Page 15 of Toro

CHAPTER

THREE

“Redford Rodeo Contractor, Benedict Carson Redford, Owner.” Isabella smiled as she read the words. After spending a couple of hours studying the benefits of grass feeding beef, Isabella lay in bed, recalling every moment she’d spent with the handsome cowboy. “You came when I needed you,” she whispered for her ears only. “I enjoyed you so much.” Isabella touched her lips, remembering how his mouth had felt covering hers. She wished she could see him again, but Don Luis’s return would mean she’d have to stay at home for a while – and not just to appease him, but also to protect her position and the welfare of Terra Dura.

But…there was no reason she couldn’t call him as he’d requested.

Rolling to her side, she reached over a sleeping Lola to take her phone from the bedside table. Consulting the card, she entered the number. When the rings began, Isabella sat up in the bed, tugging on the end of her gown, her heart pitter-pattering at the prospect of hearing his voice.

…Back in town, Bull relaxed in bed, sipping on a bottle of water. He was attempting to study Terra Dura’s website and make notes of the animals he wanted to evaluate. “Ah, hell,” he slammed the lid of his laptop and tossed it to one side on the mattress, “I’m not in the mood. Who am I kidding?” He couldn’t get the beautiful lady bullfighter off his mind or the fact that she’d brought his body out of its sensual slumber. Making love to her had been incredible and his body craved hers like a drug. He’d known a lot of women in his time – buckle bunnies, cowgirls, barrel racers, even a few bull riders of the female persuasion – but none could match the beauty and bravery of La Diosa.

Since leaving her, he’d relived every moment, his cock remaining as hard as a brick. The way she’d responded to him had been unbelievable. How had he lived without someone like her in his life? Now that he’d tasted her sweetness, how could he let her go?

Even more than his desire for her, Bull couldn’t let go of his worry. She was in danger and not only from the bulls she faced. Somebody meant her harm. The very thought sent chills over his body. Leaning over, Bull took her shoe in hand. He hadn’t given it to her today, he supposed one shoe couldn’t do her any good, but he had every intention of returning it to her – because he had every intention of seeing her again. Bull refused to leave Mexico until they’d worked something out – what he didn’t know, but something.

The buzz of his phone caused Bull’s head to jerk around. “What the hell?” He wasn’t expecting a phone call. Picking it up, he saw the number was blocked. He almost laid it back down. Unlisted numbers were usually pesky sales people. But…what if? Quickly, he hit answer and brought the phone to his ear. “Bull Redford speaking.”

On her end, Isabella practically purred when she heard the deep, male voice in her ear. “Benedict?”

No further identification was necessary. No one else called him Benedict. “It’s you.” Bull knew the relief in his voice was evident. He didn’t care. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I am fine. Are you well?”

“I am. Where are you?” He wanted to go to her so badly he ached.

“I am at home. In bed.”

Bull groaned. “Don’t tell me that, you’re killing me.”

Isabella smiled. “Do you miss me?”

“Oh, hell yeah. My whole body misses you. I can’t think of anything else but you.” He knew he was saying things to her he didn’t usually say to a woman. Bull wasn’t known as the romantic sort. This woman brought out a side of him he wasn’t familiar with. “When can I see you again? I don’t have much time. I’m going to have to return to Texas in a few days and I refuse to leave without talking to you again.”

“All you want to do is talk?” She was teasing both of them with her sensual banter, but it was so much fun.

“No, that’s not all I want to do,” Bull growled. “I want to be buried balls deep inside of you all the time.”

Isabella trembled. “Oh, you were wonderful. I can still feel the delicious chills you gave me.”

Bull groaned. “Let me come to you, just say the word. I’d love on you all night long.”

“I can’t, not tonight.”

“When?” Bull knew he was being impatient, but he wanted more of her – a lot more. “I’m not ready to let you go. I’ve never met another woman like you.”

Isabella couldn’t reply, she bit her lip and gasped.

“Are you still there?” Bull hoped he hadn’t scared her off.

“Yes, I’m here.” She took a deep breath. “You saved me twice and you…touched my heart. I don’t know what that means, but I don’t want you to disappear from my life.”

Bull swallowed hard. “I don’t intend to. Tell me your name. I want to know. You don’t need to hide anything from me, I want a name to whisper when I’m dreaming about you tonight.”

Isabella’s heart lurched. She thought she could trust him…she was almost certain, but her past made her question everything. “Carmen,” she said quickly, giving him her first name. No one called her Carmen, she used it only for legal purposes.

“Carmen.”

The way he said her name made Isabella quiver. “Si.”

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