“Later you will explain why your legs were locked around Sanchez’s neck.” His nostrils flared once again and he pushed her away, his anger too near the edge to say more. “Go... and behave.”
Rafael watched her run to retrieve her basket. He had the strangest feeling she was running from him and the thought frightened him.
“Gaby.”
She looked at him, clutching the basket to her chest.
“You will come to my room tonight, after you finish seeing to my mother.”
She looked at him with shock, her dark brown eyes wide, her mouth open partially, as if to speak, but unable to find the words. Her fingers rose to touch her lips ready to stifle a cry. Her eyes filled with pain and she ran, dropping the basket as she went.
He attempted to call out to her, but it was no use. He had hurt her badly and he had hurt himself. He had never demanded she come to him. He had always tempted and teased her until she was willing. He had never, never treated her like a whore—until this minute.
“Damn, Gaby, loving you is driving me insane,” he whispered harshly and walked away to greet his guests.
Chapter Nineteen
Gaby stood back along with the other servants as Rafael and Dona Maria welcomed their guests. The women commented in hushed whispers over the beauty of Dona Isabel. Gaby agreed; she was stunning.
She was Gaby’s height and her black hair was woven in an intricate braid and fastened to the back of her head with an ivory fan comb. Her skin was pale and smooth, hardly a wrinkle touched it. Her trim figure looked like that of a young girl’s. The white lace dress she wore hugged her full breasts and slim waist. And when she walked it was with regal grace.
“Isabel, it is so good to see you,” Dona Maria cried and carefully, so as not to disturb her perfect appearance, gave the woman a gentle hug.
“And it is good to see you, Maria,” she said in return, her voice lacking the enthusiasm of Dona Maria’s welcome.
Gaby didn’t care for the woman and her obvious pretentious manner. Her husband, Don Felipe, didn’t appear as full of himself as his wife did. He was of fair size, slim, with pleasant features, and gray touched the temples of his dark hair. He smiled often and seemed genuinely glad to see the Cabrillos.
It was the third occupant of the carriage that disturbed Gaby the most. Ignacio Galvez was the nephew of Don Felipe. He was handsome, strong featured, tall, although not as tall as Rafael, slim and charming, definitely charming. He seemed a perfect match to Dona Isabel, since they both obviously cared for nothing but themselves.
“Come,” Dona Maria directed. “You must be weary after your journey and thirsty.”
“Yes, thirsty,” Felipe said, “thirsty to try your fine wine, Rafael.”
“Come then,” Rafael said. “You will not be disappointed.”
“I suppose you will join the men, Ignacio”?” Isabel Galvez asked irritably.
“Yes, Aunt, I shall.” He bowed slightly before her, taking her hand in his and placing a gentle kiss upon it.
His attentive gesture appeared to soothe her and they all walked toward the entrance.
~~~
“I don’t want to serve them,” Gaby insisted.
“Dona Maria distinctly requested that you serve the guests,” Lupe said, fussing over the silver tray artfully arranged with fruits, cheeses, and cakes.
“But it isn’t my job. It’s Anita’s.”
“Dona Maria was concerned with Anita’s health, therefore, she instructed me to make certain you served.”
“That’s not true and you know it, Lupe.”
Lupe smiled and patted Gaby on the shoulder. “Dona Maria feels your beauty and contagious smile will brighten everyone’s mood.”
“I don’t feel like smiling,” Gaby said, her heart still aching from Rafael’s demand that she seek his quarters tonight. She had never expected him to treat her like a common...
“You should talk to Padre Jose,” Lupe insisted. “He will be here often over the next few weeks.”
“Perhaps I should,” she agreed, still not certain it was the wisest choice, but realizing it might be her only one.
“Now take this tray and—”
Gaby’s face lit with a radiant smile.
“Good, you read my thoughts,” Lupe said and picked up the tray handing it to Gaby.
“I shall dazzle the guests,” she teased with a giggle and left the room.
“You will break the men’s heart, my nina, especially one in particular,” Lupe whispered and crossed herself.
