A Right to Love: Romantic Spinoff From The Adventures of Xavier & Vic Book 2.5

by Liza O'Connor

  He kissed the top of her head. “If only you had warned me not to chat with the servants.”

  She laughed and looked up at him. “I would never tell you such a thing. To do so would change the man you are, and I think you perfection.”

  He moved in to kiss her, and she tilted her head up, more than ready for his lips. However, at the last moment, he pulled back.

  “I should return you to the garden. But first will you tell me the location of the room you were first shown?”

  She described the room’s location and noticed his eyes darkened. “It doesn’t matter.”

  He rubbed his forehead. “What would you do if Thomas put your favorite guest in the servant’s quarters?”

  Alice gasped in shock. She had thought the room inferior, but had never conceived it might be a servant’s room. She now understood why he could not ignore the slight.

  “Well, I would never fire Thomas, because he is more family than servant. But I would have a serious discussion to let him know my displeasure and obtain his promise to behave properly in the future.”

  Jacko nodded. “But in this case the servant is not family, although Raul would be most unhappy to lose her.”

  Alice nodded in understanding. “These are always delicate situations. She will say she misunderstood you, or that I misunderstood her. Thus, I suppose the best you can do is to warn her against anymore misunderstandings.”

  Jacko nodded and then smiled at her. “If only I had a wife to handle this.”

  She laughed and took his hands. “Keep being so impossibly charming and you soon will have.”

  Chapter 22

  Unlike the Hathoways, Alice still wore her traveling outfit when they sat for a late luncheon.

  Mrs. Hathoway looked shocked by her appearance. “Dear, why didn’t you change?”

  Alice grimaced. “I was too embarrassed to request my trunk. I do apologize for intruding upon you, earlier.” She would have said more, but the housekeeper and her beautiful daughter were serving the meal.

  She noticed Mr. Hathoway wouldn’t look her in the eye, but Mrs. H. seemed more concerned about her trunk than her rude arrival in their room. “But the servants retrieved your luggage hours ago.”

  Alice could not believe the servants’ dedication to this war they waged. She turned to the housekeeper. “Do you have any idea where my luggage might be?”

  The woman stared at her as if she were mad. “In your room.”

  “And which room might that be?”

  The woman burst out in Spanish. While Alice couldn’t understand her words, she could hear the woman’s agitation.

  Jacko’s sharp response was harsh and angry. The housekeeper’s histrionics stopped at once. He then smiled at the Hathoways. “Forgive me. I have been gone for so long that some have forgotten who is master and who is servant.”

  Mr. H. nodded. “I had the same problem at my hunting lodge. The man I left in charge took it to mind that he owned the place.” He chuckled. “I arrived with a party of ten to hunt quail, and my own servant comes out holding a long gun and threatens us off his grounds. We had to stay several hours at the local inn while the town constable took the fellow away. Unfortunately, that left me without a butler.” He shook his head and gave Jacko a knowing look. “Trust me on this matter. Do not fire the head of your staff until you have a replacement on site. We were so miserably treated by the remaining servants, that we left the next morning.”

  Mrs. Hathoway smiled. “Thankfully, he sold the property soon after.”

  Mr. H. nodded. “And laid off the staff without notice or further pay. Served them bloody right after the abuse we endured.”

  Alice looked up in alarm. She did not wish this war to escalate to such an outcome. “Well, hopefully that will not be the case here. I am certain rational heads will prevail.”

  Jacko lifted his wine glass. “To rational heads.”

  ***

  After their late lunch, the Hathoways headed to the dig site with a servant and letter in hand, while Jacko, Raul, and Alice took a tour of the farmland.

  Alice hid her disappointment when she realized Raul would provide their tour of the farm. She had hoped for a private and romantic survey of the estate with the charming Señor Bienora. In short time, she suspected Jacko had used her request as an excuse to see his own property, perhaps for the first time.

