Thank you for the reviews. Some mentioned the episode where Zorro proposes. I had not really thought about where in the series timeline this story is situated. But since you reminded me of the proposal I have written this chapter as if the episode already happened, but for this story Zorro did not propose to Victoria, he just took her to the cave to treat her ankle.

Just a short chapter.

Chapter 9

Diego and Victoria silently entered the hacienda. They did not want to wake Senorita Ramirez who had retired from the party a while ago. After carrying Victoria upstairs, Diego carefully put her on the soft bed. With his long fingers he gently removed her shoe, the swelling and discoloration due to the internal haemorrhage were clearly visible. Diego regretted he was not at his house. There he would just have to slip into the cave and get the right herbs to treat his beloved.

""Ahh" a small sound escaped Victoria's lips when he manipulated her foot to check if she had not broken anything.

"I am sorry," He apologised, "But I am glad that it does not seem to be fractured, just badly sprained. Of course I am no doctor, tomorrow we can visit to pueblo's physician. I will get you some cold compresses. It should numb the pain a bit and help against the swelling."

Diego left and quickly returned with a bowl of cold water and some cloths.

"Just lie down and try to relax," he ordered when he elevated her foot with some cushions and gently applied the self-made cooling pack.

"Thank you Diego I much prefer your therapy over Zorro's nasty tasting potions" Victoria smiled remembering the time Zorro had treated a very similar injury.

Startled by the mention of his alter ego and afraid she would link him to the dashing hero Diego accidently tipped over the bowl. The water splashed over him.

"Oh Diego, are you alright?" Victoria asked but could not help to laugh at the sight displayed before her.

"Yes I am all right, just a bit clumsy apparently," he smiled.

This little mishap did have a positive side, now he was certain Victoria would not connect him to Zorro. He combed his wet hair with his fingers and tried to pull the water drenched shirt from his skin in order to make him a bit presentable.

"I hope you are able to get some sleep, with your painful ankle. Goodnight Victoria," he wished her.

Still feeling a bit uncomfortable by his current appearance he was about to make a hasty exit when Victoria asked:

"Diego could you give me that extra cushion from the chair? I am used to having a pillow to support my neck and since you took all the cushions from the bed for my foot.."

"Of course," Diego immediately brought her the headrest.

The strong don gently put his hand under her shoulders and put the soft cushion under her. He did not notice the appreciative glance Victoria gave him while she found herself suddenly very close to his well-toned body. The wet fabric of his drenched shirt only accentuated his muscles.

"Thank you, that's much better. Good night Diego I could not asked for a better friend"

"De nada, see you tomorrow." He replied and left to his bedroom.

The word 'friend' Victoria so casually called him kept resonating in his mind. How he longed to be not only a friend to her but so much more.

'Hopefully one day..' he wistfully thought while he retired to his bedroom.