Author's Note: Hi! Remember me? Sorry life has been crazy, and nothing I write is working out. In honor of reaching 100 members in the New World Zorro Fanfiction Group on Facebook, I have to post something. This hasn't changed much in the past oh… year since it's been written, so I'm giving up on bending it to my will. I'm going to try to carve out some time to work on the rest of the story, I promise. Thank you all for sticking with me since you're here. There are many other things in the works, just nothing ever seems to get finished or polished to my satisfaction.
Warning: This might push the limits of the teen rating. It will be the only time I do that in this story, and the next complete chapter will be posted on my LiveJournal only. This site will get edited copies. I know it's turned into one long seduction story, and I lost a lot of you… I hope a few readers stick it out. There is talking and explanations and non-physical romance planned, I promise.
Last time, Diego and Victoria were planning to take a dip in the ocean together. No plot progression, so don't get your hopes up too much. I do hope you like it, though.
***6/5/14 edit: Remember you can bookmark the Zorro filter where it includes Mature fiction. By default it is only K-T fics. Go to Zorro, change the rating to be all, and add bookmark. The Mature version of this story won't appear here, but that way if you do read M you will not miss it if one of us writes a Mature fic.
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Diego turned when he saw his wife, not disappointed even if she was wrapped neck to toe in a blanket. She wouldn't stay that way for long. His eyes fell to the ground and he smiled, because even her toes were covered. He held out his hand for her, but though she came to him, she stayed wrapped up and didn't take his hand.
She tripped over the blanket halfway to the water, and Diego caught her. "I know you're shy, but it would be easier to walk if you let me carry the blanket."
Victoria finished righting herself, but considered Diego's casual observation. He wasn't leering at her, or trying to pull the blanket away. He was thinking of her. As Rebecca said. Looking was nothing.
Victoria dropped her arms, then tossed the blanket over his head before walking as calmly as she could toward the ocean. She couldn't be afraid of Diego if she was going into that angry water. She would be the one holding onto him in a few minutes. She refused to look back at his chuckle, and didn't stop walking till she reached wet sand. She could feel his eyes on her… but she was his and he was hers. They were married. He loved her, and he thought she was beautiful. She wasn't afraid of him.
The ocean, however… She watched the waves crashing in front of her, wondered how on earth Diego expected her to go into that. Was the ocean this loud yesterday? Birds foraging for food dodged the waves up and down the beach, but otherwise they were alone. The air was salty and fresh, with the breeze whipping her hair around and pushing at her clothes.
Her fingers twisted at her stomach, and she looked down at her legs. The wind was like a caress below her knees, and it felt sinfully delicious. She pulled at her pants, but the wind only made the fabric stick closer to her body. She ran her hands over her stomach and hips, then quickly around to the seat before she remembered Diego might be watching her.
Diego wasn't prepared when Victoria turned to face him, and his eyes lingered on her body long before he shook himself and met her eyes with a lopsided grin. "You're beautiful."
He focused on her blushing face instead of her hips, and stepped close to place his hands lightly at the gentle curve of her waist. Nothing new here, Victoria…If she knew what seeing her legs did to him… His fingers itched to touch, but they had time. He'd have to thank Jacqueline for finding such flattering pants. The image of Victoria in tight-fitting clothing was burned into his mind forever. He'd have to get her a few more pairs.
"Are you ready to get wet?" Diego asked with a grin. He was more than ready to have her wrap her arms around him without his urging. She would be worried about the water. Less worried about him. Perfect.
Victoria smiled, a little relieved Diego wasn't making a big deal out of being on the beach in less than her underwear. She took his hand and turned to face the waves. She hesitated when Diego walked further, his toes sinking into the wet sand. As she watched, a wave swallowed his foot and she leapt out of the way. Diego jumped with her, laughing.
He hadn't dragged her, hadn't forced her into the water. And he was smiling. Victoria took a deep breath, and this time curled her arm around his where he still held her hand. This time they stepped forward together. Instead of walking further, they stood still, and waited for the ocean to come to them.
