Tragic love story of la Carmencita and Don José (Closed)

[DeliciousMaiden]

Closed thread for DM and Steiner.
Hope you enjoy our lil' exploration.
Please PM if you wish to make comments or suggestions.

Prologue:

Seville was a heaving mass of colour and noise.
Its animation had proven all too overwhelming for the young girl from Navarre who sat by the fountain in the square looking around dubiously.
Micaëla had just turned 18 and as she was now considered adult enough to undertake a journey unescorted, she had been sent on an errand of mercy.

So far her mission had been uneventful, she had only set out the previous day and expected to be back home by late tomorrow, but first she had to find him.

She was unaware of the glances thrown in her direction; some curious, some amused, some predatory. Dressed in her peasant style costume her blue dress and single thick blonde plait looked out of place in this sophisticated centre of Seville.
Life here was quite removed from what she was used to and her naivety and youth shone like a beacon before her.

Micaëla sighed as she looked round.
How could he bare to live in a town like this after the peaceful tranquillity of home?
She could not understand it at all and neither could his mother.
She pulled the basket tighter towards her and surveyed the scene once more.

It was with relief, that Micaëla finally noted the barracks.
They were positioned on a hill overlooking the bustle of the town.
The soldiers were leaning against the walls, watching the passers by.
Micaëla hastily took to her feet once more and made her way up the hill towards where the soldiers were on duty.

There were less and less people milling around as Micaëla neared the large stone building.
The townsfolk it seemed kept themselves separate from the soldiers.
The only building nearby seemed to be a large tobacco factory set just beyond the ramparts of the town.
She watched a girl entering the gates, then turned her attention to the soldiers who were milling around before her.
Hesitating, but not wanting to be caught staring, she glanced at each man, hoping that she might recognise Don José.

”Can we be of service?”

She jumped at the voice close by.
Colour filling her cheeks Micaëla gave a halting explanation.

”I’m looking for a corporal,”

The solider smiled broadly.

”Then you’ve come to the right place, my dear.
There are many of us here to choose from, why don’t you come inside and get better acquainted.”

Her panicked reply amused him.

”No … I’m looking for a Corporal called Don José, do you know him?”

She was obviously young and unsophisticated, a perfect diversion from these mundane daily duties, he thought to himself.

”Of course I know him, we all do, don’t we?”

He replied heartily, appealing to his comrades.
Reassured, she barely noticed him drawing her nearer to the barracks and waving her to a bench within the confines of their quad.

”Unfortunately, he’s not in our squad.”

He finally informed her.
Micaëla’s face transparent as ever, fell in disappointment.
The solider gallantly laid his hand on hers.

”But do not fret, little one. He will be here soon.
It is his company who will come to relieve the guard
… so …
why don’t you make yourself comfortable and wait here?”

He sat beside her and raised her hand to his lips.

”We’d be more than happy of your company and it wouldn’t be for long … “

Micaëla looked about her, the soldiers seemed to have drawn closer, most were watching in amusement.
Suddenly feeling ill at ease, she got hurriedly to her feet.

”It’s a very kind offer, Sir, but … “

He interrupted her smoothly.

”Where in Seville would a girl be safer, then with a troop of honourable soliders?”

He coaxed, even as his hand dropped to her hair and ran against the silky plait.
She shivered, unused to such intimacy.

”No … really … I have errands to run.. please...tell Jose, I’ll return later.”

Micaëla saw the amused look crossing the soldier’s face and timidly backed away before slipping swiftly out of the confines of the barracks.
Without pausing to look back, she hurried down the hill back to the centre of the town.
She would rest at the gateway to the town and return later when the guards had been changed, she decided.
Somehow she had not felt comfortable surrounded by all those men.

Morales chuckled as he watched the young girl flee.

”Was that quite necessary?”

His comrade scolded, joining to watch the innocent’s flight.

”No … but amusing ..”

Was the answer given.
The two soldiers joined in laughter and then turned to joking about just what the relationship was between the young girl and the solider she was seeking ...

 

[Steiner]

The day was hot, but Corporal Don Jose of the cities Dragoons joined his comrades in the panoply of a full guard change. As always the confusion, noise and heat of the street fell away as the splendidly uniformed soldiers marched in formation.