Gaby entered the dining room with her customary flourish. Her smile remained constant and genuine. Her full hips swayed as she walked, as though they were attuned to a lively melody.
Ignacio’s relaxed manner changed suddenly. His posture became erect and his eyes focused on Gaby and remained there, his inspection not at all discreet.
Rafael grew more and more annoyed as he watched the young man’s eyes wander over Gaby, coming to rest on her backside. It was obvious he was interested, too interested.
“You have a beautiful smile, my child,” Felipe said, helping himself to a slice of cheese.
“Thank you,” she said.
“She may have a sweet smile, but she speaks when she isn’t asked to,” Isabel said. “Really, Maria, you should teach your servants proper behavior.”
“Gaby is—”
Rafael’s brisk and annoyed tone cut his mother off. “Gaby is under my dictate, Dona Isabel. I decide what is proper for her and what isn’t.”
Ignacio learned back in his chair and grinned.
“Forgive me,” Dona Isabel said, “I did not understand the situation.”
“You still don’t,” Rafael said rudely.
Dona Isabel was shocked by his tone as was his mother, but both women remained silent as was proper.
“So how are the vineyards doing?” Felipe asked, hoping to break the tension.
Rafael lifted his glass. “Judge for yourself.”
Rafael caught Gaby’s eye as the conversation continued. He saw and felt her pain. He had not meant to hurt her. He had been angry and jealous seeing her on Sanchez’s shoulders, her skirt covering his head. He had not thought rationally before he spoke, he had allowed his anger to rule and she had suffered for it.
He continued to stare as did she. There was a soft, silent plea in her eyes and he understood. He reluctantly moved his head slightly toward the door, dismissing her.
Gaby placed the tray on the table near Don Felipe and left the room. She walked to the cookhouse and burst into tears.
Lupe quickly dried her hands on her apron, then hugged the girl to her. “Easy, child, easy,” she soothed. But the sobs wouldn’t stop.
“Elena,” Lupe called out and the woman hurried in from the other room. “I need someone to serve the guests.”
Elena nodded and untied her apron.
~~~
That evening Raphael looked splendid in his black attire and white ruffled shirt. He sat at the head of the table, a don in every respect.
He matched the rest of the splendor of the room, the silver candelabra with their flickering spikes of light, the fine china, the sparkling crystal, the polished silverware, and his guests in their court finery. It was a stunning sight and it made him sick.
He wanted Gaby in her soft cotton blouse and skirt, her bare feet, her hair loose, enjoying the simple things; like the flowers she loved to pick, the butterflies she hated to disturb, the picnics she loved to take his mother on, and the music she loved to dance to.
He was beginning to see so many things differently. It was hard to believe that he had behaved in such a manner as his guests, holding that air of superiority with other people, when now he found it repulsive.
Rafael picked up his wine glass and slowly brought it to his lips, wishing to avoid the conversation at the moment. He would be pleasant to his guests and hoped their stay would not be long. Then when it was over, he and Gaby would have a serious talk.
He was glad Elena wa
s serving supper. After the noon meal, he had sought Lupe out to do just that, wanting to spare Gaby any more hurt when he had learned she complained of not feeling well and asked to be excused of her duties for the remainder of the evening. Dona Maria had granted her request. Rafael agreed and wondered if Gaby was ill, or if she were more upset with him than he had thought.
“Oh, Ignacio,” Louisa Ortega gushed dramatically, “that sounds so exciting!”
Rafael’s attention was brought back to the table and the conversation. They were speaking of court life in Spain and all its pageantry and splendor.
“I don’t know how you stand living here, Maria,” Isabel said. “It is so empty, so barren, so boring.”
Rafael was surprised to see his mother’s lips tighten in annoyance, as if she was attempting to control herself.
“I love it here, Isabel. The peace and quiet, the friendliness of the people, the willingness to help one another—I find it a good life.”
