Playing Dangerous ? ||RDR2 // Arthur Morgan X Reader||

chapter 20; burning desire

"Excuse me, Miss Roberts," Dutch pardoned himself and then looked back onto you with a gentle smile.

"May I take this fine young lady for a few moments?" Dutch was looking at you but his question seemed to be some gentle jest directed at Abigail.

"Fine by me-" Abigail replied, gently prizing Jack out of your lap. Her pretty eyes flashed up to Dutch. "I got all night to chat to my best friend."

That statement alone caused the widest smile to play itself on your expression like a film reel, and you gave Marston's girl a flattered look, before finally averting your attention to the man who clearly wanted it most in that moment.

Taking Dutch's hand, you actively tried to avoid Molly's gaze from across the way. She had looks that could kill when she saw Dutch even anywhere near one of the other women at camp.

Leading you into the grassy clearing, you were very much aware of an apologetic aura emanating from the usually withheld and strong gang leader.

The fire's flames danced wildly close by, the light casting long shadows of you both against the side of the house.

Amicably, Dutch's arms went around you in a manner appropriate for the course of a gentle dance – not all forceful and holding a total respect for you. Rather awkwardly, you didn't really know where to put your eyes. The last thing you wanted this to look like was some bizarre romantic embrace. But after a short while you couldn't help but look at the man – because his eyes had been demanding your gaze.

"I owe you a huge apology, my dear," Dutch's charming tones settled by your ear, leaving you a little stunned as to what you could say. Luckily, he didn't really give you a chance to say anything just yet. "I shouldn't of trusted Micah like I did. Lookin' back, it makes me realise how badly I was treatin' everyone else." His low rumbling voice let out a remorseful sigh. You couldn't help but feel a tug of smugness in your gut.

"Thank you, Dutch." You started, a confident level to your voice as you swayed gently with the man. "I'm glad you noticed the error of your ways."

He started to laugh then at the judicious tone in your words, which then caused you to laugh because you realised how very responsible you sounded.

"I'm just glad you're back and you're safe." Dutch added with a contented tone, looking at you with warm eyes before his glance trailed over your shoulder and appeared to be looking at someone, just as you heard footsteps approaching.

"Turn my back for one second and you're weaslin' in with my woman?" Those unmistakably course yet crass tones called from behind you, as you glanced over your shoulder and saw Arthur standing there grinning at Dutch playfully.

"Just showing the girl some real class and charm, Mr Morgan." He replied playfully, as Arthur threw his arms around your waist, despite the bottle of whisky that was now precariously tipped and spilling some of contents – threatening to splash your dress.

You slipped the bottle out from his grasp and had a swig of the stuff yourself, and just like the last time you had tasted the stuff – it left a scorching trail of fire down the back of your throat that then kindled in the base of your stomach for a few moments. It was strong stuff, despite the honey undertones in the alcohol it wasn't at all pleasant. You were soon aware of both men watching you with a surprised look, chuckling secretively at the look of childish disgust on your face.

"I'll stick to my gin, thanks." You added as you handed the bottle back to Arthur, making sure that the bottle remained upright whilst it was so close to your nice dress.

The outlaw chuckled by your ear, his tones were husked and even his sniggers sounded tipsy. You could smell the alcohol about him, and wondered to yourself exactly what time he had started drinking at.