As Corporal, Don Jose marched at the head of the column, next to the Captain himself. The men carried glittering lances, but Don Jose and Captain Zuniga carried only sabres, the light blades swinging at their hips on baldricks as they walked.

Musicians played behind the two officers, the beat keeping the men in step, and the whole formation adopted the choreographed swagger of an elite unit.

As always, there was scattered cheering as the company passed alongside one of the many local taverns. Don Jose turned his head and gave the drinkers a mock bow - provoking more cheers and laughter. Captain Zuniga smiled, the handsome Don Jose was one of his more popular officers exactly because he was less reserved, more open.

As the column passed alongside the cigarette factory near the guard post, three of the women hung out the window to shout at the soldiers. The soldiers always laughed at this, saying that women loved a man in a uniform, but Zuniga knew that it had been much more frequent since Corporal Don Jose joined his company. Don Jose waved at the three women as they leaned out the window taking the whole thing in his stride. He shook his head in amusement as the column marched on, and became more serious as they saw the guard post up ahead.

The formality of the changing of the guard was ancient, and the soldiers gave themselves up to the demanding drill and counter drill. The outgoing Corporal, Morales, hung back to say that a pretty country girl had been asking for him and Don Jose realised that Micaela must have come to see him. He reached into his pocket to remove the locket she'd given him, realising that she would want to see him wearing it. Dispatching the men to their posts he took a seat and began to examine the broken chain - trying to fix it before she came back.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

La Carmencita

Carmen gave an exaggerated sigh and raised her gaze insolently at the surveilleuse before her. Work was not for her. She and her friends had been working at the tobacco factory for just over a week. The regular hours, hot conditions and the overbearing bitch who now stood before her preaching about how she was paid to work and not antagonise or amuse the other girls in her turn.

”May I go now, Madame?”

The words courteous, but their intent far from being so.
The woman looked at Carmen with distaste and hostility.
This girl was no less than a tramp.
Her dark hair, complexion and eyes declared her gypsy blood!
Her wanton ways and ribald humour declared her a whore!

”We have precious little break as it is .. you cannot expect quality work if a girl may not be permitted to take her due respite.”

With a shake of the head, she was dismissed.
The woman would preserve her temper, after all there were hours of work left and in the hot humid atmosphere tempers were short and volatile.
Far better the minx go and cool off before returning to completete the shift!

Carmen sauntered away, triumphant that she had cowed the antagonistic harridan. She She smirked as she kicked at Manuelita’s basket on the way out.
Manuelita. She was one girl who was asking for trouble.
Day in and day out she taunted Carmen, trying to ridicule her.
One day she would go too far…
But Manuelita knew nothing, had no idea, Carmen contented herself smugly.
She bandied rumours like fairy stories.
If she knew half of Carmen’s “activites” she would not dare to speak to her so.

Carmen stood at the doorway and adjusted her skirts.
If she could last it out just a couple more weeks, she knew there was a smuggling job imminent and then she and her companions would be needed to … ease the way …
She laughed to herself.
Customs officers were not only fallible, but could give a girl a good time into the bargain!
There was no question of which side of the law Carmen was on.
She was a law unto herself!

Hidden in the cool doorway of the building, Carmen watched the throng of gentlemen milling before her.
When the bell sounded for the girls’ break they were usually besieged by young men from the town and surveyed approvingly by the dragoons posted in the barracks opposite.
Just because the girls worked half naked within the confines of the factory, the talk went round that they were therefore “easy”.
Carmen laughed as she stepped forward into the sunlight.
No one in their right mind would ever term her as “easy”.
Like many of her co-workers, Carmen was still scantily clad preferring to cool off outside, rather than don on the respectable layer of clothing which Manuelita and her compatriots were so fastidious about.

As soon as she was spotted the cry went up and would-be suitors immediately surrounded her.
She turned a brilliant smile upon the young men who vied for attention, giving them all hope, yet making promises to none of them.

Why else would she put up with the rigours of regular work, unless there were not considerable “perks” to be had close at hand?

 

[Steiner]

Corporal Don Jose was vaguely aware that the square had become packed with young men. It happened every day at around this time, and he'd long ago ceased to be amazed at the avidity with which his fellow men chased the women who worked at the cigarette factory.

He himself saw nothing particularly appealing in the women's brazen displays of flesh or sexuality. It wasn't that he didn't find them attractive - some of them were VERY shapely - it was just that they paled before his own girls simple charms. She was so pure, so innocent and so fragilely beautiful that Don Jose could scarce believe she existed at all.

