows short and I have a long day tomorrow. Ciao.>

<LOL. Goodnight.>

She got off the internet and turned off the computer. She found herself smiling all the way down the hall.

****

Erin was running late. Dr. Needlehymer had asked her out again. She finally got away from him by telling him she had a pressing engagement that she was running late for. He didn't have to know the engagement was with a swimming pool. She took off her suit coat and laid it in the passenger seat. She rolled down her window and rolled into rush hour traffic.

She finally arrived at the condominiums at seven o’clock. Of course there had been three major accidents along with a nice light rain that brought the freeway to stand still. She had her parking pass hanging from her review mirror and Ed waved her through. She parked in the spot that normally had Angelique's Honda Accord in it. She noticed the silver Porsche convertible to her other side and shook her head. She would never have the money to afford that. Then again she would never buy something like that. The realist shines through she thought to herself. She dropped her keys into her purse and grabbed her jacket along with her duffle bag from the backseat.

Taking her things into the condo, she came back to retrieve her garment bag from the trunk. Once back inside the condo she quickly shut the door and dead bolted it. She went down the hall to the guest room and hung the garment bag in the closet. After a moment of rummaging around in the duffle bag she found her bathing suit. She quickly changed into it, thinking of how she was going to enjoy swimming and then sitting in the Jacuzzi.

Her stomach rumbled as she went through her purse for the key to the gate to the pool. She walked over to the phone and called the local pizza place. They said they'd have the pizza there in about forty-five minutes. She grinned to herself {Perfect} she thought. She then dialed the guardhouse to tell Ed that she was expecting a pizza delivery person. He told her the normal procedure was for the tenant to come to the gate to get it, so she gave him her cell phone number and asked him to call her when it arrived.

Grabbing her beach towel and a small bag to keep her house key and cell phone in, she headed out the door, locking it behind her. With the pool key in hand, she made her way down the pathway that led to the pool, praying that it would be empty.

{Actually you just don't want to be around Antoine again,} she chided herself. The man made her feel very aware of the fact that she was of the female persuasion and that bothered her. What bothered her even more is that she liked it. {He romances women for a living. Get over it.} Her little voice scolded.

She unlocked the gate to the pool and found it empty. Sighing in relief, she placed her things on the table that was closest to the steps that lead into the calm water. She dipped her foot in to see if it was warm or cold. It was a little on the chilly side. She walked to the far end where it was six feet deep and after taking a deep breath she dove in. The brisk temperature almost took her breath away but once she started gliding through the water her body quickly became accustomed to it.

Antoine opened the gate to the pool. Normally he preferred to go swimming in the afternoon but one of his appointments ran late. He felt the tension in his body as he walked towards the pool, all he wanted was to have a nice quiet swim alone; without any female company. He sighed heavily, he was already at Kimberly's beck and call but that wasn't enough for her. Oh no, the woman had to be in control at all times. He wondered if she even controlled the timing of her orgasm. Needless to say this was the last time he'd service her. He had a rule, three strikes and you were out. This was strike number three for her. She had him for more time than he had allotted for her and she wasn't willing to pay him for it.

He rolled his shoulders to help ease the tension as he unlocked the gate to the pool. The sound of the splashing water greeted his ears and he shook his head with a heavy sigh. So much for a quiet swim. He watched the person knife through the water and felt his mouth go dry. It was her. The woman who had been haunting his dreams; much to his dismay. He laid his towel next to Erin's on the table. She reminded him of a mermaid, long hair trailing after her in the water. He wondered if she would sing a siren's song. He laughed at himself, 'Get it together, Antoine, women are for business and help to pay your bills. Don't read something into it that isn't there.' He stepped into the cool water and sat on the steps, still watching her in amazement. This woman was different. How, he didn't know but he knew she was different.

