“I think you like that. You cannot deny your own nature after all, mariposa…exotic little butterfly. See? I can make you squirm, make you beg for me…no, do not back away. You will like how I make you feel, though you may pretend that you do not. Yes, close your eyes if you must, but do not run away, little one.”

A feeling of panic engulfed her as he held her much too tightly, his arm around her preventing her from reaching the knife strapped to her thigh. She remained calm with an effort.

“You are hurting me. Has no woman ever told you that you must pursue her with gentleness instead of pain?”

“But pain is part of pleasure, is it not? You know that, for you have experienced it. Did you not find it exciting? There is more pleasure to be found in passion if one is aware of the body’s limits, and the delight in going beyond them.”

“I do not equate pleasure and pain on the same level,” she said sharply, and this time shoved hard at him with the heels of her hands. “If you persist, I will summon my servants to show you to the door.”

“Ah, but your servants have gone for the day. I took the liberty of telling them that you wished to allow them to join the festival in the main plaza, and that they need not return until tomorrow. But you look so unhappy, my sweet. Are you not pleased?”

“You know I am not! How dare you take it upon yourself to direct my employees. Perhaps it is best if you leave, General Luna, for I find that I do not care at all to be in your company any longer.”

He only smiled. Sunlight behind him created a hazy glow that left his face shadowed. Outside, she could hear the tolling of church bells, and the muted sounds of celebration that filled Mexico City. No one would hear her screams if she tried. She had only her wits and her weapon to keep him at bay.

Casually, as if it were his house, Luna strode across the sitting room to open the door to her bedroom beyond, then turned to look at her.

“We have the afternoon before us, chica. Come, let us begin to discuss our bargain.”

Ginny remained by the window, turning now with her back to the light, angled so that Luna could not see her right hand. With her left, she tugged her bodice up over her bare breasts and said coolly, “I have changed my mind. A woman’s prerogative. It is time for you to leave. I must begin to get ready for the ball tonight at the palace. President Díaz is expecting me. He’ll be worried if I do not arrive on time, so don’t think my absence will be unnoticed.”