Author’s Note: Here is the second chapter, please enjoy.

It was seven in the morning, and the heat of the city was already seeping through her open balcony to linger in the cool calm of her hotel room. She had been up since five thirty, disturbed by dreams of her past, of a mother who had constantly strived in beating her only child in her own bitter life.

She took a deep, calming breath, blew it out slowly as she sat Indian style on the soft floor of her room. She had put on her yoga tape, and was presently calming the jagged emotions the dreams had left in her before she faced a new day.

She despised her own weakness, despised when she remembered what her life had once been, and loathed even more when she could feel the wall she had built for self strength threaten to crumble and fall. Her life of freedom she felt she had won through much battle, through years of sorrow and pain. She wouldn’t allow the memories of her mother destroy this life she had.

The tape ended, the credits flashing on the screen. She was still filled with churning emotions, but would have to make sure to bury them deeply.

She rose and switched the television off, taking a moment to stretch the muscles of her back. As she relaxed in the aftermath of soothing exercise, her phone began to ring. Flicking an annoyed glance at the phone, she walked over and picked it up.

”Hello.” She sat heavily on her bed, tossing her long hair over her shoulder.

”Lita, how is it that you can wake up so early while you’re in Mazatlan? You’re supposed to sleep the day away.” Amy’s soft voice flowed through the phone, and had Lita relaxing completely.

”I had a restless night.” Grinning already, she walked to her closet with the phone tucked between her chin and shoulder, sifting through her clothes. “How about you?”

”The twins slept the night through.” Amy’s sigh of contentment was obvious. “It gave Greg and I some peace.”

”Yeah right. I bet Greg took advantage of the quiet time.” Lita teased her.

”He always takes advantage of any quiet time.” Amy cleared her throat abruptly and had Lita chuckling. “But anyway, you’re returning in two days aren’t you?”

”That’s right. Why, you miss me?” she chose her skimpy black bikini and a pair of cut off shorts to wear.

”You know we do. Serena says D.C. has been repeating you’re name over and over for weeks. It’s driving her insane.”

She let out a short laugh. “That’s my nephew. That kids a fire cracker.”

”Yes, he is. His influence over Roman and Tucker is much stronger then I’d like.” There was a pause as the sound of children’s laughter came through the receiver to her. “They all miss you terribly Lita.”

”I miss them too. And you guys also.” She stripped her t-shirt and shorts off, slipping into her bikini top and bottom, then the shorts. “But don’t worry, I’ll be there in two more days.”

”I know, I keep reminding myself of that.” She was silent a moment. “Are you all right?”

Lita knew no matter how hard she tried to keep the strain from her voice, her friend would have been able to hear it anyway. “I’m fine. Like I said, I had a restless night.”

”I’m almost certain this ‘restless night’ had to do with a man.”

The statement reminded her of Ken, and had her jaw tightening. “No, no man. Not this time at least.”

Amy could hear her say it fiercely, with determination, and wondered at it. “Well, that’s a first. Listen, I have to go, but I’ll see you at the airport.”

”Yeah, ok. Give the kids a hug and kiss for me.”

”I will. Take care Lita.”

”You too.” She replaced the receiver, taking her sunglasses from her dresser and slipping them on before leaving the hotel room.

The hotel was quiet this early in the morning, with the vast halls deserted of any guests. She was sure everyone was sleeping in, after having spent a good portion of the night drinking and dancing in the clubs littered over the city. She would have been one of them, if Ken hadn’t disrupted her night.

With more force then necessary, she punched the button in the elevator for the lobby floor, leaning back against the wall when the doors slid noiselessly shut. She had two days left before she returned home. She was sure that if Ken hadn’t already left the hotel to see to another, she could manage to avoid him until it was time for her to leave.

The elevator came to a halt, the light signaling the lobby floor winking on. When the doors opened, she stepped out and was met by a silent, deserted lobby, with only few workers moving about their daily morning tasks.

She didn’t realize her muscles had been tense, that she had been waiting for the appearance of Ken. Angry with herself, she stormed past the empty bar where she had met him, and outside into the already blazing sun. The pool sparkled blue and clear, the ocean’s lapping waves a welcome sight for her as she watched gulls circle over the water, plummeting down every so often to capture an unsuspecting fish. Smiling, she tossed her towel onto a nearby patio lounge, removed her shorts, and dipped gracefully into the pools cool waters.

He had seen her emerge from the elevator doors and take a long, steady glance around the lobby, her features relaxing after a moment. He imagined she had been relieved not to see him and had proceeded to the outside pool. Watching her remove her shorts had made his mouth water, and he’d stared in fascination as she had plunged into the depths.

She was beyond beautiful. He wasn’t certain what word could describe her. He’d never seen or met a woman who could so successfully and skillfully tie him into knots with just the sight of her.

