Read Online Claiming The Prize by Nadja Notariani - Free Book Online

conjuring
the daydreams in which Drago touched her.
    “ Will you walk with me,
Grace?”
    Her heart hammered, flooding her ears with
the rush of blood, knowing in some odd way that they stood on the
edge of her dreams, wanting to take a step forward in the hopes
that his dreams were her own.
    “ I... yes, I'd like that. Let me grab
my coat.”
    Her reply came out breathy. She moved to
gather her coat and hat, safekeeping in her heart the questions
that she hoped to have answered.
    Drago followed, grabbing his navy Carhartt
and knit cap. He helped her into the black wool Pea-coat and waited
as she wrapped the lavender cashmere scarf around her head and
neck. A few dark tresses spilled out the bottom, and to Drago, she
couldn't have looked lovelier. Opening the back door as she pulled
on shiny, black rain boots, Drago held it for her.
    “ I thought we could walk to the near
barn and look in on the lambs,” he suggested as they
strolled.
    For a few moments they each shared the sights
they admired in the landscape, the purple sky against the black
edge of the horizon, the first stars in the cloudless dome of
night.
    “ I have seventeen weeks remaining
before the Harrison fight.”
    “ Yes, I know. You'll be
ready.”
    Grace knew that her father and the Friar were
very pleased with his progress. He had a solid jujitsu background,
and Antolini technique would make it great. Drago's striking, St. Clair often relayed, matched the best he had seen in his years of
coaching. Add in his legs, and the members of team Anto-Engage were
confident that Drago would be a top contender for the
light-heavyweight title.
    “ I must return to Bratislava then,
Grace.”
    “ Yes...,” came her resigned
sigh.
    “ I am asking, Grace, would you have me
return for you?”
    He continued to walk, looking down at his
hands that held a long, dried stem leftover from the previous
Indian summer, awaiting her reply.
    “ Return for me?” she half whispered,
not certain of his meaning, not able to allow herself to think he
said what she wanted him to.
    “ Grace, do you remember when I asked
you if you would go on a date if you were asked? I am asking you. I
am asking you for many dates.”
    “ I thought,” her voice was pensive and
hesitating a moment, then she laughed softly, “I thought you'd
never ask.”
    “ You are saying yes, I think,” he said,
joining her in laughter.
    “ I am saying yes,” she assured
him.
    She stayed in step with him, their ascent up
the subtle grade to the barn leisurely.
    Drago took her hand, squeezing with
gentleness, and they continued in silence. Grace's heart sang
within her. The cold's nip went unnoticed, and it seemed her feet
did not touch the ground. His large hand encased hers, sending
warmth spreading up her arm, and she wished the contact to never
end.
    Drago contemplated the repercussion of her
words. He had less than eighteen weeks to woo her, to gain her
heart completely. He would not leave her with only a promise to
return. He would leave with a promise of forever.
    Rolling back the weathered, gray barn door on
its track, the smell of fresh straw permeated the air. A soft light
bathed the stalls, and the broken quiet by their entrance brought
the bleating of ewes to their ears. Grace leaned over the rail to
admire the lambs curled together in the soft bedding, and a ewe
neared, nuzzling against her hand. Drago joined her, giving the
same attention to another curious animal.
    “ I have spoken to your father,” he
said. “He knows my intention.”
    Grace listened as she stroked the soft fleece
under the ewe's chin. Mirroring her actions, he continued.
    “ In my time here, I have enjoyed coming
to know you. You understand the life I lead; it is yours also. We
compliment one another, being both private people and sharing our
faith.” He paused, regarding her with his dark eyes. “And I find
you beautiful, Grace. Know that I say none of this lightly. I have
remained single, hoping to find someone to