The Love of Lady Dimitrescu X Female Reader || One-Shots

Lasting Partners

[A request from AlyD2007 ]

Karl, the sheriff, shuffled the deck and dealt the cards clockwise. To your left, was your partner. Her western cowboy hat was tipped low enough that it concealed her intense, yellow eyes. Only you knew not to fear her. Her reputation in this cattle town was as fierce as a sandstorm. No one wanted to find themselves in a showdown with Alcina Dimitrescu.

Although your draw speed outmatched hers, you could not come close to intimidating the dastardly outlaws like she could. If she wished to extract critical information from them, such as learning the location of their hideouts, retrieving stolen horses, or the selling of weapons to unsavory company, she was not beyond hanging them upside down by the ankles with her rope. Her height alone was enough to scare some cowards into ratting out prolific killers.

You considered yourself lucky, not only to have her as your partner, but as your lover. Someday, when you and Alcina could put away the badges, you planned to marry and settle down on a ranch together. It certainly wasn't a dream that was unreachable.

Karl glanced at you and her, holding his cards. "So, where are we with the escaped prisoner situation?"

"They're hiding at Sinks Canyon," Alcina replied, evaluating her suit of spades. "I'm riding out tomorrow morning."

You stared hard at her, setting your cards down. This was new information. Apart from working well together, the only issue that remained was the fact your partner would often leave you out of the loop whenever it came to tracking and apprehending outlaws. It was annoying. Your argument? Two was better than one. Paired up, you were more time efficient, not to mention there were fewer casualties and mishaps. "I assume you were going to tell me that later this evening?"

Alcina frowned, dodging your unwavering gaze. She knew her decision was going to anger you. Not that she took pride in taking care of the town's problems on her own. This wasn't a matter of glory to her. She just wanted you out of harm's way. "I was planning to tell you tomorrow morning."

You doubted her words. This secrecy never settled well with you. "Really? Because had Karl not asked you just now, I wouldn't have known otherwise. You know I was heading out to the Smith's property at dawn? I was going to discuss their son's case."

"Good. Then you can deal with the Smiths while I scan the area for our fugitive. I'll come back once I learn of Lawson's exact location."

The sheriff coughed, standing up from his chair. "You know what? I could use a drink. I'll be right back."

You all but abandoned the card game, laying out your cards on the table. "We've talked about this before. We're supposed to be sharing this together. Why didn't you tell me of Lawson's whereabouts? How long have you known?"

"Since last weekend, I overheard it at the court hearing for Drummond. One of the lawyers mentioned it."

"Let me guess? Was it the one who looks like he's related to Dracula?"

She couldn't help but chuckle at that comment. "Yes. That one, dear."

You pushed your chair closer to her. "I really wish you would've told me. You know I don't like it when we keep secrets from each other."

"You were dealing with the heist during that time. I didn't want to add more stress to you."

"I wasn't—that stressed! What stresses me out is when you deliberately hold back information from me and tackle these bounties by yourself. It kinda defeats the purpose of a partnership."

A cloud of weariness hung over her. It was the same old argument again and again. She didn't understand why this bothered you so much. "Yes, you never fail to remind me of that."