Chapter One
England
Monday Morning
The Duke Of Gordon’s
Estate
Poe had been there for four days, and they were the longest days of his life. The whole time, he was incredibly busy, and that was probably a good thing to be absolutely honest.
Idle hands were the devil’s workshop, or that was what his mother used to say.
Whenever he wasn’t busy, his brain was working, and not in ways that were helpful to him.
Not.
Even.
Close.
Thankfully, he had so much to do, starting with picking out tombstones, and making the appointment to get his parent’s bodies released from the local authorities.
Later this week, he was going to get his father’s title of nobility and there was a memorial party planned for his parents.
It was for friends and family, so they could say their last goodbyes before they were buried on the grounds beside Hemmingway.
And he didn’t want to do any of it.
None.
At.
All.
What he wanted was to go back to the United States, leaving all of this behind so that he could have a chance at life, but he had a duty…
And it crushed him.
The weight of the world was on his shoulders, and Poe didn’t know how to carry it.
ALONE.
Back in the United States, Poe had left the most amazing of men who he’d chosen to walk away from. By now, he’d gotten the letter and hated his guts for disappearing. Yeah, there was no doubt that Poe was dead to him.
And that crushed him too.
He hadn’t heard a peep from him, and he didn’t blame Gamble. If he’d pulled this, despite the reasons why, he’d be incredibly hurt.
No.
He’d be devastated.
That bridge was burned, and he knew that there was no way that he’d get lucky enough for the man to forgive him for this.
No.
Freaking.
Way.
And he also knew that he’d find love with someone who wouldn’t hurt him like this. Gamble wouldn’t wait because he was a catch.
Poe had fucked up spectacularly.
Now, as he stood there, the mist was covering the ground, and the cooler air had caused dew to appear on the grass.
Never in his life had Poe felt so utterly alone in his chosen world.
It staggered him.
It was like someone reached into him and pulled out half of his soul.
There was no doubt that he’d left it back in the States with Gamble.
This feeling in his heart…
It was killing him.
At that moment, he felt empty, and he was beginning to think he should have stayed in the US where he belonged. That he should have chosen Gamble over all of this.
There was only misery here.
Was he really needed here to play Duke?
He didn’t believe that he wanted to do that, but he was pretty damn sure he was needed back in America.
By Gamble.
The man had told him that he loved him, and up to that letter, he wanted him.
Yeah, Poe was an idiot.
A bloody freaking idiot.
After all, he’d gotten angry at Gamble when he was going to abandon him, and here, he’d done the same thing to the man.
So basically, he was a hypocrite.
Great.
Coming home made him a horrible human being and he was going to pay for it when he was alone for the rest of his miserable life.
Still, his brain was trying to rationalize it. If he hadn’t had so much to do here…
Yeah, it was an excuse, even after he compensated all of the families of the staff who were killed, hired new people to run the stables, and worked on keeping the place going.
There was no justifying any of this.
He was a chicken.
How did he know?
Well, maybe because he’d still yet to view his parent’s bodies, and he was beginning to think he wouldn’t.
He simply wasn’t strong enough.
There was no way he could do it alone, and he was utterly empty inside and scared.
Already, the gossip was flowing, and just last night, it was on the media that he was back, and his father’s title would be his.
A new Duke of Gordon would be added to the British nobility.
Great.
He couldn’t wait.
Now, he’d have all of the pressure, and none of the desire to stay here and carry through with this self-imposed punishment for not being around to help his twin or his parents.
Let the torture begin.
Poe knew what was expected of him, and he knew what was about to go down.
Soon, the eligible women would be coming out of the woodwork, and he was not the least bit thrilled that he was going to be their focus.
In fact, as a gay man, that was the last thing he wanted. His heart loved who it loved, and that would never change.
He was going to be a spinster.
Forever.
“You really fucked me good, Hemmingway,” he muttered. “I know why you did it because you were a hero, but you dragged me into this. You were the brave one, not me. Now, I’ve lost my life that I’ve built. I met a really great guy, and I had to leave him behind for duty to our mother and father.”
Why was he talking to his dead brother?
Why not?
