Rafael stood motionless. He was incapable of moving. His heart hammered in his chest, his eyes having locked on Gaby’s every movement.
Her sun-drenched skin reflected a fine sheen of perspiration, the rich luster of her dark hair was even more pronounced since it was unbraided and tied back with a single yellow ribbon, its long length tickling her waistline.
Damn if she wasn’t tempting. He could feel his willpower slipping and had been about to turn away when the grape slipped into her blouse. His eyes had remained fixed on her as she pulled the white material down, exposing most of her plump breasts. He could see the tops of her dark nipples, large and round and much too inviting.
He had watched, growing aroused as she plucked the fat grape nestled between her breasts and took it into her mouth. He pulled back startled when her sharp, white teeth bit into it, sending the juice squirting over her. His tongue ached to lick the sweet liquid from her chin and capture the tiny sparkling drops that fell on her chest.
Leave, he warned himself repeatedly having grown hard to the point of no return. Leave now. But his legs wouldn’t move. When she took another plump grape into her mouth, reached for the basket to place on her arm, and then innocently licked her lips slowly with her long tongue, Rafael felt his control snap.
His firm, muscled legs reached her in three easy strides. His hand grabbed her arm, gripping it tightly. His other hand tore the basket from her, threw it to the ground and then he gripped the back of her hair until she winced in pain.
His hot blue eyes captured her frightened brown ones for only a second, then his mouth crushed against hers. His tongue forced its way between her sharp teeth and the little nips she gave him to prevent his entry only excited him further.
Her taste was sweet, her tongue cool and moist against his feverish one. He assaulted her mouth with a vengeance, not thinking, not hearing, not caring until her tiny, soft whimpers penetrated his senses.
It was then he felt her body quivering, heard her gentle cry, and realized how brutal he was behaving. He released her hair and slipped his other hand from her arm to around her waist. His free hand tenderly raised her face up to look at him.
He tensed when he caught sight of her red lips. He had not meant to hurt, yet in his urgent need he gave no thought of her. He lifted his fingers and Gaby tried to pull back away from him. The fear in her eyes hurt him.
“No, querida, don’t,” he whispered, and his fingers touched her lips with such gentleness that it caused Gaby to shiver. “Do you know what your lips do to me?” he asked, tracing along the large bottom one. The one he had longed to taste.
Gaby didn’t answer, she just stared at him, not certain if it was fear or anticipation that made her heart thump so wildly.
“They drive me crazy with the want of you until I lose control.” His head slowly, so slowly, descended that Gaby’s heart beat even more wildly.
“Querida, open to me,” he murmured.
Gaby’s mouth parted slightly, but it was Rafael’s tongue that touched her lips. Wet and moist the tip glided over hers tenderly, instilling a different ache, a pleasurable, sensuous one.
She parted her mouth more, this time inviting him to slip in. But he patiently, deliberately continued to toy with her lips, bruising them with desire.
Gaby whimpered once again, but this time not in pain... in pleasure.
Certain she was ready, Rafael gently touched his lips to hers, then pulled away and returned once again, softly brushing, stroking his mouth across hers.
She eagerly met him and when his tongue dipped inside her, she accepted it willingly.
Her eager surrender fueled Rafael and his body responded immediately. He held a tight rein on his desire, though it was no easy task. He wanted her with a passion he had never known before and that excited him even more. He pursued her mouth with gentle persuasion. He licked, nipped, and teased her lips and then slipped inside to do the same until her moans grew in intensity. He kept kissing her, though he warned himself to stop, warned himself of the consequences and yet he paid no heed. He continued kissing her.
Gaby felt her control slip. She tilted her head back needing to take a breath from his endless kisses and her own mounting passion, never realizing that her innocent action left the soft column of her neck vulnerable.
Rafael feasted running his tongue along the length of her silky skin, over the pulsating vein that throbbed with excitement, and continued down her chest to the full flesh of her breasts.
He took the top of her blouse between his teeth and pulled it down exposing one full breast. Then his tongue circled the nipple and took it into his mouth. It tasted warm and hard, his tongue rolling over it again and again. He couldn’t get enough; he wanted more, so much more. He felt his own hardness straining to break free.
Rafael heard her moan, felt her pliant in his arms. He could ease her back onto the ground, strip her bare and delve into her without protest.
“Rafael.”
His name spilled with a trusting plea from her lips, and he knew he could not take her here, like this, as though she were a common whore. It was not fair to her and he had given his word he would never hurt her.
Reluctantly, he pulled her blouse up to cover her tempting breast. He kissed her lovingly and gently and without a word left her standing bewildered and alone, knowing if he stayed one minute more he would not be able to stop himself from making love to her.
Gaby stood surrounded by the silence and the cool shelter of the arbor. She shivered from the heated sensations tormenting her body. Her fingers sought her pulsing lips but rested a mere whisper away, almost afraid to touch for fear of what she would feel. When she finally surrendered her body quivered. Her lips were still sensitive from Rafael’s kisses. She had heard other girls speak of how a kiss felt, but none had ever described it with such clarity. Feeling hot and cold all at once, trembling inside from the heat, shivering from the cool burning flesh and then there was the tingling between her legs. It was like nothing she had ever imagined.
