Untamed Fire

by Donna Fletcher

  “I see you are confused,” the padre said. “Let me finish and confess my sin. When the one twin died, Padre Manuel and I became frightened. We thought the person who left the twins would become angry and take the money or part of the money away from the mission. And the mission was prospering, helping so many. It didn’t seem fair. Padre Manuel knew of a woman in the village who gave birth to a little girl round the same age as the twins. She was ill and didn’t have long to live. She begged the padre to find a good home for her daughter, since she had no family, no husband. This woman was so full of life and her smile—there was no other like it. And her daughter, she was beautiful. Padre Manuel lost his heart to her. We didn’t give it a second thought we replaced the dead child with the woman’s daughter and kept the one promise we could to her. We retained the girl’s name... Gabriella.”

  Rafael’s alarm had grown with each word the padre spoke. Gaby was not one of the twins. She was a peasant woman’s daughter.

  “Do you find my confession hard to bear, my son?”

  “No, padre, you did what was necessary for everyone. I’m sure God approved of your decision.”

  “Then why is Padre Manuel dead, murdered?”

  Rafael felt a pinch of fear sting him. “You think the man who killed the padre was after information?”

  “Yes, I think he was hired to trace the twins, discover their true origin, and then kill them.”

  “And you think the padre supplied the man with this news?”

  “No, Padre Manuel probably tried to explain to the man that the one twin was dead in hopes of protecting Gaby. And that the other had moved away and he knew not where.”

  “But the man refused to believe the tale and believes Gaby is one of the Galvez twins.”

  Padre Pablo nodded slowly. “I fear she is in danger.”

  “I’m sure of it.”

  “Something has happened to her?”

  “She was attacked.”

  “Oh Santo Dios!” the padre prayed and crossed himself. “She is all right?”

  “Yes, and I intend to make certain she stays that way.”

  “My son,” the padre said, a bit reluctant to say what was on his mind. “I think, that is, I feel it is in Gaby’s best interest that no one knows of this news.”

  “I definitely agree. If we try to convince everyone that she isn’t one of the twins, then she will become even more of a target.”

  “I have another request.”

  Rafael nodded for him to continue.

  “I fear for my safety and ask permission to stay at the Cabrillo hacienda until this matter is settled.”

  “You are welcome to stay as long as necessary, Padre. Actually, my mother will enjoy having you here.”

  “Good, good. And the other twin, you will see to her safety?”

  “She has been sent for, though I will send some of my vaqueros to escort her the remainder of the way.”

  The padre released a heavy sigh. “I worried so about both girls when I heard of Padre Manuel’s murder. I would have come without your summons.”

  “You cared much for both girls?”

  “The one twin who survived was given to a family who moved away shortly afterwards. We kept in touch to make certain she was well taken care of and she was. I was told she has a talent for drawing and has grown into a lovely woman. But Gaby, she was special. She was inquisitive, always seeking answers to the most unusual questions. And her smile, only an angel could have such a lovely smile.”

  “You will marry Gaby and me, Padre?”

  “What?”

  “When the time is right and all these problems cleared away, you will marry us?”

  “Do you love her, my son, for what you ask is difficult for many to accept?”

  “I love her more than life itself.”

  “And you have spoken of this to her?”

  “No, she doesn’t know of my love or my desire to wed her.”

  The padre smiled knowingly. “Gaby can be difficult to deal with, but not when she knows how much another cares for her. Then she overlooks their faults.”

  “What you’re suggesting is that I tell Gaby how I feel about her?”

  “It would make life simpler for you, my son. Your burden would be lifted.”

  “Or would it grow heavier?”

  The padre frowned. “In this New World, the rigid rules of Spain do not apply. Forget the old ways and think of the bright future this land holds for you. The people are a mixture of different races and they are just as proud of their heritage as the Spaniards are of theirs.”

  “I am beginning to realize that.”

  “Gaby can be extremely persuasive in her opinions.”

  “She is remarkably intelligent for a woman.”

  The padre winced. “Don’t let her hear you say that. She could never understand why women were considered less intelligent than men. I told Padre Manuel that no good would come of him teaching her how to read, but he insisted.”

  Rafael laughed, thinking of the way Gaby must have badgered the old padre into teaching her, and he bet she did it mostly with her smile, not to mention her quick wit.

  “You ungrateful brat!”

  Rafael and the priest heard the screaming accusations clearly through the thick closed door.

  “Excuse me, Padre,” Rafael said and stood. “I will send someone to show you to your room so that you may rest.”

  “Easy, my son,” the padre said softly. “Anger will only make the difficult situation worse.”