He checked that the guards were all posted - they were - at this hour he had little to fear of inattention or laziness because all the troops were busy looking grand for the cigarette girls who were out on break. Don Jose himself took up a seat in front of the guard post and opened a few buttons on his heavy brocaded tunic - as he sat in the hot sun a few buttons became the whole jackets, which he folded and lay aside in the hot sun.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

La Carmencita

Carmen sauntered through the crowd of young gallants, laughing, as their comments grew more and more outrageous. The girls of her group watched and shared her amusement, but in the far corner Manuelita stood and glared.

”Tell us which of us you are in love with?”

One would-be beau implored her theatrically dropping to his knees and offering her a bright red acacia flower.
Carmen let her eyes smoulder and hold his as she slid the stem of the flower into her bosom.
His eyes goggled as he watched the stems ink into her ample cleavage until the crimson petals nestled to adorn her ripe bosom.
Laughing Carmen stood and dismissed him with the wave of her hand.

”I am not in a loving mood today!”

She declared firmly.
The boy looked crestfallen.
Taking pity on him she moved closer and spoke in a stage whisper.

”Be wary of loving me, "mon brave",
my love would be too heady a potion for your innocent senses…”

So staying, she strutted over to Mercedes.
And yet, as she had intended they should, still the men urged her to make a choice.

”But which of us could you love?
Who has won your favour Carmen?”

Carmen rolled her eyes and laughed.

”I would not love one who is too eager.
What is the challenge or the fun in that?
What use would my gypsy charms be to me then?”

She looked around the crowd.
It would be all to easy to make her choice, to choose a different lover each week, each day even!
And yet she would tire of that so quickly.
She was growing bored of their attention.
There was much more to love than that.
She wanted passion, not this puppy-like adoration!

Her casual glance suddely halted.
Her eyes lighted upon an officer, an officer she had seen but a few times before.
Keeping her demeanour casual, Carmen watched as he toyed with a chain.
His back was determinedly turned on the activities in the square and turned on her.
He was totally unaware of her presence.
Carmen's eyes narrowed, like a cat who had sighted her prey.
She addressed the crowd in a raised voice, intending her comments to carry over to the bench where he sat.

”The man I would choose, would not be as aware of my charms as you are, mes amis.

She paused dramatically, before continuing her voice full of husky promise.

"I would have to enchant him,
weave my spell around him,
ensnare him in my web of pleasures ...
until he was utterly trapped...!"

She glanced round her appreciative and openly lustful audience.

"Love that hits when one least expects it is the most powerful…”

Carmen concluded softly, her eyes irrepressibly drawn to the handsome soldier.
Almost as if sensing her gaze, he turned for the first time.
The casual look was cast over the whole square, it was a mere enquiry as to what or who was causing the present disturbance.

He did not single her out.
He did not meet her eye.

Carmen knew then what she would do.
Casually she stood and still taking the attention of the assembled throng with her, began to edge subtly across to where her target had turned back to focus his attentions on his chain.

 

[Steiner]

Don Jose let his glance rise from the chain he was working on. The gold was too brittle to work like this, but the Corporal's considerable dexterity had almost teased the two halves together - at least solidly enough to last until he could pay a Jeweler to mend it properly.

Suddenly he was aware that traffic in the square was behaving slightly irregularly. At first glance, everything seemed normal - young men making idiots of themselves in front of young women - but something was different. Even his own men were too still at their posts - not bantering enough, not moving enough. He stood to cast his eyes across the throng, searching for the cause of the disturbance, but couldn't see what was causing it.

With a casual shrug of unconcern he turned his face down to his mending again, completely oblivious of Carmen across the square. Her gaze had attempted to catch his and, for the first time in quite awhile, had completely failed. Don Jose was blissfully unaware...

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

La Carmencita

”I am an enchantress of hearts …”

Carmen continued, playing to the crowd as she slowly covered the distance between her and the disinterested solider.

”The love of a gypsy if a powerful thing. I could bind any one of you to me forever,”

She threw back her head and laughed at the assembled throng of young men who all offered to become enchanted.

”But what would be the thrill of that…?”

Carmen purred.

