Toro (The Hell Yeah Series) Read online

  “Uncle, who…” Isabella started to ask the identity of their impending visitor, but Pedro’s return with a box of Cubans interrupted her.

  “Senor, a storm approaches. The ride should be short.”

  Even though Juan was speaking out of concern, Don Luis bristled. “I have enough sense to come in out of the rain, surely.” With that terse reply, he placed the wooden box in his arm and stalked off to the barn.

  Isabella just shook her head. “Have a good evening, Pedro.”

  “Thank you, Senorita, I will. Juan asked me to tell you that he’d bring the ranch reports to you after the evening meal.”

  “Thank you. Please tell Juan that will be fine.” They parted and Isabella entered her home, giving her coat to another gentleman who’d been in their employ for as long as she could remember. Pedro asked if she needed anything, but she declined. “I think I’ll retire for the evening, if I get hungry, I’ll raid the kitchen later.”

  “Very good, Senorita.”

  Before heading upstairs, Isabella walked through the house, checking to make sure all was well. Terra Dura was a traditional Spanish style house, stone walls and terracotta colored marble helped keep the temperature comfortable. Lola joined her to make the rounds. Isabella picked up the dog and gave her a kiss. “Miss me?” To her relief, everything was in order and in its place. She smiled, this was her home and Isabella loved it. Everywhere she looked, she could see her mother’s touch.

  There were times when Renata begged for them to share an apartment in the city, but so far Isabella felt no desire to leave home. Living with Don Luis was difficult, yet tolerable since they shared the hacienda with several employees. She was never truly alone with him, and that’s how Isabella liked it. Even though she’d been young, she could still remember the jealousy and the tension between him and her father. Their rivalry had even extended to her mother. Valentina hadn’t liked Don Luis, Isabella could still remember walking into a room where the two of them were alone together and seeing the strain on her mother’s face and the relief in Valentina’s eyes because they’d been interrupted.

  Isabella sat the dachshund down and rubbed her own forehead where the beginnings of a headache was forming. When she thought of everything she’d been through in the past couple of days, it was a wonder her head was the only thing hurting. Sometimes she questioned her own judgment. Was she doing the right thing? How would it be if she stopped her crusade? Never went one on one with the bulls again? An unsettling dissatisfaction filled her. Maybe she should back off for a time, give things a chance to settle down. Oh well, she had one more bout scheduled in Veracruz in approximately a week’s time. After that, she’d give this whole thing a little more thought.

  Climbing the stairs to her private suite, Isabella was glad to see all her reading materials were still laid out on the desk awaiting her attention. Even though she was tired, she intended to do a bit of work before calling it a day. For the last five years, Isabella had spent a great deal of time learning as much about the ranch and how it worked as possible. Her uncle might have the connections, but she’d studied the books and memorized all the notes her father had left. Every article and journal she could get her hands on that would teach her more about the cattle business was read by lamplight as she lay curled up in bed. The pedigree of each animal on the ranch was as familiar to Isabella as her own. All the ranch’s communications might have her uncle’s name on the letterhead, but the decisions and the bargaining behind those deals were her doing. Don Luis pretended he didn’t realize this, but the vaqueros who ran the ranch turned to her when a decision needed to be made.

  Maybe this immersion in the ranch and its workings was why she was so into American cowboys. In her daydreams, she could picture a powerful, handsome man riding the range at her side. Walking to the window, she gazed out at the beautiful expanse. Juan had been right, a storm was blowing in. She could see the branches of nearby trees beginning to move in the wind and a flash of lightning shone brightly in the distant sky. A blanket of weariness settled on her shoulders and she bowed her head. She was so tired of battling her uncle for every inch of progress Terra Dura made. Sometimes she wished for a champion, a man who loved her enough to set everything aright.

  Unbidden, her thoughts turned to Benedict Redford. She wrapped her arms around herself, imagining she was held tightly in his embrace. Would she see him again? Isabella smiled. She wanted to…more than anything.

