Excerpt of Cuba Undercover by Linda Bond

She couldn’t really back up because she was at the end of the wall.

“Maybe you should run for office. And bring about change yourself.”

Two steps. That’s all it took for Antonio to tower over her, using his height, she was sure, and the precariously thin stone wall as a way to intimidate her.

“If I did run, would you vote for me?”

The hope in his eyes forced her back a half step. She teetered, feeling breathless and dizzy. She reached for his arms, hoping he would anchor her. His hand flew behind her back, pulling her toward him.

“What’s it going to take to make you believe in my mission?”

He leaned down to whisper in her ear, “What’s it going to take to make you believe in me?”

She rocked back on her heels, but the pressure of Antonio’s hand kept her from falling.

“I…well.”

She swallowed and swayed again. Antonio was holding her too close. He had to be able to feel her heart racing at this proximity. She placed her hands flat against his chest. His heart was pounding, too. Too close. They were too close, and she couldn’t breathe. Antonio reached out and drew one finger slowly down her cheek, tracing a path to her chin, which he cupped in his hand.

“We could do good if we worked together.” Her breath caught in her lungs, and she couldn’t move. She could smell Antonio’s musky aroma, mixed with the dust from the road. His hold on her chin forced her to see the truth in his gaze. Although he didn’t say anything else, his dilated eyes confirmed what she wanted to know. He values my opinion. He’s attracted to me. His thumb brushed over her lower lip. She inhaled sharply, and raw desire shot through her. And I am attracted to him. Crazy. This is crazy. For the first time in twenty-six years, someone other than her mother believed she had value. She wasn’t sure what turned her on more: the realization this impressive man appreciated her, or the expert way he touched her, with that controlled restraint, despite all the intensity she knew remained bottled inside him. The skin all over her body bristled. She could only imagine what it might feel like should they both let go.

His gaze rested on her mouth, his chest rising and falling. She had no doubt he was also being swept up in the odd chemistry between them. But she couldn’t do this with this man. He was a revolutionary. Maybe even a killer. And when they got back to America, he’d also be known as her kidnapper. The public would think she’d lost her damn mind.

“I can’t kiss you.” Holy shit, did that just come out? Antonio blinked rapidly. He was still breathing hard, but this time when he inhaled, he retreated, putting the usual distance between them. As he backed away, she watched the passion drain out of his eyes.