Up for a change Part 1

by katie1999

New world Zorro. Zorro wants to have a life with Victoria. Will he be able to win her without giving up his cover? Same story as published before, but edited and split in chapters. The story is continued in Part 2.

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – A life without Zorro

The next day Victoria was in a somber mood. As much as she wished to be with Zorro forever, she didn't like his plan very much. She wanted him to be with her and to kiss her, even if it was for some fleeting moments. Now she would not see him again for some time and even if she did, she would have to pretend indifference toward him.

It became soon obvious that Victoria and Zorro had broken up. The next time Zorro came to the pueblo making his point to the alcalde, he failed to acknowledge her and didn't show her his affection as he used to. Victoria knew that it was part of his plan, but it hurt nevertheless. After Zorro left, she returned to her tavern barely able to hold back her tears. She went to kitchen so she wouldn't have to face her guests while the tavern was buzzing with gossip about Zorro and her. It was there Diego found her some time later.

"I have heard what happened today. Is there something wrong with Zorro and you?"

"We broke up."

"Why?"

"That is none of your business."

Though it was supposed to be a ruse, she still felt hurt by his ignorance of her and she started to cry. What if it was real and he had really left her?

Diego had not expected her to react so strongly to Zorro's display today. And he was scolding himself for coming up with this plan. He longed to take in his arms and kiss her telling her that he loved her and that it was all a mistake. But if he wanted to marry her soon they had to keep up with their plan however hard it proved to be. He handed her a handkerchief to dry her tears. Out of an impulse he hugged her close for moment. "Don't cry Victoria."

Surprised by his unusual behavior she looked him in the eyes. She hadn't expected to see so much concern in them. Diego seemed to care more for her than she had thought.

"You can count on me if you need me Victoria," letting her go suddenly. Without a further look he turned around and left her standing in the kitchen his hanky still in hands.

The following weeks Diego came to the tavern more often than he used to before. He had always time for a little chat with her and she had the impression he was watching her.

Maybe it was because she was paying more attention to him. Had he always been watching her so much and she hadn't noticed it?