  CHAPTER

  THREE

  “Redford Rodeo Contractor, Benedict Carson Redford, Owner.” Isabella smiled as she read the words. After spending a couple of hours studying the benefits of grass feeding beef, Isabella lay in bed, recalling every moment she’d spent with the handsome cowboy. “You came when I needed you,” she whispered for her ears only. “I enjoyed you so much.” Isabella touched her lips, remembering how his mouth had felt covering hers. She wished she could see him again, but Don Luis’s return would mean she’d have to stay at home for a while – and not just to appease him, but also to protect her position and the welfare of Terra Dura.

  But…there was no reason she couldn’t call him as he’d requested.

  Rolling to her side, she reached over a sleeping Lola to take her phone from the bedside table. Consulting the card, she entered the number. When the rings began, Isabella sat up in the bed, tugging on the end of her gown, her heart pitter-pattering at the prospect of hearing his voice.

  …Back in town, Bull relaxed in bed, sipping on a bottle of water. He was attempting to study Terra Dura’s website and make notes of the animals he wanted to evaluate. “Ah, hell,” he slammed the lid of his laptop and tossed it to one side on the mattress, “I’m not in the mood. Who am I kidding?” He couldn’t get the beautiful lady bullfighter off his mind or the fact that she’d brought his body out of its sensual slumber. Making love to her had been incredible and his body craved hers like a drug. He’d known a lot of women in his time – buckle bunnies, cowgirls, barrel racers, even a few bull riders of the female persuasion – but none could match the beauty and bravery of La Diosa.

  Since leaving her, he’d relived every moment, his cock remaining as hard as a brick. The way she’d responded to him had been unbelievable. How had he lived without someone like her in his life? Now that he’d tasted her sweetness, how could he let her go?

  Even more than his desire for her, Bull couldn’t let go of his worry. She was in danger and not only from the bulls she faced. Somebody meant her harm. The very thought sent chills over his body. Leaning over, Bull took her shoe in hand. He hadn’t given it to her today, he supposed one shoe couldn’t do her any good, but he had every intention of returning it to her – because he had every intention of seeing her again. Bull refused to leave Mexico until they’d worked something out – what he didn’t know, but something.

  The buzz of his phone caused Bull’s head to jerk around. “What the hell?” He wasn’t expecting a phone call. Picking it up, he saw the number was blocked. He almost laid it back down. Unlisted numbers were usually pesky sales people. But…what if? Quickly, he hit answer and brought the phone to his ear. “Bull Redford speaking.”

  On her end, Isabella practically purred when she heard the deep, male voice in her ear. “Benedict?”

  No further identification was necessary. No one else called him Benedict. “It’s you.” Bull knew the relief in his voice was evident. He didn’t care. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I am fine. Are you well?”

  “I am. Where are you?” He wanted to go to her so badly he ached.

  “I am at home. In bed.”

  Bull groaned. “Don’t tell me that, you’re killing me.”

  Isabella smiled. “Do you miss me?”

  “Oh, hell yeah. My whole body misses you. I can’t think of anything else but you.” He knew he was saying things to her he didn’t usually say to a woman. Bull wasn’t known as the romantic sort. This woman brought out a side of him he wasn’t familiar with. “When can I see you again?
I don’t have much time. I’m going to have to return to Texas in a few days and I refuse to leave without talking to you again.”

  “All you want to do is talk?” She was teasing both of them with her sensual banter, but it was so much fun.

  “No, that’s not all I want to do,” Bull growled. “I want to be buried balls deep inside of you all the time.”

  Isabella trembled. “Oh, you were wonderful. I can still feel the delicious chills you gave me.”

  Bull groaned. “Let me come to you, just say the word. I’d love on you all night long.”

  “I can’t, not tonight.”

  “When?” Bull knew he was being impatient, but he wanted more of her – a lot more. “I’m not ready to let you go. I’ve never met another woman like you.”

  Isabella couldn’t reply, she bit her lip and gasped.

  “Are you still there?” Bull hoped he hadn’t scared her off.

