Disclaimer: All characters from The Queen of Swords are copyrighted by the producers, Fireworks Productions and Paramount. No infringement or revenue is intended. The story plot is original and copyright to the author.

Content rating: ADULT. This story features adult content in the form of sexually explicit interaction between men and women, as well as between men. Readers who are underage, or who do not care to read these kinds of fictional depictions of sex, should not read any further.

Part One

"Governor Reyes, welcome to Santa Helena. It is an honor to have you here." Colonel Montoya's face did not belie his words, but anyone who could read his mind would have heard a loud, angry equivalent of "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

Reyes descended from the coach that had been home to him for far too long. A tour of all of the pueblos of the Spanish Colony in Alta California was not a pleasant prospect, but given his position as new governor of the area he could not afford to miss any little town. However, it was worth the effort to see Luis Montoya so unnerved; Reyes couldn't read minds but he knew this man well enough.

"Here is a surprise for you, Luis — I have had the pleasure of my daughter's company for this tour. Katerina, I don't think you would remember Luis Montoya. Colonel now, isn't it?"

Montoya bridled at Reyes' overfamiliarity as a lovely young woman alit from the coach. Her dark blond hair was coiled on her head to help keep her cool in the autumn heat; her deep brown eyes seemed to be the only feature inherited from her father.

She should be 18 now, noted Montoya. He bowed low over the girl's hand. "It is a great pleasure to have your company, señorita. You are as beautiful as the first time I saw you."

"Only as beautiful," she said with an expression that he recognized immediately, "not more so?" So, she had inherited more than the eyes.

Reyes was grinning over his daughter's shoulder, but Montoya was not the same inexperienced, impetuous youth of their former acquaintance. He knew how to handle this. "You were about three years old and running across the training field to your father's arms, sunlight shining off of your hair, cheeks rosy, and with an angelic smile of pure delight. I had never seen such an enchanting creature and never expected to see one again. Today, I have been proven wrong."

Another bow and a featherlight kiss at her knuckles brought the hint of a smile to Katerina's lips. This was not what she had come to expect of the colonial military men. Stutters and awkward compliments were the standard fare, but this one had elegance and a sharp mind. She looked askance at her father, whose grin had faded to a small, calculating smile. He simply met her gaze.

Montoya made an offer of rest and refreshment and indicated his home. Just as they were starting toward the shade and cool wine, they paused at the sound of hoof beats. A large grey entered the square in a cloud of dust. It was slightly lathered from its extended run but was still prancing spiritedly as it came to a stop, a truly magnificent animal. The rider slid off the horse and strode toward the group.

As magnificent as his mount, thought Katerina, at least from what I can see under the dirt. A look of irritation crossed Montoya's face but was quickly gone as the consummate host again took over.

"Governor Reyes, señorita, may I present the Captain of the Guard, Marcus Grisham. Captain, this is Señor Juan Sanchez Reyes d'Avila, governor of the colony for His Majesty, King Ferdinand, and his daughter Señorita Katerina Reyes Gálvez."

"Governor," Grisham saluted smartly, "Señorita," a polite nod and a slight bow, "If you will excuse me?" He turned to Colonel Montoya.

"Is it urgent?" Montoya cut in curtly.

Grisham sensed the tension and threw a quick glance at the new arrivals. "Important but not urgent. I'll be in my office when you have a moment, Colonel." With a final bow to the party, withdrew.

Montoya's estimation of his captain rose a notch.

The trio had reached the shade of the house when a feminine voice caught their attention, saying, "Colonel Montoya, don't tell me you are going to keep new visitors to our little pueblo all to yourself?" All turned to witness the approach of two young noblewomen, one dark and one fair, but equal in beauty and grace.

"Señora Hidalgo, it is precisely because they are so newly arrived that I would give them the opportunity to rest and refresh themselves. But at this moment introductions are in order." Montoya gave full honors to Vera Hidalgo and Tessa Alvarado in his introductions to the Reyes.

"Señora Hidalgo and I are headed to the cantina. It is a pleasant spot with ample shade and cool drink. We would welcome Señorita Reyes' company if she wishes to join us after she has recovered from her journey," said Tessa, the chestnut crowned lady anxious for some gossip from Spain.

Katerina's eyes lit up, and a look to her father asked for his assent, which was given. "Thank you. That is a gracious offer, and after removing some of the dust of travel, I accept. Some gentle company would be a welcome change." She seemed not to notice her father's darkening brow as they took leave of the ladies and turned again to the house.

"There is a maid who may escort you, Señorita Reyes," said Montoya. "She will also be at your service for the duration of your stay. Please inform her if there is anything you need; we were not prepared for a lady's arrival." Once he had escorted his guests to a comfortable room supplied with refreshments, he left them to inform Emilia of her new duties.

As soon as their host was out of hearing Reyes turned to his daughter, his voice steadily rising in anger as he said, "Are we starting this again? This whole trip has been nothing but insinuating remarks and veiled accusations. Do you really want to make me lose my patience?"

