Days of Winter Read Online Free PDF

face, still unable to comprehend what was happening, she said, “Why are you doing this for me? Truly why?”
    “I’ve told you, Magda. I love you.”
    She shook her head. “Somehow I still can’t believe you’re doing this without … people want back, they don’t give for nothing.”
    He led her back into the salon where they sat side by side on the small settee. “Of course, you’re suspicious. You’ve been hurt and disillusioned. But people are not all the same, Magda. Human beings are unpredictable. Maybe once in our lives we’re … well, tested. In the last few hours I’ve discovered a depth of feeling I didn’t consider myself capable of.”
    She felt herself trembling inside.
    “For the first time, I love someone else more than I love myself. I can’t explain it, I’ve told you the truth. Please let that be enough.”
    Slowly, Magda walked to the window and stood with her back to Rubin. The room was in semi-darkness now, silent except for the sound of their breathing and the muted horn of a taxicab. No one had ever loved her … been kind to her … even respected her. When she turned again to face Rubin, there were tears in her eyes.
    He took her in his arms, whispering, “Don’t question it, Magda. Just accept what I have to give.”
    She could not say thank you, the words would not come, but cupping his face in her hands she looked into his eyes, then she kissed him with tenderness, and that was enough for him. Picking her up, he carried her into the bedroom.
    Afterward, they lay quietly, warm against each other’s body. The room was in total darkness. Languidly, lazily, she asked, “What time is it?”
    Switching on the bedside lamp, Rubin picked up his watch. “Eight o’clock.”
    She slipped out of bed. “Well, it’s time to go.”
    “Go where?”
    She looked at him strangely. “I sing, I work, remember?”
    She began to dress. Rubin got out of bed quickly and took the shoes from her hands. “No. You’re not going back to that place.”
    Magda grabbed them away from him. “What do you mean, I’m not going back?” She had not gone to sing the night before. If she didn’t show up tonight, she’d be fired. “You don’t own me, Rubin Hack. Not now, and not ever. You see, I was right. There are always strings attached.” The last few hours had been a crazy dream, Magda thought angrily. When will I learn not to trust? “What do you expect me to do with my life? Sit here and wait for the clothes to arrive?”
    “Darling, I’m not trying to dictate your life, I’m—”
    “What you’re trying to do is become my great benefactor. I don’t know what other madness there is in your head, but—”
    “Don’t be angry, please. I have something to tell you …”
    Her arms folded, Magda tapped her foot, breathing hard, but Rubin’s look softened her defenses. “So tell me,” she said …
    “Come, lie down … I should have discussed it with you sooner,” he said softly, leading her again to the bed. Placing her head against his shoulder, he felt her relax. She would not be owned, but still, she could not remain angry with him.
    “Are you really angry?” He smiled, almost teasing.
    “Yes,” she answered, returning a half-smile.
    “You’re beautiful when you smile. It’s the first time I’ve seen you do that.”
    “Don’t get used to it. It isn’t something I do too often.” Then she asked quietly, “Rubin … what do I do with my life?”
    “I want a great deal for you, and you’re going to have it.”
    “How? Rubin, I’m going to tell you something. It’s very hard to admit, but I’m … I’m frightened of all this. So much has changed since I met you. I had made a secure place for myself. Now, suddenly, I’m afraid of what’s ahead. I don’t even know who I am any longer. I don’t know what you want me to be.”
    “I want you to be happy. I want you to be the lady I know you are—”
    Magda laughed. “A lady? Me ? You’re a fool. People are what