Page 36 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
“Yes, what?” he asked, amusedly. “It’s a name like any other.”
“For a man, not a dog,” she teased.
“Are you listening or making fun of me, which you promised you wouldn’t do?” he reminded her playfully.
“Listening,” she said, turning an invisible key in the lock of her lips.
“So… Winston was a magnificent specimen of the breed, known for its slender build, sleek coat, and aristocratic demeanor. His fur was a velvety brindle, and it caught sunlight in a way I still remember, making him look somehow… unearthly.”
“He sounds lovely,” she whispered tenderly.
He smiled into the darkness. “He was. We had an inseparable bond. Wherever I went, he would always follow along. His deep, soulful eyes held an intelligence that I have not seen in any other dog. He was not just a pet, but the confidant of a boy whose parents were always away, who was left to the charge of servants and governesses.
He was my only friend, a silent listener to all my troubles. And in the evenings, he would sleep in my bed. Mother hated it, of course. She forced him out into the garden, but I always snuck out and let him back in. How could I let a friend sleep out in the cold?”
Alexander swallowed heavily. He had not spoken of Winston in ages, although he did think about him often. Now, Winston was in his thoughts yet again, brighter than ever.
“Your wish is to have Winston back?” he heard her ask.
“Don’t be silly,” he said, gently pulling her close to himself once again. He didn’t want her even inches away. “I know I could never have him back. But perhaps… a new puppy. A new friend.”
“But that isn’t difficult at all,” she pointed out. “Just get a new dog.”
“No,” he shook his head, “I have no time for a pet. I barely have some time for myself. The estate is taking up all my time, as you can see.”
“Make time,” she urged. He inhaled her scent, relishing it.
“I know I should, but there are more important things to be done right now…” He paused for a moment. “Now, you.”
“Oh, would you look at the time,” she said, starting to get up, when he gently pulled her back to bed and into his arms. They were both laughing.
“Not so fast, my lady,” he scolded her playfully. “A deal is a deal. Your turn.”
“Oh, all right.” She pretended to pout, but he could feel her body relax in his embrace once again, accepting her fate.
***
She wondered if it was a good idea to share such intimate details with each other. But she had already promised. They had a deal. He had shared his story of Winston with her. Now, it was her turn. She inhaled deeply, mustering the courage to tell him what lay inside her heart. She could not understand why it was so difficult. After all, she had shared this story numerous times. Almost everyone knew of it. But he didn’t. And why was it so difficult to tellhimof all people?
“I wish I had the courage to ride again,” she finally confessed, realizing that it wasn’t that frightening. They were only words, after all.
“Horse riding?” he wondered.
“Yes,” she affirmed. “I can’t. I mean… I could, I know how to, but after my accident, I have been afraid to do it.”
“The accident that left you…”
“Lame,” she finished his sentence. They had never spoken of this. With everyone else, she never considered it a flaw. In fact, she felt it made her different, more resilient. But she feared he might see it as something negative.
“What happened?” he asked tenderly. “I mean, if you wish to talk about it. I don’t mean to pry…”
“No,” she replied. “Everyone knows the story. I’m surprised you don’t. It’s… a stupid accident. I was riding Luna, my horse. She was a gift from my mother. I loved that horse more than anything.” She paused to smile. “Like you loved Winston. I loved riding through the countryside with her, as we often did. But that day, something happened.
“We were riding, and a shot echoed in the distance. Luna knew the sound, but this time, it was different. Perhaps she didn’t recognize it, I still don’t know. She was startled, and before I could understand what was happening, before I could regain control of her and comfort her, I found myself falling to the ground. As you can see, my leg bore the brunt of the fall.
We were far away from home, so I had to get up and walk part of the way, leaning onto her, and ride the rest of the way. The physician was called immediately, but my leg remained as it is now. I was told I was fortunate, for something tragic could have happened.”
She thought she would feel different upon sharing this story with him, but she did not. Everything was the same. She was still in his arms. He was still keeping her close, as he did moments ago. She smiled against his warm skin, gently caressing his chest with the tips of her fingers.