  Her gypsy had many questions, which he would ask on her behalf. “Tell Miss Collins how much wine can be harvested from this land… I perceive the lady is most interested in the amount of water we require to support the plants.”

  Raul might have guessed Jacko’s ploy if her own questions were not even more precise. “At what temperature is the soil when you plant new vines? Are your plants from cuttings or purchased?” To her surprise, Raul answered all questions with equanimity. While she could do without his impertinent and unwanted wolf stares, he was by far preferable to the indoor staff.

  Still, his interest in her grew with every question she asked. By the end of the second hour, his fixation made her feel like a rabbit hopping around a wolf.

  Jacko evidently sensed her discomfort, because he stepped in front of her, blocking Raul’s view of her and spoke to the man in a harsh clipped tone. “Thank you, Raul for your valuable time. You may return to your work now.” He then turned to Alice and spoke in a voice filled with love. “Shall we ride out and join your friends?”

  Her hero to the rescue. “Assuming my trunk has made it to my room, I will change into riding clothes and be ready in twenty minutes.”

  Capturing her hand in his, Jacko escorted her to the house. “I will return with you and ensure they have located your lost luggage.”

  Jacko led her to the queen’s room. Upon verifying her trunk had arrived and the servants had properly hung her dresses, he stepped back. “I will leave you to dress. Shall we meet in the stables in a half hour?”

  Alice extracted her pale blue summer riding skirt and white linen blouse and laid them on the bed. “I can make it in ten—an advantage of not wearing a corset.”

  He chuckled. “I imagine Lady Hathoway might faint if she had overheard that comment.”

  “I suspected just discovering I don’t wear corsets at all would cause a swoon.” Her head tilted as she studied him. “I hope when I marry, my husband will understand I do not wish to break my ribs and constrict my breathing just to create the figure of a wasp.”

  Stepping closer, his hands settled on her waist. “To change your natural beauty would be a crime of inconceivable proportion.” His eyes twinkled with amusement. “And for the record, I’m not fond of stinging insects. Certainly would never marry one.”

  Alice laughed softly and rested her head against his chest. God, he smelled delicious, a deep rich musky scent that stirred her loins and enticed her to forget the wooly mammoth entirely.

  His lips pressed against the top of her head and then he stepped back. “Shall I see you at the stables in ten minutes?”

  Taking in a deep breath, she nodded. This courtship was harder than expected. She had lost all interest in being a proper young lady and had a great need to fulfill her growing and most wanton desires with the man of her heart.

  Once Jacko left, she donned her riding clothes, pulled on her riding boots and located a wide brim straw hat.

  When she arrived at the barn, she expected to find Jacko saddling the horses. Instead, Raul led a horse forward. His hungry eyes took in her new outfit. “You are a good rider, yes?”

  She nodded with caution, not feeling particularly safe while alone with this man.

  He smiled. “I thought as much.” His eyes studied her with speculation. “I think you not so high born. I think you are a farm girl pretending to be a lady.”

  At his provocative declaration, Alice’s eyebrows rose an inch. “Well, you think incorrectly sir. I am a lady, and I warn you to remember that.”

  “You misunderstand me. I did not mean to insult you. I am most impressed with your knowl
edge of farming.” His eyes ran up and down her body as if undressing her. A chill ran down her spine. For protection, she tugged the saddled mare between them.

  He stroked the horse, as he might a lover. “My family has run this farm for over a hundred years. We have a good life here. We treat the land and property as our own, and except for the occasional occupation, it is ours.”

  With stern eyes, he met her gaze. “I am sorry, but Bienora has no desire for a wife, only a toy in his bed. Nor are you the only one he pursues.” Raul reached over the horse and caressed her cheek. “I, on the other hand, do desire a wife.”

  Alice stepped away from his touch, her heart pounding in alarm. She needed to put a stop to this nonsense at once. “And I hope you find one. However, my heart is completely taken with Jacon.”

  Raul shook his head. “Then you are a fool. The housekeeper saw through your sham from the first. Bienora will see it soon enough. But first, he will ruin you. And then your fancy friends will want nothing more to do with you and demand your removal.”