  “It’s past worse, Padre. It’s a full-blown war.”

  ~~~

  “This is proper attire for a lady!” Dona Isabel yelled sounding far from a lady as she shook the pale yellow dress in Gaby’s face.

  “Perhaps in Spain, but here that dress is useless as well as worthless,” Gaby argued.

  Rafael entered the room hearing Gaby’s words. He tended to agree with her. The long heavy dresses were far from comfortable for this climate. Even his mother had taken to wearing lighter clothing and dresses with less lace and frills.

  “Is there a problem?” Rafael asked calmly.

  Dona Isabel quickly gained control of herself. “No, there is no problem. But tell me, have you discovered if the twin girls could possibly be our daughters?”

  Rafael wasn’t prepared to discuss this yet. He had wanted to speak with Gaby first and prepare her. He had no choice but to let her think she was one of the twins. When the time was right, then he would tell her the truth.

  “I think it wise for Felipe and my mother to be present for what I have to say.”

  “Of course, I’ll go get Felipe and have one of the servants tell your mother. Shall we meet out in the courtyard?”

  “Yes, we’ll be there shortly.”

  Gaby waited quietly. Even after Dona Isabel left she didn’t speak.

  “It would be best for all concerned if you accepted this and not fight it,” Raphael said, talking a step toward her.

  Gaby backed away from him. “I don’t care if you think me one of the twins. I don’t care what Padre Pablo said to you. I am Gaby Alvardo and always will be.”

  Rafael took another step forward. Gaby quickly backed away. He did not like her putting even a small bit of distance between them.

  “You will accept who you are,” he demanded, irritated by her stubbornness over a matter that could make things easier for them.

  “I do accept who I am and with pride,” she said softly. “It is you who finds my acceptance difficult.”

  “Gaby.” Rafael’s voice held a gentle plea as he stepped toward her once more.

  “No,” she yelled and backed away from him once again. “Don’t come near me and don’t touch me. Now every time you touch me, you touch Annabelle Galvez, not Gaby Alvardo.”

  “That’s not true,” he demanded taking another step toward her, but stopping when she backed farther away from him.

  “It is true. You’re glad I’m a Galvez. Now I am acceptable to you and your
family.”

  Rafael saw the raw hurt in her eyes and shared in her pain. He wanted to tell her the truth, make her understand. But he feared for her safety... her life.

  “Trust me, querida,” he pleaded tenderly. “I will protect you.”

  “I don’t want your protection,” she cried. “I want your love.” She ran from the room, speeding past him before he could stop her.

  “You have it,” he whispered. “You always have.”

  ~~~

  Felipe couldn’t contain his excitement over the news. Isabel displayed her satisfaction with a smile, and his mother was aglow with happiness. Rafael had not been completely honest with them. He had omitted the part where the one twin had died and had been replaced by Gaby. Until he could find out the truth behind this strange turn of events, he would let them believe that both twins had survived.

  “Well, where is she?” Felipe demanded. “I want to hug my daughter.”

  “She needs time to accept this,” Rafael said. “After all, her life is about to change completely.”

  “I doubt that,” Isabel said.

  “Of course it will, be patient with her,” Felipe said, patting his wife’s hand.

  “She doesn’t wish to change. She refuses to where the clothes I choose for her. She won’t allow her hair to be styled properly. And, Madre de Dios,” Isabel added dramatically,” she will not wear shoes.”

  Rafael couldn’t help but smile. That was the Gaby he loved.

  “She will learn,” Felipe said with certainty. “She will learn to obey. She has no choice.”

  They didn’t know Gaby, Rafael thought. They didn’t know her at all.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  When he found her, he was going to kill her. Rafael stormed through the hacienda like a raging bull. Two days! Two days, Gaby had managed to avoid contact with the Galvezes and himself. He had searched everywhere asked everyone. The answer was always the same, ‘she’s around somewhere’.

  Her people were protecting her. They knew she was unhappy with her new status, didn’t want it, didn’t believe it. He wished he could tell her the truth, but strangers had been spotted on the outskirts of the ranch and he was concerned for her safety.

  He had warned her repeatedly that she was to tell him of her whereabouts at all times. She had blatantly ignored his orders. He had been patient understanding, and damn it—he missed her.

  “I’m not going to ask again. Where is she, Lupe?”

  “I don’t—”

  “You do know. You’ve known all along. And if I’m not informed of her whereabouts within the hour, the whole hacienda will suffer,” he warned.

  Lupe winced when the door slammed shut, a door that always remained open due to the heat of the cooking hearth. Normally, she would go open it, but this time she waited.

  “He’s angry.”

  Lupe turned at the sound of Gaby’s voice as she walked out of the storeroom.

  “Of course he’s angry,” Lupe said, shaking her head. “Your manners have been horrible.”

  “I’m not a Galvez, I’m an Alvardo, and I refuse to leave Los Angeles.”

  Lupe’s head didn’t stop shaking. “You are a foolish child. Swallow some of that pride before it strangles you.”

  “I find it so difficult to accept,” she said tearfully.

  Lupe walked around the table and slipped her arm around Gaby. “I know, but think of the bright side.”

  Gaby gave her a strange look.

  “You have a twin sister.”

  Gaby smiled then, her usual exuberant smile. “Yes, I do. I hadn’t even given that thought.”

  “Don Rafael said in an hour he must be told of your whereabouts. Go to the shed by the stables and visit with the new kittens and take time to think this thing through. It really isn’t as bad as you make it seem.”

  Gaby agreed, hugging the woman, glad for her advice and friendship. She slipped out of the cookhouse, carefully glancing about to make certain no one saw her, then she hurried along to the shed.