"Do you really want to make me marry that milk sop? Did you think I would be pleased tied to that pale excuse of a man? I deserve better than that!" Katerina's volume had continued to lower so that her last remark was almost a growl and distinctly a threat.

"You will not shame me!" Reyes' tone had dropped to match his daughter's and at this moment there was no question of familial ties. Father and daughter glared at each other with promises in their eyes.

Upon his return, Montoya had observed the scene and heard the last phrase. He waited a moment before clearing his throat and announcing his presence. As the combatants turned their attention to him, their faces attempted to regain the polite social mask, but only Katerina succeeded. Montoya accompanied his guests to their chambers, introducing Katerina to her lady's maid. As Reyes admired the view from his room, Montoya made his retreat. "Captain Grisham seemed to have some important information for me. I would speak with him now, if you have no further need of me?"

"I always have need of you, Luis, but I fear that you may have little of me," said Reyes as he turned to face his host. The hint of a dare on Reyes' face was so familiar, from a life Montoya had left behind 15 years before, and the goading tone was designed to incite a strong reaction in him. "Have you forgotten what we were or have you replaced all that passion with regret and caution?"

"Forgotten, no, and regrets are wasted effort. But I have suffered enough for not thinking beyond the moment, Juan. I will not go through that again." With this calm declaration Montoya left the house to find his captain.

Captain Grisham was in his office/quarters, as he said he would be. He had removed the layer of dirt that had followed him in from his last encounter with the Queen of Swords. Perhaps encounter was not the right word; they had never been close enough to the vigilante.

"You have news for me, Captain? Or are you going to tell me the Queen of Swords continues to plague our fair town, which would not be news to me." Montoya was not in the mood for excuses.

"As you guessed, she made another attempt to sabotage the mining operation early this morning. We chased her far into the desert and the men are still out trying to find signs of her. I thought that you might want a progress report." Grisham was tired, hungry, and not in the mood for Montoya's sarcasm.

"But there hasn't been any progress; there is nothing to report. I have important guests, Grisham. I cannot afford to be distracted by the incompetence of the guard." Montoya took an appraising look at Grisham. "And another thing, you will treat Señorita Reyes with the utmost respect."

"Of course, Colonel, I would never think of treating her as anything but a lady." His tone was respectful, but Montoya saw the flash of rebellion in Grisham's eyes and he could not afford to have his captain asserting his independence at this time.

Not unless I want his body parts spread all over the square. That was a tempting thought.

Montoya moved very close to Grisham, something he never did, and when he spoke his voice was soft, low and impossible to ignore. "Marcus, I am going to make this very clear and an order: keep your hands, and anything else, off of Señorita Reyes. Now, if you disobey this order it will be treason, and I will shoot you. Her father would have done it anyway, but I will have the pleasure instead. Do not let your pride or your cock control your actions. Do you understand?"

The look in the hard, blue eyes held Grisham absolutely still. He now knew what a cobra's prey felt like. "Completely, sir." He managed to speak normally.

The spell was broken and Montoya moved toward the door. "I doubt that, but I will settle for adequately. And Grisham, make sure the Queen of Swords doesn't cause any trouble in town. You can chase her through the desert all you want, but I do not want Governor Reyes knowing anything about her."

Returning to his home, Montoya was told that Reyes had requested wine and to be informed of his return. "I will see the governor myself," he said. Turning to his desk, he wrote a couple of notes and handed them to his servant. "Take these to Captain Grisham and Doctor Helm immediately and inform the cook that dinner will proceed according to plan."

As the servant left, Montoya tried to think of anything else to delay the audience. This was the moment he had dreaded since first being informed of the identity of the new governor. They had met while Luis was Captain of the Guard on the Gálvez estate. It had been a prestigious position, for General Gálvez had liked to retain men and officers from the Spanish army for his personal staff. His daughter, Antonia, had arrived with her husband and two children and she had stayed through her confinement with her third child. Juan Sanchez Reyes, her husband, would pass the time on the training ground with the Guard and it was here that the friendship between the men developed. Friendship, was it ever truly a friendship? If it once was, it never could be again that much was certain.

He couldn't put this off any longer. The tap to the door was answered with a sharp, "Enter."

Juan was sitting be the window with a glass of wine and what looked like reports from his inspection tour so far. He waved Luis into a nearby chair. "Spain likes to think she has control over all of her colonies, but more and more are slipping through her fingers. As long as the reports keep coming she will ignore California, and since there is so little support coming for Spain, California will increasingly ignore her. You know this, don't you, Luis. That is why you have established yourself here, isn't it?"

"I came here because there was nothing for me in Spain. Someone was generous enough to recommend me for this post and I have made the best of it."

"Nothing for you in Spain?"

"Nothing that would have been of any advantage to me," said Luis.

Juan put aside the reports and lifted his glass. "To the birth of the mercenary. The vocation suits you, Luis. You always had a gift for breaking a situation into its most basic components, cutting straight to the heart of the matter." He drained the glass and stood to walk the room.

