Just a Kiss

by Bonnie S. Mata

  Seconds passed and, “boom, boom, boom!” A series of explosions went off, shaking the ground beneath them as they ran, headed towards a motorcycle.

  “Oh my goodness! You blew up his house. A la madre!”

  He chuckled with her last comment. “A la madre, is right! Jump on, and if you can, please do me a favor, and ditch that bag,” he insisted, starting up the motorcycle.

  “I can’t believe you blew up his house.” She looked at him with wonder.

  He stared down at her, his gaze hard, brilliant, the color of a beautiful rainbow, as he watched her with predatory awareness. He grabbed her face with his two hands and gave her a hard kiss. And when he came up for air, he said, “It wasn’t in the plan but, that’s what that bastard gets for trying to seduce my woman.”

  Celina gave him a seductive smile and licked her lips. She jumped on the back of the motorcycle with her bag. She held on tight to him as they drove away, watching the fleet of vehicles and house burn from the series of bombs Pancho detonated.

  Chapter 30

  Hide out

  They rode into the night for what seemed like an eternity, through back roads, over potholes and winding dirt roads that twisted as they climbed higher and higher. Only Pancho knew where they were going. As for Celina, she didn’t care where she went, she was just happy to be out of that hellhole.

  She held on tight, resting her face against his strong back, shielding herself from the cool night air. Celina had been giving thanks to God the entire ride. She was grateful to be out of that place but felt for the ladies who stayed behind. Maybe once she got back home, she could tell Xavier about them, and maybe he could help. But one thing for certain, she would tell them would be about Elia Leal, and her friend Luis Javier. She had made Elia that promise. It was the right thing to do, so her mother could finally get closure, to know what exactly happened with the death of her daughter, but without the details of the brutal torture.

  Pancho slowed his speed. The sky was completely dark, almost black. The moonless night and the heavy, dark-colored vegetation around them made it even worse, but it looked like they were at an entrance of a canyon. She wasn’t sure, but she knew she was in good hands, because Pancho had already demonstrated that earlier.

  “Where are we?” she asked, speaking into his ear, looking to one side.

  He slowed down even more. “We're up in the mountains.”

  “What?” She had a fear of heights. She held him tighter.

  “Don't worry. I know this place like the back of my hand. My godfather owns this land.” He accelerated the throttle, traveling a mile or more, then came to a halt, turning off the motorcycle. “Okay, this is where we walk.”

  “Walk where?” She slid off.

  He got off the motorcycle and parked it behind a large bush. He whispered, “Don't ask questions. Just follow me.” He swung a large, heavy backpack off the handlebars and slid his arms through the straps.

  Celina was silent. She drew in a hard, deep breath.

  They continued to walk up a narrow path, climbing higher to the top of a mountain. The further they walked, the louder the sound of flowing water could be heard.

  “This way please. We are almost there.” He led the way upwards through a narrow dirt trail.

  Thank goodness he brought me these tennis shoes. There would have been no way I could have made up here in my new heels and barefooted menos, mamacita. “Where are we going?” she asked, and then stopped in her tracks when he turned to look at her with wide eyes. “Okay, I'm sorry, no more questions.” She waved her hand in front of her. “I got it.” She held on to her bag with one hand and held up the bottom of the long sundress in her other.

  Minutes later, they entered through a small, narrow crevice in a cave, with a flashlight. They walked sideways several feet inward until they came to a break in the crevice, where it widened. Not much, about four feet, but enough for them to lie down.

  “Okay, this is as far as we go,” he said, putting the backpack on the ground.

  “Why didn't we keep going, like back to the United States?”

  Pancho gave her an impatient look. “Right now, everyone is looking for us. We wouldn't have made it trying to cross into McAllen. Rafael has lots, I mean lots, of people on the payroll. How else do you think people like him do what they do?”

  “So what is your plan?” she asked, waiting for a clever reply.

  He took a deep a breath, cleared his throat and tried the honesty route. “What I was thinking, is to let things cool down. No one would know to look for us here. Hell, we could stay here for months.”

