“Idiota,” she yelled.
His grip tightened around her waist. “Call me that again and I’ll drown you myself.”
The potent anger in his eyes astonished her but what surprised her even more was that it was laced with fright. Had he actually been frightened for her?
“I’m sorry,” she breathed near his ear before the current swallowed them once again.
Rafael was breathless and Gaby was fighting for air when they surfaced.
“We have to get to shore,” Rafael said between breaths, “before we reach the bend.”
Gaby nodded. She knew the current worsened after the bend and their chances of surviving slim.
“Hold tight, querida,” he urged with a whispered breath.
She obeyed him this time, clinging so tightly to him that she felt his hard muscles grow taut as he warred with the current, demanding it release them. She aided as best she could, but her meager strength did little, if anything, to help.
She heard loud screams just seconds after Rafael did. She turned in that direction and spotted Enrico on the riverbank a few feet ahead. He held a rope, the other end attached to the horn of his saddle. He gestured and pointed and Rafael acknowledged his understanding with a wave.
The bend came into view up ahead. They had precious little time.
“Wrap your two arms around me and hold tight.”
Once again she obeyed, burying her face in the crook of his neck.
In seconds they were jerked to a quick stop and their bodies spun around as though the current was in a tug of war with them.
“Hold tight,” Rafael demanded again.
Gaby understood and did as directed. Rafael had grabbed the rope Enrico had thrown to him and struggled to hold on to it as the horse fought to bring them to shore. Gaby was dunked beneath the surface several times and each time she managed to fight her way up, knowing Rafael was too busy keeping tight rein on the rope, their only chance of survival.
Finally, they both lay on the grassy riverbank, still entwined in each other’s arms, their breathing too labored for them to speak.
Rafael refused to release her just yet. Besides, her face remained buried in the crook of his neck. Her full breasts were crushed against his chest, her slim legs tucked between his thick one and their wet clothes made it feel as though they lay naked together.
Rafael could not get the thought of her naked in his arms out of his mind. It didn’t matter that they had just nearly lost their lives or perhaps his improper thoughts actually reaffirmed that they were very much alive. And he was ever so grateful.
“Are you all right?” he asked gently.
“Yes,” she sighed, her soft breath tickling the skin beneath his wet shirt.
“Can you stand?”
She knew she could, but she didn’t want to. It felt so good being in his arms, too good.
“I’ll help you,” he offered when she didn’t respond.
Reluctantly, Gaby untangled herself from him. He assisted her to stand and she steadied herself by holding tight to his forearms.
“Enrico, go inform my mother that we’re fine and that we’ll be along in a moment.”
Enrico nodded and finished wrapping the rope then hooked it onto his saddle. He mounted and rode off, leaving them alone.
Gaby moved away from Rafael, suddenly conscious of her appearance. She attempted to wring out her drenched skirt, though it was her wet, white blouse that posed the most problem. It highlighted her dark nipples, which had turned stiff and erect and poked at the wet material.
“You will stay away from the river,” Rafael ordered in his usual stern voice.
Gaby turned, forgetting her blouse revealed more of her than she wished to show. “I am a good swimmer and I wouldn’t have fallen in if you hadn’t interfered.”
Rafael tried to remain a gentleman, forcing his eyes to concentrate on her face and not drift to her taut, perky nipples. “Perhaps you are a good swimmer, but not against the current.”
“I was doing fine until you grabbed me.”
Rafael fought to unbutton his wet shirt, thinking it would keep his hands busy as well as his eyes. “You had gone under and were drowning.”
“I was not. I was preparing to swim to the riverbank.”
“You weren’t strong enough.”
“And you were? If it hadn’t been for Enrico and that rope, we both would have drowned.”
Rafael’s head snapped up as he tore his shirt open and pulled the remainder of it from his pants. “Don’t ever question my ability to save you from a difficult situation.”
The intensity of his eyes and the strength of his voice gave Gaby pause. He had never doubted that he would have saved her and recalling his struggle, she had to admit it was possible that he would have. What she did question was his intense need to protect a simple servant.
“Don’t go by the river again,” he ordered and this time with sternness that bordered on a threat.
She opened her mouth to assure him, but he obviously thought she meant to challenge him and took a hasty step toward her. She tried to back away, but his hand shot out and gripped her wrist. He pulled her toward him until her breasts were flat against his chest.
Her hard nipples pressed into his flesh, stinging his senses. “You will obey me, Gaby.”
Solid muscle pressed against her chest and her body responded to his strength and power, sending a tingle of fear or desire through her, which one she wasn’t certain.
He leaned his face close until his lips sat only a breath away from hers. “Fail to obey me once more and you will suffer the consequences. Understand?”
“Yes,” she murmured.
Her warmth breath brushed his lips and his body sparked to attention. He desperately wanted to kiss her, but feared one taste would never be enough. He reminded himself that she was his mother’s companion. It wouldn’t be proper. The padre had told him that Gaby was a good girl. He wondered if that meant she was a virgin, unspoiled.
It wouldn’t be proper; he reminded himself once again, though his lips drifted closer to hers.