She closed her eyes and felt his mouth on her breast once again, his tongue rolling over her nipple until she wanted to stripe off her clothes and have him taste her all over. Her skin blushed with the sinful thought. Would she ever feel this way with another man? She shook her head sharply. She wouldn’t want another man touching her so intimately... she only wanted Rafael.
Fool! She cried to herself. He can never be yours, never. He will marry befitting his class. He will only have you when it’s convenient for him, when his wife is asleep safe in his bed or in the afternoon in the stable amongst the hay and horses. And what if there was a child? What then?
“You fool,” she cried softly. “He can never be yours. He will never love you.”
She bent and picked up the grapes that had spilled from the basket, discarding the crushed ones. Tears trickled from her eyes and slowly made their way down her cheek.
“You are an idiot,” she whispered, “for only idiots fall in love with the wrong man.” And that was exactly what she feared she was doing... falling in love.
She hoisted the basket over her arm and wiped the tears from her eyes. She scolded herself as she walked through the arbor, warning herself to keep her distance from Rafael. Warning herself not to disobey him any longer. Warning herself not to be caught alone with him.
Gaby stopped as she emerged from the secluded arbor into the bright sunlight. She shut her eyes tightly, desperately fighting back the tears, fighting what she knew was inevitable.
“Dios Mio, I will never be able to deny him what he wants... for I want it too.
Chapter Twelve
“There are only a few errands for you to see to in town for me, Gaby,” Dona Maria said. “Afterwards, you and Sanchez enjoy the day. Do not hurry back. Take your time.”
Gaby leaned over the older woman to adjust her pillows. “Are you certain? Perhaps you will require my assistance later in the day.”
Dona Maria took Gaby’s hand in hers. “I
will be fine. It is time you enjoyed yourself some. I hear that Sanchez finds you attractive.”
“Sanchez is a good man.”
“And good men make good husbands.”
Gaby’s usual bright smile did not light her face, and her bleak expression did not go unnoticed to Dona Maria. “I’m not ready to marry yet.”
Dona Maria patted her hand. “Of course not, but enjoy the day with the young vaquero. Laugh, smile and be happy.”
Gaby agreed with a nod and quickly left the room. She hadn’t wanted to hear about what a good husband Sanchez would make. It seemed that Lupe and Elena felt the same way and constantly spoke to her about him. Was it that obvious of how she felt about Rafael? Were they attempting to protect her from the inevitable heartache?
She hurried to her quarters. Perhaps it was time she listened to everyone and her own warnings. Today she would turn her attention to the young handsome vaquero and forget Rafael. And she would start by changing into more colorful clothing and out of the drab dress of a Cabrillo servant.
Gaby hummed as she freshened her face with cool water, replaced her plain white blouse with one embroidered with colorful stitching along the low neck, and slipped on a bright yellow skirt. She added an orange and green striped sash to her waist and finished her sparkling appearance with a vibrant yellow ribbon entwined in her long dark braid. She reluctantly added her sandals, fearing if Don Rafael saw her he would use her disobedience as an excuse not to let her go to town.
Feeling confident and happy, Gaby walked from her room with a brilliant smile and a satisfying swing to her hips.
Rafael entered the courtyard to find Gaby about to leave. He was struck by her natural beauty and radiant smile. It lightened his sour mood until she spoke.
“I’m off to town on errands for your mother. Sanchez is taking me. Is there anything you require?” She had been so pleased and happy with herself that she had not thought of the consequences of what she told him. His expression warned her of his dissatisfaction, but she refused to relinquish her pleasant mood. “Is there?” she repeated, since he hadn’t answered her.
“What errands has my mother requested of you?” he demanded, his voice deep with annoyance.
“Only delivering a few notes and picking up a few things—nothing of great importance.”
“Then you should return shortly, by early afternoon?”
Mischief tickled at Gaby. She grabbed the sides of her yellow skirt and whirled around Rafael. “That’s the best part. I’m free to enjoy the rest of the day. Dona Maria insists that I have some fun, and I’m sure Sanchez and I will do just that.”
Rafael caught her by the arm, jolting her to a stop. “I did not give permission for this trip.”
Gaby had a feeling he would say just that. “Your mother—”
“My mother doesn’t have the authority to send you to town, or give you part of the day off.”
She tried to pull her arm free, but he tightened his grip. “Are you saying I can’t go?”
“I’m saying you may tend to your errands, but that is all. Afterwards, you will return immediately.” He released her arm.
“As you wish,” she said and turned to walk away.
“I mean it, Gaby. Do not delay your return.”
She stopped and twirled around. “I will do as you say.”
“As you always do?” he added with a slight, almost undetectable, smile.
“As I always do,” she repeated with a mischievous grin, the one that always appeared just before she got herself into trouble.
His eyes focused on her lips, recalling the way they had tasted the other day in the grape arbor and how she had responded to his touch. He heard her soft moans, felt her melt against him once again.
“I forbid you to go to town with Sanchez!”
Gaby was stunned by the vehemence in his voice. “Why?”