But he knew caution was to be used here. She wouldn’t welcome him as easily as she had last night. He had touched something delicate in her the past night, and although he was still wondering what it had been, he was beginning to understand what he could have done.

He wandered outside into the pool area, tucking his hands into the pockets of his shorts. Watching her long, slim body swim back and forth beneath the waters surface, he waited patiently for her to realize he was there.

She estimated she had been swimming laps for twenty minutes straight, and finally came up and leaned against the pools edge, removing the goggles she had put on. Tossing them aside, she felt her muscles tighten when she saw lean, bronzed legs only feet away from her.

Her eyes traveled up, past the shorts, past the wife beater that defined a strong chest and thick arms, past broad shoulders, to his amused smile. He looked breathtaking, his golden eyes vivid against bronzed skin, his cheekbones as sharply honed as a knife. His hair was a darker bronze then his skin, bleached at the tips, his chin and jaw shadowed with a nights growth of beard. Appearing as he was, he shouldn’t have appealed so much to her, but he looked nothing like the lazy businessmen she knew he was.

When one of those dark brows lifted in question, she felt the desire that had risen pushed aside by indignant rage. Furious with herself for staring, she lifted herself out of the pool, water streaming off her slim body.

She watched his eyes travel over her, watched the interest light his darkening eyes. He took a step forward, then was halted when she strode past him toward her towel.

”Still angry Vanessa?” he asked quietly, following her and halting just behind her. He pleased himself with skimming one fingertip up her curving back, toying with the strap of her bikini top.

She didn’t flinch at his touch, didn’t move away. She wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. “I thought I told you to stay away from me.” She took the towel and rubbed at her damp body, which was quickly drying beneath the glaring sun.

He was impressed with her self restraint, and also a little worried by it. He had skillfully loosed the knot of her bikini top, leaving it loose around her breasts. “And I thought you would know I’m not a man who gives up so easily.”

She suppressed the shudder that wanted to course through her, instead allowing the bikini top to finally unknot and fall from where it had been tied. She turned to him, lifting her chin when the skimpy top left her breasts bare. “One of us is going to have to back down.” She told him, watching those golden eyes flare with passion as they drank in the sight of her breasts.

”It’s going to have to be you, because I’m not giving up.” Quick as a snake, he yanked her into his arms, groaning when he felt the soft give of her breasts against his chest. “I want you Vanessa.” He whispered the confession to her, one hand holding her firmly to him, the other moving to cup the soft, lush weight of one breast.

His hand, to her surprise, was hard and rough against the softness of her breast, his mouth cruising lazily over her cheekbones. She could feel her nipple harden and push against his molding hand. “I know you do.” A little stunned by her own quick response to him, she decided that two could play at this game.

Circling his neck with her arms, she thrust her breasts into him, pleased when she saw the quick flicker of desire pulse through his eyes. “All right then. Let’s see how you handle this Kennedy.” And covered his lips with hers.

This kiss wasn’t gentle, wasn’t soft or soothing, but hard and rough, demanding and mind consuming. Her hands had speared into his hair, her mouth moving over his in a desperate tangle of teeth and tongue’s, of heated passion that wiped his mind of all thought and drove him beyond his own control.

She tore at his self restraint, at the boundaries he set for himself when it came to women, and turned his every emotion into a desperate need for more from her. It was a taste he’d never had, a taste he would never easily forget.

She pulled her lips from his, and he was left dazed, confused with the primal lust swarming through his blank senses. Just as he was managing to take control of himself again, she leaned forward and nipped at his bottom lip, running her tongue in a soothing caress before plundering him once again.

He fisted one hand in her hair, kept the other covering her bare breast. He was devouring her mouth under his, was now savage in what he wanted and needed, and would have gladly killed to take her in that moment. A red haze was fogging his senses, and he cared little for the people that could be watching as he tore his mouth from hers and raced it over her face, down her throat, and to her slick, tempting breasts.

She knew what she had been doing when she had started, but had lost her own purpose as the kiss progressed from hungry and into dangerous. Now she wondered if she would be able to turn him away ever again.

She felt his open mouth against the swell of her breast, felt his tongue swirling and tasting, and knew it was time to put a firm stop to this. She had no power over herself when it came to him and that in itself was a terror for her.

She planted her hands on his broad shoulders and shoved as hard as she could, catching him so much by surprise she was able to push him three full steps back. “I hope you enjoyed that because it’s the last you’ll ever be touching me. Want all you want Kenny, but you’re not touching me again!” grabbing her towel, she wrapped it around her upper body and turned to walk back inside.