  Alice realized nothing she said would deter this man’s conviction. She had best leave the barn and wait outside.

  She turned to go, but Raul grabbed her arm. “When that happens, do not leave the farm. I can protect you. And while I’d prefer my bride come to me a virgin, my offer of marriage will remain.”

  Alice had no idea how to respond to such an insulting, yet evidently well-meaning offer. She stared at his grip on her arm until he released her. “I appreciate the offer Señor Gomez, but I intend to marry Jacon Bienora.”

  With a heavy sigh, he shook his head. “When the time comes, I will not falter.” He then stepped back, focusing on something over her shoulder. His stance widened as if preparing to fight.

  She turned and saw Jacko storming towards the barn. By his clenched jaw and rigid stride, she knew he was angry. Had he seen Raul grab her arm?

  His look softened slightly as he focused on her. “Are you ready?”

  She nodded.

  He helped her onto her horse and mounted his.

  A half-mile from the house, he called a halt and climbed off his horse. “The damn cinch is too loose. I should have checked it before we left, but I just wanted to get the hell away.”

  Alice flinched as she watched him ‘cinch’ his poor horse in two. “Jacko, if you are angry with me, please do not take it out on your beautiful mount.”

  Jacko sighed and loosened the cinch. “I am neither angry at you nor the horse.” He stroked the animal’s neck. “Sorry, fellow.”

  He resumed his seat and kicked his stallion into a canter. Alice hurried her mare forward until she caught up with him. “Jacko, please talk to me.”

  Slowing his horse to a walk, he sighed. “Should we tell each other everything then?”

  “Everything that bothers us. Your silent anger upsets me. I want to resolve whatever has angered you, but I cannot act upon the unknown.”

  Jacko nodded. “You won’t like it any more than I do.”

  “Just tell me.”

  He sighed heavily and stared up at the sky, as if searching for how to begin. “Upon leaving you to dress, I returned to my quarters to change shirts. When I came out of my dressing room, loving arms circled from behind me. I thought it was you.”

  Alice frowned. He was correct. She did not like this story at all. “Maria?”

  “Yes, wearing nothing but her smile.”

  Now she knew why Jacko had taken so long to arrive at the barn. “I gather she refused to leave when you asked.”

  He stared at her in shock. “Is there a book of instruction telling young girls how to seduce a man?”

  Alice smiled. “Not a written one.”

  “She started crying and pleading ‘No, Please No’ in broken English. I was certain you would come in and think the worse.”

  Alice frowned. “That is not what I would have thought. I am aware you are being stalked.”

  His shoulders relaxed as he reached out to her. When she stretched out her hand, he leaned over and kissed it. “Thank you. I am so accustomed to people thinking the worst of me. I have yet to adjust to the pleasures of loving an angel.”

  “So let me guess, Maria climbed onto the bed and refused to leave.”

  Jacko nodded.

  “And you tried to explain to her that you didn’t love her, you loved me.”

  A smile answered her.

  “And finally, you gave up and arrived at the barn only to discover Raul proposing to me.”

  Jacko’s smile disappeared. “He did what?”

  Alice grimaced as she realized he had not overheard the proposal. She sighed and explained the man’s well-intentioned offer to save her when Jacko tossed her aside.

  Jacko frowned. “I’m struggling to be angry with him.”

  “Truly?” Alice stared at him in shock. She had been certain that was the real source of his anger.

  “While hell will freeze over before I cast you aside, I rather appreciate that he wishes to protect and marry you if I treated you dishonorably. I had noticed his interest in you, but I had not thought it in the least bit noble. I just thought him a hungry lion looking for a pleasant meal.”

  Alice had thought much the same. “Are you aware his family has managed this land for over a century, and he sees it as his own? He promised me a very fine life.”

  Jacko stroked his mount’s neck. “I dare say, he spoke the truth. This horse wasn’t bought for my pleasure, I can assure you.”

