Chapter 10: Party Preparations

Diego woke up the next morning with a slight headache and sore back. He had not slept well. Victoria had woken up several times throughout the night and needed to be calmed down due to nightmares she was having about the scary attack she had before going to bed. Diego sat up slowly and rubbed his eyes. He needed to get up and get ready for Felipe's party. He quickly dressed, checked on Victoria, and went downstairs to decorate before Victoria woke up.

Victoria woke up and looked around with panic. She was having another nightmare, and thought someone was breaking in downstairs. She quietly got up and opened the door slowly. "Who's there." She called downstairs.

Diego heard her, and rushed up the stairs to make sure she was alright. "What's wrong mi amor?" Diego searched her face with worry.

"I thought I heard some noises downstairs." She replied with a shaky tone.

"I was setting up for the party while you were resting, sorry about waking you." He pulled her close to him and kissed her gently on the lips.

"You should have woken me, there is so much to do and not much time." She started to panic and tried to pull away so she could go get dressed.

"Nonsense, you needed your rest, and besides, the cooks from the hacienda have prepared the food for the party." Diego reassured her and pulled her closer to him.

"Thank you Diego, you have been so understanding and gentle with me the past week." She relaxed and snuggled closer to rest her head on his firm chest. His heartbeat helped calm her mind and relax.

"How about we go downstairs and have some breakfast." Diego let go of her and waited outside her bedroom door while she dressed quickly.

Victoria fixed a few eggs and leftover biscuits for breakfast. They sat and enjoyed each others company and the quiet Tavern. "It is so nice to have a day off." Victoria said with relief.

"Just relax, you deserve a day off. When we are married, you can chose when you want to work. I would really like it if you would stay home with me, I am sure we can find something to do to fill our day." Diego gave her a sly and wicked grin. He pulled her closer to him, he could feel her heart racing faster with each touch of his hand. He leaned his head down and kissed her so deep, she almost slid off the bench. He pulled her back up into a sitting position. They pulled away from each other slightly for air. There was a look of surprise in Victoria's eyes, "Are you alright?" Diego asked with a curious smile.

"I am fine, it's just that I didn't expect that much passion from you without your mask." Victoria replied slowly while trying to catch her breath.

"There is much more where that came from." Diego replied with a twinkle in his eye and pulled her into another deep kiss.

They knock at the Tavern door made them jump with surprise. They had been so lost in each others arms and kiss, they lost track of time. "We better get the door before they break it down." Diego quickly made sure he looked decent and helped Victoria straighten her clothing.

The pounding on the door got louder and Alejandro's voice yelled loudly, "Diego please open this door before all of this food goes bad."

Diego watched Victoria rush to the kitchen and then he opened the door for his father and the servants.

"There you are my Son. Did you stay here last night?" Alejandro asked with a touch of anger in his tone.

"Yes, I stayed here, but I had a good reason. Victoria was attacked by a drunk man last night, and I didn't want to leave her alone after such a scary ordeal. She would not have been able to travel back to the hacienda in her state of shock." Diego explained carefully, making sure he stayed out of the servants way while they carried the food dishes in and sat them on the bar.

"Is Victoria alright?" Alejandro asked with concern and looked around for her.

"She's fine, but she had a rough night with nightmares. I had to calm her down several times." Diego quickly replied as he jumped out of the way when a servant quickly passed behind him. "Can we talk about this later Father? Victoria needs help in the kitchen, and I still have a few things that need to be completed before this afternoon." Diego quickly rushed out of the Tavern and headed toward the newspaper office.

Alejandro's eyes followed his son closely and shook his head. He just couldn't understand how his son could be so calm and under control at a time like this. He went to the kitchen to see if he could help Victoria, and to ask her a few questions about his mysterious Son.

Diego entered the newspaper office and pulled out the mysterious box that was delivered a few days earlier.

Alejandro was helping Victoria with the tables and benches when Diego returned a few minutes later. He made sure the mysterious box was put in a safe place and helped move the last few tables and benches. "Thank you Diego." Victoria smiled and moved to stand next to Diego.

"Son, can we talk?" Alejandro raised his brows at how close they were standing.

"Sure Father, how about we go for a walk. I could use some fresh air." Diego kissed Victoria's hand and followed his father outside.