The secluded bar in the back of the club suited Colby just fine. He needed the quietude, away from the merriment and gaiety found in the main ballroom and the rooms off to the side where card and dice games were played. Fortunes were made here, as well as lost in, a blink of an eye. He knew going in, placing his bet of fifty pounds, that he was in dire straits. He’d had one too many drinks on the house, due to his good friend Aidan who’d goaded him into the game. In less than ninety minutes, he had lost far too much and left even more depressed than he already was. Now, he drowned his sorrows in his fifth gin while he sat at the end of the bar, trying not to think of what would meet him on the outside. How could he face his family, especially Lucy, who, after years away, had returned to see their father, the man he had always disappointed and had tried so hard to impress?
He was responsible for causing Father’s attack. Their fight, one Father had initiated because of Colby’s reckless spending, had led to horrible things said between the two of them. And when he accused Father of never loving him and blamed him for Mother’s death, Father agreed and said he sickened him. He stomped out of the house, cursing Father to Hell. It wasn’t until later in the evening when Chase found him at his gentlemen’s club that he learned Father was near death.
Now, he drank himself into a stupor. He was an embarrassment to the Daugherty name.
He sighed and drank the gin, the burn of the alcohol a balm. He was numb and had been for years. If not for learning about Pythos and becoming friends with Aidan, he would have been truly lost.
Most importantly, he would have never met the woman who made him get up every morning, even though she would never belong to him.
Abbie walked behind the bar. She and the bartender exchanged words, and the bartender left. She studied the room, half filled with men drinking and smoking cigars or cigarillos. Her nose wiggled, and she tightened her apron around her waist. Exhaustion infused her face, and he felt the urge to jump behind the bar and hold her.
His cock stirred at the sight of this young woman who worked far too hard. Even though she belonged to Aidan and he took good care of her, she enjoyed her employment at Pythos. Every time he visited the club, which had become a daily requirement for him, he would spot her smiling, always happy, no matter what time of day or whatever duty she was involved in. Her younger brother Benji was the same way, a hardworking and polite boy who wasn’t much for conversation but always volunteered to help wherever possible.
She wiped the bar top. He watched, enthralled by her movements. Even though her dress was an austere navy, it did nothing to dampen her beauty. Her blonde hair, always pinned under a small white cap, was perfect for a man to comb his fingers through. He wished he could be that man. But she didn’t belong with him. She never would. Aidan had basically warned Colby to stay away from her. He respected Aidan too much to even think of betraying him in such a manner. But it didn’t stop his yearning for the young woman who always made him feel welcome.
The woman in question waved and approached him, her captivating smile in place. “Hello there, Mr. Daugherty. How are you this evening?”
Colby, call me Colby, he wished to say, but she never would. Once he had given her permission to do so, but she’d gazed at him oddly and said it wasn’t right. The only men she called by their first names were Benji, and, of course, Aidan.
He wanted to tell her everything in his blackened heart, about his ill father and how wretched he was. He wanted to admit how envious he was of Aidan, who had her love. But if he ever did such a thing, he would be thrown out of Pythos, never to see Aidan or Abbie again.
He put on a brave face to act as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “My evening has been like most—entertaining, Miss Hale. I know I can always come to Pythos and have a grand old time.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She pointed to his glass. “What are you having? Perhaps water?”
He chuckled and hiccupped. She had to be teasing him. “Water? Try gin.”
“How many glasses have you had?” Concern filled her voice. “Perhaps a soda water would be best. I’ve seen more than my share of men casting up their accounts outside tonight. I would hate for something like that to happen to you.”
She was far too insightful. He understood why Aidan had claimed her. He didn’t want to lie to her. She would most likely know if he did. “I may have had one too many. I lost heavily at the tables tonight. Aidan has graciously offered for me to drink on the house to make up for it.”
She took his glass. Their fingers touched, and he closed his eyes to savor the sensation. If only she was free, and he had the courage, he would take her by the wrist and kiss her palm, enticing her with his lips. He never had done such a thing with a woman before, but he would love to practice on her.
The smell of coffee tickled his nose, and when he opened his eyes, a steaming mug sat before him. He stared at it, confused.
She rested her forearms on the bar. “Coffee is what you need. Trust me on this. You don’t need any more alcohol, even though Aidan has offered.”