When Erin was in the deep end of the pool she flipped to her side. She was relishing the feel of the water skimming across her body and staring off into space. She was not paying any attention except watching the tiles of the side go by. She was close to the steps and reached out with her hand to propel her the last couple of feet when she felt a strong clasp upon her wrist. She then felt herself being pulled. She jerked to her feet only to slip on the bottom and go under, getting a nose and mouthful of water.

Antoine quickly lifted her and pounded her on her back. Erin was trying to catch her breath, finding it more difficult when she gazed up at her attacker and realized that this was the same person she had just been fantasizing about. She felt even more light headed when she realized he had her pressed into his bare chest. She placed her palms on the smooth skin and quickly pushed herself away, only to find that his arms held her firm.

"Are you all right, cara mia?" he asked, looking down into her gray/blue eyes. He silently chided himself for caring. She was just another woman, she wasn't even a client, why should he care. He smirked, he cared because she made him feel normal. Not like a piece of meat to be had, but like a good looking man that she admired from afar like a masterpiece. Now, he just wanted her to take him home to hang him up.

Erin tried to ignore the racing of her heart and calmly replied, "I'm fine, Mr. LaConte, you just spooked me is all." Antoine continued stroking her back. Erin cleared her throat. "Would you mind letting go of me?"

Antoine removed his arms and instead grabbed her hand. He smiled. "No need to be afraid, Erin. Remember the name is Antoine. I'm a friend not a foe." He brought the trembling hand to his lips and kissed the knuckles letting it go. Why was this woman scared of him? He swore he'd find out in the two weeks she'd be here. Then again, why did he even care? That answer he didn't not know.

Erin hated the raw need she felt around this man. Not once had she felt the need for a man's touch to this degree. Maybe Ange was right, she was sexually frustrated. Maybe a talk with Des would do her some good. She stood and faced him, her chin raised defiantly.

Mindful of the breeze that was raising gooseflesh along her arms. She felt her nipples growing taut with the cold and new Antoine could see the reaction. She refused to let her embarrassment show. "I have as yet to decide whether you are a friend or a foe, Mr. LaConte."

"Trust me. I don't believe in hurting women." He still had a firm hold on her wrist. He was enjoying this, more then he had enjoyed the company of a woman in a long time. Had a man abused her at one time? He felt his body tense at the thought.

She chuckled nervously. "I know how you feel about women, Mr. Antoine."

He laughed softly. "Well, that's a little better. Now you just need to drop the ‘Mister’." He let go of her hand and sat down on the steps. Resting his arms on the sides of the pool; he made sure to show off his physique for her viewing pleasure. Noting that it had the desired affect, she kept blinking furiously and moving her head up to meet his gaze.

Erin smiled briefly, trying to keep her eyes focused on his intense brown ones, instead of on his chest, which he was obviously showing off. With a sigh, she turned and submerged underwater; resuming her swimming. She did another three laps and paused at the deep end, treading water. "Aren't you going to swim?" she asked.

"I'm just enjoying the view."

She felt the warmth cover her face immediately. Then she mentally kicked herself when she looked up at the night sky, it was a clear night and the moon and stars shown beautifully. "Yes, it is pretty, isn't it?"

"The night sky is beautiful, but that is not what I was talking about, cara mia." He smirked when he saw her face redden even more.

Not knowing what else to say she did a surface dive and swam along the bottom of the pool till she came to the steps. She quickly got out and wrapped the towel around herself. She turned and partially waved. "Have a good evening, Antoine." With that she scurried out of the gate and back into the condo.

Antoine watched the display with amusement. It had been awhile since a woman who thought he was good looking and knowing what he did for a living hadn't thrown herself at him. He found it challenging. He knew Erin must know what he was yet she still kept her distance. That meant either she had a boyfriend or men weren't her thing. This brought a deep belly laugh. {Just because a woman doesn't swoon over you, you immediately you think she is a lesbian. That is not a good sign Laconte.} He looked at his sportswatch and made note of the time. He'd definitely have to come here more often, especially to see Ms. St. Martin blush.

Desperado – Part 2