Chapter Ten

Sebastian was beginning to think he was a prime candidate for bedlam. His brain was scrambled. Confusion didn’t come close to describing what he felt. Had it only been a day ago he’d decided staying away from Colton was his best course of action? Now, he wanted to spend every waking moment in Colton’s presence.

He’d gone to the ball tonight to check in on Rourke and make certain nothing untoward had occurred. He should’ve left immediately after he’d ascertained everything was fine, but he’d seen Colton standing on the edge of the ballroom. Before he’d even made the conscious decision, he was across the room, drawn like a magnet to steel. He’d wanted to dance with Colton. It was as simple as that. He’d wanted to hold him close.

Galaxy, give me strength. Colton was quickly becoming an addiction.

Laying his head on the back of the chair, Sebastian stretched his legs out in front of him and closed his eyes. He ran his hands down his face, and a muscle pinched in his back. It was like being raked with shards of glass. He’d forgotten all about the blasted street fight he’d gotten into searching for Julian. Damn, it had been a long day.

Nate came into the study and crossed to the sideboard. “What happened to you?” He picked up two glasses and poured scotch in them.

“Ran into a band of hoodlums while looking for a friend of mine.”

Pausing, Nate turned his head. His eyebrows shot up as he studied Sebastian. He shook his head and went back to pouring. After stoppering the decanter, he picked up the glasses and crossed the room. “You look like you could use one.” He handed a glass to Sebastian and sat on the chair next to him.

“Thank you.” Scotch was not his preferred drink, but it was bound to help with the pain. He sipped. “Any idea why we’re here?”

“Not a clue. In the lift on the way home, Steven told me he was calling a meeting and wanted me present.”

Aiden came into the room, making a beeline for his consort. He kissed Nate on the cheek, and they stared at one another for a few seconds. Aiden’s hand lingered on his consort’s shoulder. The admiral laid his free hand on top of Aiden’s and squeezed. It was intimate and improper, but it was also beautiful. They made a striking couple. Aiden was elegant and lovely while Nate was big and handsome in a masculine way.

Sebastian couldn’t look away. What must it be like to have a relationship like that? Giles would never have showed such affection in front of others. All the Townsends, thus far, had found love matches.

Stealing his consort’s drink, Aiden sat on the loveseat opposite them. He drank as he glanced at Sebastian. His eyes widened, and he removed the glass from his lips. “What happened to you?”

“He got into a gang fight.” After removing a cigar and cutter from his coat pocket, Nate snipped the end.

“A gang fight?” Aiden blinked. “I don’t suppose you lopped anyone’s head off, did you?”

Groaning, Nate dropped his head into his hand, but he was smiling.

Sebastian’s mouth gaped open. Only a Townsend would ask such a question. “No. Why do you ask?”

“He’s painting a war scene.” Lifting his head, Deverell went to the sideboard and dug a lighter out of the drawer. Lighting his cigar, he sat next to Aiden. He patted Aiden’s leg, leaving his hand there, and reclaimed his drink.

“Getting the blood splatter right is giving me a devil of a time. Where are Father and Cony? I thought this was an important meeting. Any idea what it’s about?” Aiden toed off his right shoe and tucked his foot under his leg, angling his body toward Nate. Resting his right arm on the back of the sofa, he absently played with the admiral’s neck.

“We were just discussing that when you came in.” Sliding his hand farther up Aiden’s thigh, Nate took a drink of scotch. Holding the cigar in the same hand, he gave the glass back to Aiden, who sipped from it. “Surely if it were very important, they’d be here already.”

“One would think.” Sebastian smiled. The ton was full of couples who barely tolerated one another. It was so refreshing to see a couple so in love. Men did not share their drinks with one another. It just wasn’t done. It spoke of the devotion and intimacy between the two men. Would Colton be that affectionate with his consort? A knot formed in Sebastian’s stomach. The idea of Colton married and sharing things with another man did not sit well with him. He had no claim on Colton, yet something inside him screamed out Colton was his.

