Insatiable Desire

Teng o de tus ojos, de tu boca, de tus besos...

These were the first words I heard Luiz speak.

I long for your eyes, tongue, and kisses...

On a sunny October day, he stood at the front of a University of Miami classroom and recited a poem in both Spanish and English. It was the second week of school, and he had moved to Public Speaking 101. He had previously skipped a few courses, so everyone noticed him when he read aloud.

All the females couldn't quit staring at him. Neither could I.

I was 19 years old.

Luiz stood tall and wore worn trousers and a basic black T-shirt. The dark stubble on his face, mixed with his black brows, eyelashes, and short black hair, gave him the appearance of the devil's best disciple. A flashing red peril for my heart.

Luiz gazed as he spoke. At me. I was seated in the second row. His eyes were filled with possessive want, and I wanted to fall at his feet and ask him to do anything he wanted with my body and soul.

When he finished speaking, Luiz looked at me with a half-smile that promised pleasure.

I was out of breath. Hypnotized.

Thank you, Mr. Menendez. "Ms. Lavoie, you're next," the professor announced, shocking me sufficiently to swiftly grab my papers. One dropped to the floor, and I hurried to get it, picking it up with shaking fingers.

I stepped to the front of the room, passing Luiz as he took his seat. I swallowed hard when our gazes connected for a brief moment. My mouth felt uncomfortably wet, so I folded my arms. I was conscious of how my vintage black-and-rose-printed Betsey Johnson slip dress and black flip-flops brushed against my flesh and wanted to take everything off. luiz's look left me feeling exposed. Makes me want to be nude. With him.

"Please tell us the title of the poem you're reading," the lecturer asked.

"I chose 'Sonnet Seventeen' by Neruda," I said in a faint voice, looking at the floor.

"Uncross your arms." And you'll have to talk louder. Remember: this is a public speaking lesson, not a public whispering class.

The few students who tried to pay attention chuckled, and I raised my gaze to Luiz. He slouched low in his chair, his long legs sprawled across the front row. His lips curled upward and formed a sensuous grin. I tucked my wavy hair behind my ears.