The Spanish Outlaw

by Higgins, Marie

  And in the end, he’d still send her home.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Vivian walked off the ship with her arm hooked through Anton’s like a grand lady. The rich turquoise hue of her high-waisted dress made her feel like royalty. She sauntered proudly, knowing the deep cut of the bodice enhanced her gentle curves. Feeling very feminine, she lifted her bonneted head as the wind blew her carefully-coiffed ringlets against her cheeks.

  Through the crowded docks of Seville, Spain, she held herself erect as she glided beside the perfect looking man. She glanced at Anton and studied him closely. For somebody who wasn’t trying to be noticed, he didn’t accomplish that feat very well. He was the most handsome man she’d ever beheld, and judging from the way he turned heads, other ladies agreed. Clean-shaven now, he produced more magnetism than she’d seen before.

  Black trousers hugged his legs, outlining their muscular build. The dark fabric of his coat pulled tightly across his broad chest, and the crisp white linen of his shirt made him as regal as a prince. His hair had grown longer since before the voyage, and now fell to his collar in beautiful black waves. But this only enhanced his handsome looks and made her proud to be the woman on his arm. Unfortunately, she would lose that privilege by nightfall.

  Anton hailed a fancy carriage to take them and their trunks to the nearest inn. As Vivian sat waiting in the vehicle, she gazed out the window and admired the scenery. The land was greener than she had imagined; tall, full trees and shrubbery around almost every building. Ancient-looking structures made her gasp, and she yearned to take a stroll through each and every building, walk on every cobbled path, and lift up her skirts and race through the distant jungles that stretched for miles. Immediately, she fell in love with the old country.

  The carriage shifted as Anton climbed inside, and once the door closed, the vehicle lunged forward into a steady ride. Anton looked at her and smiled, and her heart ached again with sorrow.

  “Well? What do you think of my homeland?” he asked.

  “It’s lovely. It’s unfortunate you won’t be able to take me on a tour. I’d really like to see more.”

  He patted her gloved hands folded on her lap. “Perhaps another time.”

  “If I’m ever back in Spain, I’ll call upon you,” she snapped, turning her attention out the window and remaining quiet for the short ride to the hotel.

  When Anton registered them under Mr. and Mrs. Contreras, she tried not to appear shocked. After all, he had used this name on the ship. Anton was friendly to the porters who helped carry their trunks to their room, and he tipped the servants very well. One porter spoke to Anton in Spanish as the servant sneaked a peek her way. Anton chuckled and replied in his native tongue.

  Vivian arched a brow. What were they talking about, and why did Anton laugh when he looked at her?

  After the door closed and they were alone, Anton sighed heavily and sank against the wall. His gaze moved to her, and he smiled.

  “What was that all about?” she asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “The conversation you had with the porter.”

  He grinned, making her stomach do flip-flops.

  “He said that your hair resembles wheat fields at harvest time.”

  “I suppose being in the sun, my hair is lighter than before.”

  “It is. The porter also said it is a rare pleasure to see such hair color in our country.”

  She shrugged. “Then he needs to get out more.”

  “Here in Spain, it is rare to see a woman with lighter hair. It is a good thing you are leaving. My uncle would be able to spot you immediately, and I would definitely have to keep my eyes on you every second of the day.”

  “Thank heavens I’m leaving tonight, then,” she mumbled.

  He took a deep breath and released it slowly. He slipped off his over-coat and draped it on the back of a chair. “I think we managed to leave the ship without any problems. You definitely make a beautifully regal señorita.”

  “Thank you,” she said without feeling as she yanked off her bonnet. “And as always, you turned out an excellent performance.”

  She sat at the small vanity and peered into the mirror. Her lips were pulled tight, and sadness had taken the spark out of her eyes. It hurt her to know Anton insisted on sending her home, yet she wanted to lash out at him and make him feel her pain.

  She yanked out the pins holding her hair in place. As each one clinked on the table, her rage intensified. Once they were all out, her hair plummeted down her back and shoulders. Her fingers plucked at the styled curls around her face, loosening them in the process.

  Anton walked behind her and stopped. Meeting her gaze in the mirror, he removed his cravat, laying it on the top of the table. “Why are you straightening your hair?”

  “I’m supposed to look like a boy soon, aren’t I? I’m just readying myself for the part.”

  Nodding, he touched one of the curls by her ear. “When I first saw you sitting on the balcony box at the opera, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever beheld.” His hand dropped to her shoulder and caressed the small amount of skin exposed around her neck. “Then, when you reappeared night after night for two weeks, I could not wait to meet you. During the scenes, I peered through the stage curtains at you. I could not get enough of your beauty.” He moved his hand and stroked her cheek. “I still cannot get enough.”

  She wished he’d quit making her heart ache with his tender words. “Yes, I can tell.” She laced her words with ice. “That’s why you’re sending me to New York.”

  He knelt by her side, taking her hands in his. “I am sending you home for your own safety. Believe me when I say that deep inside I really do not want to let you go, but I worry about my uncle harming you in any way. I shudder to think what kind of torture he would put you through.”

