Throwaway Card by A.J. Marcus

Author:A.J. Marcus [Marcus, A.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2015-06-04T00:00:00+00:00

16

COTTON CUDDLED closer to the warmth at his back. He didn’t need to roll over to know Hugh was in bed with him. The bed itself was odd to him. It didn’t have the threadbare blanket and too-flat pillows. The sheets were thick and the pillows fluffy. A light breeze came from the slow-moving fan above the bed. He blinked a couple of times before he realized he must be in Miss Cassandra’s house. At least here we’re safe. Folks won’t worry that Hugh’s white. And they already know that we’re more than just friends. Before the war, I coulda been hung for being with a white man, unless it was my master.

He didn’t move his head much, but it still throbbed, and his throat was still painfully sore. A heavy, pulsating ache came from his battered hands. I just hope those men feel as bad as I do this morning.

With a groan and a movement of sheets, Hugh rolled over, his arm wrapped around Cotton. For a second a sharp pain raced through Cotton’s chest at the contact. It was all he could do to not cry out, but he didn’t want to wake Hugh. Having never had another person share his bed, he found Hugh’s presence there more comforting than he would’ve expected a few days earlier.

The main door to the room slowly opened. Cotton turned his head toward the sound, and it pounded more.

Helen walked slowly to the bed. “Miss Cassandra was wondering if you’d woken up yet,” she whispered. “I’ll inform her you have but Mr. Lafoux hasn’t. I’ll check back shortly. She wants to visit with ya once you’re awake.”

Cotton started to tell her he could come and leave Hugh asleep, but his dry throat tightened and hurt so much he couldn’t get the words out. Without saying anything else, Helen turned and left the room as quietly as she’d entered. There was no reaction on her face. Cotton knew attitudes were changing. But it made him feel good to be reminded of it.

Sighing in frustration, Cotton eased deeper into Hugh’s embrace. Hugh feels so good, and he came to rescue me. I heard ’em say something about Miss Cassandra had a feeling I needed help. A darkness flowed over Cotton. But they were too late to save Timmy. I don’t know what we’re going to be able to do for Rubi. I need to go see her. It was Big Al’s men who killed Timmy. She needs to know that. The sheriff needs to know that.

He remembered crying himself to sleep in Hugh’s strong arms. Cotton was a little surprised the tears hadn’t returned when he woke.

Hugh shifted slightly and tightened his arm around Cotton. Cotton flinched. “Not so tight,” he managed in a hoarse whisper.

Kissing the back of Cotton’s neck, Hugh answered, “Sorry about that.” The kiss sent shivers of pleasure through Cotton. It felt good every time Hugh kissed him.

“So how are you feeling?” Hugh sat up on an elbow and looked at Cotton.

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