Untamed Fire Page 16

  “But I canno—”

  “You can and you will,” she said with tears in her eyes. “The only favor I request is that I’m named the godmother so I can spoil your baby.”

  Carmen laughed and cried and hugged Gaby to her. “I would have no other godmother for my child.”

  “Good, then let us go and make our offering.”

  “But what will you offer?”

  Gaby thought a moment, and then she slipped the pure white blossom from her hair. “I think the Blessed Mother would like this.”

  “Yes, Gaby, I think she would favor it above all of the other offerings.”

  The two girls walked to the statue arm in arm. The padre watched them, curious about the tears in both their eyes. They kneeled before the Blessed Mother. Carmen placed the coins at the statue’s feet and lowered her head in prayer. Gaby placed the flower on her bare toes, smiled, and lowered her head.

  The padre found tears springing to his eyes. He knew Gaby did not make the offering for herself, she never did.

  “I am off to dance, Padre,” Gaby said, whirling around him a moment later.

  He nodded his head, his throat too tight with emotion to speak.

  The music filled her ears as it drifted toward her. It was a bright, gay tune and it filled her with happiness. She swung her hips and hummed as she approached the dance area and without waiting, she burst through the crowd, joining the dancers.

  Soon every young and old man there claimed her for a partner. She was rich with natural ability. It was as though her body was made to sway, turn, entice, hypnotize.

  Gaby obliged as many as she could, enjoying each dance no matter how skilled or unskilled her partner. The music touched her, teased her, pleasured her; she felt alive when she danced, she felt full of life.

  “You are an excellent dancer,” Sanchez said, finding himself entranced by her grace and skill.

  “You are too,” Gaby said with a smile, a smile that stung Sanchez’s senses and lit a fire within him.

  “You are beautiful, Gaby.”

  His voice was whisper soft and Gaby didn’t care for the sound of it. She just wanted to enjoy herself tonight and not think of men and relationships, but so far that had proven difficult, almost impossible.

  “Thank you,” she said and was glad to hear the music end.

  “Dance for us, Gaby!” someone yelled from the crowd.

  “Yes, dance,” offered another.

  Gaby had wanted to do this all night. To dance alone to the music, to feel it, move to it breathe it.

  “You convinced me,” she yelled, throwing her hands up in the air and walking to the center of the dance area.

  Everyone clapped and yelled their approval while she readied herself for the music to begin. She lifted her head high, her one arm bent, her hand resting a breath away from her stomach. Her other hand was held high in the air, each finger positioned just so. Her one foot sat firm to the ground, her other leg she held high yet bent slightly while her naked foot arched down.

  The music started slowly, and she turned gracefully, ready to begin when...

  Rafael stood there, tall and proud, staring at her.

  She realized then for whom she had wanted to dance all evening. She acknowledged his presence with a nod and a quick tilt of her head, as though asking his permission to continue.

  She was telling him it was his decision whether she danced or not and that if she did, it would be for him and only for him even though they were surrounded by people.

  Gaby waited, poised and ready. The crowd had grown deathly silent, all waiting for the mighty ranchero’s decision. If he didn’t wish the young girl to dance, then she couldn’t.

  Rafael’s head descended in a slow nod.

  The crowd roared and Gaby smiled.

  Gaby lifted her leg higher and the music began.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Rafael couldn’t move. His body was rooted to the spot, his eyes transfixed upon Gaby. She danced with wild abandonment, not a thought hampering her movement.

  Her swaying body captivated and he felt compelled to watch her every move. She glided in a primitive motion, her hips swaying slow and easy at first, and then bursting into a rhythm that was frantic and all-consuming. It heated his blood, arousing him.

  He had trouble focusing. All he could imagine was Gaby naked beneath him, moving in that wild rhythm against him... wet and hot.