It wouldn’t be proper to strip her slowly and feel her wet, naked body next to his. To touch and taste every inch of her until her flesh was hot and ready for the pleasure he could bring her.
It wouldn’t be proper.
He released her with a jolt, taking a step back and yanking off his wet shirt and handing it to her. “Cover yourself.”
Gaby was embarrassed and hastily slipped the shirt on. What had just happened between them? It was obvious he had meant to kiss her and lord, help her but she wanted him to even though she knew it was wrong. He was a powerful ranchero, she a peasant woman. It wasn’t proper, at least for what he intended, which was probably no more than to satisfy his need.
“My mother will be upset. We best return.”
She nodded, tying the ends of his large shirt around her waist.
They walked beside each other in silence, Gaby wondering if it was simply sex he wanted from her. But then why had he called her querida, an endearing term used for someone you love.
Chapter Five
“Louise Ortega would make a suitable wife for you, Rafael,” Dona Maria said, adjusting the crisp white linen napkin that lay across her lap.
Rafael casually tilted the crystal glass filled with red wine and swirled the dark liquid around. “I suppose she would.”
“She most certainly would,” his mother said in a way of a gentle reprimand. “It is time you take the importance of a good marriage seriously. The Ortega land borders ours. Our families have been friends for years. It would be a good match.”
Rafael steadied the glass and looked over at his mother. She had changed considerably in the past few days. She no longer wore bleak, black mourning gowns. Instead she dressed as she once had when his father was alive... awash with color. Pale blues, bright whites, touches of yellow—it was as though she had come to life once again, and it pleased him. Even her complexion had brightene
d; the paleness and dark half circles beneath her eyes that had haunted her face for over a year were now gone.
She still relied on the wheelchair on occasion, though more toward the end of the day after a bustle of activities.
“Rafael, are you listening to me?”
He smiled at his mother’s reprimanding tone. It had been too long since he had heard such firmness in her voice. “Yes, Mother, I am listening.”
Dona Maria reached across the table and patted her son’s strong arm. “I’m only thinking of you. I want you to be happy. With a wife and children to fill your days, there would be no time to dwell on past sorrows.”
He stiffened for a moment, the muscles in his arm tightening.
His mother gave a tight squeeze. “I have invited Louise and her father for dinner this evening. You seem to get along well with her, and I thought perhaps with a little nudge from me...”
Rafael did not want to disappoint his mother, besides she could be right. “Louise and I get along well enough. Perhaps it is time I marry and have children.”
Dona Maria smiled. “I’m glad you feel that way. I will speak with Lupe and have her prepare something extra special for this evening. And could you please request that Enrico and his friends entertain us with their delightful music?”
“I’m sure Enrico will enjoy playing for the guests. He has missed entertaining for us as he has often reminded me.”
Gaby entered the room backside first as usual, turning with her customary flourish and wide smile as the door closed behind her.
“Dessert,” she announced, holding a crystal bowl filled with berries and soaked liberally with wine.
“Gaby, what are you doing serving?” Dona Maria asked. “That’s Anita’s job. I gave you a list of things that must be completed before supper.”
Using a shiny silver spoon, Gaby scooped up a generous portion of berries and placed it in the bowl in front of Dona Maria. “Anita isn’t feeling well, so I offered to help.”
“But there is much to be done before the guests arrive tonight,” Dona Maria said. “Things must be perfect for our guests. Louisa Ortega may soon become part of this household and I want her aware of how efficiently the staff runs the hacienda.”
Gaby stiffened only slightly, but it wasn’t lost to Rafael.
“Everything will be as you requested, Dona Maria.”
“Perhaps Anita will feel well enough to serve this evening?” Dona Maria asked.
Gaby walked over to stand beside Rafael and scooped up another spoonful of berries. “Anita won’t be able to return to her duties for a few days.”
“Does she require a doctor?” Rafael asked, forcing Gaby’s eyes to meet his.
Her hand tightened on the spoon handle and she settled a hard gaze on him that had him wondering what she was thinking. It wasn’t difficult to realize that passion flickered in both their eyes and he wondered if she was as lost as he in their heated exchange.
Gaby hurriedly filled his bowl and stepped back. “She just needs to stay off her feet for awhile.”
“It isn’t anything serious is it?” Dona Maria asked.
Gaby’s gaze remained fixed on Rafael as she answered, “No, she’ll be fine.”
“Is her pregnancy presenting a problem?” Rafael asked.
“Rafael,” Dona Maria chastised. “It isn’t proper to discuss a woman’s condition.”
“It is when she is part of my staff and my responsibility. Now, as I asked, does she require a doctor?”
“Lupe assures that a few days off her feet should do it and I’ve offered to take on some of her chores to lighten her burden.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Rafael said. “I’ll reassign her duties. You have enough to see to being my mother’s companion.”
“I’m capable of handling her tasks,” Gaby said.
Rafael was well aware that she was more than capable. Lupe sung the girl’s praises every chance she got. No, it was the fact that she would be in his rooms, touching his things, leaving her scent on his clothes, his pillows, his bedding. And the thought of her bringing him his evening glass of wine and turning down his bedding could prove dangerous—very dangerous.