“I agree with Dona Isabel,” Louisa said. “It is boring and empty here. I’d love to visit Spain, perhaps even live there someday. Louisa’s attention was focused on Ignacio, and he returned it with a charming smile.
“And if you come I shall escort you to all the gala events, perhaps even present you at court,” Ignacio said, feeding Louisa’s fancies.
“It is a shame your father couldn’t come tonight, Louisa,” Dona Maria said, interrupting the exchange. “I hope his illness won’t keep him from the special night of festivities we have planned tomorrow for the Galvezes’ visit.”
“I doubt he will be able to attend, but I’ll be here,” she assured everyone with a smile.
“Festivities? How delightful, Maria, and kind,” Isabel said. “Tell me what you have planned.”
“Mother,” Rafael interrupted. “I think this would be a good time for the ladies to retreat to another room. I don’t think the gentlemen are interested in discussing such things. And it will leave us free to enjoy some fine tobacco and liquor.”
“Of course, Rafael,” she said.
The men stood and assisted the women from their seats.
“After you tell me of these festivities, Maria, I will delight you and Louisa with a few more tales of court,” Isabel said, walking from the room.
Rafael noticed the way his mother’s shoulders suddenly stiffened, and he could have sworn he heard her say she had a throbbing headache.
~~~
Rafael was grateful his guests were tired from their journey and wished to retire early. He had sent a few of his vaqueros to escort Louisa home and made certain the hacienda was secure before he headed for his quarters.
His stomach clenched as he approached his room. Would Gaby obey his orders? He smiled, shaking his head. It was extremely doubtful, but he could hope.
He entered. Everything was as it usually was. His wine poured, his candles lit, his bed ready... and empty. Gaby was nowhere in sight.
He slipped out of his jacket, throwing it on the chair. He loosened his shirt at his throat, opening it to the middle of his chest. He grabbed the glass of wine, downed it in one gulp, and walked out of the room to find Gaby.
~~~
Gaby needed to be alone. She had no doubt Rafael would attempt to find her, and she wanted to make certain he wouldn’t succeed. She had gathered her blanket and carefully made her way to the stables, sneaking amongst the shadows so no one would see her.
One stall in the back of the stable was empty. She lit a lantern, placing it on a small stool to shed light. She then went to work fixing herself a bed of hay. A few swings of the pitchfork and she had a soft mountain to place her blanket on.
She put the lantern in the corner of the stall, arranged her blanket, and sat down in the middle of it with her legs crossed. She reached for the book she had brought with her to keep her mind busy, her thoughts off Rafael.
Rafael found her that way, concentrating on the book pages, the flickering light causing shadows to dance across her body. He had searched most of the hacienda after discovering her gone from her room. He had been incensed by her attempt to flee from him. He had thought she had succeeded when he couldn’t find her. His fury had grown as he combed the area, and he had been about to wake his vaqueros and begin a search for her when he had entered the stables and spotted the light at the far end.
He was quiet, exceptionally so, as he approached, just in case it wasn’t her and he found himself disturbing a lusting couple. He was relieved when he peered around the side and saw her sitting there. Her dark hair was free from the confines of the usual braid she wore. It hung in waves over her shoulders. Her legs and feet were tucked beneath her skirt. He stared; she was simply beautiful.
“Gaby.”
She jumped, startled by the soft, yet harsh tone. She watched Rafael enter the stall and lean insolently against the wall. He bent his one leg resting his foot back against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. He appeared the all imposing don.
“We have a few things to discuss.”
“I don’t think so,” she said as calmly as she could.
“I do!” His voice was firm.
“Really,” she said, snapping the book closed and placing it to the side. “And what are the things you wish to discuss?”
“For starters, what was Sanchez doing beneath your skirt this afternoon?”
“He was helping me,” she said and couldn’t stop herself from smiling.
Rafael didn’t care for her smile this time. “Helping you do what?”
“Find something,” she teased.
He pushed himself away from the wall and walked closer to her, looking down upon her from his full height. “What had you lost?”