Luis had to restrain himself from turning to watch Juan pace. It went against every instinct to let this man out of his sight in such close quarters. When hands came to rest on his shoulders, his heart started to race but that was the only sign of his disquiet. He concentrated on the voice that came from so close behind him. "Now that you are working to please only yourself, what is it that you want?"

That was a frighteningly loaded question. There was only one way to answer, "To rule the world."

Laughter came from behind him and the hands gave a brief squeeze before letting go. Juan moved back to the other chair. "Why does that not surprise me? You were never one to settle for anything less than all." Juan rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward "You could have had all, why did you not take what was offered?"

Anger was rising, that was the one emotion Juan was guaranteed to evoke. The difficulties came with the others that sometimes followed. Not this time, Luis was not going to let Juan manipulate him anymore. He replied in the cool voice he had perfected in the nine years since leaving Spain, "What I was offered was a stagnating career in Barcelona or a reflection of a life as your shadow and whipping boy."

"That man was under your command and you were meting out the punishment. If it went too far how is that my fault?"

"You were not there practically salivating at the sight of blood and pain? You were not virtually whispering in my ear, goading me for one more lash, just one more scream of agony? You were not tempting me with the lust in you eyes and in your voice? I wonder who that was then, the results of that event were quite exceptional." Hell! Taunting Juan Sanchez was never a wise manouevre no matter how polite the tone. Especially with a polite tone. He had to get control of his impulses, but that was so difficult to do once they were running free again. Merde! Juan is pleased.

"So it was, I didn't think you remembered." Juan moved to stand in front of Luis' chair and placed his hands on the arm as he leaned in.

Luis forced himself to maintain eye contact. "I told you I hadn't forgotten. I remember everything; the good, the bad and the disastrous results."

"You are exaggerating."

"AM I?" The words were full of hate and rage.

Juan retreated a little but maintained his position in front of the chair. He said, "We are in a new country, with few to account to. We are the power here and it would be beneficial if we could work together, towards a common goal." Juan's eyes were warming with a tantalizing light. He leaned in again so that Luis could feel the heat from Juan's face close to his cheek and heard the whispered offer, "We could rule the world."

A surge of heat went through Luis but he managed to douse it. "Send me your plans and an estimated timetable and I will see if it works for me."

The flip reply brought Juan back with a start. This was an aspect of Luis that he hadn't encountered before and was not quite sure how to proceed. The hot-headed, passionate, impulsive youth he knew had been replaced by this cool, calculating, self-possessed man. But he had seen the fury in those blue eyes, if only for a moment. The fire was still there and having it encased in such an immaculate package made the temptation even greater. Juan realized they could not just pick up where they left off, he would have to get to know this man all over again. It was not an unattractive prospect.

"How about you give me your timetable, Colonel," and so the Governor was back in meeting with his regional commander, "I believe I heard mention of a dinner tonight with your staff. Katerina will be most pleased, between the invitation this afternoon and more company this evening it may even satisfy her thirst for society. "

Captain Grisham couldn't sleep. Fortunately, being the captain meant he could walk the pueblo without anyone questioning his presence. He was checking the sentries; he was pacing is what he was doing.

Montoya is a sadistic son of a bitch. Telling me to stay away from Katerina Reyes and then inviting — ordering — me to dinner with the new arrivals. Of course Grisham hadn't been able to keep his eyes off her. The candle light had caught the dark gold in her hair; the heat of the season had brought a faint sheen to the pale curve of her breast; her soft features had seemed ready to smile, particularly when the brown eyes turned his way; and he was behaving like a love struck school boy. Stop it. She is just a girl — a beautiful, graceful, intelligent, a very, very off-limits girl.

The captain hated to be told what to do in his personal life. As a soldier he would accept it, but the rest of his life was his own business. Although the sight of her father, who had caught one of her glances to him, was rather unnerving. Maybe Montoya was doing him a favor. Governor Reyes seemed an intimidating man; maybe on better acquaintance he became truly frightening. This was a man who knew the training field and whose skin was already acquiring the golden patina that all seemed to gain after time in the California sun. As tall as Grisham, though slightly heavier in build, the dark hair and eyes brought a certain hardness to already sharp features. Grisham was certain a smile would not be a comfort coming from this man.

"It is a beautiful night for a walk, Captain. Would you mind if I join you? We could watch the moon rise." The voice that had been haunting his thoughts all evening came from the shadows between two buildings at the edge of the square, just out of sight of Montoya's residence. "It is just coming over the mountains now, in a short while there will be too much light for tarrying in a public square." She came partially out of the shadows and Grisham saw she had exchanged her rich dress for a plain one, although the dark cloth was of good quality. He caught his breath at the next detail he noticed, no corset. Oh, oh.

"Señorita Reyes, it is dangerous for a lady to be out alone," said Grisham with every intension of escorting Katerina home.

"Then be my protector, Captain. Surely you know of some place safe and private where we can watch... the moon ...rise." With this thinly veiled suggestion came a smile that was entirely unsuitable for an unmarried lady of her station. She had been moving closer to him; with her tawny hair he was reminded of one of the wild cats he had seen in the canyons, the kind that could pounce on you unawares.