One of the techniques he taught in healing was getting it off his chest.
Oh, and he was.
This was one hell of a trauma dump.
Absolutely.
This was his way of staying sane while he knew what he’d lost.
Gamble.
He’d lost Gamble.
Well, maybe it was a stupid technique after all because it didn’t make him feel any better.
Not.
Even.
Close.
As he was standing there, staring out over the land that he now owned, as the mist rolled across the hills, Poe heard barking.
That was out of place since all of the animals here were killed by Von Donore’s men. There weren’t even sheep left alive.
Yet, something was there and heading his way.
He’d bet on it.
Focusing on the movement, that’s when he saw something running through the mist and toward him in an awkward gait.
It was a familiar form too.
A dog.
That’s when he recognized it.
“Rufus?” he asked, as he watched the dog’s crazy gait due to a cast on his back leg. He hobbled like some pirate dog trying to get its sea legs.
When he reached him, he went nuts.
Scratching him behind the ears, he saw there was writing on the cast.
‘Laugh, love, and live. Always, EB.’
It took him a second to put it all together, and that’s when he got it.
Had Elizabeth taken the dog away from Gamble, and sent it here to be with him?
Or worse…
Had something happened to Gamble?
Oh, God.
That fear was palpable. Poe thought back to the moment when Von Donore’s men promised not to hurt Gamble if he helped.
Had they lied?
Had him leaving hurt the man so much that…?
Poe couldn’t even go there.
That would be the only reason Elizabeth would return the dog to him.
Immediately, another shadow caught his attention, and there was something else in the mist. That was when he heard the thundering of hooves, and he looked over. At first, he was excited, thinking it would be Gamble, but instead, he saw a riderless horse.
It couldn’t be.
Diablo.
The magnificent thoroughbred raced toward him like he was running from Hell.
When he slid to a stop, a foot from Poe, he went up on his back legs, and then ran at the fence to jump over it and into the field.
Well, holy shit.
Apparently, Elizabeth sent his animals back to him—two of them, at least, and now, he was really scared that something bad had happened.
He’d given them to Gamble, and if they were here, and he wasn’t…
Oh, Jesus.
Poe wanted to weep.
Had the man been killed, or sent the animals as a sign that he was done with him? He had, after all, left him the farm and everything on it.
That pain registered.
Oh, and Poe wasn’t shocked.
Afterall, he’d left him behind.
That’s when it happened.
When he heard the whistle, his head snapped toward the sound, and Poe immediately saw the figure walking through the mist toward him.
And he knew who it would be, and he honestly, couldn’t believe it.
There was the love of his life.
It appeared that the man came for him.
“Gamble?” he whispered, as he got closer.
When he appeared, and he could see him, his heart thundered in his chest, much like Diablo had sounded racing toward him.
Well, holy shit.
Gamble had followed him to England. Gamble was there with him now.
And he knew this was going to be one hell of an adventure.
Call it a hunch.
As he approached, he didn’t even say a word. Instead, he grabbed Poe’s arm, pulled him into his body, and found his mouth with his.
Oh, and Gamble took control.
He was done chasing, and now, he was claiming what was his.
FOREVER.
They were going to do this his way now.
The runaway groom-to-be was done going off on his own.
As for the kiss, it exploded around them, and when he finished punishing his mouth with that wild desire, he broke away to stare into his eyes.
In them, Poe saw irritation, but love.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, so goddamn excited to see him.
Oh, well, that was easy.
Gamble had spent the last few days taking care of business at home.
Mainly, the hospital—because The Hunters wouldn’t let him skip it, and then, he had to handle the legal issues with changing his name.
He was a new person, and this was his new life.
WITH.
POE.
It was time to start anew, and begin living for the first time in a very long time.
Only, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The man had left, and now, they had to settle a few things to make sure he was done running.
Because it wasn’t happening again.
Gamble had given up his old life, his family, and everything else, so Poe had to give up a few things too.
Like fear.
He needed to be aware of how dumb it was to run when Von Donore was out there wandering around, and The BlackStone Group didn’t have their money.
Poe was anything but safe, and this was a dangerous game to play alone.