  Breathing became difficult for him as she continued. She dropped her head back as she swung around exposing her slim neck, bare and waiting for his tongue to enjoy. He could taste her flesh, feel her throbbing vein. Even her breasts beckoned him. Unrestricted, firm, full, he ached to touch them. Her hips swung forward then quickly back, to the side, round and round. He could almost feel himself deep inside her, growing harder with each skillful thrust.

  The beat quickened, her movement matched it, threatened it. He had never seen anyone dance such as she did. It was though her soul was possessed with an untamed fire.

  Her long dark braid whipped about her head, her hands flew, her legs moved, her hips swayed and all eyes watched her. The thought angered and excited him at the same time.

  When he thought he could bear no more, when he wanted nothing more then to burst forth, grab her, and take her beneath him, the music stopped.

  Applause shattered the warm, silent air. Cries of delight and praise were heard from men and women alike.

  Gaby looked about her. She wanted to hear and see only one person’s reaction, but all she saw was Rafael’s back as he walked away.

  “That was wonderful, Gaby.”

  “Maravilloso.”

  “Beautiful.”

  Gaby smiled and thanked everyone, never taking her eyes from his departing back.

  Rafael slipped between two booths into the cover of darkness. He had to regain control of himself. He had to. His heart beat frantically and he felt as though he was on fire, the throbbing between his legs unrelenting. He wanted her badly. He wanted to take her, strip her bare, and bury himself in her again and again.

  He had never wanted anyone with such fierceness, such emotion. It frightened him.

  He took a deep breath, drawing the night air down into his lungs, filling himself with renewed strength. This is foolish, he kept telling himself. You are not a young boy unable to control your sexual appetite. You’re a man, an experienced man.

  He found his control returning and he straightened his jacket, dusted his shirt, and held his head up. He walked back amongst the bustling activities with a smile and a thought.

