Page 54 of Secrets of the Six

Am I attracted to him? Unfortunately.

She doesn't need to have knowledge of my inner turmoil though.

"No," I spout with confidence and bite into my muffin. "I do not have feelings for him."

"Such a pity," she sighs and raises her coffee cup to her lips.

"Pardon?"

She meets my gaze, a sharpness in her eyes. "The ridiculous notion you think you can lie to me."

Before I have a chance to refute her accusation, the butler walks into the room, bows, and announces, "There is a caller for Señorita Lozano."

Doña Otero and I exchange a surprised look. "Who is here?" she asks, setting her utensil down.

"Don Rogelio Murrieta."

"Well," Doña smirks, "it seems you've thoroughly enraptured him. He forgets societal decorum." She turns her attention to the butler and commands, "See him in."

The butler is gone only a moment before he returns with Rogelio in tow. The heir bows as we stand to curtsey, but he lifts a hand in protest.

"Please, don't burden yourselves with standing. It is I who have disrupted your morning without sending word ahead." He shifts from his left foot to his right, the only sign of his anxiety. "Forgive my intrusion, Doña Otero, but I could not help myself. Your niece has captured my attention and more importantly seized my heart. I know a respectable man would wait a few days before calling to declare his affection but I'm a man, unhinged."

Rogelio finally looks over at me and smiles and for some inexplicable reason, I can't help but smile back.

"Señorita Lozano, I thoroughly enjoyed your company last night and have come to ask if you would do me the great honor of joining me tonight at the opera. I've been a supporter of the fine arts most of my life and have a passion for the theatre. I would love to share that experience with you."

"Don Rogelio," Doña Otero inserts herself. "Should I take this as you expressing your interest in courting my niece?"

Though she's spoken to him, he doesn't peel his eyes from mine. His face brightens. "If she will have me."

I nod, pressing a palm to my flushed face. "I would be honored, Don Rogelio."

"So, you will join me?" he asks as if he was prepared for me to reject his offer.

"I would love to," I smile. "In full transparency, I will need to find something to wear – "

"Leave it all to me, Señorita." He bows once more to me and Doña Otero before plopping his hat atop his head, excitement ripe in his face. "I have intruded on your time long enough."

"Please, join us for breakfast." Doña Otero waves him to sit in Remus' seat and my stomach lurches at the thought of him replacing the Venturan.

"I'm afraid I have some shopping to do in the Market District." He declines politely, fiddling with his hands. "You will receive a package from me later this afternoon. I will see you this evening."

As quickly as he arrived, he disappears, and I'm left speechless. I've never stepped foot near the Teatro Castillo, much less inside of it. I've heard tale of the opulence the gold domed opera house offers with handcrafted gold lighting fixtures, red velvet cushioned chairs, heavy embroidered drapery, and a crystal chandelier dangling from a hand painted mural on the ceiling.

I swallow hard, suddenly overwhelmed and feeling insignificant. I'll have to be dressed in finery and dripping in diamonds to remotely blend in with the other patrons.

Doña claps her hands in girlish delight. "I knew you could do it! A proposal will be quick to follow. I can feel it in my bones. We are one step closer to the Murrieta circle." Seeing my face, her smile falters. "What's the matter?"

"I'm nervous," I admit before I can hesitate, failing to keep my cards close to my chest. Her eyes widen and I fear I've disappointed her. "I know you probably hate hearing that – "

"On the contrary," she says softly. "For a while I was beginning to believe you were more machine than human." She reaches for my hand and squeezes affectionately. "You needn't worry. The opera will be lovely, and you won't be there alone."

"What do you mean?"

"There will be eyes on you to ensure your safety." She pushes away from the table and snatches her cane. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have arrangements to make."

Doña Otero leaves without another word, her half-eaten breakfast my only company.