She hadn’t taken any more then two steps when she was caught and whirled around, faced with the livid fury covering his incredible face. “What the hell is this? Tempt and tease, touch and want, and that’s it?! Goddamn you Vanessa!” his rage was shocking, so shocking she could only gasp when he shook her as if she were a simple rag doll. “If I want you, then by God I’ll take what I want!” he jerked her forward and took her lips with a savage fury that shook her to the core.

She struggled against him, pushed and shoved, but was held in his tight embrace easily, as if her struggles meant nothing to him. She could feel the muscles of his arms and chest quivering against her, could feel his heart thudding madly against hers, and tasted his relentless rage as his mouth moved ruthlessly over hers.

Just as suddenly as he had taken with fury, he seemed to calm, to gentle as the intoxicating temptation of her enveloped his senses and smoothed the jagged edges of the anger she had caused. His arms lightened around her, his hands soothing as they skimmed over her sloping back and into her wild, thick hair, his mouth moving patiently now, with a skill that had her own denial quickly drowned away by rising passion.

She could feel the sun warming their heated flesh more then it already was, could feel the cool breeze of the sea whispering over them and bringing the tangy scent of salt with it. Sighing against his mouth, she nearly purred with contentment as he gently trailed his lips over her eyes, against her temple, and once again over her mouth.

He forced himself back, sweeping his gaze over her beautifully relaxed face. Her eyes were slightly closed, her lips parted, her face flushed with passion. She looked magnificent. “Spend the day with me.” He asked it quietly, unwilling to release the thrilling, yet terrifying sensations she provoked in him.

She hadn’t planned on allowing it to get this far, had only planned to torment him as he had said, but even now she could feel her usually strong resolve weakening.

She studied his face, the intense golden eyes that were locked to hers, the gorgeous, bronzed face, and the long, muscled body that should have belonged to a construction worker, not a businessman. Everything about him had shocked her so far.

Two days, she mused quietly. Two days. What could possibly happen in two days anyway? She’d be out of his life and he’d never know the difference once he’d returned to his cool blonde’s and cocktail parties.

Even as the thought sent a sharp slice of annoyance through her, she shoved it aside, tossing her hair back and meeting his challenging gaze with one of her own. “All right Ken. You’re on.”

He smiled, a slow curving of lips that she was beginning to realize he knew he had power with. “Perhaps you’d let me take you up to your rooms and-“he toyed with the towel she’d wrapped about her bare upper body, “help you change.”

She leaned forward and lightly nipped his jaw, pleased with the flash of passion that darkened his golden eyes. She felt his hands settling about her waist, his thumbs gently moving in a circular, seductive motion. “Maybe some other time.” Laughing, she pushed back from him, walking back inside the cool interior of the hotel.

He watched her a moment, allowing the desire she’d awakened to slowly lower and simmer into a calming pool. He was a grown man of thirty two, had years of practice with women and knowing how to charm them behind him. He wasn’t about to go chasing after her like some randy teenager.

The thought had a sharp frown covering his features even as he quickly followed her inside.

She was at the elevators, already stepping inside with another tall, handsome man following. He watched the man survey her appreciatively, watched her give him a slow, sultry smile, and felt his fists clench at his sides as he hurried to catch the doors before they closed and left them alone.

She slid that smile to him once he’d stepped inside, and leaned comfortably against the wall as the elevator smoothly began its ascent. “I didn’t think you’d catch up.”

He tucked his hands into his pockets, raising one brow. “You’ll find you underestimate me Vanessa.”

”Is that your name? Vanessa?” the other man asked, his eyes fixed on her.

Lita ignored the small stab of guilt every time Ken said her fake name, and once again smiled at the other man. “Yeah, that’s my name.”

”It’s a beautiful name.” he titled his head, and Lita took a moment to admire the smooth, golden features of a fellow native Californian. “A couple of friends of mine are having a beach party tonight, down in front of the pool area. Maybe I’ll see you there.”

Before Lita could open her mouth to respond, Ken had stepped between them and blocked the other’s man view, his smile easy, but edged with warning. “Perhaps you’ll see us both there.”

The elevators came to a halt, signaling her floor. Amused with the entire situation, she stepped forward just as the doors opened, not in the least surprised when she felt Ken’s hand at the small of her back. “See you later.” She tossed the words over her shoulder, leaving the handsome, blonde man to silently admire her even as the elevator doors closed firmly in his face.

She walked down the quiet halls of the hotel, Ken behind her with his palm casually at her back. The touch was sending small shards of uneasy desire through her. “Maybe I will go to that beach party.” She said with a smile as they reached her door.

She was quickly whipped around, her back pressed into the door of her rooms, her amused gaze meeting the intensity of his. “And maybe I’ll go with you.” When she only smiled, he took her lips with his and drove all rationale thought from her mind with the power of his mouth.

The kiss was quick, but deadly enough to have her stumbling a bit when he yanked himself back. When she could only stare up at him in numb silence, he took the key from her hand and opened the door to her rooms himself.

