The Best Intentions

Chapter 8

See Chapter 1 for disclaimer.

Note: Posted sans beta. Any mistakes or irregularities you see are my own.

Thank you all for your reviews thus far. There are a few twists and turns I've yet to work out, but your feedback has encouraged me as I struggle to write myself out of a few corners. Here's hoping the muses continue to cooperate!

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Turning his attention back to Victoria, Diego was surprised at the flickering emotions reflected in her eyes: wonder, affection, confusion, and relief. There was no trace of the anger he had long feared from the fiery señorita. "Ten minutes hardly seems long enough," she said.

Diego took a step closer, eliminating the gap between them. He could feel his heartbeat accelerate, his lungs constricting as his own emotions struggled to the surface. Bringing his free hand to her cheek, he traced his thumb gently across the smooth surface. "Ten minutes is only the beginning, querida."

"But there's so much to say –" Victoria's gaze flitted to his lips, and he knew talking wasn't the only thing on her mind. He obliged her by drawing her into him, his lips meeting hers with familiar warmth. Her hands clutched at the ruffles on the front of his crisp caballero shirt, even as his fingers tangled in her hair. It was a kiss unlike those shared with Victoria as Zorro: There was an exaltation of freedom, of her acceptance of boring old Diego as her masked hero. His blood fairly sang at the rush. It was a kiss, he thought, that promised – nay, encouraged – much more than was proper.

Summoning his fading self-control, Diego drew back, placing a kiss to the tip of her nose. "Why didn't you say anything?" His voice emerged as little more than a whisper.

"I—I couldn't," Victoria answered. She laid her head against his chest, cradled in his arms. "I had no idea what to say or how to say it." She chuckled. "I was speechless."

"You? Speechless?" The tall caballero chuckled as well. "You managed to speak with Padre Salinas."

"Padre Salinas!" Victoria sighed. "Not only was I struck dumb, but somehow, through all that, I realized I had to speak so he didn't know I was talking about you – about Zorro!"

"I suspected he – Zorro – might have been your topic of concern with the good padre," Diego said. "I'd no idea you'd figured it out."

"The funny thing is that I don't think I would have figured it out so quickly if we hadn't gone to the church." She shook her head. "I saw you moving in the shadows, almost like you belonged there. Then it all fell into place – the shadows that night in the courtyard; the sword and fencing with Felipe; your height; your eyes...Everything was suddenly so clear."

The young caballero regarded her warily. "So you're not mad at me?"

"Furious – with you and with myself." Victoria's fingertips grazed the hair at his temples, her brown eyes warming as a soft smile curved her lips."But so glad to have found you that the tongue-lashing you deserve will just have to wait."

A very attractive sword of Damocles, Diego thought. He brushed his lips across hers. "And how long will this 'tongue-lashing' have to wait?"

"I'm not sure," Victoria replied. "You keep distracting me."

The breathy quality of her voice sent a warm rush through him. There really was much to discuss, from the years he spent hiding behind the mask, to finding a way to be together, without arousing the suspicions of the alcalde. But as he stood there, her body held against his, her hair slightly disheveled and eyes aglow, little else seemed to matter. "Then I'll have to see that you remain distracted," he replied, offering a familiar smirk.

Their shadows blended into one indistinct form as the tall caballero proceeded to delay her outburst further; Victoria offered him little resistance, instead baring her neck as she sighed. Diego took up the unspoken invitation. He traced the exposed, extended lines with searing kisses and whispered endearments before finally recapturing her mouth with his own.

A stern "ahem" a few moments later pierced the haze Diego himself could not seem to break. He drew back slowly from Victoria, noting that they had somehow worked themselves back against the courtyard wall. He turned to his father, expression sheepish. "Father."

Don Alejandro, for his part, regarded his son and Victoria with a wry grin. "A very...heated...discussion, I see," he said. "Maybe I should have only given you five minutes."

"Yes, well…" Diego cleared his throat, deciding a change of subject was in order. "We're set to ride to see Andres and Beatriz tomorrow?"

The elder de la Vega nodded. "All of us – including Luis and Helena."

"You told them of our suspicions?"

"I mentioned we were concerned," Alejandro answered, "and suggested we pay them a visit. Luis agreed."

Victoria smiled. "And Doña Helena is not one to be left behind."

"Indeed, Victoria; she is not." Don Alejandro pointed over his shoulder, in the general direction of the sala. "When she heard my discussion with Luis, she insisted on accompanying us."

"I'm not sure that's wise," Diego said, grimacing. "Inviting the Cristobas may hamper our efforts to get conclusive answers from Andres and Beatriz; they may not want to speak freely in front of them."

"True, Diego. But, right or wrong, Andres is their son, and Beatriz is their daughter. They'll want to help any way they can – just as I would for you, Victoria, or Felipe."

Victoria shifted slightly in Diego's arms, her brow knitted in concern. "Don Alejandro –"

Alejandro held up a hand, and her objections died on her lips. "Victoria, you are family," he said, casting a sidelong glance that, in the growing darkness, Diego more felt than saw. "Maybe one day soon we can make it official. Until then, I think we should join Luis and Helena for coffee." He gestured toward the house.

Blushing, Victoria smoothed her hands over her hair as she stepped out of Diego's embrace. "Of course, Don Alejandro."

Diego turned to follow her, but stopped short as he felt the weight of a hand on his shoulder. Even as he paused, his eyes continued watching his intended as she stepped into the hacienda. He took a moment to appreciate her feminine curves and the flow of her skirts. Looking to his father, he saw the elder don had noted his appreciative gaze.

"Diego," Alejandro began slowly, "you and Victoria haven't…?"

It was clear to Diego what his father couldn't bring himself to ask. "No, Father." He shook his head. "Though I have been sorely tempted." He didn't have the heart to tell his father it was more due to lack of opportunity than any steely resolve.

"Good, good." Don Alejandro paused, considering the answer. He then clapped his son on the shoulder and waved his hand toward the open door. "After you, Diego. We shouldn't keep the señorita waiting."

Diego grinned, stepping through before his father. He had little intention of making Victoria wait any longer than necessary.