Page 45 of Gabriela and His Grace

So it was a disconcerting realization to feel as if his lungs could finally fill with air when he laid eyes on Gabriela standing across the candelabra-lit room. It was as if he had been anticipating just this moment when he would see her again. Sebastian shoved the uncomfortable epiphany away and swiped a beverage from the tray of a passing footman.

Oh, but he watched her. In her red gown, which sat off her shoulders and showcased the delicate cut of her jawline and her strikingly symmetrical profile, Gabriela was exquisite. The burnt sienna curls that cascaded about her shoulders gave her a freshly ravished look, but the red roses tucked within them lent an ethereal halo. Even now as Sebastian stood next to Señor Luna among a group of guests, the conversation ebbed and flowed around him but he struggled to attend to it. He had no notion of how he was expected to act like nothing was amiss when the sight of Gabriela in red had quite literally knocked him senseless.

And blast it all, she stood chatting with Señor Carrasco, the charismatic Chilean whom Sebastian had met at the Camino Rojo board meeting. If her dimpled smiles were any indication, the man had managed to charm his way into her good graces…but Sebastian drew a grim sort of satisfaction from the muted light in Gabriela’s gaze. He’d glimpsed her across any number of ballrooms, drawing rooms, and dining tables, and Sebastian fancied he was a bit of an expert on the varied expressions of Gabriela Luna. And the current expression on her face hinted at amusement and nothing more.

Or so he hoped.

“How have you been enjoying your time in Mexico, Your Grace?”

It took Sebastian a second to understand the question was directed at him. In truth, it was the pressure on his arm that finally drew his attention. Glancing down, Sebastian found a feminine hand wrapped around his forearm. It belonged to a woman who had been introduced to him not long after he’d arrived. She appeared to be around his age, and was quite elegant and attractive.

If the hungry look in her eyes was any indication, she would also happily welcome him into her bed. Sebastian had lost track of how many months it had been since he’d last enjoyed a turn in the sheets, so the advances of a pretty and willing partner should have stoked the fire in his blood.

Yet he was decidedly cold.

“Señora Delgado, correct?” When she smiled, Sebastian continued in Spanish. “My time in San Luis Potosí has been edifying. It’s a beautiful city filled with interesting people doing important things.”

The woman’s crimson lips tilted up. “Your Spanish is quite impressive, Your Grace.”

“Thank you.” Sebastian dipped his head. “When I first signed on as an investor of the Camino Rojo mine, I promptly found myself a Spanish tutor.”

“Are there many Spanish speakers in London?” Señora Delgado sidled closer to his side.

“As with any large, cosmopolitan city, there are. Plus, I had an advantage in that I’m on friendly terms with the Mexican ambassador to England.” Unconsciously, Sebastian glanced in Gabriela’s direction. The color was high in her cheeks as she stared up at Carrasco. Unease prickled along his scalp. “Señor Valdés has been a staunch advocate for Mexico.”

“That is how you are acquainted with the Luna family, yes?” she asked.

Sebastian inclined his head. “That is one way. But I am also associated because two of my closest friends have married Señor Luna’s daughters.”

Recognition flared in her dark eyes. “Of course. The British captain, Señor Dawson. He married the morena daughter.”

A frown immediately tugged down Sebastian’s lips. He was obviously aware of Isabel Dawson’s darker skin, but for it to be the first adjective used to describe her seemed like a sin. Swallowing his irritation, he finally said, “Yes. The captain and I have known each other since we were boys. His marriage to Isabel Luna has made him very happy.”

Señora Delgado glanced to the left, and Sebastian followed her gaze to where Sirius stood with Isabel near the perimeter of the room. They appeared completely engrossed in each other, as if they were the only two people about. Sebastian quickly looked away when his friend brushed a curl from Isabel’s cheek, his knuckles lingering to caress her skin.

“They are an interesting pair,” the woman by his side murmured.

“They complement each other,” Señor Luna said, pivoting to join their conversation. The man’s dark eyes studied Sirius and Isabel, his mien contemplative. “My wife and I did not think Isabel would marry at all. For truly, who would want a dark-skinned mestiza with more brains than beauty?”

Sebastian locked his teeth together so forcefully they clicked.

“Yet Dawson arrived from England already infatuated with her.” Señor Luna shrugged. “He is charming, and stands to make a fortune with that silver mine. And Isabel’s clever and reserved nature is an asset for her work with the First Lady. Yes, they seem quite content with each other. Isabel has far exceeded any expectation I had for her.”

Catching a passing servant’s eye, Sebastian gestured to his empty glass. He needed fortification.

In comparison, Señora Delgado’s lips curled up in delight. “And your eldest daughter is married to a politician in England?”

“Sí. Ana María’s husband is a member of Parliament and has already made a name for himself.” The older man glanced at Sebastian. “Is that not true, señor?”

“It is.” Sebastian accepted a new glass of tequila from the servant eagerly. “Fox may one day be prime minister.”

Señor Luna smiled, and it did nothing to soften his features. “An alliance worthy of a Luna.”

Sebastian took a long sip of tequila.

Señora Delgado had managed to press herself into his side, and Sebastian held himself stiffly. “You have another daughter, do you not, Señor Luna? Has she married a British man, as well?”

At just that moment, a peal of laughter sounded above the din. Sebastian didn’t have to look to know it was Gabriela, but his eyes immediately went to her. She was holding an empty shot glass, her dimple flashing as she laughed along with Carrasco.