”For you are all at least half in love with me already…”

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Manuelita glaring at the “spectacle” she were making. The old prune would never get a beau with such a sour face, Carmen mused smugly. All around her the offers continued, each man wanting to be picked to be wrapped in Carmen’s magic net.
Carmen raised her hands theatrically.

”My powers will show me which one of you will belong to me…”

She announced and began to move seductively through the throng.
Eyes half closed, her hands moving through the air, body swaying more slowly and provocatively than the gypsy dances she often used to attract her would-be suitors, Carmen edged through the crowd, brushing her body against this man, stroking her fingers over that one … her whole act a tease setting many a hot blooded male on edge. Pretending not to notice the occasional surreptitious strokings and the bulging groins of her audience, Carmen moved with deliberation to where her target still sat, his back turned towards her.

Stopping dramatically, Carmen turned abruptly and let her gaze wander insolently over the virile form of the young soldier. She threw her gaze back at the crowd gave a lewd expression of appreciation. Only when her audience responded with laughter did José turn and look quizzically at the assembled crowd and then raised his head to look Carmen up and down. Staring brazenly, Carmen let her eyes take in his appearance and wander down to hover on his crotch, disappointingly unresponsive!
She leaned over, placing a hand on his shoulder, and eyed the chain on which he was working. Her body was deliberately posed so he could see all her curves and see all that was to offer of her flesh pressed about the acacia flower in her cleavage.

”What is it that holds your attention so, mon gallant?”

Her voice was soft with gentle enquiry.

The soldier seemed unsure. She could tell that he would give anything to ignore her, but honour made him at least give a semblance of politeness.

” … a chain… it was broken… “

He offered stiltingly.

” … then you break a good many things, mon brave..”

Carmen purred aware that those around were listening.
The soldier was looking at her now, but seemed confused at best and at worst, unimpressed by her obvious charms.

”… for you have broken my heart…”

José’s disbelieving laugh prompted a bolder enquiry from him.

”I? … and how could I break your heart? You who have new lovers every week?”

Carmen smiled broadly at his faux pas.

”Ahhh… so you have noticed me then …. José…”

Her voice caressing his name as she smiled delightedly, then laughing loudly at his stuttered denials.

”’Tis of no matter, for I know that in truth you are in love with me.”

Again his derisive laughter met her claim.

”Do not bother to deny it, José, for I have bewitched you …
it lacks but one final spell and your heart is mine…”

The crowd seeing good sport drew closer.
The Sevillian men keen to see the handsome dragoon the object of ridicule encouraged her loudly.
Many were jealous of José’s popularity before and were now more than happy to encourage Carmen to make him the object of her ridicule.
Pressing forward, they were curious as to how the young soldier would react when Carmen played her games and pressed up against him, stroking and whispering such words in his ears. He would be trapped by his exaggerated sense of honour.

Turning her back on the assembled audience, Carmen sat closely beside José and spoke in an intimate whisper, disappointing even those voyeurs who pressed close.

”Like a startled bird, you fly from love José.
Love surrounds you, pursues you, yet you reject it.
I have spun my charms, my spells, but you must accept,
You must surrender to destiny, to what must be … “

Even as the crowd held its breath, the factory bell clanged, cutting raucously across the rapt silence of the square.
At once all was noise and bustle.
The girls bade their beaus a hasty farewell,
the men rolled their eyes and turned away from the unmoving José.
Mercedes and Franquita came to stand by Carmen.
Carmen stood slowly, aware that José’s eyes now followed her every move.
Her hand moved to the acacia flower at her bosom.
Slowly, so slowly she drew it out and offered it to him.

”It is too late to resist.
I can see in your eyes that my spell is already working.”

Again the bell clanged.
Still José did not take the proffered token.

”Eh bien, you shall see… even against your will, you shall be mon amour,”

So saying she threw the flower at him and turning ran off without a backward glance, her laughter mingled with that of her two friends filling the square as they disappeared into the confines of the factory gates.

 

[Steiner]

Don Jose felt the bloom strike him in the chest as if it were a sword blow - he was aware of all his friends and the onlookers watching him to see how he'd react.

He shook his head and turned back to the chain he was repairing - his whole form suggested a pose of casual indifference to Carmens act and from the mutterings he knew that his stock had soared to new heights. NOBODY turned down Carmencita, she was the one who did the refusing and played the games!