  “MONTHS! I don't think so. How will we eat? This is crazy.” Her voice escalated looking around the small space in panic. She could bitch and complain until hell froze over, but he was still in charge, and she was still at his mercy.

  “Will you wait a moment?” He stood in front of her face. “What I was thinking, was to get you to Monterrey, and there we can go to the U.S. Consulate for help. Besides, someone is already looking for you, so they know you've gone missing.” He turned around to pull a mat from the backpack.

  She walked over to him. “What was that again? Someone is looking for me? How do you know this?” Her heart began to beat rapidly.

  “Yes, I believe that's why Rafael left abruptly from his house, when you were over there, perfect timing. Some U.S. Marshal was at his club asking questions, apparently with a picture of one of the guys who kidnapped you. He got a little rough with one of the guys there at the club.”

  “Oh my God… Xavier.” She turned away, closed her eyes, releasing a deep breath.

  He observed her reactions. “You know him?” He stood still, holding the backpack.

  “Yes, that's my best friend's brother.” She felt her stomach tighten.

  He laid the mat on the ground then looked up to see her face. “You have a boyfriend? Is he your boyfriend?” he held his breath waiting for her to reply.

  “No.” She shook her head.

  “You don’t have to lie to me,” he whispered. “You are a beautiful woman. It would be hard to believe, that someone as gorgeous as you wouldn’t have someone in her life.”

  She stared back at him, silently for a long moment. She shook her head and said, “I had an ugly experience. Actually,” she let out a hard breath, and then continued, “it was a horrific experience, with a guy that went psycho on me a few years ago. He kidnapped me and did horrible things to me. So I built this wall to protect myself, from ever trusting a man again… until a few weeks ago, when I decided to open the door to love again.”

  He put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it softly. “I’m not the hurting type of guy. Just so you know.”

  She smiled. “Shooting at people, and blowing things up.” She teased him with a giggle.

  He looked down at the ground and chuckled. “You know what I mean, Celina. I have the most respect, for women and children.” He brought his gaze and met hers. Oh how I’d like to wrap my arms around her and just hold her right now. But after hearing that she’s just learning to trust again, I wouldn’t want to push my luck right now. Kissing her would be nice too. I have enjoyed kissing this beautiful creature.

  She cleared her throat and asked. “So, is this where we are sleeping tonight?” She looked around the tiny space, then at the mat, avoiding any other questions.

  “Yep, this it. You can sleep here.” He tapped his hand on the mat and flashed his teeth. “I know this isn’t anything like the Marriott, but it’s the best spot in this crevice.”

  She giggled, then widened her eyes and asked, “Where will you sleep?”

  “Right here next to you.” He sat on the bare ground, and laid this rifle next to him.

  “But there's no room for you on the mat.” She sat down.

  In a gentle voice he said, “I don't need a mat. This mat is for you. I brought it for you, so don't worry about me.” He shook his head firmly.

  “Gee, well thank you. I feel terrible.” She stared
back at him in surprise.

  “Trust me, I'm used to this.” He lay down, making himself comfortable, using the backpack for a pillow, and closed his eyes.

  Celina glanced over to see him. She then lay down on the tiny mat, facing away from him in a fetal position.

  He turned off the flashlight when he felt her lie down next to him. “Good night, Celina.”

  “Good night, Pancho.”

  Chapter 31

  Where did he go?

  The next morning, Pancho woke up and couldn't keep his eyes off Celina. She lay cuddled up next to him, with her long hair fanned out over her head.

  Man she's beautiful, he thought, glancing down to see her hand, fingernails manicured in a bright hot pink, on his chest. He took a deep breath, placed his big hand over hers, and began to stroke it. Women had not been a part of his program, since he had joined the SEALs team. He wasn't looking for a girl. He had just gotten out of the service a few months ago. He was going to have to train himself to let that wall down. It had been recommended to have no commitments if you were going to be a SEAL, because it was tough on family, and even more so, in trying to keep a marriage healthy. He had trained to keep his dick down, due to his commitment to the SEALs. Physically it had been there, but dormant to sex. There had been a few one-night stands, but there had never been a woman that had done what Celina did, with just one kiss. She had bewitched him with that sensual kiss at the nightclub. This girl had weakened him. It was a feeling that he had never felt before.