“Ah good, you’re all here.” Steven came into the room with Raleigh on his heels.

“Jeffers, stop all recording and leave the room.” Raleigh closed the door behind him and sat next to Steven on the desk.

“Yes, Your Highness,” the butler answered.

Laying his hand on Raleigh’s thigh, Steven cocked his head and studied his son. “Aiden, what’re you doing in here? Not that I care, but…”

“Saving Nate the trouble of having to repeat everything.”

Slipping his hand on top of the one Steven had on his thigh, Raleigh wound his fingers with Steven’s. Did he even notice he did it? They too always seemed to be touching each other in little ways. Sebastian was certain they did most of it unconsciously.

Raleigh grinned. “Aiden, Nate doesn’t tell you everything.”

The admiral thought about it for a second. “Actually, I do. Anything of importance anyway.”

Aiden beamed at him.

Sebastian chuckled. If he married Colton, would they share all their secrets?

Where had that come from? He’d sworn off marriage after Giles died. He had no need to marry again. It didn’t matter to him if the Wentworth title was passed on or not. It wasn’t his family name. The title and estate could revert back to the crown for all he cared.

“Okay, fair enough. We can use the extra brain pow— Good galaxy. What happened to your face?” Raleigh gaped. “Do you need an ice pack?”

“I’m fine.” Sebastian waved the questions away. He was getting tired of explaining it, but it warmed his heart that they cared. “I ran in to some delinquents when I went to find one of my old teammates. They decided they needed my money and belongings more than I did. I begged to differ.”

“Did you find your teammate?” Aiden wanted to know.

“I did. He starts work tomorrow. His name is Julian Towers. That’s one more guard who can accompany all of you on your outings. I prefer you take Knighton, Julian or myself rather than the other guards.” He looked at Nate. “I wish you would reconsider having an armed escort to the base every morning.”

Nate puffed on his cigar. “It’s only a mile away.”

Sebastian sighed but didn’t say anything. It wouldn’t do any good. The man had made up his mind, and he was as hardheaded as the rest of the family.

It got quiet for several seconds then Steven cleared his throat. “Eversleigh, as you know, is our permanent IN council member. He’s been trying to track Admiral Jenkins down for the past two months with no luck. He’s not on Delcorte or here on Regelence. As far as we know those are his only two residences.”

Deverell gasped.

Aiden whispered, “Oh no.”

Sebastian sat too stunned to do anything.

Looking at Sebastian, Steven asked, “Do you know of any other places he and his family might be?”

Sebastian shook his head. “The last time I talked to him was at the ceremony where he retired and named Nate his successor.” Surely Carl was all right. He had to be.

“Why would Wentworth know where the admiral lived?” Nate’s brow furrowed.

“Jenkins was my mentor.” Actually, he was more like a savior. If it wasn’t for Carl, Sebastian would probably be dead by now. “He’s the one who got me into the Regelence Navy. His wife is from Regelence. I met him when I was sixteen, and he was on leave.” No one needed to know he met the admiral—a captain then—because Sebastian tried to pick his pocket. It was his and Carl’s secret, and Sebastian intended it to stay that way. Please be all right, Carl. To Steven he asked, “I take it you have not located Betty either?”

“I didn’t know his wife was from here.” Aiden leaned forward slightly.

“Yes, his son was born here. I believe Robert is twenty-five or twenty-six. Somewhere around there.”

“Why didn’t I know this?” Putting his feet on the floor, Aiden leaned forward more.

“I don’t know.” Sebastian gulped some of his drink.

“I didn’t know it either,” Nate said to Aiden.

“Hmm…come to think on it…I have seen him at balls before,” Aiden said.

“Aiden, do you mind?” Raleigh arched a brow.

Aiden’s shoulders drooped. “Sorry, Cony.”