Luckily for him, it was one that Gamble was good at.
As for his question…
“You said you’d come looking for me if I was lost, and Poe, my love, you’re most definitely lost. So I came to find you.”
Poe stood there in his arms, and he couldn’t believe any of this. His heart stopped aching the second he smelled the scent of mate, and saw his beautiful bi-colored eyes.
This was a miracle.
Love had found him again.
This was a gift that he’d never expected, but would hold onto with all he had. After leaving, Poe learned a valuable lesson.
Love came first.
It had to or the person giving it up would die inside—like he had thinking he’d never see Gamble again.
“I had to come back.”
Oh, well, Gamble understood duty. That was something that he knew all about.
He understood responsibility.
That was him to his core as a Marine, but they had a huge problem that Poe wasn’t considering. It was time for a ‘come to Jesus’ wake up conversation.
Von Donore was a cunt.
And he was on the loose.
“You leaving was dangerous. We didn’t catch Von Donore. He’s out there, Poe, and he’s missing his money. Now, he’ll be even more hellbent on finding it because we insulted him and got you free from him.”
He gasped.
Poe had assumed The Hunters would handle it. Von Donore escaping hadn’t been on his bingo card.
Well, shit.
“Oh, no.”
Gamble was honest.
“Your life is in danger.”
Yep.
It was time for Poe to freak out, and he felt that coming on.
Bloody Hell.
What did a guy have to do to get the bad dude to realize he didn’t know where the stupid crypto key was located?
What exactly?
Because this was getting exhausting.
“So, we’re going to do this together,” he stated. “We ran together, so we’ll fight together. You need me to make sure you’re safe.”
In that moment, Poe knew the truth.
He’d damned the love of his life to this. He was the reason his split lip was healing, and that he was gingerly nursing an injury on his side.
This was all on him.
It was clear that the mercenaries didn’t keep their word. They’d hurt him.
“Oh, Gamble,” he said, trying to move back from him, but the bigger man wouldn’t let him. Instead, he made him stare into his eyes.
“NO.”
Poe stopped moving.
The tone in Gamble’s voice said it all.
He.
Was.
Pissed.
Under that love, there was a simmering brew of anger, and Poe had put that there.
For that, he was sorry.
Gamble laid down the law, and Poe knew he had to accept it. He’d made the wrong decision, and he’d gotten damn lucky that the man he loved was forgiving him.
Gamble went there.
“You called me a coward, and told me I was afraid and running. Now, I’m calling you one. Tell me you love me, Poe, and I’ll fight any army for you. Just tell me that you didn’t want to leave me. I need to know what you feel for me, and I need to see if it’s real. If you don’t love me, I’ll go, but I need you to tell me the words.”
Tears filled Poe’s eyes.
It was hard not to hear the emotion in Gamble’s voice, and he knew that this man was putting it all on the line for him. He didn’t deserve Gamble.
Not.
At.
All.
So, he was honest.
“Oh, Gamble,” he whispered. “I love you so much,” he added. “I love you more than anything in my whole world. My home, my horses, my career…”
Gamble held his face in his fingers as he kept talking.
“I didn’t leave because I felt nothing for you. I feel EVERYTHING for you. I left because my brother and parents damned me to this duty. I never thought I’d have to do this. I always counted on being the spare.”
Gamble saw the love in his eyes. He saw the truth, and felt the honesty. Poe did love him.
Elizabeth was right. She’d told him he was leaving because he had no choice, and not because he felt nothing for him.
“I’ve gone to bed each night weeping over losing you. You’re the love of my life and my soulmate.”
The words healed Gamble.
This man…he never wanted to be away from him, and if it meant being in the UK, he’d make that sacrifice. Gamble would give up his people and his family to start a new one with Poe.
That was love.
Like with how he left for Storm, he’d leave for Poe, hoping there was a completely different outcome.
“Then, we fight together, and we stay together. I would have come back with you had you just asked me to, Poe. I would have done it in a heartbeat.”
Poe was honest.
He didn’t want Gamble to think he didn’t want him nearby.
Oh, he did, but there was one thing holding him back.