  “Yes, I’m here.” She took a deep breath. “You saved me twice and you…touched my heart. I don’t know what that means, but I don’t want you to disappear from my life.”

  Bull swallowed hard. “I don’t intend to. Tell me your name. I want to know. You don’t need to hide anything from me, I want a name to whisper when I’m dreaming about you tonight.”

  Isabella’s heart lurched. She thought she could trust him…she was almost certain, but her past made her question everything. “Carmen,” she said quickly, giving him her first name. No one called her Carmen, she used it only for legal purposes.

  “Carmen.”

  The way he said her name made Isabella quiver. “Si.”

  “I love it. Carmen is a beautiful name, it suits you.”

  “Thank you,” Isabella smiled, thrilled to be lying in bed speaking to Benedict Redford. This was not something she’d ever done before. “You are a Texas cowboy?”

  Bull turned on his side, propped up on the pillow and tried to imagine how Carmen looked as she talked to him. “Yea, I guess you could say that. I’m a broken down ex-rodeo cowboy with a handkerchief size ranch. Not much to brag about. My prime business is providing stock for rodeos now. I run a few cows and horses, mostly because I enjoy having them around.”

  “You used to ride rodeo? I am so impressed. Did you bust broncs? Is that how you say that?” She rolled on her tummy and bent her legs, lifting her feet in the air and crossing them. Isabella hadn’t had this much fun in a long time.

  “No, I rode bulls.”

  “Oh, we have so much in common!” Isabella purred.

  Her comment brought home what he’d seen today at the bullfight. He’d been blown away by her talent, but couldn’t deny that his heart had been in his throat the whole time. “When you belong to me, you won’t be putting your pretty little self in danger like that. I could barely sit still in the stands when that animal would come charging across the ring toward you.”

  When she belonged to him? Her heart raced with excitement. Isabella laid her face on the pillow with a wistful sigh. “You wanted to come to my rescue, cowboy?”

  “I wanted to step in front of you and hide you behind my back, yeah. And why would that guy try to attack you the way he did? Even if it was a paint gun, he had malice in his eyes. What was that all about? Why don’t you have a bodyguard or something?”

  His questions didn’t anger Isabella, they warmed her heart. “Many in the bullfighting world dislike what I’m doing. Bullfighting is an ancient symbol of my people, it’s more than a sport, it’s a celebration – a ritual, almost a sacred act.”

  “If you feel that way, why do you do it? Not that I approve of you putting yourself in danger in any manner, but there are lady bullfighters who face the bulls with a sword and lances, why don’t you do the same?”

  Isabella paused, not sure what to say. Almost, she told him about her father. Almost, she disclosed her true identity. But that was something she’d rather do face to face, not over the phone. “I understand my culture and how they feel about bullfighting, I didn’t say I agreed with it, personally. I abhor the idea of rewarding a bull’s bravery with his death. My quest is to show that the battle of wills can be fought without the shedding of blood.”

  “Unless the blood is yours, Carmen. Do you know how close you came to being gored today?” His voice grew harsh with emotion. “I died a thousand times witnessing you flirt with death. No, you may have withheld your name from me – but you didn’t withhold your body. I know the taste of your kiss. I’ve held you in my arms and made love to you. You aren’t a damn stranger to me!”

  Isabella wiped a tear from her cheek. “Benedict Redford, you make my heart pound in my chest. I have never met a man like you before.”

  “And I have never met a woman like you, Carmen. Tell me where you are. Let me come to you. Now!”

  A powerful wave of longing swept over Isabella. “I wish I could, I would welcome you with open arms. My…my situation is…complicated.”

  “You said that before. Are you married, Carmen? Do you have a man? Is that what you’re telling me?” Bull was almost paralyzed by jealousy.

  “No. No. There is no one else. My situation is tenuous in other ways.” She was about to cry. “I have to go, but I will think about the bodyguards. For you.”

  Bull clutched the phone. “I don’t want you to go. When can I talk to you? Will you call again?”

  “I will try to call you again, Si. Gracias for caring about me, Benedict Redford. Please sleep well.” Isabella pressed the END button before she could change her mind.