Touched by her sincerity and empathy, he nodded in acceptance. He would drink a gallon of coffee, if only to appease her. Lifting the mug, he drank.
She nodded, pleased. He lost himself in her sparkling blue eyes, refusing to look away. A blush covered her cheeks, and she studied the bar. His hand, as if with a life of its own, moved toward hers resting on the bar. Before he clasped them, Benji ran up, waving a piece of paper.
“H’llo, Mr. Daugherty.” Benji took off his cap and slightly bowed to Colby. He then dropped his cap on his head and slammed the white flier on the bar. “Look, Abbie! Some gent gave me this here paper. It’s an invite to the big exhibition. Can we go? It ends soon.”
She scanned the flyer. “Benji, anyone can attend the Great Exhibition. It’s not exclusive.”
“Exclu-huh?” He scratched his cheek and shifted from right to left.
“It means just what your sister has said. Anyone is allowed to go,” Colby stated. “You and Miss Hale will love it.”
Benji nodded, his eyes widening. “Can we, Abbie? Maybe Mum will want to come also.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Mum is still feeling poorly. But I’ll take you.”
Benji’s smile expanded, and he clapped. “Hurrah!” He turned and faced Colby. “Would you want to go with Abbie and me?”
Colby shared a tender look with Abbie, who looked uncomfortable at Benji’s inquiry. He was glad the boy asked. He would love nothing more than to escort both siblings to the exhibition. It would give him a chance to know Abbie better and perhaps become friends with her. If they couldn’t have any more than friendship between them, he would at least welcome that.
“Where are you planning on going?” Aidan slid up to the bar and clapped Benji on the back.
Benji stared at the floor. “Erm, an outing, sir.”
Aidan took off Benji’s cap. “Remember, the cap stays off inside. I see a few tables that should be cleared. Take care of them while I chat with your sister and Mr. Daugherty.”
Benji nodded and darted away to do Aidan’s biding. Colby never liked the way Aidan talked to Benji, but who was he to judge? Benji did tend to be high-spirited and forgetful. But then again, he had witnessed some tender moments between the older man and Benji, the majority of them when Abbie was in their presence.
Abbie walked around the bar and came to Aidan’s side. She started to explain, but he swept her up in his arms and kissed her. Her palms landed on his chest as she welcomed the kiss. Colby turned away when he saw them sharing tongues. No one in the room appeared to have noticed or cared. Most who frequented Pythos had witnessed Aidan’s and Abbie’s public displays of affection in the past.
Aidan finally broke off the kiss, and Abbie stared up at him, eyes heavy-lidded. He swept his thumb across her lips. They stared at one another, ignoring all else around them. Colby pressed his damp palms on his trousers and looked away from the sight.
“Be a good girl and see if you can find Teague. Tell him I’ll meet him in his office in ten minutes,” Aidan murmured.
He sipped his now lukewarm coffee and waited while the couple stopped whispering to one another. A stinging sensation settled low in his belly when Abbie told Aidan she loved him.
The look she gave Aidan held love and desire, which Aidan returned with a hungry stare. The two finally broke apart, and Abbie left the room. Aidan watched her leave. Colby did the same, the sting in his stomach turning to a burn.
Aidan clapped him on his back and squeezed his shoulder. “Thanks for keeping a watch on my girl. It’s good to count on someone like you who doesn’t have designs on her body.”
He almost spit out his coffee. He swallowed and cleared his throat. “I would do anything for you, and for Miss Hale.”
“That’s good to know.” Aidan cocked his head to the side as he sent Colby a fixed stare.
A chill spread through him. Aidan couldn’t have any idea how he felt for Abbie. He had hidden his feelings well. Or maybe the alcohol in his system was responsible for his sudden paranoia? Before he inquired if something was the matter, Aidan grinned.
“Walk with me. I have a business proposition I would like to discuss with you.”
He hopped off the stool but lost his footing. Aidan grabbed him before he made a fool of himself and tumbled to the floor.
“How much have you had to drink?” Aidan steadied him on his feet.
“Too much, apparently.” He snorted and tugged on the hem of his jacket. “Miss Hale asked the same thing. She’s very insightful. You’re lucky to have her.” He hiccupped and begged his pardon.
“Did she now? I’m not surprised.” Aidan’s voice sounded somewhat remote as he guided Colby from the room.
