Renegade Love (Rancheros) Read Online Free

handsome as he spoke in defiance. “I will not marry her.”
    “Perhaps if you meet her you will change your mind,” the soft voice suggested from behind.
    Esteban turned to find his mother, Valerianna entering the room. Her beauty never failed to touch his heart. She looked almost as she did fourteen years ago. Only a few lines and wrinkles touched her face, though didn’t distract from her attractiveness and her dark hair bore not a trace of gray. Her figure was still trim and fit, her stance regal, making her appear taller than her six inches over five feet. He loved her dearly and that was why he found it so difficult being around her. She was a lady and he was no longer a gentleman.
    “It matters not, Mother, I will not marry her,” Esteban said and walked away from her to stand behind the desk near the window.
    Dona Valerianna’s smile turned sad and Alejandro’s heart went out to her. She had tried so hard since their son’s return to recapture the closeness they had once shared. But Esteban had rebuffed all attempts. And his obvious rejection had cut deeply.
    “I think this marriage would be good for the both of you,” Dona Valerianna said, bringing a smile to her husband’s lips. He loved her stubborn nature and was glad the years hadn’t diminished it.
    Esteban looked from one to the other. “I will not marry. And tell me have you arranged for a marriage for my sister as well.” His sister, Crista, had been only two years old when he had been captured. He hadn’t been surprised to learn that she had been sent to Spain when she was ten to be educated, though what she would be taught in a Spanish convent would do her little good here.
    “Crista has been schooled well and will do her duty when the time comes,” Alejandro said. “And I will do my duty as a father and see her wed to a good man as I see you wed to a good woman. Now, I have signed the papers. You are committed to this marriage.” Alejandro looked to his wife for support.
    “He’s right, Esteban. It is done. The arrangements have been made. You will wed Rosa Mendez here on Saturday, out in the garden, the ceremony to be performed by Padre Marten.”
    Alejandro took a deep breathe to deliver the final blow. “You will be introduced to her and her guardians this evening. They are joining us for supper.”
    Esteban’s portentous glare pinned first his father and then his mother to where they sat and sent shivers through them. He walked from the room without uttering a word, his silence being far more potent than words.
    Dona Valerianna dropped her head until her chin almost touched her chest. She brought her slim fingers up to her mouth to help hold back the choked sobs caught in her throat.
    Alejandro hurried to his wife’s side. He took her hands in his and lifted her chin. The unshed tears pooling in her eyes tore at his heart. “Do not worry, my dear. This marriage is right for him. I know it. I can feel it in my heart. Rosa will be good for him.
    Dona Valerianna’s smile was weak and her words barely a whisper, “But will he be good for her?”
    ~~~
    The swinging strap caught Rosa’s arm and she winced as she braced herself not to fall.
    “I told you to wear your hair up like a proper engaged woman should,” Roberto screamed, his face red with fury. “You look the whore with your hair loose and free. Now pin it up and back and behave as you should. I will not be shamed by your thoughtless actions tonight.”
    Lola added her own rebuke. “And that dress looks shabby, though I suppose it must do. You can’t wear your church clothes, the blue skirt and white blouse are too plain for such a grand occasion.”
    Rosa rubbed her arm and felt the welt already beginning to rise beneath the lace of the pale blue dress she wore. I’ll see to my hair.”
    “And make it quick,” Lola snapped. “We don’t want to be late.”
    Rosa went to her room, a small shack behind the house. She was close to tears, uncertain if it was from the