Annoyed with herself and him, she swept inside. “You didn’t prove anything with that.”

”Didn’t I?” his tone was mild, but she could hear the underlying edge. “Be careful what games you play with me Vanessa. You won’t like my methods.”

Incensed by the tone, but thrilled by the man, she titled her chin and went to her closet. “We’ll see.” She took out a pair of white kapris, and a misty green tank top that matched perfectly with her eyes. “I’ll be right back.” And slammed the bathroom door behind her.

He couldn’t help the satisfied grin that came at her short temper. She was a confident, independent woman, and used to treating men the way she saw fit. But she would be in for a few surprises from him. He wasn’t going to remain docile and quiet while she had her way with everything.

He wandered the room as she changed, noting she was a neat, efficient woman as well. There were no clothes littering her floors, no cosmetics or hair brush’s scattered, but neither were her possessions placed with enough precision to have her boarder on overly tidy. She lived as well as she should, for a place she only occupied for a limited time.

He realized quite suddenly that he hadn’t questioned her about when she would be leaving Mazatlan. She was a riveting woman, enough to have him forgetting even the simplest questions. The fact both startled and worried him.

He was frowning over his thoughts when the door to the bathroom opened and she stepped out, looking just as beautiful and alluring in simple clothing that clung to her magnificent body as she did in a skimpy, black bikini. He watched as she went to her dresser and took out a small purse, slinging it over her shoulder and walking back to him.

”Ready?” she was striding past him, going to her door and opening it, turning back to stare impatiently at him.

He wasn’t sure he was ready, for her or for this. Would knowing her and having her satisfy him, or merely leave him with a deep ache that could only be quenched by her?

Shaking the disturbing thoughts from his mind, he went forward and took her hand, lifting it to his lips to press a soft kiss too. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

She led him outside to the front of the hotel, where several tourists and natives bustled about, taxis parked at the front of the hotel waiting for a fare. Lita pulled him past the tourists and heavy traffic, down the sidewalk toward where the hotel merged with the strip of the Golden Zone. Once they were away from the hotel and arriving and departing guests, she slowed her brisk pace.

Here several tourists walked the sidewalks along the strip, where several shops with trinkets and souvenirs were. Lita had never been one to surpass souvenir shopping, no matter where her travels took her. And now that she had nephews to spoil, the pleasure of buying had only increased more.

Ken studied the peaceful expression that had come over her intriguing face as they strolled the walk, as she stopped now and again to admire hand made necklaces and bracelets. He would have suspected her to be a woman who turned her nose up at such things, but was pleasantly surprised when she entered into a quick conversation with a small, older Indian woman. He knew Spanish himself, but the form of Spanish they spoke was completely different from any he’d heard and left him baffled with what they were saying.

He watched in silence as Lita motioned to a simple necklace of colorful beads, as the tone of her voice clearly signified she was arguing, negotiating with the woman. After some time the old woman finally seemed to relent, and took the coin Lita offered, handing Lita the necklace with a pained expression.

Lita took it and studied it, her satisfaction evident. She slipped the necklace into her purse and flashed the woman a radiant smile, telling her something quick and brief. The old woman’s eyes wondered to Ken, and she answered Lita, letting out a sharp cackling laugh when Lita muttered something back. After another comment that had Lita frowning sharply, the Indian woman turned away to speak with another pair of tourists who had stopped at the small table she had set up.

They left the table, and he watched Lita continue to frown. “What were you two talking about?”

Lita glanced at him quickly, her expression blank, as if she had forgotten his presence. “Oh……..nothing important. She was telling me you’re pretty good looking for an American white boy.”

He raised a single brow. “Really? It seemed like much more to me.” When she didn’t answer, he sighed and tried a different approach. “Was that some different form of Spanish you were speaking? I know the language and I didn’t understand a word you said.”

”It’s not Spanish. It’s a dialect only the Azaleas speak.” When he continued to look confused, she explained. “Azaleas are people who descended from the Aztecs, the old tribes in Mexico. Remember that it was the Spaniards who came and invaded them, not the other way around.” She shrugged. “The old language remained with them, even though the Spaniards forced them to learn their own also.”

He knew his history fairly well and everything she’d said thus far was familiar to him. “Azaleas? Is that what their called?”

”They have many different names, most of them some forms of flowers that the Mexicans give them.”

He was quiet for a moment, taking in what she’d told him. “And how is it you know their language?”

Her eyes met his. “I learned it over the years.” Her tone was sharp enough to show that was the end of the subject.

Because he could see he had somehow annoyed her, he changed tactics. “So who’s the necklace for?”

”My friend.” She had almost said Serena, but bit back her name at the last moment. She imagined he would have been fairly surprised if she had admitted the truth. “She likes colorful things.”

