Chapter 2

Victoria swooned. Her head was spinning. The lingering taste of wine on his lips caused her to sigh wistfully against his mouth. His strong arms held her firmly against his very solid chest preventing her from doing anything but return his kiss.

All too soon the moment ended and Diego snapped to his senses. His eyes cleared and he inhaled sharply, silently cursing whatever thing had caused him to lose control. "Dios. I'm sorry, Victoria!" he shoved her away, an embarrassed look in his eyes.

Her fingers flew to her mouth in shock and she watched him walk away without uttering another word. Her heart was pounding so violently she feared it would beat through her chest. She leaned against the adobe wall for support and for several minutes she stared blankly at the path he had taken.

She'd been looking for Zorro all night and, she supposed, had been a little disappointed by her inability to find him. Could it be that he had been right in front of her all along and she'd never even noticed? Curiosity hastened her steps as she traced his footsteps toward where she knew he had gone. It was where she went when she had something on her mind.

The church garden was small and relatively private but the padre had created a small slice of heaven in the dry, arid desert. She came here often when she found herself with a few free moments. The lingering fragrance of freshly blooming roses mingling with a multitude of other fresh, sweet scents was intoxicating.

The beauty nearly rivaled the de la Vega garden. When Victoria reached out to open the gate, she stopped. The de la Vega garden; where she'd first kissed Zorro. It was unfathomable but, if it was true. . . . she wasn't sure if she wanted to slap her friend or hug the breath right out of him. She had dreamed for so long of discovering the real identity of the man behind Zorro's mask and if it turned out to be Diego who had been standing so patiently in front of her all along . . . .She had to find out if it was true. A simple kiss wasn't enough proof.

But such a tender, romantic kiss from a man who had only ever acted in a brotherly, friendly way to her was a tell tail start. No. She would have known. Wouldn't she? He couldn't keep such feelings hidden from her all these years.

When she stepped into the garden and found it empty, her heart fell. Maybe he hadn't come here. She huffed but didn't have long to wait before she heard an all too familiar voice. Why had she not seen it before?

"I'm sorry, Victoria. I don't know what came over me."

Victoria whirled and squinted into the shadows. Diego's long, lean form was nearly obscured, completely by climbing roses and Ivy falling from the top off the adobe wall in a curtain that framed his body.

"Come out here. I want to talk to you."

She could hear an amused chuckle that only served to inflame her temper even further. He was laughing at her. Why? Because he knew he was in for a tongue lashing, that's why.

"That's what I love so much about you."

Her heart somersaulted. Had he just confirmed her suspicions? Or was it the wine talking?

"And what might that be?" She crossed her arms and stared at his shadow.

"Your fiery temper, of course." He stepped out of the shadows from behind her and she whirled on him. How does he do that!

Before she could stop herself, the palm of her hand impacted the side of his face with a loud slap. It was something, if given more thought, she'd never have done. But irritation prompted the action and she immediately regretted it. She could see him wince at the contact. It had stung even her skin and she clenched her hands into tight fists as she glared at him.

"I deserved that," he said simply, leveling an all too familiar gaze at her.

"You deserve more than that, you know."

"Could we skip to the moment you launch yourself into my arms and kiss me soundly?"

Victoria's eyes flashed but she could hear the amusement in his voice. He was always so good at lightening any foul moodWell, not this time. He'd really given her something to be angry about this time.

"You've read one too many fantasy stories, Diego. Real life is not a fantasy."

"No, its not." His voice was low and his eyes held a sadness that tugged at her heart. She stood perfectly still and let him trail the tips of his fingers down her cheeks. She trembled, at his forwardness or the touch, she wasn't certain. He was behaving so. . . . differently. So unlike the Diego she'd come to know over the last few years.

"You are my one and only fantasy. A part of my life I refuse to let slip through my fingers because of my desire to keep you safe," he glanced down briefly but then met her eyes with a directness that only Zorro had ever done before.

"Have I slipped through your fingers?" She asked, trembling slightly as she waited for an answer.

"I hope not." He whispered.

The man beneath this mask is afraid of only one thing in this world. That you love a hero with whom he cannot compete. That when this mask is removed you will still be in love with the legend and not with the man of flesh and blood.

Her breath caught as she remembered his admission and she suddenly longed to hold him and kiss away those fears. How could she not love the man behind the mask? He was her best friend in the world. If he was Zorro.. . . .?

She closed her eyes and sighed softly as his hands came to rest lightly along the sides of her neck. His touch was so gentle, that she imagined it was Zorro whom she was standing with, who was touching her this way. She found herself leaning toward him as he slowly bent to press a slow, lingering kiss to her lips. Passion flared instantly, as she recognized the familiar touch, and their kiss deepened. His tongue traced the outline of her lips, demanding entrance and she clutched him with all the strength her weakening arms could muster.

A tree branch snapped behind them and Diego immediately dropped his arms and took a step back. His eyes flitted around the garden and she could see the well-defined muscles beneath his clothing tense. They could hear voices on the other side of the wall, and they were getting closer.