  He would have her.

  ~~~

  “You look tired, Gaby,” Lupe said. “Here, put your head down on my shoulder. We still have a while before we reach the hacienda.”

  Gaby took the offered shoulder, her head bouncing against its plumpness each time the buckboard wheel hit a rut or rock.

  “Too much food or too much dancing?” Lupe asked softly.

  Gaby couldn’t tell the woman the truth. How could she tell her that she had danced for Rafael until her body was filled with the want of him? “Both, I guess.”

  “I heard you danced like never before tonight.”

  Gaby was hesitant. She didn’t want to reveal her feelings. They were too fresh and still hurt. “It was because I haven’t danced in so long.”

  “Many said you danced beautifully.”

  “They are being kind.”

  “No, I think honest. Did Sanchez see you?”

  “Yes, he told me repeatedly how much he enjoyed my dance. He asked to meet me after we get back to the hacienda.”

  “You didn’t agree, did you?” Lupe asked with alarm.

  “No, I’m tired and I don’t wish to fight off a man’s attention tonight. I also know what my dancing can do to some men. It is best I keep my distance from him for a while.”

  Lupe patted her arm. “You are a good girl and understand much for one so young and innocent.”

  “I thank my mother for that. F
or some reason she felt I should know things that young girls do not learn until after their wedding. I think she wanted to protect me.”

  “She was smart. Other mothers should be so. Some young men talk fancy and promise things, and young foolish girls listen. Then they are left with a big belly and no one to care for them. Some are smart though, like Carmen.”

  “Carmen?” Gaby asked, sitting up.

  Lupe grinned. “A happy story. Carmen’s boyfriend demanded she marry him tonight, on the Holy Day. He insisted Padre Jose perform the wedding before midnight. The padre, after making certain he was not drunk, agreed.”

  “Then she told him of the baby?”

  Gaby smiled. “I didn’t expect my offering to be answered so fast.”

  Lupe huffed and muttered beneath her breath before speaking. “You didn’t make an offering for yourself?”

  “I didn’t need one.”

  “If you are to survive around Don Rafael, you need one.”

  “Don’t be silly. I can handle him.”

  “No, you can’t,” Lupe warned with a seriousness to her tone.

  “He’s only a man,” she whispered, not wanting to be overheard.

  Lupe kept her voice low. “He is a very powerful man, one who can take what he wants when he wants it.”

  “I have nothing to offer, therefore, there is nothing he can take from me,” Gaby said, not believing her own words.

  Lupe’s whisper was harsh. “You know what he can take. Do not be foolish.”

  “I will be careful, Lupe,” she promised with a touch of her hand to the older woman’s arm.

  “Be very careful. I have seen Don Rafael when he is determined.”

  “And is he determined?” Gaby said half-kiddingly.

  “Yes!”

  Gaby shivered from the intensity of the older woman’s tone. She returned her head to Lupe’s shoulder and closed her eyes against all thoughts.

  The buckboard entered the hacienda and tired servants wandered to their quarters. Gaby made her way to Dona Maria’s room to help her undress and retire.

  “You had fun tonight, Gaby?” Dona Maria asked.

  She was growing tired of that question. “Yes, much fun.”

  Dona Maria turned so Gaby could assist her in getting out of her dress. “I heard you danced quite well tonight.”

  “So people have told me.”

  She helped her into a nightdress and then brushed out her hair. All the while Dona Maria remained silent.

  “You are tired,” Gaby said as she braided her hair.

  “Deep in thought,” Dona Maria answered, her eyes remaining closed as Gaby worked. “I think Rafael is finally realizing what a wonderful wife Louisa will make. They did so enjoy themselves tonight.”

  Gaby didn’t say a word.

  “He bought her a lace handkerchief and a lovely pink flower. Louisa wore it in her hair. She looked stunning.”

  “All finished,” Gaby said, trying hard to ignore Dona Maria’s words.

  “Good,” she sighed. “I’m so tired. I just want to go to bed, for I know my eyes will close as soon as my head touches the pillow.”

  Gaby helped her into bed and pulled the light blanket over her. She was asleep before Gaby extinguished the candles.

  The house was quiet, all the servants in their quarters asleep. Even Lupe who sometimes could be found in the kitchen late at night wasn’t about. She was sleeping contentedly in her bed.

  Gaby wasn’t that lucky. She didn’t feel tired any longer. She felt wide awake, and she felt urgency—for what she didn’t know. What was even more puzzling was that all thoughts had vanished and all she could focus on was this strange feeling that consumed her.

  She walked through the silent house, knowing yet not knowing where she was headed. She pulled at the ribbon in her braid and then the braid itself, freeing her long dark hair, letting it fall to her waist. Her bare feet carried her to the enclosed courtyard and the soothing sounds of the night. She walked near the brick adobe wall and stared out into the darkness.

  The night air cradled her in its warmth while the night birds sang and the bugs joined in chorus. A distant coyote added his tempo and Gaby soon found herself swaying to their strange, hypnotic rhythm.

  She closed her eyes and became lost in the cadence, her body moving of its own accord. She raised her hand to her face, running her fingers up along her cheeks, her temples, into her hair. She raised the long strands up and away from her face, swaying the whole time. Then she released her hair to fall wildly about her face and shoulder... and began to dance.