When the water covered her feet, she smiled as she watched it bubble and curl around her. Her other arm came up to grab hold of him when she started sinking into the sand, the chilly water pulling at her feet, but Diego was solid and confident beside her. She grinned up at her husband. That wasn't so scary. It was Victoria who took another step, and another, and the next time a fine spray of water cooled her face. The sand sucked at her toes like a living thing, and she thought it the oddest sensation. Marvelous.
Diego kicked out toward the open ocean, splashing a beautiful arc of water. It was only water. The next time the wave disappeared, Victoria chased it several steps, her strong husband following with a chuckle. She gripped his hand hard when she saw the wave coming this time…it looked much bigger than she'd expected. She jumped when it hit almost to her waist… and splashed even higher.
Diego forced himself not to look at her wet shirt, and swallowed dryly. "The waves calm down after we get a bit deeper," Diego encouraged, his voice strained. Don't think about your shirt, don't run away, he silently begged. He squeezed her hand, though inside he wanted to do so much more. He'd always thought patience came easy to him. Not with Victoria.
Victoria looked up at her husband, who now stepped forward before looking back at her. Her teeth wanted to chatter because of the shock of the water…and the fact that most of her shirt was drenched. She could feel it clinging to her…and she thought the wind had been revealing? Diego thought it was nothing because the shirt was black and he couldn't see through it?
But Diego never glanced down, only stood still, silently waiting for her to come to him. The water tugged at her legs as it escaped back into the ocean, and Victoria knew Diego and Rebecca were right. He'd encouraged the outfit so she would enjoy herself, not because he wanted to look at her legs. Legs didn't interest a man, anyway. She rushed to close the distance between them before the next wave hit, and now it did hit her above the waist. She could see the waves calmed down further out…but it looked so deep, endless. She looked back at the shore and it looked so far away…
"Just don't let go," Diego encouraged as he stepped out further.
Victoria almost laughed at that—she was surprised she hadn't broken his hand by now, she gripped him so hard. She took a deep breath and caught up to him.
"Jump," Diego said with a grin when the next wave looked like it might even go over her head.
Victoria jumped, holding onto his arm and shoulder with both hands as she laughed, surprising herself. The water lifted her, made her feel like she was floating. She found herself laughing still as she tried to jump the next wave and the water down below tried to pull her legs out from under her.
Soon the crashing waves became large swells, and even those calmed as they went into deeper water. She glanced back at the shore, surprised they'd come so far, yet she could still stand. Occasionally she even lifted her feet off the ground, but she didn't sink. She felt free.
Victoria released her death grip on Diego's arm as they finally stopped beyond the crashing waves. She still held his hand, but her other hand floated across surface, thrilled by the feel of the water moving against her. They were deep enough most of the time the water covered her breasts, so she was able to relax a little. The water wouldn't let her forget her clothing, though, because it kept sliding over her bare skin. No corset, no underwear at all… but bit by bit she began to relax.
Until Diego disappeared beneath the water!
Diego appeared a second later, wiping water off his face and brushing his wet hair back as he grinned at her.
"Don't do that!"
Diego chuckled. "Do what?"
Victoria splashed more water on his face.
Diego laughed. "You can go under the water. Just hold your nose like this."
This time Diego demonstrated, but she didn't like it when he was under the water. When he came back up, she put her hands on his shoulders. "Don't do that, please?"
Diego appeared to be shorter than her, so she bent her legs to be even with him. The water was so smooth and calm…and for the first time she felt on even footing with her new husband. The water seemed to hold her up, and she loved it. She didn't love it when he disappeared. "Stay where I can see you."
"Whatever you want." Diego put his hands on her waist, thrilled she'd grabbed him first. "Were you worried about me?"
Diego hadn't cared about decency…he was wearing a white shirt. Now it wasn't so much white as it was invisible. She looked at her hands where they rested against his chest and wondered what her skin would look like against his. What a strange thought. She felt his hands at her waist, and they smoothed up her back to bring her closer. The water pushed at them both, but she trusted Diego to keep her safe.
Her fingers moved against his chest, and once again she felt the desire to remove his shirt. Was that something a wife did? Did Diego want her to? She smiled when she realized Diego had slowly stood taller in the water as her hands moved over him, as if silently encouraging her explorations. The water pushed and pulled at her own shirt, which felt so strange against her skin. The shirt buttoned high, it covered her more than usual…but she wore nothing beneath it. Diego's hands barely moved up and down her back, and she shivered when they moved to her sides.