  “Thank you for caring, but I think you’re using your uncle as an excuse.” She yanked her hands away and stood. Pushing past him, she marched to the window. She pulled back the curtains and looked out on the street.

  He sighed heavily and stood. “You still do not believe me?”

  She shrugged. “Not about this.”

  “But I suppose it does not matter now. You will be leaving later tonight, anyway.” He stepped up behind her and stroked her hair. “I just want you to know how much I will miss you.”

  She remained silent as she fought the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.

  “Vivian, I do not understand why you are so angry. If you recall, you did not want to come with me in the first place. Now I am sending you home, and you are still not happy.”

  Huffing, she spun around and faced him, crossing her arms over her chest. “Yes, I’m still not happy. I’m beginning to think this was all planned.”

  He shook his head. “What do you mean?”

  “I think you go around the world setting out to break women’s hearts. I think it satisfies your male pride. You planned to make me fall in love with you, didn’t you? And yet, you’re going to send me back home anyway. You don’t care about my feelings, so quit pretending like you do.”

  Large, but tender hands cupped her face as a smile touched his mouth. “You...love me?”

  Another wave of pain yanked at her from the softness in his chocolate gaze. “Not anymore.”

  He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “When did you lose this feeling?”

  “During the carriage ride from the ship. As I looked out the vehicle’s window and realized you are truly sending me away. I lost all emotion where you are concerned.”

  A twitch in his lip lifted to a grin. “Ah, but querida, you cannot turn loving feelings into hate that fast.” His thumbs stroked her cheeks.

  “What’s the use of loving you?” Her voice broke. “I tried, heaven knows I tried not to give my heart to you, but you purposely teased me with your sultry kisses and made me develop strong feelings for you. I’m innocent, and you know it, yet you still played out your gentle se
duction. Couldn’t you tell how you affected me?”

  “Vivian,” he whispered, leaning forward as he brushed his lips over her cheek. “I wanted to affect you. I wanted you to love me.” He pressed his mouth over hers, but she turned her head and broke the contact.

  “Why?” A sob tore from her throat. “So you could send me home? If you wanted me to love you, why are you being so merciless? Can’t you tell I want to be with you? Can’t you see I want to help?”

  Anton groaned and buried his face into the curve of her neck as his arms wound around her. Heat surged through her body, and she trembled with desire, but tears continued to come.

  “Oh, Vivian, you do not know what your words are doing to my heart.” He lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. “As much as I want to keep you near me and love you like you deserve, I am still fearful my uncle will find and kill you.”

  “But Anton.” Her fingers threaded through the hair on his neck as she held onto him. “You’ve guarded me so far this trip, and when I’m in your arms, I feel so protected. How can your uncle get to me when you’ve been my hero since our first meeting?”

  He groaned and covered her mouth with his, silencing her words. With a sob of pleasure, she clung to him and returned his kiss with urgency. Although her mind told her to stop, she didn’t. She couldn’t. This was her last chance to show him her love.

  The thudding of his heart hammered against her chest, and she realized he must have also been struggling with an intense desire he couldn’t control. She could think of nothing else, for she burned with yearning beyond description.

  As he kissed the pulse of her neck, he murmured tender endearments in Spanish. Smiling, she tilted her head, enjoying the sensations running amuck through her. While listening to his deep voice, chills raced over her arms. She loved this man, and nothing would change her mind about him now. If only she could change his mind about her.

  The mere thought of parting from his side, never seeing his handsome face or feeling his intoxicating touch again caused tears to gather in her eyes once more. She tightened her arms around him and met his mouth, hoping to show him how she felt through her kiss.

  How she wished he’d confess his love. But, therein lay the problem. Did he love her as much as she loved him? Dare she say it aloud again in hopes that he’d repeat those words? Yet the way he kissed her made her think he did have those feelings for her.

  She would say it again, and in doing so, would elicit the same response from him. She just knew it.

  She broke the kiss and gazed up into his beautiful eyes, mentally preparing the words she would say.

  Smiling, he stroked her cheek. “You have made me very happy.” He kissed her nose. “And I promise, we will see each other again, after all of this is over.” He stepped back and pointed to her satchel. “But I fear the captain’s cabin boy will be here shortly. You must get in your disguise.”

  Ohhh… She wanted to hit him, or scream at him, or…just cry. Perhaps telling him she loved him again wasn’t the best thing to do. Obviously, he still planned on sending her home no matter what.

  * * * *

  “I look ridiculous,” Vivian grumbled as she stared at herself in the vanity mirror. Her hair had been pulled tight against her scalp and stuffed in a man’s sea cap. The baggy gray coat hid her womanly figure, but she still didn’t think she resembled a cabin boy. Anton finished lacing up her heavy boots, another unflattering item she had to wear to hide her identity.

  He stood and smiled. “You will pass. It is getting dark, and if my uncle’s men are watching, all they will see is a small lad.”

  She glanced at Captain Bushwell’s cabin boy who stood against the wall. “Thank you for bringing an extra set of your clothes for me.”

  He nodded.

  “How are you going to get back to the cabin?”

  “I’ll sneak in the back way. The captain will be here in a moment to come walk you to the ship.”

