Renegade Love (Rancheros) by Donna Fletcher Read Free Book Online

seemed to do any good, though he had struck a chord—a fearful one—in his father moments ago.
    The idea that he had frightened his father upset him. He had thought himself in control of his emotions, what emotions he still possessed. His unacceptable reaction reminded him just how much of a renegade he had become. His total disregard for his father’s concern and love offended him. He was offering help, a way of keeping him at the hacienda surrounded by those who cared and would help heal him.
    No one could heal him. No one. Not even Rosa.
    Esteban slowed his horse as he entered the village, the animal snorting and holding his head erect, displaying as much fierceness as his master. Several women hurried their children into their homes, while others crossed themselves and turned their heads away from him.
    Padre Marten, standing with two older men, offered a blessing or perhaps the slow, methodical way he made the sign of the cross was meant more to ward off evil.
    Rosa followed Marinda out of her house and caught the padre’s action. Marinda followed it with a blessing of her own and Rosa grew angry. The padre had no right to condemn Esteban so blatantly. If the church would not forgive and accept him, how could the people of St. Lucita?
    The cruelty and injustice of the situation disturbed Rosa. It wasn’t fair. There was no one to defend or protect him just as there had been no one to defend or protect her when she had been turned over to the cruel Curros. But this man who sat his horse so proudly even when being scorned by the people of the village, who had once held him in high esteem, was going to be her husband and he had defended her last night. So fearful or not, she would give him what he had given her... she would defend and protect him.
    “Rosa don’t,” Marinda warned grabbing Rosa’s arm as she took a step forward.
    “He seems so alone. Would you not offer help to a lost soul?”
    “He’s not alone, he’s indifferent. And perhaps his soul is far too lost or too evil to save.”
    “Perhaps,” Rosa said weighing her friend’s words, “but he is to be my husband and I have a duty to him. It is not right of me to standby and do nothing.”
    Marinda’s voice softened. “You are right, perhaps then he will look kindly upon you.”
    Esteban, in a savage way, had shown her kindness last night, and she would do the same for him. Besides, her thoughtful nature would not allow her to abandon him.
    Her steps were quick in fear of her courage deserting her. And desert her it almost did when she drew close. Turbulence marked his dark eyes. His black-as-night hair, usually tied back, fell loose, the ends skimming the top of his broad shoulders. His torn shirt allowed for a clear view of his chest defined with muscles. His disheveled appearance made him appear more renegade than aristocrat.
    The frightening thought turned her legs weak and almost faltered her steps, but somehow she managed to keep walking without a misstep.
    “Rosa!”
    She jumped from the strength of his voice and looked up at him perched on his saddle. A chill ran down her arms from his icy stare.
    Esteban leaned down toward her. His words were direct yet spoken low for her ears alone. “Obedience, I like that in a woman. You come and I don’t even call. I wonder... will you come so quickly and obediently to my bed?”
    Her gasp was audible and caused many eyes to widen, she in turn looked at their questioning faces embarrassed that they may have heard his improper remark.
    Esteban immediately reached down, grabbed her chin and forced her to look up at him. “Don’t ever take your eyes from mine when I speak with you unless I give you permission.”
    Nothing ever changes. Here she thought to defend him and what does he do? Demands obedience. Her life would be no different from what it was or perhaps it would be worse. Either way what did it matter, her life was not her own. It never would be. “As you say, Esteban.”
    Her easy