  He looked at her face, and memorized every curve, and every mole. She even had a tiny scar above her forehead and wondered what had happened to her. There was no doubt in his mind that this was the girl for him. It had been love at first sight, same as the truck that he had bought last month. There was the black Ford Raptor, on the truck lot. Big mud tires and a V-8 engine with enough torque for his off-road adventures. There had been no need for a test drive to make up his mind, same with Celina. He liked what he saw, and wanted her, just like that truck.

  She hugged him tighter, and his dormant dick lengthened and thickened. It was on its way to rising. Oh man. He began to panic. I might come in my pants. I don’t think I’ve ever done that.

  He watched as she began to move, stretching her legs, then her arms. A soft moan escaped her throat. She looked like a sex goddess. The nearness of her and holding her hand, had aroused the thick wedge at the front of his pants. He wanted her. He was as hard as a rock, so hard, heavy and intractable.

  She opened her eyes, when she felt her hand on him, and his hand on hers. Glancing over to him, she said in a soft, sexy voice, “Good morning.” She flashed her teeth and batted her eyes.

  Indeed it is, Celina. He released her hand and replied, “Good morning. Did you sleep well?” He sat up.

  She smiled. “Well, yes and no.” She shifted on the mat when he sat up.

  “Well, which is it more of?” He smiled at her. He looked down at her messy hair, as it lay on her bare shoulders.

  “Yes, because I felt safer here.” Her stare was so sexy, her lashes long as feathers.

  His eyes widened, and his heart raced, captivated by her morning beauty. He had never seen this expression on a woman’s face, looking at him the way she was. Was she just being herself, or was she coming on to him, he wasn’t sure. One thing he could feel, was pre-cum escaping his penis.

  “I'm happy to hear that.” He stood up, shook his leg and grabbed his rifle, swinging it over his shoulder. His body was hot; he felt it blazing hot. He wiped his forehead of the tiny beads of perspiration. He was on the verge of coming any minute. It had been far too long for him.

  “Where are you going?” Her eyes widened with wonder.

  He took one look at Celina’s full, luscious, mouth turned up at the corners, and exploded in his pants. It was more than he could handle. He took a deep breath and stood for a long moment, trying to regain himself. He felt goose bumps all throughout his body, as he ejaculated.

  “Is everything okay?” she asked, looking at the weird facial expressions he was making.

  When he was done, he cleared his throat. “Yes. I'm going to see if I can catch us some fish for breakfast. There's a river that runs through here.” He handed her the flashlight.

  “I see… fish.” She wrinkled her nose making faces.

  “Survival is not easy.” He began to walk towards the entrance of the crevice. “I'll be out here, just so you know. When you come out to the crevice, just make a left, and keep going, and you'll see the river, and waterfall. That's where I'll be.” His voice trailed off.

  He left lightning fast, before his semen penetrated through his boxer shorts, staining his black pants.

  “Okay, I'll be out in a second.” She smiled back at him, holding the flashlight in her hand. Celina lay back down on the mat, and closed her eyes for a long moment, relaxed, and feeling much at ease. She didn’t have to worry about someone coming to get her, forcing her to do something she didn’t want to. She was away from that environment, thanks to Pancho, her hero.

  “Thank you God again, for sending me Pancho to rescue me. Oh, how I wish I could talk to Valeria. I miss her and have so much to tell her. I also wonder how Xavier found information on the guy who took me?” She put the flashlight down; morning sunlight was shining through the crevice, and there was no need for it.

  “But, what now with Pancho? He was so jealous yesterday when he found out I was over at Rafael’s house, then he kissed me hard after he rescued me, and said I was his woman. And this morning, not even a good morning kiss. I love the way he kisses me.” She stretched, and her lips curled with a big smile thinking of him. She sat up.