"Not here. Not now." His voice was a mere whisper.

He gently traced her mouth with the tip of a finger before lifting her chin and placing a swift, tender kiss to her lips. Before she had a chance to react, he turned on his heel and strode quickly out of the garden.

She stood there blinking at the wall, the flowers and the path he'd just taken. She closed her eyes for a moment, relishing the memory of the feel of his lips on hers, his arms holding her in a firm, protective embrace. She considered the implications of this newfound knowledge for several moments before leaving the quiet solitude of the padre's garden.

A soft, sad melody enveloped her senses as she returned to the tavern.

Diego was at the piano playing the most exquisite piece of music Victoria had ever heard. Couples danced close in a slow waltz and Victoria found herself mesmerized by the slow, sad tune.

She walked around dance floor and politely refused those who asked her to join the dance. When she reached the stage, she leaned against the wall and simply watched him play. Long, slim fingers pressed lightly against the keys, slid along the polished ivory in a most sensual caress. She imagined those same fingers brushing lightly against her neck, down her arms, holding her tightly.

How had she not known? She could see the resemblance now. In fact, she could no longer look at Diego and not see Zorro. The two men were so strikingly similar that Victoria swallowed her own pang of regret that she had not figured it out sooner. He'd been giving her clues for years. Years!

The song lasted far longer than Victoria anticipated but she simply stood there, entranced by the music and the man creating it. When the song ended, applause echoed through the tavern and people rushed up to congratulate Diego on playing such a beautiful piece. Her view of him was obscured by not only young, single señoritas but by their fathers wishing to present their very eligible daughters to the unmarried de la Vega heir.

Victoria swallowed her rising ire over the unexpected jealousy that began to color her cheeks.

He was swept into a few more dances and Victoria could do nothing but watch. She could see he was uncomfortable and she secretly relished the thought. She was angry with him. Wasn't she? He'd lied to her for years.But seeing him dance with all of the pretty señoritas was causing an emotion she never thought she'd ever feel toward her best friend – jealousy.

She watched Diego politely extricate himself from one dance and move to talk with two men she did not recognize. Her eyes narrowed as she watched them. She could only see the side of Diego's face but the familiar emotions playing across his handsome features as he spoke was just further proof that he was, indeed, her masked man. Even though he had never said the words.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Alejandro moving toward her and she put on her best smile.

"Victoria!" he kissed her cheek. "I wondered where you'd gotten off to."

"Oh, I simply needed some air and a break from the dancing." At least it was partially true.

"Ah, indeed. Even the younger generation needs a break sometime, hmm?"

Victoria shot a glance at Diego, who was once again dancing with another señorita. "Alejandro?"

"Yes, Victoria?"

"That piece Diego played. What was it?" Victoria's attention was split between watching Diego and trying to be polite and listen to Alejandro. She had, after all, asked him a question.

"Ah, it is titled I Remember You." Alejandro smiled kindly. "It is a very sweet, romantic love song."

"Oh? There are words to the song?"

"Yes, indeed." Alejandro followed Victoria's eyes and to his surprise they fell on his own son. "Well, I believe Señora Ruiz may remember the words. Would you like me to ask her to sing?"

Victoria smiled nervously and glanced down at her feet.

"Diego knows the dance. I'm sure he would be happy to teach you the steps."

"Thank you, Alejandro. I will - ask him."

"Excellent. It will be the last dance of the evening then. And I will play it so Diego can dance with you." He winked conspiratorially at her. "If you'll excuse me, I'll speak with Señora Ruiz."

Diego and Victoria avoided direct contact with one another for the next few dances but they could not completely avert their eyes. She even lost sight of him completely a few times which caused the last few dance partners to shake their heads in confusion at her distraction. They needed to talk but the pueblo was simply bustling with too much activity.

When Alejandro announced the last dance, Victoria determinedly pushed through the crowd but stopped short behind a young woman who shyly stood next to Diego hoping he would ask her to dance. Zorro had promised her a dance this evening and now that she knew the truth, she was going to make certain he fulfilled that promise.

Diego's eyes caught Victoria's and he bowed to the nervous young woman, an apologetic look in his kind, blue eyes. "I'm sorry, Señorita. I've promised this dance to Victoria." He leveled Victoria with a challenging look but she simply offered him her hand and let him lead her onto the dance floor.

"Father says you'd like to learn the proper steps?" Diego said formally and Victoria's eyes narrowed.

"You lead, I'll follow." They'd danced together many times but now, it would be different - and not just because the dance was an unfamiliar one.

They stood near the center of the floor, waiting for the music to begin. As Alejandro began to play, Diego bowed elegantly over her hand and pulled her gently into his arms.

Victoria released a soft sigh and trembled beneath the man's touch. Why had she never made the connection before now? Their touch was the same. A gentle strength radiated throughout his entire body and she couldn't help but be enraptured by the sudden change in her best friend. A change only she could truly see, she hoped.