"Diego…"
Diego sank back into the water and pulled her closer, and once again they were the same height. Her hands slid up his neck to his hair, no longer soft and fluffy since he'd wet it. Strange that while standing with her husband in the middle of the vast ocean, the water made everything so much more intimate. The water was cold, but she felt warm when he held her.
Maybe she wouldn't mind if he kissed her again. She didn't mind the kissing. The water sliding her clothes against her body made her wonder if it would feel nice if he touched her. As Rebecca said…she was still fully clothed. Secretly, she admitted she liked touching him. Instead, he just stood there, his hands barely moving on her waist. Why didn't he kiss her?
She pressed her lips to his, kissing the small cut still visible on his upper lip. Diego stayed still as he let her kiss him, her lips softly caressing and sliding against his. She knew he wanted more, and was surprised she might want more as well. Her fingers smoothed over his hair as her tongue licked at salt lingering on his skin. He'd kissed her several times …but now she floundered, unsure. Diego's fingers tightened on her back, pulling her closer when she leaned away to trace his lips with a finger.
"I'm not…"
Diego leaned forward and kissed her again, sucking at her lips, kissing her lightly as she'd done to him. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, and a deep hunger shot through her when she felt her breasts press against his chest. Wearing next to nothing…the chill of the water was forgotten as something stirred deep inside of her. The water seemed to push them together as his bare legs tangled with hers, exciting and forbidden. Shyness and modesty faded and she sought out his tongue, exploring his mouth as he'd shown her last night. His tongue wrapped around hers, deepening the kiss until her mind clouded over, welcoming the passion which caught fire between them. Diego's arms wrapped tight around her back, and this time she wasn't filled with fear when she felt him pressed against her stomach.
Diego tilted his head so he could kiss her deeper, lifted her against him so they lined up oh so perfectly. He grew dizzy, drunk on the taste and feel of her…of his wife. Now Victoria was pressing her body against him, and she didn't object when his hands moved below her waist. He stood on the ocean bottom to get closer to her, and might have fallen if he'd been on dry land when Victoria wrapped her legs around his waist.
Quelling the need to carry her out of the water and lay her down in the sand, he tried to gather his wits and focus on her pleasure. She seemed just as lost in their kiss. She might not even realize she'd wrapped herself around him. His hands gently caressed her bottom, pulling her tight against him when she made a sound of pleasure against his mouth, her heated breath flowing over his lips before she kissed him again. His fingers smoothed over the coarse fabric of the pants she wore, and he groaned in frustration when he discovered the belt tied so tightly around her waist. Why had he suggested pants again?
One hand came up to wrap in her hair to hold her for his kiss, but she wasn't holding back now. When she gasped for air, he tilted her head so he could taste her neck, stopping to suck at the pulse he could feel racing beneath her skin. Her black shirt which hid so much from him earlier felt like gossamer as his hands flowed over her back. He kissed her mouth again, hungry for her, insisting on more. She didn't complain when he grabbed fistfuls of the shirt she wore and tugged. The belt wasn't strong enough to keep him away from her skin.
Victoria was, however. At the first touch of his hand beneath her shirt, he felt her stiffen. She pulled away from his mouth, her fingertips digging into his shoulders.
Diego closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. He was proud of her. He loved that she'd come so far of her own free will…he had to remember that. He loved her enough to wait. He tried to catch his breath against her neck, but she pushed away. She glanced down as if just now realizing her legs were locked around his waist, and she kicked away before she remembered where they were.
He grabbed her before she sputtered too much water, and he pulled them both into slightly shallower water. "Shhh…I'm here. Put your legs down."
Victoria's fingers latched onto his arms, but she listened. Something loosened inside of him when she came into his arms. She wasn't running away from him.
Victoria saw no sense in trying to hide, so she sought out the comfort he offered. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his wet chest. His heart was racing just as hers, but they calmed their breathing together. She'd done it. She'd lost control. She wasn't sure how she felt about that, so she just let him hold her.