  She nodded then turned her attention to Anton. Her heart had been lodged in her throat since their kiss. Anton hadn’t said any words of love, and he still acted as if he couldn’t wait for her to leave. She loved him, and yet she knew she’d never see him again.

  “Well, I suppose this is it.”

  His mouth dropped to a frown. “It is.”

  “Will we ever see each other again?” she asked with a catch in her throat.

  “I will live through this, and after it is over, I will come back to New York and find you.” He drew her into his embrace, and kissed her neck. “After all of what we have shared, do you think I will let you out of my life so easily, querida?” he whispered.

  Her heart hammered as she clung to him. “Anton,” she said softly, tears brimming in her eyes, “you’d better not be lying to me.”

  He kissed her neck again then withdrew enough to look into her eyes. “I am not lying. I have never lied to you.”

  “I’ll miss you,” she said, her voice breaking.

  “And I will miss you.”

  She rose on her tiptoes and pressed her mouth to his. Anton’s arms tightened around her, and he kissed her with great urgency. As quickly as it began, he stopped and rested his forehead against hers, his breath ragged with pent-up emotion.

  “Querida,” he said breathless, “before you leave, I must tell you something.”

  “What?”

  “It is something I have been withholding from you for a couple of weeks.”

  Her heart dropped. She didn’t want to hear bad news now. Not before she left him forever. “What is it?”

  He looked into her eyes and smiled. “Strange, how others have noticed the way I feel before I realized it myself, but it seems you are not the only one who has fallen in love.”

  She held her breath, and her heart picked up rhythm. Tears swam in her eyes again, but for different reasons this time. Happiness filled every inch of her soul, making her want to sing—and cry at the same time. “You love me?”

  He nodded. “Sí. I think I fell in love with you that very first night we met.”

  “Anton.” She sobbed, and a tear trickled down her cheek. She buried her face into his chest and relished the few earth-shattering moments before they were torn apart.

  “Please forgive me for not saying it sooner.” He chuckled lightly. “I, too, am very stubborn.”

  She lifted her face and smiled. “I love you, Anton.”

  He crushed his mouth over hers for a kiss so wonderful that she wanted to stay in his arms forever. She had almost forgotten about the other person in the room until a loud knock sounded at the door. She jumped, and Anton’s arms tightened around her.

  “Who is it?” Anton called out.

  “It’s Captain Bushwell.”

  Anton sighed, placed another sweet kiss on her lips, and pulled away. “It is time for you to go.”

  She nodded, tears slipping from her eyes again. Using the back of her hand, she wiped them away.

  The cabin boy opened the door. When the captain looked at Vivian, he nodded. “Your disguise will work, but you better splash water on your face to get rid of your swollen eyes…and lips.”

  Vivian hurried to the washbasin and did as she was told. When she turned back to the other men, she squared her shoulders and held herself strong. “I’m ready.”

  Anton came to her and held her hands. Smooth skin rubbed against hers, causing warmth to spread through her.

  “I will return for you. I promise.”

  She gave him a weak smile. “Now that I know how you feel, I will wait forever if I have to.”

  He kissed her again, and let her go. On stiff legs, she made herself move beside the captain. As they walked out of the room, she forced herself not to look back. If she did, she’d run into Anton’s arms. Although her tears threatened to spill again, she took deep breaths to keep her emotions from showing.

  “I must admit,” the captain said after about five minutes, “you could pass for my cabin boy. If you’d like to stay in disguise until we
’re halfway through our voyage, I’ll let you. Just a precaution, of course.”

  She chuckled and swung her attention to him. “And will you expect me to clean your room, bathe, and dress you, too?”

  “No, of course not. I’m only thinking about protecting you, Miss Wentworth.”

  “Thank you. I’ll definitely consider your most tempting offer.”

  He scratched his chin as his gaze wandered over her in a slow inspection. “You know, if you kept your hair covered, you could go unnoticed in this country for a very long time.”

  Suddenly, an idea jumped into her mind. “Indeed?”

  He shrugged. “Possibly. I’m certain that if you remain wearing boy’s clothes, your identity will be well hidden, also.”

  Slowly a smile spread across her lips. Whether the captain knew it or not, he’d just given her a way to stay and continue to help Anton. He might not like it at first, but after the ship sailed without her, he would have no other choice but to allow her to remain to help him.

  Two heads definitely work better than one. Didn’t the detective agency teach her that?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Anton stayed in his room until the early morning hours. The sun had not yet made its debut, and this time of the day gave him a great head start on his uncle. The first thing on Anton’s agenda was to search for his nanny—his niňera. Her testimony would certainly help prove his identity.

  He dressed all in black, knowing this would help him move freely through town without being noticed. In haste, he removed his clothes from the trunk and stuffed them in a small satchel with a long leather strap, perfect for carrying. If, by chance, his uncle’s men searched through this room, they would find an empty trunk.

  As he made a last inspection, a garment hanging over a chair caught his eye. The cloak belonged to Vivian. Her sweet jasmine scent drifted from the material to his nose. Inhaling deeply sparked memories of their times together. Her love for him showed in every touch, every kiss, and every caress.