The old men drinking their vino at the cantina nodded approvingly - this was how you treated a Gypsy hussy, they agreed - each knowing the secret, that she had made them hard from across the breadth of the square. The young men spoke slightingly of Don Jose's manhood, but inside each of them knew that he had more courage and control than they. They broke up almost dejectedly, knowing that they should have the restraint to ignore the Gypsy temptress, rather than becoming pawns in her little games of love.

The Dragoons returned to their duties - impressed with their leader, and bursting to repeat the story to the others in their company in the barracks - where it would grow in the tellling. The square cleared, finally, and so it was that nobody saw Don Jose stoop to pick up the flower and quickly tuck it beneath his jacket...

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

La Carmencita

Carmen spread her legs and lazily rolled the tobacco along her smooth thighs.

”So cruel to tease him so …”

Commented Mercedes as they laughed.

”A handsome dragoon, but obviously not your type ma mignonne,”

Franquita rolled her eyes at Carmen.

”Then he will be my type … it will take time, but … I like a challenge…”

The two friends exchanged glances and watched Carmen’s nonchalant air as she continued in her work. In truth José’s reluctance to be drawn by her charms had piqued her interest. She was not used to pursuing. He was a handsome and honourable soldier according to what she had heard. She smiled dreamily imagining …

”It is good to see that not everyone falls for your harlot’s ways!”

Carmen’s eyes narrowed and focused on Manuelita.
She was looking very smug, very pleased.

”The gypsy … rejected..!
Only certain kinds of men want a whore … and whores are not kept long…”

Carmen’s expression hardened as Mauelita’s laughter rang out.
Mercedes and Franquita exchanged worried glances, well knowing Carmen’s volatile temper.
But Carmen's response, though pointed, was calm:

”Better to be a whore than a witch. Men have use for whores, witches …”

She paused meaningfully and watched her enemies nostrils flare in fury.
Standing Manuelita declared.

”It is you Carmen who practise the black arts!”

Carmen matched her actions.
The two women facing each other, hostility in the air.

”But it is you who have the poisonous tongue!”

Carmen jeered at her and continued:

”I don’t see any man coming near you, much less making an offer of payment!
You must be so desperate, I’m sure you’d welcome any offer.”

She watched the girl’s fists clench in impotent rage.

”Besides, why would I charge my lovers?
There is so much more to give and receive, it goes far beyond money transactions, but
sadly you wouldn’t know about that, would you?”

Carmen’s voice was all pity, her tone sugared, designed to provoke.

”You evil mouthed bitch!”

Manuelita’s rage burst from her.
Carmen’s laughed, her voice ringing out barely noticing that all around them had ceased their work and were watching.
Without warning, Carmen felt a stinging blow fall across her face.
She looked at Manuelita in surprise and almost admiration.
So.. she wanted to play rough did she…?

Carmen reached forward, wound her hand in the girl's hair and pulled.
Manuelita gave a startled cry of pain.

”Carmen.. no!”

Mercedes warned, but Carmen was past warnings.
She would teach this sanctimonious hag a lesson!

The slaps and hair pulling escalated.
Nails scratched, insults were exchanged.
As their catfight grew more and more heated, the surveilleuse finally arrived and seeing the upturned baskets and tables pushed askew dived between the fighting girls, temporarily halting the excited shouts of encouragement or reprimand that had filled the room.

Carmen and Manuelita stood facing each other.
Both were breathless.
Their hair was wild, their clothes torn, their skin scratched.
Their eyes were still locked on each other.
The hostility still waiting to erupt at any second.
All the time the surveilleuse scolded, berated,

Manuelita was beside herself at what she saw as the injustice of it all!
She eyed Carmen and spoke quietly this time.

”You’re no good. You bring trouble wherever you go…”

Half of the girls murmured agreement. Allegiances were firm on both sides.

”And today for the first time, you had that thrown in your face.
And you didn’t like it!
That soldier. He’s not for you!
An honourable, respectable man!
What would he ever see in you? In a gypsy tramp?”

Still Carmen was silent.
Mercedes and Franquita paled and exchanged worried glances.
Manuelita, encouraged that she had a forum to speak continued, believing that she finally had the upper hand.