  Rafael grinned. He knew if he were patient it would pay off. He had realized some weeks back how close Lupe and Gaby had become. It was only natural she would seek out the woman when feeling troubled. He waited, watched her direction, and then followed.

  The kittens scampered all over Gaby, happy to see her. She played with each one, their tiny, sharp teeth nipping at her unmercifully. She laughed at their frisky antics and watched as they finally grew tired and hungry and went off to suckle at their mother’s nipples.

  She leaned back against the rough plank wall. “A sister,” she whispered. “I have a twin sister.”

  Gaby wondered if they looked exactly alike. If they had the same habits and tastes. Did she love to dance? Was she stubborn and curious? Was she married? Did she have children? Then she’d be an aunt. There was so much to discover about her. Suddenly she was looking forward to meeting her and learning more about this stranger who was her other half.

  “Daydreaming?”

  Gaby jumped and sprang to her feet, bracing herself against the wall. She stared wide-eyed at Rafael. Her breath caught, for just a second, in her throat. He was so handsome: his stern, strong features, his dark hair with its stubborn curl that fell temptingly upon his forehead, the breadth and width of him, and his eyes, hot blue and sensual. God, she didn’t realize how badly she had missed him.

  “Have you lost your voice?”

  Gaby found her throat dry, while a response evaded her.

  Rafael stepped forward. “Perhaps I should help you find it.”

  She shook her head and pushed herself back against the plank wall with no place to go.

  He advanced like a predatory animal on a cornered prey, slow and sure and filled with excited anticipation. He didn’t ask why she had stayed away from him; he didn’t care at the moment. He wanted her now... and badly.

  Rafael braced one arm against the wall, blocking any flight. His other hand reached up. His fingers grazed her lips drowsily.

  “The words stuck?” His voice was a soft murmur that tantalized and teased.

  Gaby remained still.

  “Should I pull them out?” he asked, sliding his finger lazily into her mouth.

  Gaby shivered over his slow entrance and the taste of his warm skin. It was deliciously sweet. He had been testing the grapes again, their delicate juices still vibrant upon his flesh. The tip of her tongue reached out just a little, very little, and licked him.

  His face drifted toward her until his brow touched hers. “Don’t stop, querida, taste me.”

  His finger slide further in and her tongue slipped across and around it. Rafael teased her, easing it almost out of her mouth. She moaned and reached for it and once again he slid it in.

  Her teeth nipped at his skin, needing to taste more of him, and an agonizing groan escaped Rafael’s lips, his breath fanning her lashes.

  “If you keep that up, I’ll have you here and now,” he warned with a labored breath.

  She suckled harder.

  His free hand found its way to her throat and he pressed lightly against its center. “I’ll take you here, up against this wall, and I won’t be gentle.”

  She bit his finger.

  He pulled it from her mouth, cursed, and in minutes had her up against the wall, straddling him. He rammed into her with a driving need.

  She gasped and sighed at the same time, then wrapped her legs around him tightly. Her hands grasped his face and her lips attacked his.

  Their union was fast and furious, exploding in a blinding release that neither wanted to end.

  Gaby buried her face in the crook of Rafael’s neck.

  His hands cupped her buttock and her legs remained limply locked around him. His legs were firm and steady, and he continued to hold her. She felt too good to let her go.

  “Are you all right?” he whispered near her ear.

  His breath tickled and she shivered. It caused Rafael to do the same.

  “That feels good,”
she murmured and rubbed her face against his.

  “Don’t do that, querida.”

  “Why?” she asked lazily and did it again only slowly.

  “You’re playing with fire.”

  “What fire?” she asked and bit at his bottom lip as he had done so many times to her.

  “The fire that has been burning inside me for the last two days.”

  “Didn’t we just put it out?”

  “We only ignited it more.”

  “Then you’ve missed me?” she asked, looking up into his eyes.

  “Yes, I’ve missed you,” he admitted and shifted her weight against him.

  She felt the change in him. “You want me again?”

  “Yes, I want you again. I can’t get enough of you.”

  “Like this?” she asked, wrapping her legs more tightly around him.

  “For a while like this,” he answered, moving slowly inside her. “Then there,” he added his eyes directing hers to the scattered blankets. “So I can take my time moving in and out of you.”

  She shivered from the sheer thought and anticipation.

  “You like what I do to you?”

  “Yes, I like what you do to me.”

  “You like me to tell you about it?”

  “Yes, Rafael, I like when you tell me.”

  His mouth moved near her ear and he whispered. “Then let me tell you where I plan to taste.”

  He tempted and teased her with words, then stripped himself and her naked... and did to her exactly what he had told her he would.

  Rafael held her in his arms. He had covered them with one of the old, but clean blankets that were kept in storage there.

  “I’m sorry,” Gaby said softly.

  Rafael was puzzled. He had thought he pleased her, for she had more than pleased him. “For what?”

  “For being so stubborn.”

  He hugged her. “You are stubborn, but if you start apologizing now, I’m afraid you’ll be forever apologizing.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’ll always be stubborn.”

  She poked him in the ribs.

  “Ow,” he complained with a laugh. “I love your stubbornness. It is what makes you so interesting and exciting.”