She closed her eyes tight and listened to his heartbeat, listened to the waves breaking on the shore. Her legs! What must he think of her? But she opened her eyes and stared at the horizon. He'd liked it. She knew that. He had let her take the lead, and she had taken it. Run away with it. He was so solid beneath her hands, but not once had he used his strength against her. His hands stroked lightly over her back, but soon he squeezed her shoulders and brushed his hands over her hair.
She felt him kiss the top of her head, and she took a deep breath as he pushed her away to look up at him.
"You want to talk about what scared you?"
Victoria's breath caught again, but she didn't look away. She wasn't sure she could answer…much less tell him about it. Diego had sunk into the water so only their shoulders were visible, his translucent shirt hidden beneath the surface. They held hands beneath the swells and she lifted his hands so she could see them, lacing their fingers together.
She remembered his hands caressing her bottom, remembered enjoying the feeling of being pressed tight against him. She glanced around, but no one was on the beach. She hadn't cared about anything until she felt his hands beneath her shirt. She shouldn't be ashamed, and she wasn't sure she was. Was she supposed to be? Was she scared?
Or was she sorry about her own panic? If Diego wanted her…if he wasn't so patient with her, she wouldn't be feeling so confused. He could take what he wanted, what was his right as her husband, and she wouldn't have this thing hanging over her.
And he wouldn't be looking at her with such sad eyes.
She let one hand go so she could touch his arm. He was very strong, but he hadn't hurt her. Though she'd lost control, he hadn't. He had stopped when she pulled away, had helped her when she almost went under the water. He was chipping away at her fear, but that left her feeling vulnerable.
She ran a hand up his arm, tracing the muscle which flexed. His arm was lighter than hers. Diego was always properly dressed, at least whenever she'd seen him before. Fine ladies from Spain took care of their skin, too, stayed out of the sun.
"Maybe talk about what you did like?"
Victoria told herself not to be surprised this time at his direct question, and she met his eyes. If they were supposed to talk, she honestly didn't know what to say. However, if she didn't talk, he was going to ask her more questions. "I don't know."
Diego told himself not to be disappointed. He took a huge breath and counted in his head as he tried to clear his thoughts. The sun wasn't near setting yet, they had time. He lifted her hand to his lips. "Can I tell you what I liked?"
Victoria watched his smile, but she wasn't sure if she was ready for that, either. Slowly she released his hands and stepped back to watch her own hands flow through the water, stalling for time. She glanced back up at him and regretted seeing his disappointment as he watched her step away from him.
She reached back out and took his hand, and Diego wrapped her hand in both of his as he focused on it. Victoria lifted her other hand to his cheek as she stepped close again.
"I'm sorry. You can tell me."
Diego hesitated, unsure if this was a time to give her space or push her limits.
Victoria stepped closer, her hands on the back of his neck as he still looked down at the water. She reached down to put his hands back on her waist. "You should tell me." Victoria's hands smoothed up his shoulders to his neck, and she remembered sharing his morning routine this morning. Sharing wasn't a bad thing. Maybe she'd like what he said. Maybe he would tell her he didn't mind her dark skin. He said she was beautiful, didn't he? Maybe she should tell him…Victoria's lips pressed together…frustrated with her own cowardice.
Diego's fingers caressed her back as he held her again. "I liked that you came out here with me, even though I know you were afraid."
Victoria's eyebrows rose. That was not what she expected him to say. Did he not like her losing control after all? She could talk about the easy stuff, too. "I liked it when you laughed."
Diego gave her a little smile, and Victoria felt like she'd given him something…even if it was something small. Maybe she could do the talking thing.
"I liked that you came back into my arms, even after you panicked."
Victoria stared at his chin as she played with his hair. She had panicked. "I liked that you held me after I panicked."
Diego's hands moved slowly over her back, trying not to pull her closer. He wanted to feel her against him again. He wanted to take her shirt off…to tell her he liked her body. Loved her body…
"I like feeling your fingers in my hair."