  On the other end of the phone call, Bull clutched his phone so tightly he heard the case crack. “Fuck!” He threw it against the wall. Flinging himself to his back on the bed, Bull stared up at the ceiling. His arms had never felt so empty.

  Bright and early the next morning, Bull made his way to Terra Dura for the meeting with Don Luis Cortez. When he first agreed to the visit, he’d been excited at the prospect of adding new bloodlines to his herd. Forging a deal with Cortez would be a major coup. While he was still pleased by the opportunity, his attention was now split. Thoughts of Carmen, his La Diosa, were paramount in his mind.

  Where was she? What was she doing? When would he hear from her again?

  His brain was so distracted by everything that had transpired, he ran off the road, scattering a flock of chickens. “Dammit!” he exclaimed, pulling the rental car back on the narrow pavement. The vehicle was too small for his large form, but he hadn’t had much choice in the matter. Pressing his Stetson down harder on his head, Bull struggled to pay more attention to the passing countryside. He didn’t want to miss the turnoff to the ranch.

  When he saw the sign for Terra Dura, he let out a breath of relief. He was cutting it close. As Bull drew nearer, he realized this wasn’t a mere ranch, this was a damn empire! As far as the eye could see, there were fences and cross fences, immaculate fields and lush pastures. The old scripture, ‘the cattle of a thousand hills’, seemed to have been written to describe Terra Dura. Oddly, he noticed a wrought iron gate framing the main entrance, which depicted the familiar figure of a matador and a fighting bull. The obsession with the sport in Mexico was more widespread than he’d known. He knew he sure was obsessed with one lady bullfighter. Patting his pocket, Bull made sure he had his slightly cracked phone close at hand. If Carmen called, he wanted to make sure he answered.

  After traveling along the winding drive, Bull’s mouth opened in amazement at the palatial hacienda. Bright white stucco contrasted with rust-red clay shingles. The large home was a study in arches and angles, the wide front yard lush with green grass and adorned with sparkling fountains. “Damn, Cortez is a fuckin’ rich man.” Suddenly, Bull felt a little too country to mix with such an individual. He’d no sooner brought the small car to a halt than a man in western clothing came to meet him. “Bienvenido, Senor.”

  “Gracias,” Bull assumed he was being welcomed. “I’m here to see Senor Cortez.” He spoke the words slowly, knowing as he did how foolish it must seem. Speakin
g English slowly to someone who didn’t understand it, didn’t really help.

  “Very good. Allow me. If you’ll step inside, I’ll inform Senor Cortez, and also take care of your car, Sir.”

  The man’s mastery of two languages shamed Bull. “Thank you,” he muttered in English, halting his butchery of the Spanish language.

  Once inside the grand home, he let his eyes wander freely, taking in the marble floors, the fine leather furniture and the dark wood. There was a magnificent inner courtyard paved with terracotta tile, which featured a beautiful jewel of a pool and full-size trees that looked as if they’d been there for years. This place was much grander than the hotel where he was staying. Hell, this place was bigger and fancier than even the McCoy’s home at Tebow Ranch. Bull hadn’t frequented very many fancy places in his time.

  “Senor Redford! Welcome!”

  Bull turned to see a middle-aged man coming forward, dressed in a white linen suit, carrying a dapper gold-handled cane. Taking off his Stetson, he held in at his side. “Don Luis?”

  “Si.” The genteel Mexican extended his hand. “I am indeed glad to have you in my hacienda.” Don Luis made an expansive gesture. “I hope you find Terra Dura comfortable during your visit. I look forward to taking you on a tour of the ranch and showing you our fine animals.”

  “I can’t wait to see. I’m sure they’re outstanding.”

  “Come into my office and let’s celebrate your arrival with a drink.”

  The hour was a little early, but Bull wasn’t about to question the judgment of his host. “I am a bit parched.”

  As he followed Don Luis across the expansive foyer, Bull was surprised to hear a commotion. To his shock, a small wiener dog dashed in front of him, apparently fleeing some horrible fate.