Untamed Fire Read Free Page B

spent in the
sun, and his eyes... Gaby stared. The strange blue color scorched
like a hot blue sun.
    “Did you want something, Gaby?”
    His voice was deep and smooth like a warm
caress that lingers and leaves a tingle along the flesh. “Yes,” she
said a bit more boldly then she intended.
    “What is it?’ he asked with a sternness that
brooked no disrespect.
    She reined in her spirited nature, held her
head high and added a wide smile. “Do you intend to hang me?”
    Her outspoken words caused her mother and
sisters to cry and Juan to cling tightly to her leg as though his
little arms could save her.
    The padre paled and mumbled a quick Hail
Mary.
    Rafael’s face lit in a slow, lazy smile. She
was bold and foolhardy, but he had to admit he admired her
effrontery. She intrigued him, challenged him, and he loved a
challenge. “I gave the idea thought, but decided justice would be
best served another way.”
    Merriment filled her eyes. “According to
ranchero justice, horse thieves hang, and since I’m not a horse
thief, you couldn’t possibly hang me. Could you, senor?”
    Rafael’s smile faded quickly and his jaw
tightened in anger. He was about to lash out at her when her glance
shifted rapidly from his face down to Juan who glared up at him
with wide frightened eyes.
    Rafael understood immediately. “You’re
right, Gaby. Horse thieves hang.”
    Gaby nodded with satisfaction, taking note
of the fact that he hadn’t actually admitted she wasn’t a horse
thief. Rancheros, she thought, were too prideful for their own
good.
    “You have a minute to say your good-byes,”
Rafael said and turned around, giving Bella his attention.
    There was a chorus of cries, hugs and kisses
before the padre began to pry the Alvardos away from Gaby.
    Rafael growing impatient, walked over to
Gaby, took her by the arm, walked her briskly to the small mare
near Bella and ordered her to place her foot in the stirrup. Upon
seeing her barefoot, he shook her head. “You will wear sandals from
this day on.”
    Gaby hugged her bundle to her chest. “I have
no sandals.”
    He focused on her warm brown eyes and placed
his hands around her waist, hoisting her up into the saddle in one
swift motion. His hands lingered for several moments at the curve
of her slim waist before he released her. “You will have sandals to
wear before the day ends.”
    “I don’t take charity.”
    Rafael mounted Bella swiftly. He tugged the
brim of his hat lower over his face and removed a pair of black
leather gloves from his saddlebag. He slipped them on and took hold
of the reins.
    “I said, I don’t take —”
    “I heard you clearly. You don’t take
charity, and I offer none. You will wear sandals because I order
you to. You work for me now, Gaby, and as such follow my rules. Is
that clear?”
    Gaby smiled and nodded.
    “Good. I’m glad you understand for I accept
no opposition to my authority.”
    Gaby’s smile remained constant, though
forced, as she waved one last time to her family and the padre as
she trailed behind Rafael through the mission gates.
    The padre watched them disappear down the
road that led from town. He shook his head, crossed himself three
times and raised his eyes to the heavens. “ Madre de Dios ,
Senor Cabrillo! Your troubles have just begun.”

Chapter Two
    “No!” Rafael said sternly for the third
time.
    “Why?” Gabriella demanded so contentiously
that he reined his horse to a stop and she did the same.
    Rafael stared at her with a mixture of
bewilderment and frustration. She was either stubborn or
foolhardy—or stupid—which he didn’t think was the case. “I thought
that you understood your position.”
    “I do, but don’t you think a bouquet of wild
flowers would brighten your mother’s day and spirits?”
    Rafael was besieged by her determination. He
had refused her three times and still she undauntedly pursued her
request. “My decisions in matters are not negotiable.”
    A nervous quiver tickled