“What right did I have to ask you to uproot your whole life and take on my burden when this mess that got you hurt was my family’s fault?”
Gamble was to the point.
“You had every right. The moment I slept with you, and I told you that I loved you, you had every right to ask anything of me. We’re a couple, and we’re going to do this as one. That’s what people do when they find their other half. That’s what you do for the love of your life, Poe. You make sacrifices, and you don’t keep score. I would have returned here with you in a heartbeat.”
In that moment, Poe knew how lucky he was. Gamble had been damaged, and he was still stronger than Poe would ever be.
Gamble was a better man.
The bottom line was that Poe needed him, and not just to hold him up.
He needed his heart.
His love.
Poe rested his head on his shoulder and let himself lean into the man.
His world had been blown apart, but in the middle of it, the core of it all, there was one person.
This.
Man.
Poe knew that no matter what, he could always count on Gamble for his love and protection.
“I’m sorry that they hurt you,” he whispered as he ran his fingers over the vicious bruise on his cheek, and the healing wound on his lip. “I’m sorry that when they found us, they hurt your body.”
Gamble let him lean on him, and more importantly, touch him. For the last four days, he’d missed that feeling of tenderness, love, and affection.
Nothing felt as good as Poe’s hands on his body soothing that fear away.
He’d come to crave it.
He’d come to need it.
“Poe, I was hurt more by thinking you’d die than what they did to me. I can take a few punches. I can’t take losing you. You’re my person. I love you.”
Poe lifted his head and stared into his magnificent bi-colored eyes. They were crystal clear and incredibly sexy. This was his man, and he finally could just have what he wanted.
Gamble Holloway.
“And you’re my person. I love you too,” he admitted, grateful that he came for him. That loneliness was gone, and now, he had peace.
Gamble smiled.
“Thank you for being mine, Poe. Thank you for putting my heart back together again, and realizing it wasn’t a mess, but worthy of your love.”
Poe was honest.
“You’ll always be my Gamble, and it was a worthwhile one too.”
OOF.
Yeah, well…
“About that,” he said. “Von Donore got his hands on my military record. Unfortunately, Gamble had to die.”
In that moment, Poe knew that was his fault too, and he felt horrible.
“Oh, God, I’m so sorry. The file…”
Gamble put his finger over his lips to silence the man he loved.
“Hush, my love. It’s okay. It’s poetic that the man had to be recreated in order to move on. That was Storm’s man. I’m Poe’s man, now. So, I’d like to introduce you to Captain Arthur Doyle.”
Poe stared at him.
Did he just say…?
What?
Poe went there.
“As in Arthur Conan Doyle?” he asked, laughing at the man’s sense of humor and how he’d picked a name that was similar to his and Hemmingway’s.
Oh, there was no doubt that was intentional.
“The British writer and doctor?” he asked, amused.
From where he stood, Gamble grinned.
“On paper, yes. To you, I’m still Gamble, and I’m worth the risk.”
He touched his face.
“You’re worth everything to me,” he admitted. “Absolutely everything, Gamble. That will never change either.”
When Poe said it, Gamble absolutely believed every single thing he said. He’d never lied to him before.
“Anyway, that’s what took so long. Well, that and getting out of the hospital. Elizabeth had to make me die. Gamble Holloway checked in, and he died of blunt force trauma wounds. As far as Von Donore knows, I’m deceased and buried.”
At the words, Poe’s lower lip quivered.
Gamble reassured him.
“And from those ashes, Arthur Doyle was born. What took time was that Elizabeth had to get all of my military records handled. She had to move carefully since Von Donore has his claws in the military too.”
“I’m sorry,” he said.
He stopped him.
“I’m buried beside Maura and Jagger at Arlington,” he said. “My remains were interred there yesterday with full military honors. I’m at peace with it. It was time for that man to die. He’d lived through so much, and he wanted peace.”
Poe touched his cheek and stared into his eyes.
“I love you, Gamble. I’ll always love you. Thank you for being reborn for me.”
Oh, well, it was his pleasure.
Because he needed him, Poe found his mouth with his, and kissed him. He loved him for everything he’d done for him.
He’d sent his horse here, and their dog.