  “Well, let me see how he's going to catch that fish.” She rose to her feet, and left the narrow opening that they had used as a shelter.

  She got down to the river and was in complete amazement to see a breathtaking waterfall in the distance. She had never seen a waterfall before.

  “My God, how beautiful. Oh, and the water is so blue, and clear. I should have included this as a must see on my bucket list.” She took a deep breath.

  She walked along the bank, dodging tree branches, pushing her way through tangles of vines. As she came closer, she spotted Pancho standing on the edge of the water. He had stripped down to his briefs. She wondered if he would remove his boxers, so she stood still, and didn’t move, so he wouldn’t see her. But he didn’t, he put a knife holster over his head, and jumped in the water.

  “Oh, good lord, just look at that, Valeria, solid muscle, arms, chest, and legs. I got myself my very own stripper, right before my very own eyes. Oh, papi, you're going to give me a heart attack.” A sly smile came over her face. She continued to walk down the slope, keeping her eyes on the water where Pancho had jumped in. “Shit girlfriend, I wish I could tell you what’s going on with me.” She finally made it down to the river, and stood where he had left his clothes. She sat down, looking around into the water, hoping to see him, close, wet, and sexy.

  When minutes passed by, she became worried. She rose to her feet, with both hands over her forehead, trying hard to see into the water. “Oh my God, where is he? I don’t see him. I don’t see him at all.” Her heart began to pound faster. “It's been too long. I don’t have a watch, but I know it’s been too long.”

  She began to walk back and forth along the riverbank, and still no sight of him. She panicked, taking off her tennis shoes, and her dress, she jumped into the water. She swam around and kept coming up for air, hoping to see him, hoping he had surfaced while she was swimming looking for him. After a long time of swimming underwater in search for him, she gave up. She began to cry, while in the water.

  “Shit! What will I do out here, by myself. I don't know where I am. I’m somewhere in the middle of Mexico, with no GPS. I have no money, no phone, people are after me, and I don’t know how to drive that motorcycle. Please God, and all the angels, help me.” She cried uncontrollably.

  “What's wrong? Why are you cryi
ng?” he swam up from behind her. He looked around the riverbank, wondering if someone or something was out there.

  She turned around, took a deep breath and said, “YOU!!! Where were you? I've been swimming around, looking for you.” She paused to catch her breath, and to clear the lump she had in her throat. “I saw you jump in, and thought you had drowned, when you didn't come up.” She then started to cry hysterically again.

  He swam to her, and placed his strong arms around her. A smile came over him, and said, “You mean, you jumped in trying to save me?”

  She tried to pull from his strong hold. “Don't patronize me, you jerk!” She shouted, struggling to free herself. She hit him a few times on his chest, but he was too strong for her.

  He held her tight and planted a big kiss on her lips. He continued to kiss her, until she finally gave in, and kissed him back. He had wanted to do that last night, when they were in the crevice. He had been craving those kisses since.

  She pulled back from the kiss, and said in a raspy voice, “Don’t scare me again like that.” Tears welled in her eyes.

  He gave her a tender smile, and whispered, “I promise.”

  They waded in the water, embracing one another, looking deep into each other’s eyes for a long moment.

  With his forehead on hers, he whispered, “You want to know something?”

  She whispered back, “What?”

  “I really. I mean, I really enjoy kissing you.” He flushed.

  She bit the bottom of her lip, and smiled.

  “Your lips are so soft, and I like the way you taste. They are all I’ve thought of, since you kissed me, back at the club that night. I thought I was going to lose my mind if I didn’t find you.” He brought her in closer.

  “Ditto.” She smiled, and then kissed his nose softly.

  A puzzled look came over his face. “What?”

  She leaned in closer. “It means, I enjoy kissing you too. I like the way you kiss. Don’t know if that’s how you kiss, or if… that’s the way you kiss me.”