Page 49 of Down Bad with the Iron Duke

“She’s dead.”

That was the last time Rafe had shed a tear. His father had made sure of that.

Dukes do not weep. Dukes do not show weakness.

By the time his father was done with him that night, Rafe hadn’t felt anything at all.

Numb. Cold.

The Iron Duke, forged at his father’s hand.

He might have made Rafe unfeeling, but he hadn’t been able to make Rafe cruel. And that was where Father drew the line.

Red-rouged lips tilted in a sultry smile flitted through Rafe’s mind.

Rafe had never been able to go through with the tasks Father set out for him. Take his turn.

But she’d been different.

He’d been fifteen.

Confused. Desperate for affection. Going through a stage in life where he had urges that terrified him. Because he knew what men did when they had those urges. What his father wanted him to do.

“Come here, Lord Raphael,” she purred.

He’d given in.

Rafe’s stomach convulsed.

She’d been so beautiful. Soft. Sweet. Unlike the other times.

But her blade hadn’t been.

Rafe shot to his feet, dishware clattering sharply. He opened his mouth to excuse himself, but no words surfaced. His past had too tight a hold on his jugular. He pivoted on his heel, avoiding his stepmother’s and brother’s stares, and escaped.

Just like he had that night.

Though at the time he hadn’t thought he’d been successful. Not with the way his face had seared with fiery pain. He’d thought his face had been splayed open. It had. Filleted like a trout. But it’d been able to be stitched back together.

He’d run to Grandmother, and they’d left that night with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Went straight to Dunmore Court. Derek had already inherited. He didn’t ask questions, just summoned a doctor. From that moment on, Rafe and Grandmama were permanent residents of the Dunmore household.

Thank the bloody gods for Derek. He ground his teeth. Fuck. He wished his mate were here now.

Rafe didn’t even register where his legs were taking him until the outline of the stables came into view.

He might not have Derek here…

But there was someone else.

Gone

She was going to be there. This time, she would.

He balled his fists, picking up his pace to a light jog, even as he had to limp to do so. Pain radiated up his right leg with every step. Last night had been especially terrible. His father was growing impatient. No matter how badly he beat Rafe, Rafe never retaliated. And last night…last night his father’s rage over that fact had exploded.

Rafe whimpered as he neared the cave. He needed her. He missed her. She hadn’t been at the cave the last dozen or so times he’d visited. That never happened. He slowed his pace; the familiar comforting sounds of rushing water reached his ears.

A sharp ache streaked through his ribs with every labored breath. He tenderly ran his fingers over his side and winced. The skin was black with bruises. His father was always very careful to make sure the bruises he left remained hidden. It was going to hurt like the devil climbing the rock wall today. But it would be worth it. As soon as he saw her warm, friendly eyes, that reassuring smile.