Now, they’d begin a new journey.
Their journey.
“I adore you, Gamble. I adore you so much,” he admitted, after breaking the kiss.
From where he sat on the ground, Rufus barked to get their attention.
“Oh, and you, too, Rufus,” Poe said, bending down to give the dog a kiss and scratch him behind his ears. “You’re a good boy. The best boy. You’re going to get steaks and be allowed to sleep on a bed for the rest of your life.”
Gamble grinned.
That’s what the dog deserved.
LOVE.
When Poe stood up, Gamble offered him his hand, and he took it.
“So, this is home,” he said, looking around the estate. It staggered him where Poe grew up. “Nice place you have here, Doctor.”
He laughed.
“Welcome to my humble abode.”
Oh, well, he wasn’t quite sure it was that. There was a freaking castle on the grounds, and a massive stable and track. This was one hell of an estate.
“Can you show me around?” he asked.
Why?
Well, because Gamble was in protection mode, and he needed to see the place so he could keep Poe safe. They weren’t sure that Von Donore would make an attempt on him so soon, but…
It was better safe than sorry in this case. Poe’s life mattered, and The BlackStone Group was everywhere.
Poe nodded.
“I can do that, Mate,” he offered.
That brought up questions.
“How big is the estate?” Gamble asked, keeping an eye on Diablo in the field.
He was frolicking, proof that he knew he was back home again.
“It’s around five hundred acres,” he stated. “The castle is very old,” he said. “My father’s father had it renovated years ago.”
He could see that.
It was weird knowing that Poe came from this kind of life. Gamble’s childhood was a rundown shack and neglectful parents.
Oh, they came from two very different worlds—that was for sure.
This was foreign to him, and Gamble only hoped that he could fit in here.
And that Poe wouldn’t be horrified as he tried to learn how to navigate this.
“What’s that look on your face?” Poe asked, seeing the quick flash of worry.
Gamble was honest.
“You’re from a different world. I hope I don’t embarrass you. I don’t know how to do this, and I’m going to be learning on the fly.”
He stopped him.
“Do you know how to be with me?” he asked.
Gamble nodded.
“Well, then, that’s all you need to know. You’re not going to be with anyone else, and their opinion doesn’t matter. Honestly, Mate, you’re going to be fine. I’m not planning on hobnobbing it with the other nobility. That’s not my cup of tea.”
Gamble had to believe him.
“Care to give me a tour?” he asked, having ulterior motives as he changed the subject.
Protection.
This was about keeping his man alive.
That seemed to work for Poe, and he held his hand as they walked toward the stables.
“You’re hesitating. What’s wrong?” Gamble asked, sensing his fear.
Honestly, Poe wanted to get that part over with because he’d been told that was where his parents had lost their lives.
One of his plans was to burn it to the ground, and rebuild it. The last thing he needed was a haunted stable.
He said one thing.
“They were killed inside.”
That hung there.
Gamble turned him to face him.
“We can skip it.”
Poe knew that this was going to be their home now. Gamble wasn’t a guest. He was his partner for the rest of their lives. What he needed to do was make new memories.
So that they could have a life here.
“No, we can’t. I have to face it. Just hold my hand and tell me it’s going to be okay. I can do it with you by my side,” he admitted.
It hit him that with Gamble, Poe knew he could do absolutely anything.
He was his strength.
“You have this, Poe,” he admitted, kissing him softly on the lips.
Rufus must have agreed since he barked.
“Thank you for coming for me,” Poe whispered as he stared up into Gamble’s eyes.
“We promised we’d always come for each other. Why wouldn’t I?” he asked.
In that moment, Poe felt calm. He rested his head on Gamble’s shoulder and let him hold him. For a few minutes, he stole his strength so that he could carry on and do this.
This was their home now.
Poe had to fight back the demons.
And he would.
“I’m ready,” he finally said.
The whole time, Gamble held his hand as they walked toward the stable.
As they got inside, Poe released his hand and wrapped his arms around himself as if trying to self soothe.
Gamble saw it, and took his jacket off and put it over the man’s shoulders to keep him warm.
