Untamed Fire by Donna Fletcher

Author:Donna Fletcher
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: western historical romance, alpha hero, spirited heroine
Publisher: Donna Fletcher

Chapter Seventeen

“Where is she?”

Lupe’s head snapped up in surprise, not having heard Don Rafael enter. He did not look happy. His posture was stiff, his lips set tight, and his dress impeccable. He was annoyed, no doubt about it. He always wore that air of arrogance every time something irritated him. And Lupe was pretty certain who the irritant was, so she trod carefully. “Who are you looking for, Don Rafael?”

“Gaby!” he said with more emphasis then he had intended.

“She’s gathering eggs for me,” Lupe continued, hoping to alter his mood. “She must have had a wonderful time last night. She’s in such good spirits this morning, smiling, humming cheerful tunes, and looking radiant. Yes, last night did her good.”

Rafael grew more annoyed with each word. He had hoped to be awake before she left his quarters. He had wanted to make certain she was all right, that she harbored no regrets, felt no remorse for what had passed between them. Evidently, from Lupe’s description of her joyous mood, she didn’t.

Why the thought irritated him he couldn’t say, but it did, very much so. He had thought he would have found her seeking solace in her quarters, perhaps even fighting tears, or sleeping, exhausted physically and drained emotionally from the night they had spent together. But here she was feeling wonderful.

“She should be back in about ten minutes. Shall I send her to your study?” Lupe asked, noticing an even heavier shadow of annoyance descend over his already black expression.

“Don’t bother,” he said and walked out.

Lupe shrugged and made a mental note to warn Gaby to keep her distance from Don Rafael today. He was obviously in a bad mood, and Lupe’s inquiring mind couldn’t help but wonder what had caused it.

~~~

Gaby spoke softly to the hens as she plucked the eggs from beneath them. They cackled, and some protested with a flap of their wings, but they soon settled and allowed her to go about her business.

The henhouse door was ajar, letting in just enough of the early morning light for Gaby to see what she was doing. She was glad for the solitude. She had smiled and acted her usual cheerful self, perhaps even a bit more cheerful than usual, since she had bid Lupe good morning.

It had taken all her strength not to fall into a crying heap on her bed in her room. She hurt so badly, not physically, but emotionally. To taste something that could never be hers was unbearable. It cut at her heart, deeper and deeper, until numbness took over and she finally realized that she had no choice, she would have to go on.

She had made her choice and could blame no one. Therefore, she would suffer in silence, no one would know, ever... unless.

She placed her hand flat against her stomach. What if he had left her with child? What then?

“Are you all right?”

Gaby shut her eyes against the soft concern in his voice. She couldn’t let him see her hurt, her worry.

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