  Alice frowned. “And does that bother you?”

  “I’m hoping you can tell me if it should?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I need to know if I have a very good manager who pays himself bonuses that can be justified by the wealth he brings me, or could I bring on another manager and make even better returns.”

  Alice sighed. Her dislike of Raul made it hard for her to provide an impartial opinion, but she had to try. Jacko deserved no less than her best advice. “I can tell you the farm and vineyards are run beautifully. Your house and furniture are in perfect condition. Your horses are well cared for and your garden spectacular. If this farm additionally brings you a reasonable return, then assuming you can endure Raul’s possessive nature, you should probably let dogs lie.”

  “Then you would not wish to run this farm?”

  Alice shook her head. “Litchfield truly needs my help. Here, I could only struggle to do as well as Raul, but no better.” A sudden fear filled her heart. “Jacko, are you saying you want us to live here instead of England?”

  “Not at all. I was merely asking what you wished to do. If we moved here I would have to fire the housekeeper because of Maria.” He paused and then frowned. “And worry about Raul killing me in my sleep so he could possess my amazing wife.”

  That risk had never crossed her mind. Now she wished to leave this place as soon as possible.

  Jacko stroked her arm, evidently noticing her concern. “I’ll keep this as a lucrative investment and live at Litchfield where the servants behave properly.”

  Relief enabled her to chuckle. “Well, I wouldn’t say properly, but a far cry better than here.”

  Jacko breathed in deeply and gazed at her with adoration. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For insisting I tell you what bothered me. All my anger is gone now and our future path is firm. How long were the Hathoways planning to stay?”

  “Until they get me married.”

  Jacko frowned at her reply. “Don’t you wish to be married at Litchfield?”

  “I do, but Mrs. Hathoway fears you will hear of my dreadful connection and leave me at the altar. So she’ll want me married here before you learn the truth.”

  Jacko rubbed his chin. “What if business calls me to England in a few days? Do you think the Hathoways would allow you to come with me, if you promise to lure me into the countryside before I hear of such rumors and marry me in Litchfield?”

  Alice laughed at his plan. “If
you were returning to England, they would see no alternative but to send me to distract you.”

  Jacko smiled. “May I suggest that we enjoy a few more days of courtship and then return to England before my servants cause any more trouble?”

  Chapter 23

  Alice could not believe her eyes. Rib bones, a giant skull, and an arching ten-foot tusk lay half buried in grey limestone. Mrs. and Mr. H sat upon the ground, helping to set the towering beast free.

  Neither of the couple noticed their arrival, but the three gentlemen did. The eldest man pushed himself up and approached.

  Jacko pulled his horse to a halt before the man and dismounted. “Alice this is Gustav Helmer.”

  The wiry old man gripped his back and grimaced as if in pain. “I am most pleased with the help you sent me today.” He then eyed Alice. “Are you an enthusiast, as well?”

  Alice shook her head. “I would be more hindrance than help, I assure you.”

  Cautiously dismounted her dancing horse, she stepped back to avoid having her feet crushed and collided against Jacko’s hard chest. His hands lightly touched her waist. “I would have assisted you.”

  She tilted her head up and smiled. “If ever I ride with a broken leg, I will be most relieved to know that.”

  His eyes sparkled with such delight she was certain he planned to kiss her. But that would scandalize the Hathoways, so a part of her hoped he would come to his senses.

  He breathed in deep and leaned towards her so his lips grazed her ear. “You provoke and entice more than a mere mortal man can bear.”

  Tilting her head, she stepped from his arms. “But you are no mere mortal, sir. You are a hero of the first degree.”

  Jacko pulled her hand to his lips.

  Mrs. H cleared her throat with excessive force. “Alice, come see what we do.” The arching brows left no doubt the woman had seen their flirtation and did not approve.

  Jacko tucked Alice’s hand in the crook of his arm and assisted her across the rough terrain to the bed of giant bones.

  “I had no idea animals this large had ever lived in Spain,” Alice said.