Because she had stiffened and he wanted her relaxed, he reached out a hand and slid it smoothly down her back. “I didn’t know you were a woman who did the tourist bit.”

”There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me.” The sun was beating more brilliantly now, the cool air a welcoming sensation as the day grew more heated. She spotted another tourist shop and steered them toward it.

Ken followed her inside, and watched as she studied the section that contained small toys for children. One of the shop owners had caught her eye, a small Mexican man with dark hair and eyes, and he approached her, beginning another negotiation that he was sure she would win again.

He wandered the shop, moving toward the back and studying portraits on the walls of several tourist attractions Mazatlan held. He was admiring one particular one of the cliffs and the raging sea below them when he heard a slight rustling sound beside him, and turned to watch a small woman emerge from the back of the store.

Their eyes met, and the older woman studied him intently, unnerving him. He gave her a faint smile, and shifted uncomfortably when she made her way over to him.

”Where is your lady?” she spoke English well, although it was heavy with her accent.

He frowned and glanced over at Lita, who was now laughing with the shop owner. “She’s there.”

The older woman’s sharp gaze turned on her, and she stared at her for some time in silence. “She is beautiful.”

An odd conversation, he mused with some amusement. “Yes, she is.”

She turned that hawk like stare back on him. “Do you see the true woman inside?”

Deciding to indulge the older woman, he nodded. “I think I do.”

”No, you do not. You have yet to know and see who she truly is.” Her eyes searched his. “She has not told you all of who she is.”

He wasn’t a patient man by nature, and having a complete stranger tell him such things about Vanessa was trying his temper. “Thank you for that, but I think it’s time she and I left.” Turning on his heel, he strode back over to her just as she was paying for what she and the owner had been arguing over.

”Are you ready?”

Lita glanced over sharply at the tone. “Yeah, I’m ready.” The moment the man gave her the change, she was a bit surprised when Ken took her arm and propelled her out of the little shop.

”What’s wrong with you?”

He let out a slow breath, relaxing his grip over her arm. “Nothing. I just had a woman tell me the oddest things about you in there.”

Curious and more then a little amused, Lita titled her head to the side and studied him. “And what did she tell you?”

He missed the amusement tainting her voice. “That you hadn’t told me who you are.” He snorted in derision. “It sounded like bullshit to me.”

Lita didn’t say a word, disturbed by the woman’s admission to him. She had seen them conversing in the back of the shop, but had thought nothing of it. How the hell had the woman known that?

Then again, she shouldn’t have been so shocked. The little Indian woman she had spoken with earlier had commented that she and Ken looked well together, and between them they would create beautiful babies. She had gone on to add that Lita needed to accept and face her past to be able to find herself in him.

She’d been shaken by the Azaleas prediction, by her utter conviction in what she’d said. She’d stated it bluntly, as if what she said was the complete truth.

They raced across the street, mingling with the growing crowd of tourists. Ken stopped to listen and admire some men and women who had set up a small band on the sidewalk and were playing lively music, a small crowd of people gathered listening to them. She stood beside him, and didn’t protest when he slipped his hand in hers and laced their fingers together.

She hadn’t wanted to tell him that her Uncle, her mother’s half brother, was an Azalea and she’d often been sent to visit him on her vacations from school in Oaxaca, Mexico. There he’d taught her the language that was a small part of her blood, and she’d learned the customs and cultures of the Azaleas from him.

She slid a glance at him, taking a moment to study him as he watched the singers perform. How would he react if he knew about her not so clean past? Would he laugh at her and turn his back as she thought? Men who had been raised with every privilege found amusement in women like her.

Well she would find her own amusement with him, she vowed fiercely. She had no reason to feel guilt about her lie of who she was. They would easily forget about each other soon enough.

The afternoon grew late, and they finally arrived back at the hotel when the sun cast an orange glow across the warm city, the intense heat finally simmering to a steady warmth. Lita had purchased something for her entire family, carrying the bags herself. Ken had insisted he would carry them for her, but she had refused.

At the elevators he checked his watch, estimating he should go up to the penthouse and make a few business calls. His stop in Mazatlan had been meant to last only one day, but meeting Vanessa had altered his plans. He was presently supposed to be in San Diego, where he would finally be able to make his next stop at Monterey and head home.

They stepped inside and he was pleased no one had followed them and therefore gave them privacy. Taking advantage because her hands were full, he slipped his arms around her, drawing her to him, and covered her mouth with his.

The kiss wasn’t rushed, nor was it in the least bit calm. It was slow and devastating, with his hand cupping the back of her neck to hold her head still beneath his, his mouth slanting over hers and drawing on the taste of her as a man dying of thirst took water.