  Rafael had been on his way to his room, hoping to fall mercifully into a deep sleep, where thought could not enter, when he caught sight of Gaby walking out to the courtyard. He didn’t hesitate, he followed her.

  He remained tucked back in the shadows of the arches and watched as she began to dance. Her movements were graceful, slow, and provocative. There was no urgency in her steps. It was as though she waited... waited for someone.

  The meaning of her dance struck him then. It was an invitation, an invitation of passion... but for whom?

  Rafael found his anger and passion explode at the same moment and he walked out of the shadows toward Gaby.

  She ignored the dark silhouette that stood only a few inches away from her. She knew he had been there watching, though she would not acknowledge him... not yet.

  Gaby continued to dance slowly, her languid movements erotic while her eyes assessed Rafael. His intense eyes glowed hot blue, a molten, fiery blue. His stance was rigid, controlled, yet filled with contained passion. His jacket was gone, his black ruffled shirt open to the middle of his chest, his dark hair unkempt. He looked dangerous, sinfully dangerous.

  She whirled around him, closer and closer she danced. Her skirt fanned his pant leg, her sleeve brushed his, touching, yet not touching.

  “For whom do you dance, Gaby?” he whispered as she stepped closer once more.

  She stopped, backed away from him, a little fearful and apprehensive. She would tell him the truth, no matter the consequences. “You, Rafael.”

  He stepped forward and ran his finger gently down her soft cheek and across her full bottom lip. “No one else, only me?”

  His finger rested by her mouth when she opened it to speak. “Only you.”

  He ran his finger between her open lips and Gaby couldn’t stop from catching it between her teeth and nipping lightly as he pulled it away.

  His words whispered on the warm night air, tickling Gaby’s skin. “Dance for me, querida, only for me.”

  Her heart hammered in her chest, her breathing grew difficult, and her stomach tingled.

  “Dance!”

  His aching demand filled her ears and she obeyed. She moved as she had done earlier in the evening, enticingly, bewitchingly. It was easy to dance with such abandonment when passion filled one’s veins.

  Gaby lost all control. She forgot where she was, who she was, her only thought... to dance, dance to ease the heat that consumed her.

  Rafael stared mesmerized. He felt the urgency building in him, the need. He wanted to touch and taste every inch of her and make love to her all night long. The desire had been there long before he had watched her dance. He wondered if it had been there since the first time he had seen her, sitting astride Bella. Her slim legs had been bare and they had been spread wide across Bella’s back. Had he considered then how they would feel wrapped around him?

  His emotions exploded. He could bear no more. He reached out and grabbed her arm.

  Gaby came to a crashing halt against his chest.

  Rafael’s free hand captured a handful of her long hair and pulled her head back so she would look straight into his eyes.

  “No more games, querida. I want you.”

  His kiss was so urgent it hurt. His mouth bruised hers, demanding she give back, demanding she surrender.

  Gaby whimpered from the force of his kiss, and he slowly released her mouth.

  He relinq
uished the tight hold on her hair and gently brought her head to rest upon his chest. He stroked the dark strands while she listened to his wildly beating heart.

  “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he whispered harshly, as if the thought of doing harm to her pained him.

  Gaby remained silent, not wanting to speak or move. Her cheek rested against his bare chest, and though it was hard from the thick muscles, there was also tenderness to it. She was certain the feeling came from deep within his heart, and it comforted her.

  Rafael gently took her face in his hands, his palms cupping her cheeks. “I want you.”

  He scooped her up into his arms and her arms went around his neck without hesitation.

  “I’m going to make love to you, querida, all night until sunrise peaks on the horizon. Tell me now if you do not want this and I will release you to return to your room.”

  Gaby looked into his eyes. He was sincere: if she didn’t want this he would let her go. He would not force her. He wanted her willing and with the understanding that there would be no promises. No guarantees. No marriage. The decision was hers. She had been honest with him and now he was offering her the same.

  She closed her eyes, forcing herself to think of what she should do, what was right and proper, but it was difficult with being tucked against him. She could feel the strength of him in his arms, his chest, and his legs as he held her so effortlessly.

  Gaby looked into his eyes and without a word, but with a smile, rested her head on his chest and surrendered.

  “You won’t be sorry, querida,” he whispered and walked from the courtyard toward his room.

  I know. I will never be sorry. I love you.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Rafael lowered Gaby’s feet to the floor in his bed chamber and ran his finger along her chin before lifting it up and kissing her softly. He turned, walked to the door, closed it, and pushed the metal lock shut.

  Gaby wasn’t sure what to do or how to react. This was all so new to her and she was more than a little frightened. Should she begin to undress? Should she wait? She wished she knew what to do. She felt so helpless.