“I have you, Baby,” he said. “You can do this. They didn’t suffer.”
And they hadn’t.
Poe knew that to be true. He saw the report Elizabeth had received from her friend in the UK.
Truth be told, this haunted him. Poe’s family had lost their lives here. Their bodies had been tossed into a stall and they’d been starting to decompose from three days of death.
As a doctor who had done his rotation, he knew what a decaying body looked like.
Gamble’s hand was on his lower back, as he guided Poe into the stable to face the demons that were in there waiting for him.
“Did you go to the hospital to claim them?” Gamble asked.
He shook his head.
“Not yet.”
That was probably for the best. Elizabeth briefed him, and they hadn’t looked like themselves. If it was up to him, Gamble was going to try and keep Poe from experiencing that.
If possible.
He’d seen his daughter and Storm, so he knew what that could do to a person.
The violence…
It would haunt him.
Gamble would carry that for him.
Because he needed a better memory, Poe went there, talking mindlessly to calm himself.
“This was where Diablo was born,” he admitted, touching a stall door. “The Devil came kicking and bucking into the world right here.”
Gamble appreciated that.
He did love that horse.
Watching his man, Gamble saw him getting paler and that worried him. This was traumatic, and when he’d been suffering, Poe acted as a shield that he could hide behind.
“We don’t have to do this,” Gamble offered.
Poe stared at him.
“I have to. I know what happened here. The police told me,” he said. “I saw the police report, Gamble. I know what they did to them.”
There were tears.
How could there not be?
“I have you, Baby,” he said, squeezing his hand. “They didn’t suffer. I’ll get you through this, and we’ll get past it together.”
Poe closed his eyes, and two tears slipped down his cheeks, only to be kissed away by the man who loved him.
“How do I come in here and not think about it?” he asked. “I used to love being in here when I came home.”
Gamble knew how hard that was going to be. He also knew there was no easy answer and that it took everyone different amounts of time to heal.
He of all people knew that.
To that day, he still felt the same every time he saw a bathtub. He pictured his baby daughter, floating lifelessly in it. It took three months for him to not want to throw up seeing one and to use one.
“You don’t,” he admitted. “It’s always going to be there. What did you tell me?” he asked, and then shared. “I have the power to let it break me, or I can overcome it. You can do the same. When we worked through my pain, you kept reminding me that my child didn’t suffer. That she went peacefully.”
He was right.
“It was fast,” Gamble said. “Your mother never realized what happened, and your father didn’t either. They went together, and they weren’t tortured. They were shot in the head, and the lights just went out, Poe.”
He took a deep breath.
“Please keep reminding me of that,” he whispered. “So I can survive this.”
He lifted his chin so that he was staring into his eyes.
“Hemmingway didn’t suffer either. They broke his neck, and the lights went out for him too. You know what these animals can be like. They tortured Rufus for fun. That your family didn’t suffer is a blessing. They are at peace.”
He slowly nodded.
“You are right,” he admitted.
Poe took a deep breath to steady himself, and once he did, he stared into Gamble’s eyes.
“I can do this. I’m okay,” he said, steadier than he’d been.
Gamble held his hand.
“No, Poe. We got this,” he said. “You and I can overcome this, and I’m going to be alongside of you for the whole thing.”
Oh, and for that, he was grateful. There was no way he wanted to do this alone.
“Thank you.”
As he looked around, something else hurt.
“They killed all of the animals,” he said. “I love having animals around, and now that the staff is fully handled, and I have new people, I’d like to get more. I’d like to see more happiness here.”
Gamble walked beside him, listening to what his man wanted. If horses were his happiness, then they could do that. Poe deserved it.
“Sounds good to me. I love me some horses, apparently. I’ll take a herd of Diablos any day of the week, and that’s the truth.”
Poe actually laughed.
How could he not?
“Yeah, said no sane person ever. How he listens to you…I have no clue. Even Hemmingway struggled with him. I remember…,” he began, and stopped.
It was clear a memory came back, and it hurt.
Gamble knew how important it was that the man kept getting the good memories in so that he could push back the bad ones.
That was exactly what Poe did with him as he was in therapy.