When he slid his mouth from hers and down her cheeks, he was pleased with the slow breath she blew against him. She had dropped her bags and wrapped her arms around him, her head falling back and allowing her long, wild hair to fall in ripples to nearly her waist, her hands clutching at the strength of his taut shoulders.

He nuzzled her throat a moment, lost in the taste and feel of her. She was quivering beneath his wandering hands, and he took her mouth again, kissing her lingeringly.

”Will you have dinner with me tonight?” he whispered the request against her lips, pleasuring them both with bringing the tip of his tongue to lightly trace her lips.

Her eyes were half closed, her breathing heavy and slow. “Yeah, sure. Whatever.” She leaned forward and hungrily took his mouth with hers.

He bent to her, taking one of her thighs and wrapping it around his waist, his mouth moving with increasing aggression over hers. He was falling, drowning in the delicious of her, and could feel his heart hammering rapidly against his ribs.

Neither of them heard the ring signaling her floor, or when the elevator doors opened. It wasn’t until they were closing shut did Ken notice and quickly rip himself from her, making a grab before they shut and took them down to the lobby again.

”Were here.” He muttered it darkly, not willing to let her out of his sight even for a moment.

”Oh…..right.” she picked up her bags, confused with what had just happened. “Well let me shower and change first.”

”How about we do this.” He checked his watch again. “Let’s meet in the lobby in a half hour. It’ll give us both time to shower and get what we need to get done.”

She jumped quickly on the chance to be alone. “All right, that sounds good to me. I’ll see you downstairs in half an hour.” And quickly slipped out of his reach before he could grab her for another heated kiss.

She went to her rooms and showered quickly, emerging to go through her closet to find something to wear. She imagined Ken would be taking her to a quiet, elegant restaurant, and decided on a black dress. She slithered into it, admiring the make of it for a moment. It had only one strap at the left shoulder, leaving the other bare and a sharp slash across the tops of her breasts. The material clung to her curves like a second skin, and the skirt came to just below her knees, with a provocative slit that went up the side and all the way to just below the top of her thigh.

Pleased with herself, she swept her hair into a twisted knot at the nape of her neck, allowing only a few wisps of strands to brush teasingly at her cheeks and throat. She applied eye liner and dark eye shadow, slicking her lips a sleek red, and dabbed an erotic perfume at the nape of her neck, knowing the scent would drive Ken wild as it did other men.

After clipping on diamond earrings and slipping into skinny little high heels, she smoothed her hands down the sides of the dress and decided she was ready to show him the kind of woman she truly was.

She checked her watch, a bit surprised that thirty five minutes had already passed. Smiling to herself and pleased with the notion of having kept him waiting, she left her rooms and entered the elevators, smiling teasingly at a few men who were making the descent with her, frank male appraisal in their gazes.

The doors opened for the lobby and she walked out, taking a quick glance around her. She was beginning to grow annoyed because she couldn’t find him when she heard an appreciate whistle come from behind her.

She turned, and for a moment she forgot to breathe. He wore a dark suit that made him look devastatingly handsome, with his golden hair shining brilliantly to a deep bronze against the glow of the hotel lights, his golden eyes moving over her with a raw hunger that had her insides curling.

He moved forward until they stood close, but not close enough to touch. “You look enchanting Vanessa.” He took her hand in his, raising it to his lips and kissing it, his eyes remaining on hers.

Lita knew she did, but seeing it in his eyes made her heart flutter slightly, the feeling foreign to her. “Thank you Kenny. You look pretty good yourself.”

He took her to a restaurant on the beach, where a live band played, the stars winking like small beacons overhead. After they had finished dinner he led her from the restaurant and down the beach, leading her toward the gently rolling surf.

She kicked off her heels and held them in her hands, walking with him along the cool sands and lapping waves. His arm was curved about her waist, holding her to him, his head bent to her and his lips pressed against her hair.

”Your so beautiful.” She heard him murmur it, and felt the tightening of her heart again. “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He fell silent, and when he spoke his tone was smooth, but she could hear the worry underneath. “How much longer do we have?”

She knew what he meant and refused to acknowledge the small despair she felt. “A day.” His arm tightened around her, and she soothed him by turning her head and allowing her lips to linger against his throat.

”It’s not enough.” His voice was rough now, and he stopped to turn to her, molding her against him. “I just found you and I’m going to lose you already.”

”Nobody knows what the future holds.” She had the oddest feeling that they would meet again after this, and very soon. “We can’t say whether or not we’ll see each other again.”

His eyes were dark, his expression brooding. “I want more then that from you Vanessa.”

She stiffened in his embrace, but he wouldn’t allow her retreat when she tried moving from him. “I can’t give you more.”

His eyes flashed with temper. “Why not? Don’t pull away from me!” his arms tightened like two bands of steel, and she was held helpless against his lithe frame. “I won’t lose you already!”