Pounce... Grisham brought himself back to the problem at hand, almost literally at hand. "Señorita Katerina, I don't think you know what you are doing. Your father—"

He was immediately cut off. "My father," the two words were spat out, but her voice quickly reverted to the smooth, seductive tones that had been resonating through Grisham's nervous system all night, "knows nothing about me, nor does he care to." Katerina stepped closer again and Grisham's legs hit the back of a watering trough; any farther back and he was going for a swim. Katerina pressed her advantage, and her breasts, against Grisham's chest. He brought his chin up to avoid looking at her, but he could still smell her, roses and lavender. Her breath played across his throat as she whispered to him, "But I know a lot about you, Marcus. Ladies need not speak of such things openly. So much can be said with a look, tone of voice, choice of words. And the lower classes do have a tendency to be a little more open and will talk to be friendly to a stranger."

Damn, thought Grisham, I knew that fucking Montoya's new maid was a mistake. The colonel had made his orders very clear and this woman was scaring him a little. Which was rather exciting. No! Stop thinking and follow orders!

"I am afraid, Señorita, that you have a mistaken impression of me. I am a soldier, I follow orders — one such order is to stay far away from you." Oh shit, that was too blunt. He looked at her expecting outrage, but much to Grisham's surprise the lady smiled, a true smile.

She said, "And you take your orders from Colonel Montoya alone, do you not?" Grisham's reluctant nod confirmed the statement. Katerina stepped away and without another word made her way back to the Montoya residence.

"Nice disengagement, Captain." The voice came from the shadows near the doctor's office.

Now that Grisham looked he could see a lean form reclining within the door way. "You make it sound like a military maneuver, Doctor," said Grisham trying not to sound breathless.

Dr. Helm stood upright and took a few steps toward Grisham and into the brightening moonlight. "I know a woman in full battle dress when I see one. That one is out for blood." He indicated the direction Katerina had taken with a nod of his head.

Grisham was surprised. "Why? I hardly know her."

"Not your blood, Captain. You were just a tactic. She'll find another way to her target. A woman who is that motivated must have a very personal score to settle."

Grisham thought for a moment, going over the conversation. "Her father." Yes, that seemed right. "What would possess a woman to cross swords, even metaphorical ones, with that man? Even the colonel is wary of him."

"You know what they say about falling apples." With a wry smile Helm went back inside.

Grisham took a long look at the door Katerina had entered. Montoya had expressed a strong desire to acquire cannons, but how would he handle an artillery barrage wrapped in silk. If he was to be the next one to be caught in the cross fire of Katerina's apparent war with her father, then Grisham almost felt pity for his colonel.

Almost.

The next day proceeded without incident. Montoya and the governor went over the taxes and finances for the small garrison, which was, of course, woefully underfunded. The main diversion for the day was the preparation for a party that evening. With new faces in attendance, all of the local Dons and their families would be sure to attend.

The party was well under way and Marta was standing discreetly in a doorway on the edge of the crowd, keeping a close eye on her mistress, Tessa Alvarado, in case she was needed. Tessa did not need a protector or, in this company, a chaperone, but Marta always liked to know what her Tessita was doing.

"It is a shame that the most beautiful woman in the room is forced to remain in the shadows." The smooth voice came from behind her, close to her ear. She knew who it was but couldn't help the shiver that went down her spine.

"Doctor!" Marta feigned shock in order to cover her slight blush.

"Please, Señorita, don't tell me you are one of those women who take the slightest compliment as an indecent proposal." Doctor Helm sounded dismayed, but there was humor in his eyes and he couldn't keep the smile from his lips. The two had developed a friendly, though professional, relationship since an explosion had destroyed the doctor's office; Marta had been assisting him in replacing his medicines with local sources. This level of playfulness in him was something new.

Bemused Marta said, "Flirting, another skill to add to that rapidly growing list of yours, Doctor. You seem in a particularly good mood tonight. I thought you disliked parties?"

"I have it on good authority that this one may be more interesting than usual." He indicated the visitors now in conversation with Tessa.

Marta nodded in acknowledgment. "Although it would be difficult for them to get less so." This actually brought laughter from the doctor and caught the attention of Katerina.

"Who is that talking to your servant?" Katerina whispered to Tessa.

"That is Doctor Helm. He's English," Tessa said, as if that fact explained all.

"Maybe so, but still worthy of better company than a servant. Introduce me." The last was said with anticipation and Tessa was momentarily inclined to refuse, but Katerina was already leading her toward the doctor. He immediately turned his attention to the two ladies; he might prefer Marta's company, but he knew how society worked.

"Katerina, may I introduce Doctor Robert Helm. Doctor Helm, Señorita Katerina Reyes Gálvez."

Helm bowed over the offered hand. Katerina commented, "You seem to be enjoying the evening, Doctor?"

"And it is getting better by the moment, Señorita." The smile faded from his face as he saw Montoya discreetly motioning for him to be introduced to the governor. "However it is taking a brief downturn. Colonel Montoya is taking me away from your charming company to introduce me to your father. Señorita Reyes, Señorita Alvarado." He quickly glanced at Marta and she was sure he would have winked at her if it wouldn't have stretched propriety so thin. Who knew the man had such a capacity for mischief? And it seemed to be contagious.

