Renegade Love (Rancheros) Read Online Free Page B

his arm to her.
    She greedily grasped hold of it for support.
    Esteban stared with angry eyes at his parents, then stormed past them and out of the room.
    “Alejandro what are we to do?” Valerianna clutched his hand.
    “We will do our best as always, my dear,” he said. “I’m sure Esteban will realize his rudeness and join us, extending an apology for his lateness.
    Dona Valerianna didn’t even attempt a smile this time. Her son might decide to join them, as to whether he would offer an apology, she had her doubts, though she did have hope.
    ~~~
    Rosa stood in awe of her surroundings. She had heard of the Cesare’s wealth, though thought the gossip fanciful tales to entertain. The stark white-washed walls were graced with gorgeous tapestries depicting various places in Spain. The chest, chairs, and tables were dark, richly polished wood. The candle stands, some over five feet tall, were of intricately designed metal shapes. The tall narrow windows, six in all, opened out to the courtyard, abundant with a variety of flowers, their fragrant scents drifting throughout the room.
    A jab to her ribs brought her wandering attention back.
    “Mind your musings,” Lola scolded.
    Rosa nodded and respectfully lowered her eyes along with her head. Footsteps on the tile floor outside the room ran a shiver through her. She had feared this moment for hours. She did not wish to look on Esteban Cesare’s empty, brooding eyes again.
    “I am so pleased that you could join us this evening,” Alejandro said entering the room. “Please allow me to introduce my wife Dona Valerianna.” After he introduced her to Roberto and Lola, Alejandro introduced his wife to Rosa.
    Rosa brought her head up slowly and was surprised when Dona Valerianna reached out and took her hand.
    “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, my dear. I know you will find much happiness here with us.”
    Rosa forced a brief smile. Dona Valerianna was a beautiful, gracious woman who appeared sincere in her welcome, though Rosa could not help but notice that again a reference was made to her finding happiness here... but not with their son Esteban. Madre di Dios . What was she getting herself into?
    “Where is this son of yours who is lucky to be getting our Rosalita as his wife?” Roberto asked his smile curious.
    “Right here.”
    The foreboding voice had everyone turning hastily, except Rosa. She turned reluctantly and kept her eyes downcast.
    Esteban stepped out of the shadows in the corner of the room and Valerianna smiled at him. He had fastened his shirt at his throat. The simple, kind act brought a tear to her eye. She quickly wiped it away not wishing to display her emotions in front of her guests.
    Esteban offered no apology or reason for not being there to greet them. He accepted Roberto’s hand and Lola’s smile with an indifferent nod.
    “This is my son, Esteban,” Alejandro said proudly and placed his hands on Rosa’s shoulder to gently guide her to stand before her future husband. “Esteban, I’m pleased to have you met Rosalita, your soon-to-be wife.”
    Rosa raised her eyes slightly, not enough to see his face only his neck, slim and kissed by endless hours in the sun. She stared at a spot just above his collar that pulsed slightly and the more she focused on it the faster it pulsed, as if something inside him beat to a heated rhythm. She felt a blush rise and quickly lowered her eyes. She kept her hands straight at her sides and buried in the folds of her dress, so he would not reach out and take them in his.
    The room remained silent and Rosa held her breath waiting for him to speak. She focused on the scuffed tips of his black boots as they remained steady and only a mere inch from the hem of her dress. The strain of the awkward situation had her eyes misting, and she took a moment to close them hoping to clear the unease so no one would suspect her of crying. Otherwise she would suffer Roberto’s hard hand when they got home for