other way to find out.” She didn’t know what he was talking about. Before she could argue, he slowly began to pull the elastic of her pants down past her hipbone. He held her gaze, and she licked her lips then saw the flash of desire in his eyes. It was quick and something told her he was playing with her. He didn’t pull the elastic any lower than necessary. It was as if he knew she had the tattoo and was using it to identify her. He glanced down then leaned a bit closer to her. He tilted his head down so his lips were mere inches away from her skin. He snapped the elastic back up and leaned his body harder against Elloisa’s. “Now, Elloisa, I’m going to put the gun away and I don’t want you to be scared. I’m here to help you,” he whispered, holding her gaze for an awkward few seconds. She felt his warm breath against her chin. She was mesmerized by the lines of muscle beneath the skin of his jaw and cheeks. He had a powerful, sexy look about him. But then again, so did Armando and look how he tricked me. Then as if to eliminate her fear, he slowly lowered the gun. As soon as it was safely behind his back, Elloisa bolted for the door. The man merely reached one hand sideways to grab Elloisa. She came flying back, and he pinned her against the wall again. Her shoulder blades hit the wall and she gasped. His hands held both her wrists in front of her and his other hand held her throat. Elloisa’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re not gonna hurt me, huh?” she slowly asked him. A man his size with his strength could easily break her in two with one hand. His eyes held a look of annoyance and anger. She swallowed beneath his grasp. He looked her over with his eyes and zeroed in on her chest a moment before moving his gaze back up to her face. She quivered as she took each difficult breath, making her chest lift up towards him. Elloisa felt the sexual pull. What in God’s name is wrong with me? “You didn’t listen to me. I’m here to help you. I know you are scared, but I don’t work for Armando. You’re leaving with me tonight, right now. I don’t have time for your non-compliant attitude. Now let’s move.” His voice was commanding, just like the rest of him. “But I can’t, I have Father…” “No! Don’t worry about Father Zipotto. You have caused him enough trouble. Don’t you know what they do to people who cross men like Sintorez?” He gripped her tighter, and she tightened her body in response and squinted, waiting for him to break her bones or bruise her flesh. He softened his hold and she gained some confidence. “I know all too well.” She nearly spat at him. He eyed her as if he didn’t believe her or trust her much himself. Yet, here he was asking her to trust him. Crazy! “I’ll explain more once we’re across the border. I assume you purchased papers?” Elloisa nodded. “Get dressed and ready. No one expects you to still be here in the morning.” He walked toward the doorway and turned his back towards her. It was obvious that he wasn’t leaving the room. Elloisa quickly grabbed some clothes and turned her back on him.
* * * *
Gustavo’s gut was telling him to move quickly. This operation was a damn nightmare. He hated counting on other people, and he hated having his mission inconveniently altered. Never mind over a woman. Why was she so important? Better yet, why was she trying so desperately to escape? He had followed her for days now and found himself impressed with her ability to remain undetected. She had obviously made a plan and ran with it. The problem was that Sintorez’s men now had the one guy who helped her in Monterrey. Carlos was probably already dead. They didn’t have time to waste. Ramos was on his way here. He turned slightly to steal a glance. Elloisa was stepping into a pair of pants. She pulled the nightshirt over her head then tried quickly to replace it with a black T-shirt. Oh yeah, she had the seductive body of a