My Stepmother Sold Me to the Alpha Who Hates My Father's Name, and the Child He Wants Is the Proof That Clears It novel · Chapter 22 of 24

Chapter 22: Hers

I had written five new terms in the arbor, under the old five, and Ned had signed beneath them in a hand that did not shake.

The springhouse was warm, because I had lit the stove at noon.

I stood inside the door with the latch down and the creek loud under the floor, and I did not turn on the lamp.

Ned stood a yard from me in the dark with his hat in his hands.

He had taken it off at the door.

I could hear him breathe.

The little stone room smelled of wood smoke and cold water and last summer's honey.

"I've a thing to say," he said.

"Say it," I said.

"I love you."

I did not move.

"I've not the right to say it," said Ned. "I'll not ask you to say it back.

I'm telling you because it's true, and you've had too many lies told over your head."

He swallowed.

"I fell in love with you at my sister's grave, with your hand on the gate.

You said you'd stand where you liked.

I took a long time to know it, and I'm saying it now."

I crossed the boards in the dark and took the hat out of his hands.

I set it on the chair.

"I love you too," I said. "I've known since the bridge. I wanted to be sure it wasn't gratitude."

"Is it?"

"No."

He made a sound I had never heard from him.

It was half a laugh and half a sob, and it broke in the middle.

He pulled me against him, and I felt the whole long length of him shaking against my belly and my breasts.

I put my arms round his neck.

I stood on my toes and kissed him.

It was not the kiss in the cold room.

It was slow and deep and certain, with no teeth in it.

He opened his mouth under mine.

"I want you to take me to bed," I said against his lip. "The way you like.

Not the way I tell you.

I want to see what you'd do."

He lifted his head.

"I don't know what I'd do," said Ned.

"Then find out."

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