"The doctor is in fine form tonight, is he not Señorita?" Marta's comment was directed at Tessa, but she briefly caught Katerina's eye and the young woman was quick to catch onto the game.

"And such remarkable features, those eyes particularly. Is he always so charming, Tessa?" said Katerina, casting an appreciative eye at Helm's back.

"His manners seemed to have improved of late, but I see nothing remarkable about him tonight." The tone was too casual. "It is a good thing we came over; there would have been some talk if he had been seen whispering in the corner with you too long. You know better than that Marta."

Tessa walked away with Katerina, the latter sending Marta a quick grin over her shoulder. Marta was amused but also a little peeved; sometimes Tessa played the spoiled lady too well.

On their way back to Governor Reyes, Tessa spotted the Hidalgos and moved to join them. Katerina asked Tessa to make her apologies as she wished to speak to her father for a moment. The gentlemen's conversation paused with the approach of the lady, and Katerina knew it would continue on a topic in no way related to the one being previously discussed. She let a small sigh escape as she joined the group.

"So pensive at such a lovely party, Señorita," said Helm, sensing escape for himself as well. "Would an invitation to dance lift your spirits?"

"If the offer is from you, Doctor, how could it not?" Smiling, she was led to the dance floor.

The polite conversation required in such a situation was initiated by Helm. "I am sorry I didn't have the opportunity to make your acquaintance earlier, Señorita." Katerina's questioning look prompted further explanation. "I was invited to dinner last night, but a medical emergency prevented me from attending."

"You're skills were of help, I hope?"

"The man will live with a nasty scar, if infection doesn't set in. By the time I had returned I was in no state for polite company," said Helm

Katerina was almost sure this was the man she had seen with Grisham last night just after she had entered the house. She was anxious to know if he was going to say anything, not that it mattered, but she would like to be prepared. "What time did you manage to return to town? We seemed to stay up late into the night and would have welcomed your company."

The smile that filled Helm's face did not reach his eyes; they were wary. "The best thing about dancing with a doctor, Señorita, is that he takes everything you say as a professional confidence."

"The soul of discretion, Doctor?" asked Katerina, just to be sure of the understanding between them.

"In this case I think it is the best course."

They continued the dance in companionable silence until Katerina noticed that Tessa and the Hidalgos had been joined by Captain Grisham. The impishness that had prompted her to participate in Marta's teasing of Tessa reasserted itself. "Would you mind if we rejoin Señorita Alvarado? I feel guilty leaving her all alone," she said.

Helm sent her a sharp look, which she returned with undiluted innocense. The sound he made as he moved behind her to help manouevre through the crowd was suspiciously like a chuckle. "Remind me to never cross you, Señorita Reyes." The comment was made in low tones for her ears only.

"You are much too shrewd to ever do that, Doctor Helm," came her equally soft reply as they approached the group. Moments later she said, "Tessa, you haven't danced all evening. You must take the doctor as a partner."

Tessa looked for an excuse to refuse. "You love to dance, Katerina. I cannot take your partner."

"Nonsense, the captain will escort me. Won't you Captain Grisham?" Katerina was batting her eyelashes at him.

"Yes, Captain," encouraged Don Hildago, "make a good impression to the Señorita with the quality of gentlemen in our town. Vera has commented that you are a fine dancer."

Helm, needing desperately to get away from this scene before he choked holding in his laughter, made a formal offer to Tessa. "Señorita Alvarado, it would be my great honor if you would give me the pleasure of this dance." With a nudge from Katerina, Tessa put her hand in the doctor's and was lead to the dance floor.

Grisham had little choice but to follow suit with Katerina. Throughout the whole dance Katerina kept up meaningless conversation with a beatific smile on her face. Except for the moment when she spotted Marta on the edge of the crowd, then the smile turned into a wide grin and she sent the woman a wink over Grisham's shoulder. Marta smiled in return and decided to find out more about the young woman who seemed to have found a friend in Tessa.

Katerina was standing alone for the moment but her expression showed that she was enjoying the evening. The girl Montoya had been observing tonight was very different from the snarling creature he had seen facing down her father, or the sophisticated woman who was doing her best to entice Grisham and enrage Reyes at dinner the night before. So many masks; Montoya was starting to wonder which was the true face or if there was yet another one underneath them all. Meanwhile, it would not do to leave one of his guest standing alone, particularly the guest of honor.

"I noticed you were enjoying your dance with Captain Grisham."

"Yes, Colonel. I was rather surprised I would; from everything I have heard he seems to be very much the rake. But with me he was a perfect gentleman, not even the hint of the flirtation that is most attractive in a man and flattering to a woman."

Montoya tried not to smile at the subtle hint. "Perhaps he is intimidated by the governor, your father?"

"Perhaps. Are you intimidated by him, Colonel? You know him so much better than most here."

"You would know him best of all, Señorita."