“Tell me about your brother,” he said. “It will help you heal,” he offered.
Gamble was right, and Poe knew it. So, he shared with him.
As a couple.
“I remember one time, Diablo was young. We’re talking a year old, and spicy as hell. Hemmingway was in from his tour, and was standing by the pond. Diablo came running at him, and he thought he’d stop in time.”
Gamble listened.
“He rammed right into him with his awkwardly large head that hadn’t had given his body time to grow into it yet.”
“What happened?”
Poe laughed.
“The demon horse knocked him right into the water, and straight into the muck. He was covered, and pissed,” he said, laughing. “He chased Diablo down, and that became their thing. He’d knock him into the water, and then take off so that they’d play chase.”
Gamble laughed.
“I love that horse. Thank you for giving him to me. He’s my spirit animal.”
Poe shook his head.
“I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, Gamble, Mate, because he’s wicked as the day is long and so much trouble,” he admitted.
Gamble grinned at him, mischievously, and it made Poe’s heart skip in his chest.
This man was wicked and wild—and he found that really sexy.
So maybe that was a good thing.
“You’re trouble, Gamble. Serious trouble, and I’m well aware of it.”
He laughed.
“That’s my name. Arthur Trouble Doyle,” he teased. “I’m consistent—if anything.”
Yes, yes, he was, and honestly, Poe loved him for it too. This man was what gave him life back. Poe had learned to love again, and to find joy through Gamble’s antics. It was the little things like a mischievous grin, or a laugh that he never expected.
It was beautiful.
As they walked out the back of the stable, there were trees and an orchard not far away. It was fall in the UK, and the weather was beautiful.
“That way is the river and orchard. There are riding trails,” he said.
Gamble had an idea.
A good one.
“Hear me out, Poe, but maybe we should ride,” he stated. “It’s a good way to honor your parents since they loved to ride.”
Yeah, except for one thing.
Poe couldn’t.
“I don’t have a horse here. They were all killed. They killed them all.”
Oh, he knew.
When he whistled, they heard hooves coming, and Diablo had jumped the fence and made his way toward them.
“Great. We’re going to have a runaway horse whenever he wants out of the pasture,” Poe said, shaking his head. “Like I said, he’s a demon horse.”
Oh, well, Gamble had things planned already, and Poe was about to have a wild ride.
As Diablo put his head on Gamble’s shoulder, he made a noise in discontent when the other man was close to him.
Poe wasn’t having it.
“I’m going to hold his hand, you brute. He’s mine. You need your own soulmate. You’re not getting mine. That’s not happening.”
Gamble laughed.
Oh, they were amusing.
“Want to ride?” he asked, stroking Diablo’s head and scratching him behind his ears.
He wasn’t doing that.
“We rode him together, and he was wild. I don’t want to die, and we can’t saddle him, so again, I can’t.”
Gamble smiled.
He had a surprise for Poe.
“Go to the pasture and whistle.”
He was confused.
Honestly, he didn’t know what the man was planning, but he did what he asked. At the gate, he whistled, like he would at home.
At first, nothing happened.
Then, he saw her.
Honey came from over the hills, and trotted his way. The whole time, Poe stood there and had tears in his eyes. There was his horse.
His sweet, gentle Honey.
The other love of his life.
Poe turned in surprised and focused on the man he loved.
“You brought her here?”
Gamble was honest.
“I brought them all. In the middle of the night, I snuck them here, unloaded them, and got them into the pasture. They’re all here. King and Snow are wandering around. Our family should be together, and if we’re living here, we have to have our horses. I like to ride, and I know that you do too.”
Poe stared at him, and in that moment, he had never loved a person more. These horses had been what saved Gamble, and now, they’d save him too.
“You did this for me?” he asked, knowing that it couldn’t be an easy task.
Gamble smiled.
“What wouldn’t I do for you?” he asked. “You’re the love of my life, and again, like I just said, our family needs to be together. That’s my job to make it happen. We’re a couple, and we’ll ride together until our final days.”
Well, holy shit.
Poe had gotten really lucky.
Finally, he had someone who loved him, and would do anything for him.
He’d found his man.