”You’re worthless, Carmen.
You’re not good enough for such a man.
So … you try to ridicule him … but he …”

Manuelita never completed her sentence.
She never saw the knife in Carmen’s hand until it flashed before her eyes and cut across her cheekbone.
The wound was not deep, but began to bleed immediately.

Manuelita screamed.
Carmen lunged for her once more.
Girls jumped between to pull them apart.
All was chaos.

The bell sounded the alarm.
All was panic and pandemonium.
Girls screamed and headed for the exits in their panic.
Finally the factory gates were opened and the distraught women poured out into the square.
The soldiers looking down saw the women running across to the soldiers heard them begging for assistance.

Voices and cries filled the air, yet the story was unclear.
Two names were shouted.
Manuelita ... and ... Carmen.
Who was at fault and who was hurt was unclear.
The women themselves turned on each other and a brawl broke out.
The solidiers had to restore order out there, before even attempting to enter the factory and assertain what had taken place.

Meanwhile inside ...

Manuelita, bleeding copiously was surrounded by her friends and allies. Over and over she called for revenge, accusing Carmen and blaming her for the entire episode.

Mercedes and Franquita had pulled Carmen away, urged her to conceal her knife once more and tried to calm her down.
They pulled her to the far end of the factory building, well out of sight and earshot of the cursing Manuelita.
Both tried desperately to calm her.

”Mon dieu, Carmen, calme-toi ma chere.
You must use your wits to get out of this one!”

Carmen shrugged.
She did not care.

”She was asking for it!”

Was her unrepentant response.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

La Carmencita

Carmen watched as the soldiers entered the building.
She heard their shouts, their questions, but in the babble of voices, the truth could not be heard, stories contradicted each other. All was chaos.
That was until “he” entered the room.

From her concealment, Carmen watched as José silenced the women and ordered the soliders.
She watched as he approached the old surveilleuse.

”.. Catin! … “

Carmen cursed her enemy under her breath and watched helplessly as Mme La Surveilleuse gave an exact account and pointing towards where the attack had taken place.

Silently, Carmen moved into the depths of the factory.
With a nod to Mercedes and Franquita, she watched, a smile curling her lips as her friends sent the soldiers on a wild goose chase.
She shadowed them as they picked their way around the steamy dimly lit rooms.

But Carmen was a realist.
She knew she could not evade the authorities indefinitely.
When they finally came upon her, as she intended they would.
She sat; skirt hitched high, rolling tobacco on her silken thighs.

Looking up she smiled sweetly, but Jose was unimpressed.

No doubt smarting from the slight she had accorded him in front of those assembled in the square, he roughly took her arm himself and marched her out of the factory into the assembled throng beyond.

Releasing her finally as he drew her before his Captain, he made his report, telling of the events, which had taken place that morning.
Carmen kept her eyes roaming lasciviously over the Captain’s form and did not notice her wounded adversary moving out into the square, no doubt to see that justice was served and Carmen was appropriately punished.

 

[Steiner]

Any other type of man would feel ten feet tall in Corporal Don Jose's place, he mused. The tearful denunciations, his grim promise that justice would be served, the long hot search, and finally the "triumphant procession" through the factory.

The factory girls had been most generous in their appraisal of Don Jose's performance - and in their appraisal of his other attributes. Even the hard faced Surveilleuse had cooed and billed at him as were she a turtle dove rather than a hatchet faced old harridan.

But Carmen herself had robbed her apprehension of any trace of triumph. On a whim he had checked the workplace - the least likely of places according to her "helpful" friends who directed his soldiers hither and yon in the heat and the fumes.

At first he had marched up to her - secure in his duty, but as he approached he could see that she had her skirts hitched high, and was rolling the cigars on the most perfect thigh he had ever seen. His mouth, open to proclaim her downfall, had stayed open silently, and his eyes - unused to cunning lies - had watched the firm cigar moulded by the equally firm thigh, skillfully rolled by Carmens tapered fingers.

And when he finally ripped his eyes up to her face, she was returning his gaze, knowingly. Challengingly.

Which is why he was rougher with her than need be. Why he had a face like leaden death as he marched her to the square. He had seemingly dragged her to the square - hand tight about her arm - in truth, however, she had established a much firmer hold on him than he on her.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

La Carmencita

Carmen stood in the middle of the square.
She knew all eyes were on her, but not all were friendly.
She had many enemies.
Many did not appreciate the gypsy girl’s irreverence and her success with “their” men.
She stood and pointedly rubbed her arm where Jose had grabbed her and then putting her hands on her hips let her eyes run the length of Captain Zuniga’s uniformed body.
The Captain was not an attractive man.
Neither did his age make him distinguished, but if she could charm him into letting her go ...