"But how well can a child know its parent? A child's eyes often only sees what they are shown, and what can a young child understand of the adult world when it is observed? No, Colonel, you are the one with the greatest understanding of my father."

Although the argument sounded convincing, Montoya did not believe her — these two were too much alike. For a moment blue eyes met dark brown and Montoya slipped behind her masks. In that instant the carefree girl was back. "You haven't asked me to dance all evening, Colonel. I hope that it was just an oversight and not deliberate avoidance."

The pretty scolding produced its sought reaction. "How remiss of me! Señorita Reyes, would you do me the honor?" Montoya offered his hand.

"With great pleasure." Katerina was again on the dance floor.

All was quiet. Montoya had retreated to his office after saying goodnight to his guests and was trying to read, to relax with his regular evening ritual. Tonight it was being aided by a glass of cognac, something that he rarely indulged in, but after spending the day with Reyes he needed it. He kept expecting some repeat of the previous day's sparring, but business had been conducted in a professional matter and the party had proceeded without incident. Even Grisham had behaved himself. Maybe the gods were smiling.

Monotya heard the door close. He had been so lost in thought that he had not heard it open. When he looked up the phrase that sprang to mind was "tempting fate." Katerina was leaning against the closed door, clad in a simple, dark dress. As she came closer he could see that it was deep green and set off her loose hair perfectly; the lack of detail only accented her natural beauty. It was a modest cut, there was not the usual swell of flesh over the top of the bodice, and he could no longer span her waist with his hands, but those curves were made more enticing by the fact there was no whalebone between them and the fabric of the gown. An ironic thought occurred to Montoya — that a woman was more dangerous once she removed her armor. He was also disappointed because he had hoped her better than this common and ill-advised rebellion, but he was inclined to humor the child, just to see how far she would take the game.

"Señorita, what brings you to me at such a late hour? A nightmare perhaps? Should I tuck you back into bed with some warm milk?" The smirk that accompanied the taunting remarks was small but effective in stoking Katerina's ire. He could see her rise to the challenge.

Katerina perched one hip on his desk and reached for the snifter of cognac, "Thank you, Colonel, a bedtime drink does seem in order." She took a small sip, just enough for the flavor to fill her mouth and wet her lips. "Wonderful, you keep an excellent cellar. But how rude of me, stealing your glass. Here, let me give you a taste." She leaned forward and held the glass to his mouth, tipping it so he could sample the liquor. The fingertips of the hand under the glass gently brushed his beard, just enough to make contact. Montoya went still, but not before he saw that Katerina had caught the slip of control, the brief spark of interest that had appeared in his eyes.

He watched her as she carefully planned her next move. She walked behind his chair, an ornately carved monstrosity, then reached around the back and placed a blade against his collar bone with the point barely brushing his neck. She had picked up the dagger that had been left on the table behind the chair. It was a beautiful piece of art and kept very sharp. Montoya remained still, but his eyes turned to her showing anger and fear mixed with desire; this tactic was familiar to him. She slowly moved the tip of the blade along the edge of his collar until it had passed his ear and then flipped it into his hair, cutting the restraining ribbon. Katerina gave him a quick grin as she pulled the ribbon away and tucked it down her bodice.

The silly little gesture replaced the anger in his eyes with humor, but that quickly turned to wariness as she continued. Montoya had caught on to her strategy and thought, She wants to try to loosen all my restraints, does she? This may be interesting. The rules to this game seemed to be developing on their own. His resistance was to be passive and she was to do anything it took to break his control; they were both to be silent.

The snifter was again lifted from the table, but this time instead of a direct taste from the glass she dipped in her little finger and quickly sucked the cognac off. In any other context the gesture could have seemed natural, almost innocent, but he thought the furtiveness only added to the appeal in this case. She looked at him as though she had heard the slight catch in his breathing, but he couldn't be sure. She dipped her finger in again, but this time wet his lips with the spirits. A slight relaxing of his mouth was all the reaction he would give her; no darting tongue, no extra glint in the eyes, nothing but the steady stare that had held hers since she had picked up the snifter. She turned slightly to place it back on the desk. He waited until her eyes briefly left his to follow the path of the glass before he took a deep, but silent, breath and cleared the liquor from his lips with his tongue. When she turned back the only difference she would see was a renewed challenge in his eyes.

She had picked up a bowl that had been sitting on the desk as she perched there again with her feet resting on the corner of his chair. The bowl was resting in her lap, filled with the first grapes of the season. She picked the biggest one and bit into it; it was unexpectedly sweet and juicy. She giggled as the juice ran down her hand and she quickly licked it off to keep it from spreading. He couldn't help but focus on the pink tongue running down the length of her hand. For a moment it seemed she had forgotten that she had a task to complete, until she leaned forward and fed him the other half. She had to keep her other arm over the bowl for balance, which pushed the bodice of the dress so that the neckline loosened as she leaned forward. He kept his eyes focused on hers, but it was difficult to miss the alluring view before him. Soft, feminine flesh was not an uncommon sight — corsets pushed the upper curve of the breast over the neckline of most gowns — but this was different. With an evening gown breasts were fashion accessories, but this display was an enticement for a sensual experience. It was an invitation to brush his fingers over skin that was warm, soft and close, far too close. Katerina shared a few more grapes with him, which gave him time to think about what was being offered. That was her mistake.