“Maybe it’s for the best if I go home. I miss my bed.” He yawned. Hopefully, Chase wouldn’t bother him. If he passed out drunk, then he wouldn’t have to see his family or awaken in a cold sweat from the nightmares plaguing him.
Aidan towed him along. “We can always talk tomorrow when you’re sober.”
“Sounds good, my man.” He blinked, the candlelight hurting his eyes. He could barely stand up as it was, and if not for Aidan’s help, he would have fallen to the floor, laid out for anyone to find him.
Aidan snapped his fingers in front of Colby’s face. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. “What?”
“I’ll have your carriage brought around for you. I would stay, but I have to meet with Teague. Take care of yourself now.” Aidan slapped Colby’s cheek lightly with his palm.
He nodded and yawned again. Aidan waved farewell and disappeared. The room spun, and his stomach cramped. He bent forward, inhaling deeply before he vomited all over himself. Somehow, he would have to walk the few steps to the front door and outside for his carriage. But first, he would sit and rest his—
“Colby!”
He jerked straight up as the world tilted. He had to be hearing things. There was no way Lucy would be here.
As he dropped to the floor, a woman in a comely green gown and a white mask knelt beside him, sounding exactly like Lucy, whom he missed and longed to see.
* * *
Lucy wanted to cry. Her poor baby brother looked horrible! Not only was he intoxicated, but he had aged ten years since they last time they saw one another at Rue’s wedding. He was an utter mess!
“Oh no, not again.” Chase knelt next to her and shook his head. “He does this too often.”
“What do you mean? He always gets drunk and passes out?” She couldn’t stop the hysteria rising in her voice. She shook Colby by the arm. He sneezed and rubbed his nose, staring at her in a daze.
“Hullo there, pretty lady. Want to dance?” He held out his arm.
She took his hand while Chase lifted him. Together, they helped him stand, but barely.
Chase pulled Colby’s arm around his shoulder and hitched him up. “I’m going to find his carriage and take him home.”
“To Father’s?” If she had to stay up the whole night watching Colby, she would.
“He’ll do better in his own bed. I’ll take care of him.” Chase hefted Colby up higher. “Will you be all right in your carriage alone?”
“Yes. Let’s go so we can put him to bed.” She followed Chase as he carried Colby out the door.
Before she went outside, someone touched her elbow. She turned, coming face to face with Tisha.
“What do you want?” She hugged her waist.
Tisha held out her hand but then dropped her arm to her side. “I’d rather you not leave so we can talk about what happened between us earlier, but your brother needs you more than I do. I would like to see you again.”
“That’s impossible. I can’t come back here, and I certainly can’t be seen with a woman like you.”
Tisha winced, a hurt expression crossing her face.
She wanted to apologize for her rude remark, but she had more pressing concerns. Making time to chat with this woman was not even a priority.
“So that’s how it’s going to be, then?” Tisha snarled and lifted her chin. “Fine, Miss Snob. But I might have something important you’ll want to know about your drunk of a brother and your dying father.”
How could this be? She grabbed Tisha’s arm. “What do you know?”
Tisha barked out a laugh and wrenched her arm away. “Oh, now you want to talk? Sorry, I’m too busy now. When you pull the stick out of your arse and finish coddling your brother, come see me.” She rolled back her shoulders. “But you can’t be seen with a woman like me. You weren’t complainin’ when I made you fly apart thanks to these nimble fingers.” She lifted her hands and wiggled them.
When Tisha sucked on one of them, Lucy backed away, her face burning and her dress constricting her breathing. She was out of her league with Tisha, whom she had insulted. She was curious as to what this saucy woman knew about her father and Colby, but her mind was in such a muddle she couldn’t concentrate.
“I-I have to go.” She hurried to the door.
“You do that. But if you want to talk, I may not be so forthcoming with what I know.” Tisha called out in a singsong voice that sent chills down Lucy’s spine. “You know how to find me.”
She halted and turned back around. Women and men strolled past her, blocking her view of Tisha. Lucy wet her lips, trying to find the right words, but failed. She shook her head, “I’m sorry,” and scurried away.
She expected Tisha to stop her, but she didn’t. Her carriage waited in front of the building and she hurried down the steps, practically jumping inside. As the carriage moved, she snuck a peek out the window. Tisha stood on the top of the steps, watching Lucy drive away.