Señora Ruiz began to sing, her voice low and haunting.

For the first time in a very long time, Diego stared into her eyes. The love and devotion she saw lingering there both scared and excited her. It was the same look that she had seen in Zorro's eyes time and time again.

She could feel his heart thumping and knew that hers thudded to a very similar beat. The steps began in a slow, easy to follow manner. He held her formally, one hand steadying her balance by resting at the small of her back, the other cupping her fingers in the traditional style of a popular court waltz.

She counterbalanced him by sliding her hand around his waist and pressing it into the small of his back. The touch was common in such a style of dance, but between the two of them, it was far more intimate gesture.

They moved fluidly through the steps and to anyone watching it looked as if they moved as one. It became impossible to tell where one ended and the other began. To the most skilled dancers, this feat was easily accomplished, or to a couple who knew intimately how the other moved.

Diego held her at a proper distance but the adoration in his eyes wasn't lost on anyone. Victoria's heart pounded against her ribcage, demanding to be set free. She'd dreamed of this moment. And as the words of the song coursed through her mind, her thoughts once again turned to her friend, Diego. He'd been there for all of her good times and her bad. She'd always been able to depend on him. Always.

As the romance of the words carried them along the dance floor, Diego risked a more intimate touch and pulled her close, oblivious to anyone who might be watching. She decided suddenly that she wanted him to kiss her. The passion in his eyes was unmistakable and she felt as if she was falling, falling away from him. Ridiculous as it was. He held her quite firmly.

"Diego-"

"Shh," he whispered. "Enjoy the dance. Move with me."

The chorus of the song changed the speed of the dance and Diego twirled her effortlessly. They danced in their own world, oblivious to those around them. Diego leaned close, closer than would truly have been proper, but the words had a hypnotizing effect and he briefly leaned his cheek against hers.

"Please forgive me." He whispered, breath hot against her cheek. "I'm sorry."

Victoria couldn't think, couldn't breathe. His plea had just confirmed, even though she already knew, what she had felt when he'd kissed her. He was Zorro. The words of the song washed over her and combined with the pleading look in his eyes and the thumping of her heart, she couldn't stop the tears from creeping slowly down her cheeks. She had been so blind.

"Ai, querida. . . . don't cry. Please." He pleaded, his voice low. No one else could hear him. When he gently wiped away the tears, she leaned her cheek against his hand and closed her eyes.

Her dream was within reach now, all she had to do was claim it, claim him. Accept him. She wanted the man behind the mask, not the hero who feared would never be loved for himself.

Anguish at causing her so much pain tore at his heart and he bent to press a soft, lingering kiss against her damp cheek. Unaccustomed to dealing with a woman's tears, neither Diego de la Vega or Zorro knew what to do.

She could hear his murmured endearments and they served to remind her how much he truly did love her. She'd hoped to discover Zorro's identity tonight and Victoria had been granted that request. Be careful what you wish for, she thought with a quiet sob, you just might get it. He'd given her enough clues.

The third verse brought the beginning of the end and the dancers moved effortlessly to the steps. Those unsure of each move when the dance began, were confident and certain now. Alejandro played beautifully, but when he noticed how closely his son and partner stood, he had to force himself to concentrate on the keys. His son was holding Victoria in a far more intimate gesture than he thought Diego capable. Perhaps he'd encouraged his son to drink a bit too much tonight. Diego had clearly lost his mind. But it was too late now. Anyone with half a brain could see something had happened between the two of them.

"I love you," Diego whispered against her cheek and when he laid her hand on his shoulder and wrapped his other around her waist, her tear-filled eyes lifted to meet his.

"I know." She whispered, her lips trembling.

"I said I'd give my life for just one kiss"

"I live for your smile and die for your kiss"

"Please," He whispered and for a split second she didn't understand. Then the realization that he was begging for her forgiveness hit her square in the face. Tears dripped down her cheeks but his hands moved to her face and wiped them away as they fell.

She couldn't find the words to speak. To tell him that she forgave him - for everything. That she understood what he had done and why he had done it. The hand resting on his shoulder slid around his neck and into his hair. If she couldn't formulate the words, she would show him with her actions.

A shiver of excitement rushed through her when he inhaled sharply. He clearly expected to hear her say something and her hand sliding into his hair had come as a complete shock.

She smiled up at him, a sweet, understanding and unmistakable smile that offered instant forgiveness. When she nodded ever so slowly, the relief that flooded his eyes was unmistakable.

The world around them fell away and as the music ended, there were only Diego and Victoria, standing in one another's arms. He couldn't even bring himself to bow honorably to her, as everyone else on the dance floor had done. Instead, one hand slipped into her hair, the dark curls sliding smoothly through his fingers. With the other, he simply touched his lips to hers in the sweetest, most romantic kiss that he'd ever given her.

They ignored, or simply did not hear, the gasps that echoed throughout the tavern at the unusually intimate sight.