All the time Jose made out his report.
His tone angry and impatient.
But Carmen could not afford to consider that now.
She kept her head up and eyed the Captain seeing him smile at her boldness.

”A girl was injured, you say? How badly?”

The Captain’s question rang out sharply as he moved to Carmen circling her.
Carmen could feel his eyes raking her body, knew he was mentally undressing her, but she remained head high, ignoring the unexpected aversion she felt to his "attentions".

”Bleeding, there’ll be a scar for some weeks, but … not serious mon Capitan..”

Jose conceded, almost reluctantly.
Carmen glanced aside at him.
He had omitted to report that Manuelita had not stood meekly by.
Carmen’s own clothes were torn, her hair wild, covered in scratches where the little cat had …

”Such a shame … “

The captain was stood before her now. He ran his hand over her neckline, tracing a scratch that lightly discoloured her skin. Carmen flinched.

”I’m sure you’re a “nice” girl really … “

Carmen pulled away, making the gesture seem playful.
”Too nice to be mauled by a letch like you, She thought, but kept the smile pinned to her face.
Zuniga grinned, taking her response as a challenge.

”But … what should we do with you …?”

He cooed, his hand tracing from her clevage and down her bodice, whilst Carmen gritted her teeth and tried not to slap the presumptious Captain.

”Catin!!!”

The scream made all turn around.
Manuelita, no doubt assuming that her attacker was about to get away with her crime lunged forward, a shard of cut glass in hand and flew towards Carmen.
Carmen sprung and knocked the makeshift weapon free then fell upon the girl kicking and scratching, both screaming insults as yet another catfight started.
Solidiers held the surrounding crowd back and it was left to Jose to plough between the two and pull Carmen away, pinning her to him as she struggled to get at the other girl once more.

Finally Manuelita was led away, but Carmen remained trapped against Jose’s firm body.
Her bosom heaving, eyes flashing she calmed, but still he held her, suspecting that she would take flight at any minute and pursue her adversary.
Captain Zuniga approached Carmen, a lewd smile on his face as he watched her thus restrained.

”Eh bien ma petite… “

His hand moved to brush her hair away from her face.
She remained immobile then, but Jose felt her body stiffen and then quiver in revulsion as Zuniga turned away.

”It seems we must teach our little hell cat a lesson.
Jose … bind those lovely hands of hers, so they can do no more damage…”

Turning he threw the cords over to Jose, who releasing Carmen, deftly caught them.
Unexpectedly Carmen remained immobile.
He saw his superior turn to collect a paper and knew what he had in store for Carmen.
Looking back, he noticed with surprise that Carmen had turned towards him and was holding out her hands, her gaze seemingly submissive.
Jose was unaccountably angry … with her .. with the Captain …
Wordlessly he bound one wrist and then spinning her round he pulled the other behind her.
She gasped, but he did not pause to consider if the exclamation was one of shock or pain and merely proceeded to tie her hands securely behind her back.

”A short stay in prison should tame you Senorita.”

The Captain announced.
Around her there was a combination of cries of dismay and cheers of triumph.
Carmen was either loved or hated.
Zuniga turned to hand the papers to Jose.
He could do without troublemakers, perhaps later … but his interest in Carmen – under his watch – was short lived.

”You take the order. Take her to the guardroom. I’ll get an escort together, avoid trouble …”

He eyed the agitated crowd and cursed the trouble she had caused on what should have been an easy duty.
Zuniga ran his hand once more along the tied beauty’s generous curves.
Carmen stared at him defiantly and did not give him the satisfaction of a protest.
Only Jose knew just how much his touch disgusted her.
Turning Zuniga dismissed her from his thoughts.

 

[Steiner]

Corporal Don Jose

Don Jose cursed as he led the tied girl away to the guardroom - he had never guessed at his superiors flagrant corruption until now! He cursed the other woman, Manuelita, for her aggravation of the situation - but mostly he cursed Carmen, for the position that she had put him in.

