“First of all," she said, "We simply must do something about this uniform. It is very unflattering for a woman with a body as lovely as yours." She casually reached up and started to unbutton Maria's thick, heavy blouse. Her eyes were wide and avid, the pupils dilated.

Maria's breath came fast and deep. She knew she should pull away.

Should run out the door and drive off. Should report this to her boss and to the police. But she did nothing. She stood, trembling and helpless, like a rabbit under the gaze of a hawk.

In moments her uniform was unbuttoned to the waist. Rachel pushed it off her shoulders, letting the garment fall loose to drape around her middle. Her cheeks burning, she tried to cover her body with her arms, but failed utterly.

“Oh, stop it," Rachel said gently.

“Why do you try to hide your beautiful body? I know women in my office who would kill for one like yours." She walked around Maria slowly, her hand trailing along the skin of her belly, her back. Her skin was strangely hot as she caressed the length of her spine.

“Lovely," she said, satisfied, as she came around to her front again.

“But this," she continued, letting her hand graze the plain white cotton of Maria's bra. "It won't do. When you come to work for me, I want something more." As if it were the most natural thing in the world, she reached behind Maria and unclasped her bra. Her breasts sprang loose, wantonly exposed to her view.

"Oh," Rachel sighed. "Yes, that is so much better. Can you do this for me, Maria? Can you choose to not hide your beauty, but flaunt it? Show me and my family the blessings which have been bestowed upon you?

“Not that you should walk around topless every day," she said, with a glint of humor. "I don't want to expose my family to that much temptation. I am trying to reconcile with Josh, after all. I can't have him Looking at you when he should be looking at me. Just wear something attractive. Something which will remind us of the beauty to be found in the world." Her voice deepened.

“Something which will make us desire you, as a woman should be desired."

Run away! The voice of Father Martinez roared in her mind. Filthy strumpet! Will you defy your Lord this way by selling your soul for money and comfort?

~Stay.~ A second voice overrode the priest's ranting. It was deep, rich, and heady, like dark chocolate and sin. ~Stay and learn what true happiness is like. Stay and learn the power and glory of your body.~

Desire opened like a pit in Maria's belly. She trembled softly, wondering whether her deepest, most hidden fantasies were about to come true.

“You're beautiful, too," she said softly. She stood bravely, meeting

Rachel's eyes. "I would never try to take your novio away from you. He should be in your bed. But I would like to be there, too."

An unnameable emotion crossed over Rachel's pale face. In an instant, she had closed the distance between them, her hands on Maria's hips, her head turning sideways, her mouth descending, opening Like a flower, her white teeth gleaming in the dim Light.

When their lips touched, it was like lightning. Maria gave a groan which was half-desire, half-anguish, and she lifted her hands to run them through Rachel's fine, silky hair. She yearned towards her, her breasts aching, her nipples contracting into hard, tight buds on her breasts. They scraped on the silk of Rachel's blouse and she shook with animalistic pleasure.

In the silence, broken only by the panting sound of their breath, the ring of the phone was jarringly loud. Pulling away from Maria, Rachel let loose with a stream of curses which made her blush. She fished her phone out of her slacks and answered it, one arm still curled possessively around Maria's waist. Trembling at her audacity, Maria ran inquisitive fingers up her sides, her hands straying dangerously close to the curves of her breasts.

“ALL right," Rachel sighed. "I'll be there as soon as I can." She tapped a button on the phone and the screen went dark. "I have to go," she said regretfully. Her eyes were wide, and a trace of fear could be seen on her face. "The jury is back. It's too soon," she continued softly. "I expected them to take several days to reach a verdict. Maybe more."