Most men would have had the desk cleared off by now, he thought and was rather proud of himself for keeping is hands on the arms of the chair. By the way she had narrowed her eyes he could tell she was thinking something similar. In a swift movement she deposited herself on the his lap, while spreading her skirts around them both. Now the only thing separating them was his uniform. He could feel the heat from her thighs, and she would be able to tell that her efforts were producing a reaction. The maneouvre also brought an unexpected response; he found it very funny and had to work not to laugh out loud. She stared at him in indignant confusion for a moment, until she too saw the humor in the situation: a young girl playing at being a sophisticated seductress reduced to the tactics of a common whore. But there was a reason why the whore got paid — her tactics usually worked, and so did Katerina's. When she turned an impish grin to him, their eyes met and the laughter slowly died.

The tone of the game shifted. Even though the rules were still being followed, the motivation was no longer clear. Montoya was having difficulty remembering why he had agreed to this in the first place; she was becoming very dangerous. She hadn't really touched him except with her little finger, and even now it was only her fingertips that she gently carded through his hair. Next her attention turned to the uniform, undoing the bottons carefully to part the heavy material. Although she stroked the soft shirt underneath, the motion was without pressure, she was only getting close enough to feel the heat from his skin without crossing the barrier of actual contact. The featherlight touches were a torment. He was used to rougher handling, careless caresses. The focus she was giving to every detail was becoming his undoing.

She looked into his eyes, studied his face. He knew that she prided herself on her ability to evaluate people at a glance, but she seemed to be searching for something in him. He couldn't decide himself if he wanted her to end the games, would dare her to continue, or beg her to let him go. Of his involuntary reaction to her there was no doubt, but she seemed wary. It was as if she had the feeling that with one wrong move he would dump her on the floor and laugh her out of the room. It was this confusion that held them both suspended for a moment outside of time.

Again, Luis never heard the door open.

"You selfish, thieving little bitch!!" Juan Sanchez was in the room and over to the chair, pulling Katerina up by her hair. It seemed he was going to drag her out the door when he glanced back, then paused to take a longer look at Luis still sitting in his chair... uniform half-buttoned, hair gently mussed, slightly flushed and definitely aroused. Juan turned back to his daughter with a snarl and punched her.

Luis had caught the look on her face, it was panic. She obviously had never had her father turn on her in a full rage and hadn't expected his reaction to this. She was quickly realizing she had missed something and was now out of her depth. As she fell she hit a small table by the door, tipping its contents on the floor: Luis' riding gloves and crop. Juan spotted the crop and picked it up. With Katerina lying stunned on the floor, Luis knew he had to do something or the child would be dead and he would be taking the blame.

Juan did manage to inflict half a dozen strokes before Luis surprised him, tackling him to the floor. Katerina had regained some of her senses in spite of the pain and was watching the scene frozen in fear. "Get out!" Luis managed to bark at her. It was all the impetus she needed to make her escape. She even had the mind to close the door, that click he heard. Then there was only the sound of their harsh breathing. The familiarity of that brought the current situation into sharp focus. Luis had most of his weight on the Juan's right side, the one with the crop. He was straddling Juan's right leg with his knee between Juan's thighs. And even with all of the adrenaline, or because of it, his erection was pressed firmly into Juan's hip.

"That thieving slut! I have wanted to do this from the moment I arrived." Juan threaded his free hand into Luis' hair and pulled him into a hard kiss.

For a moment Luis just let go, drowned in the sensations this man had always evoked; he hadn't allowed himself to do that with Katerina. That thought kicked his survival instinct back into play. He couldn't indulge in this, with too many avenues for disaster open at the moment. But bringing Juan back from violence-induced lust was not easy; it was next to impossible. He would have to ride it through but try to minimize the possible damage. If only I could have thought like this 15 years ago. If he has been thinking about this for two days, then it could be over fast. Help it along, Luis, you remember how. The kiss had ended, so Luis initiated another, one that brought Juan's head back to the floor with a slight crack. He brought his knee tight against Juan's crotch and then rubbed the length of his thigh against the partial erection. The reward was instantaneous. Juan's roar would have woken the house if it hadn't been muffled by Luis' mouth.

The hand in Luis' hair tightened and pulled his head back. Juan's mouth went to the exposed throat. "I don't like the beard," the words were muffled, but Luis smiled at the tone, a child complaining about his dinner.

