Page 8 of Beaux and Dragons

“Padre won’t keep you, but I know of a cave not too far from here.” Ana leaped onto the saddle, ripping the fabric somewhere on her ensemble. “No time to get a riding dress.”

Though Celestia hesitated to stand, she got to her feet and pranced outside the stable where she stretched out her enormous leathery wings. Her long talons dug into the ground.

“Come on, Celestia.” Ana pressed her feet into the creature’s flesh to prod her forward. “I hear people coming.”

Celestia glanced backward and huffed. In a split second, she ran and dove off the cliffside, wings expanded.

Ana clung to her neck and gently steered Celestia through the sky. The dewy air undid the braid pinned to the top of her head and whipped strands across her face. So many years ago, Ana had allowed Padre and her sisters to persuade her to cut off ties with Federico, stealing her bestfriend. But she wouldn’t allow the last promise to fade with their dwindling purses.

“Where have you been?” Padre asked the moment Ana entered the parlor.

Ana plucked a leaf from her disheveled hair, which surely gave her away, but she wouldn’t cower or admit to any indiscretion.

“Never mind that. The colonel and captain arrive soon.” Padre twisted his lips with offense painted into the furrow of his brow. “I hate to think you had anything to do with that beast disappearing.”

Maria joined them in a fine gown meant for a night out at a ball. Though she found occasion to be ostentatious during any visit from an esteemed male, she’d outdone herself by adding the finest gold hair combs and sprinkling perfume that left the rest of her company trying to catch their breath.

Cheeks hot, Ana dipped her head down and clasped her hands.

A maid appeared at the doorway. “Captain Vega, sir.” The demure young lady dipped a quick curtsy and fled just as an older Federico appeared at the doorway.

Ana’s breath caught in her throat.

He’d filled out his simple uniform, transforming his once lanky figure into a tall and handsome young man—even more striking than the last time she’d seen him. What would he think of her, especially with hair unkempt, mud up to her knees, and a rip up the backside of her dress?

Federico refused to meet her eye though he gave a quick nod to Maria and Padre. “I’m here for the beast.”

“I thought we were to do business with the colonel himself.” Disdain crinkled along Padre’s lips. “I can’t imagine why the colonel would send his stable boy.”

“The colonel is not the buyer.” Federico’s smile inched up his cheek, which now had a small scar along his laugh line. “I am now a captain and have come into a small fortune.”

“Then I must tell you that the beast escaped this morning.” Padre cut a quick look at Ana and then returned his attentions to Federico. “The only thing I have left to offer is …”

Ana swallowed hard at such a well-placed pause that left her hoping in a way she hadn’t dared imagine in years.

“This estate,” Padre finished.

A weight burdened Ana’s shoulders with spoiled anticipation and all that must be done in order to move to Lourdes City. This grand house had been where she’d last seen her mamá, where she’d spent her childhood, where she’d had her happiest and most disillusioned moments.

“I’ll buy it,” Federico said.

Padre stilled, and so did Ana.

How much money had Federico come into?Ana examined his steady features and the scruff along his jaw for any sign of teasing, but there was none.

“The paperwork will be sent to you this afternoon.” Federico stretched out his hand, and Padre stared at it for a few minutes.

Taxes and upkeep had made the estate a liability that threatened the Montenegro family’s lifestyle. But Padre hated to see his house fall into the hands of someone he deemed unworthy. After all, this was part of his inheritance and had been in the family for generations. Calculation traversed the lines on Padre’s face and finally settled with him clasping Federico’s hand in agreement.

The boy she’d once treasured still hadn’t met her eye, and Ana longed for any confirmation that he still admired or even loved her. They might be able to be together ifFederico had enough income to sustain her home. Instead, Federico grinned brightly at Maria and Padre as they made their way to the front door.

Ana followed, still hoping for a crumb of his attention, but all she received was a passing glance where the upturn of his lips shifted downward.

If propriety hadn’t kept her feet glued to the ground, she would have fled before the door shut.

“Come back for dinner so we can discuss further details.” Padre’s eyebrow twitched as he peered at the old stable boy, inspecting his attire as if to find a flaw.

How could Federico afford such an estate? Perhaps Padre would change his sentiments toward her old friend. Yet when she stretched her neck to try and catch Federico’s attention, he dodged her gaze.