Chapter 8
Don Alejandro glanced around the table wondering how the evening was going for his son and Victoria. Instead of having dinner at the hacienda, Diego had opted to have dinner at the tavern with Victoria. His son had been spent a lot of time with Aria Franco lately and he suspected that Victoria was jealous of Diego and the young woman. I am glad that Diego is taking some initiative... Good for you, son. It was about time.
'So, where is Don Diego tonight?" Aria was aware that Diego was probably with Victoria but wanted to be sure...
"He is having dinner with Victoria tonight."
So, Victoria had thrown her hat into the ring. Maybe she is ready to admit that she cares for Diego or is it her jealousy that spurs her to action?
"They are close friends who like to spend time together. Diego has been quite busy with the newspaper among other things."
Ramon lifted an eye in surprise at Don Alejandro's remarks. He would not be surprised if Diego's father had encouraged him to spend time with Victoria. The wealthy landowner looked on Victoria as a daughter but that the fact that he would encourage Diego to spend time with a woman known to be infatuated with Zorro was unexpected…
"Your son has been a delightful companion, I miss his company this evening."
"I will be glad to stand in his stead, Aria," Ramon found the woman attractive and would enjoy spending some quality time with her...
"That is most kind of you, Ramon. I appreciate the sacrifice."
ZZZ
"I cannot think of an evening that I have enjoyed more," Diego confessed as the carriage approached the hacienda. Not once had they talked about Aria and Victoria's jealousy of her. They had focused on enjoying each other's company and nothing more...
"It is a shame that it has to end, Diego." Tonight, her friend was playful yet charming and it had been too long since she had seen that side of Diego and she liked it. He was much more complicated than she believed...
Diego and Victoria exchanged regretful looks. "We can get together again. I would enjoy the pleasure of your company, señorita. It has been a wonderful evening."
"The feeling is quite mutual, Senor de la Vega."
"I have to ask, Victoria. What about Zorro?"
"I have feelings for him but I spend more time with you than Zorro. Waiting is difficult, Diego. I want a home, a family, someone I can love and respect."
"What about romance…adventure and passion?"
"Many times I have felt attracted to you, but I did not want to give into it."
"Is it your fear of losing me to Aria that compels you to say these things?"
"I have wondered how it would be between us...I don't know what might happen but I want the chance to find out."
Diego leaned down and kissed Victoria's forehead. The tender gesture stirred something inside of Victoria as she gently stroked his cheek. She couldn't help initiating a kiss which quickly turned into much more. Their kisses became quite heated so the couple decided to stop to prevent an uncomfortable situation. To respond as he wanted to would go against all his beliefs as well as his upbringing. My father taught me too well...
ZZZ
The tall caballero gently helped Victoria from the carriage. She does care for me, he thought. It taught him to hope as he never had before...She is finally seeing the man behind the mask...
Victoria walked beside Diego in quiet amazement. She had enjoyed Diego's kisses. She had been smitten with Diego the day he had returned from Madrid. Zorro's appearance had driven all thoughts of her childhood friend out of her mind but they had returned with a vengeance…If I pursue a relationship with Diego then where does that leave my relationship with Zorro? Victoria pondered those thoughts long after everyone else had gone to bed that evening…