Victoria's fingers froze where they played with the ends of his hair. She liked his hair, too. Her fingers threaded again into his hair, enjoying how it flowed through her fingers. Diego pulled her closer, and she closed the distance because she liked being pressed up against him. Her heart beat faster and she felt a little light-headed…but maybe that was a good thing. "I like…"
Diego's hands paused their up and down motion as the world went silent waiting for her to finish. Victoria stared at his chin…what should she say? Diego's chest was a hard wall…she shouldn't like being pressed up against him…but she did. "I like your…" Her hands came to his shoulders, admired the muscles she could feel.
She wasn't some little damsel in distress. She'd survived on her own for a long time. She didn't dress up for parties, her dresses were functional. Some women stayed inside all day…rubbed fancy lotions into their skin to keep it soft. He was larger than life, though, and made her feel beautiful, as if she didn't have to fight on her own. Even still, she wasn't sure if she was happy about this power he had over her.
She tried to take a deep breath, but her heart was beating too fast. "I like your chest. How it feels when you hold me tight."
Diego grinned, encouraged as his arms wrapped around her tighter, pressing them together as his lips caressed her cheek. "I like your chest, too." He smiled when she looked away. "You're soft. I love that you wrapped yourself around me."
Victoria's eyes widened as she met his eyes again…but she'd already known that. Her breathing grew ragged at his rough tone, his smile melting any resistance. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, getting used to the idea of being so physically close to a man by choice. "But my legs…" Victoria looked down, embarrassed.
"I haven't finished." Diego smiled and kissed her forehead.
Victoria cleared her throat. "Oh."
Diego's hands moved to her side again, and Victoria's arms automatically came away from his shoulders to block them. Diego ignored her flinch.
"I nearly drowned us both when your legs wrapped around me. Like isn't a strong enough word. I love that you took the lead…your kisses make me crazy." Diego bent to press his lips to hers, his kiss soft and reassuring. "I love that you let yourself lose control…even if only for a moment."
"Why?"
Diego's hands still smoothed up and down her back, and he shrugged one shoulder. "Because it means you might be learning to trust me. Because it makes me think you might be a little attracted to me."
Victoria bit her lip. "I like kissing you. I am attracted to you." Victoria messed up his hair a bit. Everything was still so new, though…courtship was supposed to take months…not hours.
Diego's fingers pressed into her where he held her. Then what happened? He silently screamed. He rested his forehead against hers as he waited, but she didn't continue. "Sorry Jacqueline didn't have softer pants. Are you comfortable?"
Victoria pulled back to look him in the eye when his hands rested just below her belt. She was. Of course, everything was hidden beneath the water right now…but she liked wearing the pants. The fabric was fairly rough, but it was just one more new sensation she wasn't used to. That wasn't what Diego was hinting at, and she knew it. She could feel his legs against hers again beneath the water, and waves of sensation slid over her skin.
Slowly his hands slid lower and she tensed. He didn't remove his hands, though, cupping her from behind and lifting her against him. Her hands fisted against his chest, but she didn't resist as Diego's hands smoothed over her hips, slowly pulling her legs back around his waist. His hands moved back up her legs, over her hips and back to her waist, and once again Victoria forgot to breathe.
Diego's breath whispered over her, his nose brushing hers. "You have this adorable habit of holding your breath."
Victoria met his eyes again, but it took a moment for her to let out her breath and unclench her fists.
"How about this?" Diego's fingers barely moved over her back, staying away from anything more threatening. "Do you like it when I hold you like this?"
"I—" Victoria couldn't say no. She couldn't say yes, either. Would he let her go?
But he wasn't holding her legs. Her hands moved to his shoulders, and slowly she put her feet back down on the ocean floor. "I'm sorry."
Diego had to take a moment to cover his feelings. "Don't be sorry, Victoria." He brought one hand up to cradle her face and kissed her cheek. "I want you to be honest."
Victoria played with the buttons on his shirt, and didn't step out of his arms. "You're not angry?"
Diego wrapped his arms loosely around her waist, and avoided her question. He didn't have the right to be angry after pushing her so much. He needed to find some control. If he scared her away, his chances of sharing her bed tonight would disappear. "You mind if I hold you like this?"
Victoria glanced around nervously, looking for a distraction even as she told herself not to be scared of him. "You said playing in the water would be fun."
Diego frowned and took a step back, his hands falling away from her. "You weren't having fun?"