She stamped down the hope that blossomed, and when she spoke her voice was cool, and not trembling as she was inside. “You don’t have a choice.”

He was furious, his body quivering against hers like a tightly strung bow, his arms threatening to crush her long, slim frame. He wanted to shout and fight against her, wanted to force her to agreeing she would indeed be with him again.

But even as the thoughts crossed his mind, he shoved them aside and forced himself away from her, moving to put distance between them. He wasn’t a man to be weakened by a woman, to be put in a situation where the control was taken out of his hands. He wanted Vanessa, he desired her as he had desired no woman, but he wouldn’t beg either. Pride was an emotion that dominated a large portion of his character.

So they faced each other under the night’s sky, with the ocean roaring at their sides and the sand cool and rough beneath their feet. Suddenly weary, he lifted a hand and raked it through his hair, biting back the sigh that had almost escaped.

”Maybe it’s just better that we don’t see each other anymore.” Lita said it calmly, not allowing any of the anger and resentment she felt to show. It seemed she’d been right. As soon as she’d told him no, the bastard had backed away and regretted his words.

”Your right.” He agreed quietly when his heart screamed in protest. Ignoring the warm, soft emotion gripping him, he raised his gaze to meet hers. “If that’s what you want.”

For one mad moment she thought to say no, to say she wanted him with her, that she wanted to know what it felt like to be held by him and whispered to by him. The foreign emotion of softness firmly gripped her heart, and she had to take a moment to swallow and battle back the desire’s of the heart.

She kept her gaze locked with his, and forced the words from a mouth gone suddenly dry. “That is what I want.” She lifted her chin and told herself that she was doing the right thing. “Maybe we’ll see each other some time Ken.” Even as she whispered the words, she knew they would.

He slipped his hands into his pockets, felt them ball into fists. But even as the fury coursed through him, his outer exterior remained calm. “Maybe we will Vanessa.”

She stared at him another moment, then forced a careless smile. “I hope you have a nice visit in Mazatlan.” Tossing her long, wild hair over her shoulder, she turned and walked down the beach, back toward the hotel.

Ken watched her go, fighting back the urge to go after her, to take her by the shoulders and crush her to him. He took a step forward, and had to crush the sensation boiling inside him. He wouldn’t allow her to bring him to his knees.

So he watched her, until she was gone from his sight, and he was left alone on the beach.

The next morning he wished with his entire being he had gone after her.

She’d told him she had one day left, but had taken the cowards way out and left early. Her room was now occupied by others, her presence gone. He had the front desk clerk check when she had checked out, and confused him by telling him she didn’t know.

He knew better then to go into her personal file and find out where she came from. It was illegal and also demoralizing for him. He would never stoop to such a level.

But it didn’t stop the wild fury that went through him when he was alone in his rooms, it didn’t stop the anger and bitterness when it took over.

It didn’t stop a heart from grieving for what could have been.

He packed his own things and left the hotel in the early afternoon, keeping his gaze firmly away from the hotel’s club, where they had met. He made the quick decision of now going to San Diego after all and instead straight home. He needed time to himself, to figure out what it was he would do.

Once in Monterey he went to his home along the coast and unpacked, placing his things back where they had been before heading outside to watch the sea roar at his doorstep. The wind whipped through his hair gently, the sun glowing quietly above him. He closed his eyes and saw her face, tasted her lips, and felt his heart constrict.

The only place he knew to go was to visit Serena and her family. They would welcome him, and perhaps in telling Serena what had happened he would find some peace and understanding in her. She had always been a close friend to him, as well as Amy.

Striding back inside, he took his keys from the kitchen counter and headed for the front door, hoping the presence of close friends would soothe him.

She had known her family would help her.

Darien and Greg stood at the barbeque in Darien’s backyard, grilling steaks and casually drinking beers. Serena and Amy sat at the patio table set up outside, relaxed and laughing together, Amy’s slim form only made more alluring by the simple tank top and shorts she wore, her short, dark cap of hair framing her lovely face. Serena was dressed in shorts and a blouse, her small stomach only barely swollen with child.

She was in her fifth month, and still as beautiful as she had been all their lives. Lita sat between them, listening with ease as they argued together, then stopped to glance at the small group of boys nearby.

D.C. had grown into a handsome young boy, with the dark hair and sharp features of his father, but the smoky eyes of his mother. At two in a half years old, he was quickly growing into the terror his father had once been at his age.

Amy and Greg’s twins were with him, Roman and Tucker, two small versions of their father. The boys were just learning to walk, struggling to chase after their older cousin, laughing delightedly when D.C. threw toy trucks together and pretended to make them crash.

The presence of her family calmed her, and helped her in knowing she had made the right decision the night before. Walking away from Ken had been one of the hardest things for her to do, but also the best. She couldn’t have stayed with him knowing what he provoked in her.

