The Rebel and the Lady

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Victoria cleared her throat, drawing back his attention. “I can make it the rest of the way myself,” she said with as much dignity as she could muster.

He stepped back and tipped the brim of his hat. “I’ll just say good day then, Se?orita Torrez. And thank you.”

Conscious that he watched her, she strode down the street, not slowing her pace until she reached Juan’s doorstep. Before she stepped through the portal, she couldn’t help glancing back at him. He’d already turned and headed back to the fort.

“Good,” she murmured to herself although she remained irritated at him. She had important things to consider, and his presence made it difficult to think rationally.

However, once she entered the parlor she couldn’t think of anything but his kiss. The caress had been important to her and it hurt to know Se?or Dumont hadn’t been as taken with her as she was with him—even if curiosity had been her initial reason for kissing him. She touched her lips, wondering that she could still feel the insistent press of his mouth against hers. They had been soft…and smooth. Oh, so smooth. Her hands clenched. The hombre!

She walked into the kitchen and let out a shriek.

Chapter Five

Esteban stood in the middle of the kitchen, his chest heaving as he sucked in air to breathe. Sweat rolled down his forehead and dampened and curled his black hair. His uniform clung to him.

Recovering from her initial reaction of fright, she ran to him. “Esteban! What are you doing here?” she whispered frantically. “Is it my parents? Do you have word of them?”

“They are gone.”

“No!” she cried. “No! I should have been there with them.”

Esteban shook her gently by the shoulders. “Victoria! Quiet yourself. They ran off in the night. The army searched for a day and found no trace of them. Food was missing, and horses from the corral, so I know they slipped away. And Santa Anna did not want to search longer for one old man and woman.”

“My parents are not old!” she said indignantly.

“The officers were not overworried at their disappearance.”

Calculating the days since she’d last seen Esteban, she paused. “You did not have time to return all the way to Laredo since I last saw you. How do you know this?”

Esteban hesitated slightly. “From my second in command. He sent word.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “They will return when it is safe to do so, just as I hope to. I have to believe that.” She looked over his blue uniform. “You aren’t safe here dressed like that. Let me find something of Juan’s for you to wear.”

“No. Victoria—wait. There isn’t time.” The urgency in his voice had her turning back to him from the doorway. “You cannot stay here. You must leave immediately and get to safety.”

“Is it Santa Anna? Is he near?”

He nodded. “A few miles out. I raced to get here.”

The church bell started clanging, startling them both. Victoria felt Esteban’s grip tighten on her shoulders, almost hurtful before releasing her. In the streets, men shouted to each other. She glanced out the window. A woman with a baby wrapped in her arms was hurrying toward the fort. A young child, clinging to her skirt, slowed her progress.

Her chest tightened. “It has finally happened, then. All that we have feared.”

“There was never a doubt.”

“Oh, Esteban! You take such a risk coming here to warn me.”

“I will get back before anyone knows I am missing. It’s you I’m concerned about.” He glanced about the room. “Quick. Gather your things. Come with me.”

The determination in his voice frightened her. “But I must go to the fort with the others!”

He pressed his lips together. “No. Victoria… please come with me. I’ll protect you.”

She shook her head. “You should go back now,” she said firmly. At his worried expression, she threw her arms about his neck. “I will be fine. You are dear to me, Esteban. Stay safe.”