He was disappointed in her, she could hear it in his voice. "Diego, it's only been one day."
Diego tried to shrug away his tension. "I know."
Victoria put her hand on his bowed head and stepped back into his arms. "I do like kissing you. I told you."
Diego held her close for just a moment before backing up to look at her again. "I'm trying. I just thought…"
Victoria put her hand to his cheek, but he didn't say anything more. "Rebecca said you might listen if I ask you not to…" Victoria paused to take a deep breath. "…if I set rules."
"Rules? You are my wife." Diego closed his eyes when she blanched, and forced himself to relax. "I'm sorry." Diego kissed her forehead. "Tell me about these rules."
"No, you're right." Victoria wrapped her arms around his waist. It wasn't bad. She was the one who wrapped her legs around him… she couldn't blame him for that. "You didn't do anything wrong."
"Victoria, tell me about the rules." Diego's arms wrapped around her, taking what he could get. "I assume it's something about what I can or cannot kiss." Diego leaned forward to press his lips to hers, gently licking at her mouth until she opened for him. "I assume I can kiss your lips."
Victoria's cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink, and Diego ran his finger over the heat of her skin with a smile. "Touch," Victoria whispered.
"What?"
Victoria cleared her throat. "Touch." She took a deep breath. "What you can or cannot touch. Why would you want to—"
Victoria gasped when Diego tilted her head and placed his mouth against her neck, his lips and tongue making her forget how to speak. Diego's lips lingered at her jaw, kissed her cheek and found her lips. He slowly caressed her lips, insistent but gentle until she pulled him closer. Her fingers dug into his hair, and Diego smiled against her lips. His hand came up to caress her cheek as he broke the kiss and waited for her to open her eyes.
"I will always want to kiss you. Everywhere." Diego paused a moment to admire her blush, then let his wet hand smooth over her cheek. He took a deep breath before he continued. "So tell me about these rules." And he really wanted permission to do more.
Victoria's fingers combed through his hair, and her thumb slid over his smile. He shouldn't be able to do this to her, to make her forget herself. He was her husband, though, and he'd been so understanding.
She glanced out at the ocean, not sure she had Rebecca's courage. Diego put a finger on her chin to bring her gaze back to his. "You have to tell me what I did wrong, or I might do it again. I wasn't lying when I told you I was afraid of making mistakes, too. Help me out."
Still, Victoria hesitated.
Diego's arms released her so his hands could cradle her face. "You don't mind me touching your face."
Eventually, Victoria shook her head.
"You like it when I kiss your lips." His fingers trailed down her neck over her shoulder. "How about your neck? Did you like that?"
Victoria felt her face heat up and considered going under the water like Diego had to cool off. "Yes."
"You don't mind if I touch your back," Diego went on as his hands moved over her back. She didn't object as he nibbled at her lips, letting himself enjoy her soft shoulders, her slim waist. His hands moved up sides, and Victoria broke the kiss to cross her arms over her chest.
Victoria's shoulders hunched as she stared at the water swelling and dipping between them.
Diego smoothed his hands up her back, then stroked her damp hair. He bent to press a kiss to the top of her head, feeling the distance stretch between them. The water gently swirled around them, pulling them together… but he only felt her arms between them, nothing soft. A little frustration never killed anyone, he thought as he listened to the waves crash against the shore.
"If we set a rule that I won't touch your breasts without your permission, will you trust me enough to know I won't break that rule?"
Victoria didn't move, but Diego saw her tense. His fingers brushed up her neck to cradle her cheek, bringing her eyes to his. "The rules were your idea, Victoria. They won't help you if you don't trust me."
Slowly, her hands reached out to rest on his chest, then finally she stretched her arms around his neck, leaving herself exposed. Diego's hands ran down her back and up her sides, and this time she didn't flinch.
He smiled, because now she held him tighter. There was a lot he wanted to do to her. If he did it right, she wouldn't say no all the time. "Now that you know I won't touch your breasts…" He grinned, cupping her neck to bring her lips to his before smoothing his down to her waist to bring her closer. She held him just as tightly, and he felt her relax as she kissed him back. He caught her flimsy shirt in his hands, intent on finding her skin again.