He stepped toward her, his eyes narrowed, his lips set tightly in a frown. “You question my authority?”
He had rattled her with his dictatorial attitude and she was growing tired of following orders. Not that she listened, but still . . . “Yes, I do! Why can’t Sanchez take me to town?”
“I owe you no explanation. You will do as I direct.”
“But your mother—”
“Will have her errands attended to,” he finished.
“By whom? She had specifically instructed me to—”
“And you shall,” he interrupted.
“But how?”
“There is business I must attend to in town. You will accompany me.”
Gaby knew it was a mistake. Looking at him in his tight tan pants embroidered with black scrollwork along the sides and the snug-fitting bolero jacket similarly stitched, he appeared the perfect don. His white linen shirt held just the right amount of ruffles down along his chest and his dark hair was combed neatly back, accenting his stark, handsome features.
He was tempting to a woman’s eye—too tempting. Gaby wanted no part of spending any time alone with him. It was too dangerous.
“I’ll give the errands to you. You can see to them. It is better I stay and look after Dona Maria. She may need me.”
“She doesn’t need you.”
“You never can tell when she—”
“Gaby!”
Her name so loud and sudden on his lips caused her to jump in alarm. She looked at him. His expression was stern and unbending.
“You will accompany me to town. Is that clear?”
“Si, Don Rafael,” she said, holding her head up with determination.
“Go and tell Sanchez I wish to speak to him and then have the stable hand prepare the gig.”
Gaby stared at him for a moment. The gig was small, confining for two people. Especially for two people who shouldn’t be close together.
Rafael misinterpreted her silence. “I know you love to ride, but the sun is hot and the covering will offer you protection from the heat.”
“Thank you,” she found herself saying, when all she could think about was the body heat inside the vehicle.
Gaby was seated in the gig when Rafael climbed inside. She purposely kept herself tucked to the side away from him. It did no good. Rafael was too large, his thighs too thick with muscles not to reach out and touch hers.
His hands, gloved in black leather, reached out for the reins. The leather spread tightly and firmly across his long fingers and over his hands, stretching the leather to its limit. Gaby could almost feel the strength and power of his hands as they expertly directed the horses away from the hacienda. Gentle, yet demanding in his command, Rafael sat in total control. The animal obeyed his every direction without protest. He was the master; the horse, his servant, and the thought of his absolute rule made her shiver. She equated herself with the animal. When he touched, she obeyed, willingly.
“Is something wrong, Gaby?” Rafael asked concerned.
“No. No, I was just thinking of how wonderful it would be to see my family again. I miss them,” she answered, grateful it wasn’t actually a lie so that she would not have to seek Padre Jose out for a confession.
“I’m sure your brother Juan will be relieved to see that I haven’t hanged you,” he said with a smile.
“Juan has the devil in him at times,” she laughed, “always getting into something he shouldn’t.”
“He doesn’t take after anyone strange.”
“I am curious; Juan is devilish,” she corrected him.
“I’d say you had a little bit of both in you.”
“Oh no,” she said only half-seriously. “Padre Jose prayed much for me when I was growing up. The devil couldn’t possibly touch me with all that protection.”
“I agree,” Rafael said. “The devil would find you too much to handle.”
Gaby laughed with delight. “That is exactly what Padre Jose once said to me.”
Rafael found himself relaxing as Gaby talked of her family and all the trouble she and her brothers had gotten into over the years. He
had often wished he had had brothers and sisters to share his childhood with and then when he had grown and married he had hoped for a large happy family. Neither was to be, and now, looking at this young girl so full of life and happiness, he wished he could share it with her. They would have many children together. He could feel it. There would be sons and daughters to share laughter and love. And one in particular would be just like Gaby, and she would give him all sorts of trouble and he would love her extra special, for she would be like her mother.
He forced himself to push such thoughts from his mind and focus on Gaby’s tales. It was foolish to dwell on what could never be, and he would stop such nonsense at once. He was a grown man with responsibilities. There was no time for daydreaming.
Rafael deposited Gaby at the mission gates. He informed her he would pick her up near the cantina shortly after noon. She agreed with a nod and ran off, stopping to slip her sandals off her feet as she did.
Rafael was about to yell that she put them back on, but didn’t. He sensed her need for that small bit of freedom and allowed her it. Soon enough she would return to the hacienda and would once again be required to obey him. For now, she was free.
Gaby delighted in seeing her family again. Juan was thrilled with the brown sugar bars Lupe had sent along and couldn’t eat enough of them until his mother scolded him. Teresa adored the colorful cloth doll Elena had made. And her mother was grateful for the old clothing the servants were discarding which Gaby had saved for her family: several skirts for the girls and her mother, shirts for her father and brothers. It felt like Christmas even though that was many months away.
After spending an hour there, Gaby left having to tend to errands for Dona Maria. Her parting wasn’t as sad as the first one, and she promised she would return soon for another visit. It made her feel good to know she had provided so much for her family.
She stopped to speak with Padre Jose and to deliver the note Dona Maria had sent.
“You are being good, Gaby?” the padre asked, opening the note.
Untamed Fire Page 13