Don Jose was, basically, a just and honourable man. Although Carmen was a wild creature, fully deserving of the prison sentence, she was not deserving of what Captain Zuniga had in store for her. He had heard of this happening before - a woman convicted summarily, thrown into the guard room to ponder her fate, and then, late during the dogwatch, the Captain and several of his cronies would appear at her cell door.

They would offer her the chance to simply leave town now, at a price...

Then they would lay her down on a table, her hands and feet bound to the four table legs, and simply use her between them until dawn. Any protest, fighting or poor behaviour and she would simply be placed back into the cell for another day. If she was compliant enough for their tastes, she would be abandoned on the outskirts of town. The idea of it revolted him, and he sighed as they pushed Carmen across the square to the guard room.

In addition to his internal revolt, he remembered well the feeling as her tight body had squrmed against him, her bottom grinding into his groin as she struggled, his arms around her, pulled up tight under her breasts as she writhed and kicked.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

La Carmencita

Carmen remained silent as Jose led her to the guard room.
Only once inside did she allow herself to slump against the wall and begin to worry as to how long she would stay imprisoned and exactly what her fate would be.
This was not good for business. She regularly helped smuggle brandy and other contraband across the border. If her face were known to the authorities …
And all because of a petty brawl!
Carmen had done worse with no consequence!

She sighed heavily and glanced over at where Jose was sat at a desk.
She had not missed the way he had looked at her in the factory.
Perhaps he could be persuaded …. But no… he was far too honourable … still …

She walked over to him quietly. She knew her wild seductive ways would not work with him. She would have to be much cleverer.

”Seigneur l’Officer … ?”

She addressed him respectfully.

”Please.. these cords … they are so tight. Could you loosen them a bit ?”

He seemed to eye her suspiciously, as if expecting a trick.

”Please Monsieur … they hurt so.. “

She entreated softly.

”Very well. Turn around.”

She did so and allowed him to work on the ropes.
She gasped as they cut into her. The pain genuine rather than artifice.
In truth he had tied her more than securely.

”There… better..? I’m afraid they’re necessary … we can’t have you … “

”But why..?”

She interrupted halting him in his speech.

”Why are they necessary? Why must I go to prison?
We both know it’s unjust. You saw what happened out there.
I’m not blameless, but the fight was on both sides.”

She looked up at him entreatingly appealing to his sense of fair play.
She knew Zuniga had some … motive … for ordering her imprisonment.
She could only guess at why he had taken against her.
Rather than charm him, she had done the reverse.

Turning to sit on a small stool, Carmen moved her foot to sketch out a pattern in the dust.

”But what is to become of me? “

She spoke with calculated self-pity.

”Locked in a dark prison… and for how long … how long before they do not miss me … before Carmen is forgotten…. ?”

Jose remained silent as if sensing her insincerity.

”How can you do such a thing to a fellow Navarresse?
Have you no loyalty to our heritage?”

Jose stood up with a mocking laugh.

”You from Navarre? Hardly? Look at your colouring, your features.
It’s obvious you’re a gypsy!”

He was close to her now, looking down at her mockingly.

”A gypsy, you say..?”

Carmen purred, letting her breasts jut forward as she eyed him.

”You’re right … so I am a gypsy … what of it?
You’ll still let me escape…”

Jose laughed incredulous and amused.

”I’m going to let you escape?”

Carmen nodded, her eyes never leaving his.

”Of course…. Because you love me… “

His laughter dried up, turning to her he growled dismissively.

”I?!? Love a gypsy whore … ?“

She laughed at his adamant denial, then stood and began moving slowly towards him.

”No… a gypsy sorceress …
It’s not use denying it Jose.
I’ve enchanted you … that flower… I know you still have it …
Even if you throw it away now … it’s too late.
It has stayed close to your heart long enough already.
The spell has worked.”

Jose’s face darkened. His anger evident.
He ordered her back to the stool.
Ordered her to be silent.

”As you wish … mon amour… “

She complied simply, her expression one of passive acceptance.
All the while her mind raced.
She had struck a nerve. She could see that.
He wasn’t as indifferent to her as he would like to pretend.
She watched as he stomped about the guardhouse occupying himself with all manner of duties, rather than be forced to speak with her again.
Her eyes ran over his body.
As a lover he would be quite something … she speculated.
Such rage, such repressed passion.
She dimpled a smile.
All she had to do was … tempt him a little further.