"I don't recall consulting you," said Luis and pulled his thigh back up again. This time the groan was muffled in the collar of his uniform. He was rather enjoying this. It wasn't the all-consuming, feverish, thought-destroying experience he remembered. This was another thrill altogether, an amazing sensation of power. Unbuttoning Juan's trousers enough for access, he replaced his leg with his hand in order to control the pressure and the tempo. He was enjoying this, but "brevity is the soul of wit". Dios mio! Here with Juan's hard cock in my hand and quoting Hamlet to myself. He had to get out of this situation, fast. And so he did, with hands and lips and about three minutes. Again muffling Juan's satisfaction with his mouth, Luis was forming a plan to escape the need for a repeat performance, at least tonight. Fortunately, Juan would now at least be reasonable if not completely pliable and, if Luis moved fast enough, might not notice that he alone had enjoyed the evening.

Juan tried to grab him as Luis moved away. "Where are you going?" The half-commanding, half-pleading tone was not going to work anymore.

"I am too old for the floor, Juan. There are other matters to consider, your daughter being one. Do you really want the whole pueblo to know what has happened here?" The sweeping comment covered a wide range of slanderous accusations. "I need to make myself presentable and check on Katerina to see if she is seriously injured. Then I am going to frighten the servants and get some sleep; the sun will be up in a few hours and I have duties to perform. Do you want some help getting to your quarters?" In the light of such logical and coherent reasoning, Juan could do nothing but wave Luis out of the room, professing that he would be fine. After he saw to Katerina, Luis would make sure that Juan had not fallen asleep on the floor. It wouldn't be the first time if he had.

Katerina was sitting at the dressing table in her robes. Her eye was starting to swell, and she could tell it was going to blacken spectacularly. Her father hadn't pulled his punch; she was lucky nothing was broken.

She blamed herself for the way this evening had turned out. She should have followed her instincts. She had approached Grisham without a second thought, focused only on her goal, but as soon as she had shut the door to Montoya's office she had been uncertain. Not because he was the less appealing choice, on the contrary, but because she could see that he knew her true purpose and was humoring her. He had also known just what to say to bring her pride into play. What possessed me to try to toy with this man?"

Colonel Montoya tapped lightly on the chamber door but did not wait for an answer before entering. Katerina made the appropriate noises of a lady interrupted in a state of undress, but he just smirked. "Considering the offer you were making to me this evening, such a display lacks a certain sincerity."

"I have changed my mind," the reply was caustic but automatic as a new plan was already forming.

Montoya must have seen it for he moved behind her and leaned in close, meeting her eyes in the mirror. "Well then," he said in almost a whisper, "what is it that you do want from me?"

Katerina was about to protest, but then realized it would be futile. This man was enough like her to see any token protest as the stall tactic it would be. She decided to take a chance on trusting her instinct and be blunt. Her chin came up. "I want to spend the remainder of my father's time in Santa Helena in the house of one of the aristocrats of the area. Someone who still keeps in contact with Spain."

"Someone whose lady may note the results of this evening in a personal letter to another lady who may mention it to someone who—"

Katerina cut him off tersely. "Yes, yes, you understand I see." She turned toward him and he moved toward a chair. "Will you help me?"

"Tell me why." He was now sitting the comfortable chair and was back to his usual immaculate appearance.

Seeing him enthroned, Katerina was tempted to continue the game from earlier this evening, but then she recalled the look on her father's face. "It would be useful to have an ally if the time ever comes that you are in conflict with my father," she said as she thought, See, Colonel, I now understand something of you as well.

"Pardon my obtuseness, but wouldn't it be better for me to ally with someone who has your father's ear rather than someone who wants to rip it off?"

This brought a quick grin, then a slight wince to the usually lovely face. "As you know, my father keeps his own council. No one has his ear. I don't know what he has told you of my marriage, but this is the situation. My father has chosen for me a wealthy, highly-placed, but not very bright nobleman who is making his fortune in the New World. At least he would be with the proper management of his assets. My father sees this as the perfect way to bring the property and capital under his control."

"And you disapprove of this and of his choice of husband?" said Montoya while thinking, Is she really just a little girl who is mad at her papa? How disappointing.

"On the contrary, I am anxious to complete this union."

Montoya gently prompted, "Because?"

"This is the perfect opportunity for me. You understand about opportunity, don't you, Colonel?" Katerina could see that Montoya was putting the pieces of this puzzle together.

"And you are fighting about this marriage with your father...?"

"Because he knows me too well. If I had just said, 'Yes, papa.' he would have been suspicious and would have changed his mind just to disrupt what he would perceive as my plans. If I am in a vindictive rage, then I have no time to actually think about the situation, at least that is my father's perspective. Salvador is a good man, though rather naive. I will have no complaints about his role as husband." Her small smile was a reminder of the events of this evening. "He is also very trusting, and an assertive wife could influence his decisions. He likes to go to hunts, parties, play at all of the amusements of the upper class, which is why his holdings suffer. He will not balk at letting me manage a small part of them, just to keep myself occupied."

Montoya rose, and she knew that he had clear understanding of the situation. He now responded to her offer, saying, "I am not in need, at this moment, of an ally against your father. However, I will arrange for you to be the guest of one of the local ladies. Do not read too much into this, Señorita. the way your war with Juan Sanchez is going at the moment makes my motives purely selfish."

He turned to meet her questioning look as he reached for the door and said, "Blood is so very difficult to remove from the carpets."

Concluded in Part Two