Victoria's hands pushed against his chest and she stood away from him. "No."
Diego stamped down his irritation. It was important for him to know what scared her, no matter how frustrating it was for him. He took her hands beneath the water, lacing their fingers together as he calmed himself down.
"Is that alright?" Victoria asked.
"Victoria, you know I'm not going to take your shirt off in the middle of the ocean, don't you?" Diego didn't think admitting the thought had crossed his mind would help his argument at the moment.
Victoria glanced around…no one was in sight. "I don't want…"
Diego splashed water on his face, wetting his hair while he waited for her. "You have to tell me, Victoria."
"Not beneath my clothes."
Diego splashed more water on his face, frowning at the horizon.
"Please. It's broad daylight." Victoria stepped forward into his arms and she cupped his cheek. "I already feel naked." Victoria took a deep breath. "I like kissing you. I like it when you hold me. I even liked…Just give me time, Diego. Husband."
Diego took his time surveying their surroundings before facing her again. "I like it when you call me husband. I always thought it would be forever before we could be married." Diego kissed her briefly before remembering her stutter. "What else did you like? You started to say something."
Victoria grinned, embarrassed, but the words wouldn't come. He'd already talked about her breasts! Diego never talked about women, wasn't crude like other men in her tavern …but apparently he had no problem talking about her body now. Even after Alicia had spent the night with her husband, she hadn't talked so candidly. Now, of course, the woman had no shame.
Did Victoria really want to wait so long? She spent so much time telling him no…she should be able to tell him what she liked.
Victoria shook her head no to her internal conversation, curling her toes into the sand for strength. She could feel her cheeks turn crimson as she stared at Diego's lips. She closed her eyes and counted to three, then reached beneath the water.
Diego's hands came away from her when she grabbed his wrists, afraid once again she was pushing him away. Quite the contrary, however. She pulled his hands further beneath the water, till his hands found her sweet backside. Diego didn't move, didn't breathe in case he was imagining it. Victoria's arms came back up to rest on his shoulders, but she refused to look up. "I liked that."
Diego didn't feel the coarse fabric of the pants anymore. Victoria bit her lip and gasped when Diego's fingers clenched. Diego lifted her higher, so she could hardly avoid his eyes anymore.
"Is that bad?"
Diego kissed her instead of answering. Victoria's arms wrapped tight around his neck. She really liked the kissing. His fingers moved over her and her fingers clenched in his hair, but he didn't seem to mind. She also liked his hands. Would Alicia be shocked? Diego didn't seem to be. Who knew her…
Diego's fingers moved again and Victoria's brain turned off.
Eventually, Diego had to take a breath or two. His lips traced the column of her neck, not wanting to let her go, but he knew his control was wearing thin. He kissed her lips again gently, appreciating the feel of her body against his for a few more seconds. He could probably push her further…but not here. He had a romantic picnic planned, and he was happy to wait until they climbed out of the water. He kissed her cheek, set her on her feet again and cradled her face to kiss her one more time.
"I love you, Victoria."
Diego brushed his knuckles over her cheek as her mouth opened, but no words came out. "I understand. You don't have to say it."
Victoria traced her fingers over his face. His lips were swollen. She ran her tongue over her own puffy lips and smiled slightly. "I trust you."
"That's enough…for now," Diego said with a grin, then he kissed her lips again. "You're perfect. Never doubt that."
Victoria frowned. "I'm not perfect."
Diego shrugged. "Neither am I." Diego shook away the serious mood. "I promised you fun."
Diego took her hands and leaned back, and he chuckled when she pulled at him to keep him above the water. "Come on, duck your head. The water feels wonderful. Move around and you'll warm up." Diego smiled, leaning close. "You said you trusted me."
Victoria looked down at the water, which now appeared murky and dark. She glanced back at the shore…land seemed so far away.
"You wanted to have some fun." Diego spread her arms out wide to make a wave and Victoria smiled as the water rushed over their joined hands.
Then finally, Victoria trusted her husband to show her a good time.
Zzz
Author's Note 2: Thanks to all my friends in the Facebook group. If you aren't there, why not come join us? I know I lost a lot of you on this story, but if you're still enjoying it, I hope you leave a comment.