“You will tend to your job. I will find someone to help Anita,” he said more sternly than he had intended.
Gaby gave a sharp nod and placed the bowl of berries in the center of the table.
Rafael could tell she was annoyed, though wondered why she would object to keeping her chores light.
“I must speak to Lupe about this evening,” Dona Maria said placing her napkin on the table.
Gaby went directly to her side to help her up, gently easing her chair back as the woman stood.
“When you finish clearing the table see that my rose-colored dress is pressed.” Dona Maria moved slowly toward the door, still growing accustom to walking without the aid of the wheelchair. “Also see that Rafael’s white embroidered shirt is cleaned and pressed.” She stopped at the door and turned. “I suppose we have no choice but to have you serve this evening. Since you are not familiar with the role and often speak when you please, you need to be aware that is inappropriate when serving dinner guests. You will hold your tongue this evening, Gaby.” With that said Dona Maria walked out of the room.
“Gaby.”
The force of his strong voice had Gaby jumping and turning to face him. He stood looking ever the imperious Don, except for one stubborn black curl that taunted his sun-drenched forehead. She noted more willful curls around his ears and brushing along his white collar. They certainly reflected his mulish nature.
He walked over to her and she raised her chin to look him straight in the eyes.
“My shirt is on the chair in my room. Touch nothing else.”
Gaby grew annoyed as he headed toward the door and called out, “Don Rafael.”
His name so sharp on her tongue halted his strides and had him turning to glare at her.
With a hand on her hip and her tone defiant, she said. “I am not a thief. You need not worry about me stealing from you or embarrassing you in front of the woman you intend to marry.”
Rafael approached her having not given a thought to her stealing from him. He was more concerned that her sweet potent scent would linger in his room to torment him. But since she mentioned it... “You have yet to convince me of your innocence.”
Was she innocent? Had no man ever touched her?
He grew angry with his drifting thoughts, his tone turning snappish. “It will do well for you to make a good impression on Senorita Ortega. If I decide to wed her, she will eventually be in charge of the household staff.”
Gaby tossed her chin up again. “Why should it matter who you wed?” Her words caught in her throat. She took a quick breath and ignored the slight ache in her heart, for in all honesty the thought of him marrying foolishly disturbed her. “I will be gone in six months, well before your wedding.”
Rafael was quick, his fingers biting into her chin and forcing her to look at him.
“I’m not a thief,” she said.
“That’s still to be proven.”
“You can only extend my punishment if I steal from you.
“True,” he said.
“Then I will be leaving at the end of my punishment; six months.”
Rafael’s grip tightened and he felt an insatiable urge to keep her at the hacienda indefinitely. “I doubt that very much. My mother has already expressed interest in keeping you on. And I’m prepared to discuss with Padre Jose and your family a beneficial financial arrangement that would make life much easier for them... as long as you remain here.”
Gaby’s breath grew heavy and she fought not to pant with anger. How could she deny her family freedom from hard toil and hunger? She would have no choice but to remain under his dictate.
“I see,” was all she managed to say, not trusting her tongue to say more.
His expression grew soft, his touch a bit more gentle. “It won’t be so bad, Gaby. You’ll soo
n think of the hacienda as your home.”
Gaby’s breathing calmed. “At least when you wed I will become your wife’s responsibilities, no longer yours.”
Rafael let go of her chin, his fingers moving to her lips. He touched them gently. “I will always be responsible for you, querida. You will answer only to me... no one else.” He left the room quickly, not saying another word and not looking back.
Gaby sat down on the heavy wooden chair, the thought that she would be answerable to him forever, frightening. She was no fool when it came to men. She had seen that look of passion in other men when they approached women. The women would warn her to be careful when a man’s eyes turned hot, for then you are soon left carrying a babe.
It had been easy to pay heed to their warnings, for her eyes had never turned hot for a man, until now. She was attracted to Don Rafael and the heated look in his eyes told her that he felt the same.
She didn’t want to be like many of the women in town, a mistress to a powerful ranchero. Of course once he tired of her, she would be discarded with compensation for her services, if the ranchero was generous.
Gaby wanted no such generosity. She wanted to fall in love, wed a good man, have lots of babies, grow old together, and enjoy grandchildren. The circle of life the way it should be, the way she wanted it.
She stood with a sigh of resignation and cautioned herself to keep a safe distance from Rafael. She marched out of the room the warning a clear echo in her head.
~~~
Rafael rode Bella hard. He needed to shed the passionate torment that surged through him. The land flew by him, the afternoon heat beat down upon him and he could not rid his mind of Gaby. What was it about her that attracted?
Everything?
Not the answer he was searching for, but one that surely gave him pause. She intrigued him and he wanted to know more about her in so many ways. He called himself a thousand kinds of fools for telling her he intended to keep her at the hacienda. He hadn’t considered the idea until she had said she would be gone before he wed. The thought had infuriated him. He would miss her playful smile, those toes she so often wiggled and refused to confine in sandals as she refused to confine her lively nature.
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