Page 53 of Secrets of the Six

Ines

Despite going to sleep well after midnight, Lupe still shows up bright and early to wake me for breakfast. I fight the urge to kick her out because she's so excited with how well the evening went.

"Everyone is talking about you," she gushes as she rips open the curtains.

I hiss when the light stings my eyes.

"Rumor has it you are the most eligible lady of the season!"

A cockiness swells in my chest, spurring me to sit up. The realization I triumphantly deceived the elite has me practically floating across the room to dress for the day.

"What are they saying?" I ask, shameless in my prodding for validation and praise.

"They haven't seen a paso doble performed with such passion in years! If Don Rogelio hadn't occupied most of your time last night, the others would have thought the bachelor-sworn Don Rafael finally met his match."

The mention of Remus – of our paso doble – has my knees buckling. I purge those memories to the recesses of my mind. Despite my unwanted attraction for him, there's nothing tangible between us. He plays a part and he's nothing short of exceptional in the art of deception. I hate that I'm not repulsed by him.

He shouldn't be the man occupying so much of my headspace. My attention and sights are honed on Rogelio Murrieta who, if I wasn't in cahoots to destroy his father, I would consider a decent man. During our conversation last night, he spoke of his passion for art and how he has no interest in being involved in politics. I suspect if he could disappear and not fear the reach of his father, he'd leave this entire life behind and retire in the countryside to practice his craft.

My initial assessment of him being a bore was a true misjudgment. He's quite well-spoken and is kind and honest to a fault. Oh, the joy he must feel to be completely blind and unburdened to the maliciousness and misery of others. He's not at all like his father. When all is said and done, I might feel remorseful when I betray him.

"Doña Otero suspects the young Murrieta will call upon you in a couple days as is customary," Lupe continues, tying me into my day dress. "He will not want to appear too eager, but I'm sure he's aware if he doesn't court you, someone else will."

I've grown used to the tugging and pulling of getting ready and don't bat an eye when she finishes looping the corset. "Let's hope he acts quickly," I run my fingers across the brocade fabric in admiration. "I'm not known for being patient."

"I'm well aware, Mocosa," Lupe teases and motions for me to make haste downstairs.

I make my way to the dining room to join Doña Otero at the breakfast table. I'm used to us eating in the courtyard, but with the slight chill in the air, the matriarch has the spread displayed inside.

"There she is!" Doña practically sings in glee, wiping her mouth with her linen napkin. "I do believe love is in the air!"

I claim my seat but when I glance across the table I find Remus' chair empty. I knew once our charade was in full swing his presence would be less frequent but for some reason his absence saddens me.

Doña Otero's eyes slide in the direction I'm staring before she scoops another spoonful of eggs into her mouth.

"Let's hope his love spurs him to act quickly," I say, ironing out my skirt.

"Are we speaking of the same man?"

I spear a disapproving glare her way. "Don Rogelio, of course."

"Of course," she nods, though I sense mischief brewing. "Although, your performance with another Don seems to be the highlight of the night."

And there it is. Suddenly I'm beginning to despise the paso doble.

I reach for a muffin with the tongs and place it on my plate. "If there is something you wish to say, Doña, say it plainly."

Her brow quirks, as if I've issued a challenge and she's got time to play. "Do you have feelings for him?"

"I'm afraid you will need to be more specific."

"You know exactly of whom I speak, girl." Her chastisement carries warning, but in true Ines fashion, I disregard the sting. "Do you have feelings for him?"

We both know she's referring to Remus. I mull over my answer and know I can't offer her the truth.

Am I in love with him? Certainly not.

Do I like him? Debatable.