“It is not necessary that he know.” Sharp sunlight reflected in his black eyes so that they gleamed like pieces of jet, a cold glitter warmed by desire. Boldly, he cupped her breast, and when Ginny did not move or offer a protest, he molded it into his palm, fingers stroking her. “Since seeing you in Ojinaga, dancing with all the abandon of a Spanish gypsy, I have dreamed of having you. You are like them, you know, the fiery ones who have such passion in their souls. Only one other woman has ever intrigued me as you have— ¡Te quiero mi alma!”

She allowed him to press hot kisses over her face and throat, his hands working at the low scooped bodice of her gown, hard and demanding against her breasts. Stifling a shudder, Ginny forced herself to relax, to lure him into heated complacence.

If only I can keep him busy until I have a chance to free the knife….

There was no question of yielding to him. Not even for Steve could she barter her body again. She had learned her lesson well. It was a sacrifice that Steve would not want from her, and when had it ever worked anyway? Men like Luna were without honor. He would tell her nothing once he had used her. Or worse, he would do as that fat Colonel Devereaux had done so long ago, trick her into giving him what he wanted in exchange for Steve’s freedom, then refuse to honor their bargain. No, if she gave herself to a man, she had vowed that it would be because she wanted to, and for no other reason.

But now she had to play the part Luna expected of her, lure him into a sense of false security before she could use her knife.

“Wait,” she murmured as he freed her breasts from their prison of silk and lace. “I must have your promise that you will tell me what I want to know.”

“You want to know where your husband is? Ah, such a devoted little wife. How unexpected.” His hands were large and dark against the milky skin of her breasts; her nipples were tight beads between his fingers. “Perhaps, my dove, if you please me well enough, I shall tell you everything.”

Where was Artur? Carmen? Oh, if only someone would come to the door of the sitting room, interrupt them so that she could think. She had to think, to delay Luna until she could get away from him….

Luna continued to caress her, a teasing massage that made her shiver with revulsion. He laughed softly.