She was overshadowed by the sheer size of him. The raw power she knew him capable of made her quiver and faded her smile as she spoke. “A way off the roof.”
He furrowed his brow as though he hadn’t heard her correctly. “What?”
“I needed assistance in getting off the roof.”
“You were on the roof?”
“Yes.”
“Why and how did you get up there?”
Gaby explained the whole story to him. “I should have given more thought to my instincts. I didn’t really think it was a good idea.”
“It wasn’t,” Rafael agreed. “You should have sent Nieto for me.”
“He was worried you’d yell at him about his hat. He fears you.”
Rafael bent down and captured her brown eyes with his hot blue ones. “And do you fear me, Gaby?”
She didn’t fear him. She feared her feelings for him.
He didn’t wait for her answer. “You must fear me if you thought to run from me.”
“Run from you?” she whispered. She was afraid to speak or move. He was too close to her, much too close. She could feel the heat of his body, see desire in his eyes. He wanted her... and she wanted him.
“I ordered you to my room, my bed... I want you.”
There it was; what she already knew. Her flesh tingled and he hadn’t even touched her. She had to fight this, or at least try. “This isn’t right, Rafael.”
“Oh, querida, it’s very right,” he murmured, but still he didn’t reach out to touch her.
She shook her head rapidly. “No. It is sinful—”
“No! It is not sinful. When I kiss your breasts, when I slip inside you, it feels so good, so right. Tell me it doesn’t. Tell me right now you don’t want me, never want me again. Tell me!”
With each word she shook her head harder and harder against his command. Never to have him hold her, love her, the dreadful thought tore at her heart. God, she loved him so much.
“Tell me,” he demanded, reaching out, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her. “Tell me you don’t want me.”
Tears pooled in her eyes. Their color resembled the fresh earth after a rainstorm, rich and bountiful. Her bottom lip, the plump one, quivered, and her head fell back away from him as if attempting one last escape.
He wouldn’t have it. He wanted his answer. He slipped one hand around her waist and the other grabbed the back of her head forcing it up toward him. “My answer, querida.”
His grip tightened on her hair and she could almost feel the kiss that lay in wait. It would be full of fury and force. She could see it in the coiled muscles of his arms, chest, and legs. It was there waiting... waiting for her.
“I— I—” She fought with indecision. He didn’t love her, but she loved him. Would her love be enough for the both of them? “Oh, Rafael,” she cried and fell into his arms.
He held her tightly, wanting to ease her hurt and pain. He couldn’t speak of his feelings just yet. They were too new, too raw, and the time wasn’t right. There was only one way he knew how to demonstrate his love. He only hoped she understood.
He lifted her chin. Her eyes sparkled with tears and he kissed them away before his mouth covered hers.
She had been right. His fury and passion were entwined and his fiery kiss proved it. He was an avenging warrior; she his captive and he wanted— demanded— total surrender.
She tried to do as he bid, but it didn’t seem to be enough for him. He wanted more. And then when she thought certain her lips were bruised beyond repair, his kisses softened.
He eased her back upon the blanket, following her.
“I want to play with you,” he whispered. His hushed voice was suggestive and sensuous. He didn’t wait for an answer. He braced his hands on either side of her head and pushed himself up, but not before he kissed her soundly.
He shed his shirt and undid his pants, then knelt between her legs. “Take off your blouse, Gaby.”
She did as he said and was about to do the same with her skirt when his words stopped her.
“No, leave it.”
She looked at him strangely, unsure of his intentions.
He grinned, a terribly evil grin, and slipped his hands beneath her skirt, running them slowly up her thighs. “I want to play,” he repeated.
“Where?” she asked, her breath short and rapid.
“Beneath your skirt.”
By the time Rafael lifted her skirt and began to play, Gaby was wet, hot, and ready for him.
She hadn’t known that making love partially dressed could be just as exciting as making love completely naked. The rub of his pants against her heated skin, the feel of her skirt against her belly, it excited her, it thrilled her, and it made her explode in blinding passion.
Untamed Fire Page 20