She stretched her neck and shoulders, easing some of the tension that had built since her flight from Mazatlan. Relaxed and content with the familiar sounds of her family surrounding her, Lita basked in the steady flow that was her life.

Greg sauntered over to the group just as Lita and Serena were beginning to argue, Amy calmly looking on. He went to his wife and gently ran a dark hand through her hair, bending to brush her lips with his. “Should we let them continue?” he asked her quietly.

Amy nodded. “We should indulge them a little longer. It has been six weeks since they’ve argued, after all.”

”It gives me a chance for this too.” He covered her mouth with his, and had them both sliding into heated passion when the howling anger of their sons interrupted.

He groaned against her parted lips. “Those brats have great timing.”

Amy laughed and pushed at his chest. “Those brats are just as demanding as their father.” At his raised brow and cocky grin, she blushed profusely, ignoring him to rise and go to where their twin sons presently fought over a shiny toy truck.

As Amy ran interference, the quiet chime of the doorbell rang through the vast house, and outside to them. “Who could that be?” Darien wondered out loud, placing the spatula he’d had beside the grill. “I’ll get it.” He quickly waved Serena off, who had risen half way out of her chair. “Keep those feet up darling.” And disappeared inside with D.C. trailing.

”You’d think that after having D.C. he would know by now I can handle it.” Serena huffed irritably.

”Darien is always going to spoil you.” Lita took a small sandwich from the platter on the patio table, taking a healthy bite. “And you’ll always love it.”

Serena’s laugh was low and just as beautifully erotic as she. “Damn right I will.”

D.C.’s squeal of delight came through to them outside, and they heard the sound of men’s voices accompany it. “Odd, we weren’t expecting anyone.” Serena rose from the chair and walked to the sliding doors leading inside the house, a huge smile breaking out across her face. “What are you doing here?” the joy and surprise in her voice was evident.

”Change of plans.” Ken went forward to her, D.C. held in the crook of his arm, and bent to kiss her cheek. “I decided to bypass San Diego and come straight back.”

The sandwich halfway to her mouth froze, and she could feel the blood drain completely from her face. She had known they would have to face each other one day, but hadn’t expected for it to come so soon.

”Ken!” Amy went to him and hugged him, kissing his cheek. “It’s so good to see you!”

Lita blew out a sharp breath and struggled for control, struggled to bring herself back to the ease she’d been at moments ago. Even as the tension and shocked seeped slowly away from her face, her body remained taut and prepared for the battle about to come.

”You two look beautiful.” Ken placed D.C. on his feet, admiring the women before him. “Have I told you guys what lucky bastards you are lately?”

”Don’t I know it.” Greg hauled Amy to him and kissed her brainless.

”It’s something I never forget.” Darien gently kissed his wife’s brow.

Resigned to her fate, Lita rose and walked to them, Ken’s golden eyes shifting to meet and lock with hers. She watched the shock, the joy, the welcome, then the suspicion all drift through his gaze as the gold darkened perceptibly to a near black. Aware of what was to come, she almost wished she had told him the truth from the beginning.

Serena turned just as Lita had come to them, her smile brightening. “You two will finally get a chance to meet!” she took Lita’s hand in hers and pulled her forward, not at all aware of the vibrating tension between the two people as they stared intently at one another. “Ken, meet Lita Bass. Lita, this is Ken. It’s amazing how you two finally meet after all these years of eluding each other.”

Lita kept her eyes level with his, extending her hand to him and smiling politely. “It’s a pleasure Ken.”

Lita Bass….... Lita, not Vanessa. Lita, the woman he had wondered over for years, had spoken with in a small conversation over the phone years ago, intrigued by the smoky and tantalizing voice she’d had. Lita, who had known who he was all along and had never said a word of her own true name. Lita, who had laughed at him from the first moment in the club, at the needs he’d found in her, at the passion they’d shared.

He could feel his fists tighten at his sides, knew his eyes had narrowed into dangerous slits, his nostrils flaring, his jaw clenching brutally. He couldn’t follow this game, couldn’t find it in himself to keep the pretense of not knowing her. He couldn’t when he could feel fury boiling to the surface and threatening to choke him with it.

When he spoke his voice was mildly calm, but the edge beneath was as sharp as the point of a dagger. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too…....Vanessa.”

Last Notes: This chapter was extra long and I hope you guys liked that. That’s the main reason it took me a bit of a while to finish it up and post it.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I left it at a cliffhanger, but I’m not in the least sorry. It keeps you guys on the edge of your seats! =)

Just to let you all know the next story to be added to will be Simply Enchanting. So now please leave me a review of what you guys thought of this one! Your opinions are always welcome. ~SailorP