Page 84 of My Queendom for a Horse

“You can keep that one,” Aleks says. “Consider it a gift from a newly discovered Russian prince for another rock hound’s collection.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly keep it,” Lord McDermott says.

“I insist,” Aleksandr says, tightening his hold on my arm.

“Then I should get you something in return!” Lord McDermott beams.

“Dad, another time, perhaps. Kris needs to get home.” Sean tries to tug me away from Aleksandr, but it doesn’t work.

Aleks begins to pull the other way.

I’m suddenly reminded of these horrible firecrackers my maternal grandfather used to bring over from America. Gustav loved them—a popper in the center with gunpowder in it, and a string coming out from either side. You’d tie each side to something, and when it was pulled apart? BANG.

I don’t want to go bang.

“Stop,” I say. “You can’t both have an arm. I can totally just drive myself.” I slur a little bit at the end, which is embarrassing.

Judging from Lady McDermott’s face, I may not have been speaking English, either.

“It’s silly for anyone but me to take her home,” Aleks says. “We’re going the same place, after all.”

“No.” I shake my arm again. “You’re going to sleep in a stall, and I’m sleeping in a bed.”

Sean laughs. “I imagine that even the strange Russian will sleep in a bed, sweetheart.”

“I can take her from here,” Aleks says. “In fact, I insist.”

“She’s my girlfriend, and I should take her home.” Sean is glaring at Aleks, who is staring right back.

I hate everything about this. I try to stomp on both their feet, and only succeed in doing a partial version of the splits. There’s also a kind of a ripping sound I don’t want to think about too hard.

Things get a little bleary for a moment, and then I realize I’m being carried.

By Aleks. “Oh.” My own voice sounds strange. A little airy and light. “You won.”

When he chuckles, I feel the movement in his chest against my face.

“I like when you carry me.”

I think he’s smiling. “Me too.”

“You’re not taking me to sleep on shavings, right?”

“No, we’re definitely going to the hotel. You need a bed.”

“So do you, when you’re not a horse.”

“Shh,” Aleks whispers. “Your wannabe boyfriend is following us, and even though we’re speaking in Russian, I’m not sure what he may pick up.”

“He can’t speak a word of Russian.” I laugh. “Not a word.” I tap Aleksandr on the nose.

“Good heavens,” Sean says. “She never drinks. I didn’t even think to tell the waitstaff not to refill her wine glass.”

Aleks freezes, and I blink and look around. We’ve reached the front door. “I really will take it from here.”

Sean looks prepared to argue.

“Let’s not make a scene,” Aleks says. “No matter what I may say or do, you know it’s you she came to see.”

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