With a smirk at his son, Steven continued. “I also heard that Carl’s son Robert went AWOL. Nate, can you check that out?”

“I’ll check it out first thing in the morning.” Nate set his cigar in the ashtray next to him and retrieved his drink from Aiden. Peering down at the liquid, he shook his head. “I sensed something was wrong. I should’ve confronted him about it. I should’ve offered him protection.”

Sebastian’s thoughts exactly. His stomach was queasy.

“There is no use beating ourselves up over it. Let’s just find them.” Raleigh stood and stretched his arms over his head. “He obviously knows something. When we do find him, we’ll see to it he and his family are protected. Now, unless anyone else has something to add, I’m going to bed.”

“Me too.” Nate stood and offered his hand to Aiden.

After putting his shoe back on, Aiden accepted the assistance and stood. “Good night, everyone.” Still hand in hand, Aiden and Nate left the study.

Raleigh stepped up between Steven’s legs. He touched Steven’s cheek and dropped his hand. “Are you coming?”

Steven lifted Raleigh’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “In a moment.” The romantic gesture made Sebastian’s mind wander once again to Colton. He was so passionate and vibrant. No doubt he’d throw himself into a relationship with as much ardor as his parents did.

“Don’t stay up too late. You aren’t going to find him tonight.” Raleigh dipped his head at Sebastian. “Good night, Wentworth. Go put some ice on your face.” He closed the door on his way out.

Steven stared at the closed door with a soft smile on his face, but he looked a million miles away.

Sebastian downed the rest of his drink and set it aside. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Do you think he’s dead?”

“I hope not. But yes, that’s my fear.”

Sebastian’s pulse skipped a beat and a wave of dizziness swamped him. Sadness nearly choked him. He owed Carl so much.

“Don’t beat yourself up over it. Like Raleigh said, we aren’t going to find him tonight.” Steven gave him a sad smile. “While I’ve got you here…I wanted to ask you about something else.”

“Anything.”

“I saw you and Colton tonight. The two of you look good together.”

Sebastian fought to show no outward sign of surprise. “He looked lonely when I went to check in with Rourke, and he wasn’t dancing, so I asked him to dance.”

“Then I take it you’ve heard the rumors about you and Colton?”

“Not personally, but I know people are speculating Colton and I stole the horse.”

“That’s not all.”

“Yes, yes, the elopement rumor. I’ve heard about that one too.”

“How about the one claiming the two of you are lovers?”

A sinking feeling settled into Sebastian’s gut. “No, I hadn’t heard that one.”

“What do you intend to do?”

Sebastian sat back and rested his hands on his thighs. What could he do? “The rumors will die down.” Perhaps his dancing with Colton tonight would help. Surely no one would think he’d flaunt their relationship in front of Colton’s parents. Or given Sebastian’s reputation, maybe they would think that. Sebastian cringed.

“And what if they can’t be quashed?”

Taking a deep breath, Sebastian closed his eyes. He’d do anything to protect Colton. “Then Colton and I will get married.” He waited for the panic to come, but it didn’t.

 

 

The wind caught the door, throwing it and Colton against the side of the stable with a bang. “Bloody hell.” The icy breeze buffeted his face as he struggled against the weather. Brrr… It was freezing out here. Perhaps he should have gotten his coat. His hands were frozen. It was amazing they hadn’t cracked and fallen off. The chill cut right through his clothes.

Fighting with the door, Colton was determined to win. He dug his heels in and heaved. At that precise moment the current of air faded, and the door slammed shut with a resounding boom. He landed on his arse inside the stable.

The horses shuffled their feet and snorted. One of them kicked a wall. Apollonia nickered, already fussing to be let out. The wind whistled outside, but the crisp, clean scent of hay and oats surrounded him. He loved that smell.

Teeth chattering, Colton lay on his back in the middle aisle with his lungs burning. He’d planned to check on the horses, but he hadn’t known he was going to get a workout. What a picture he probably made. Now his appearance was as ruffled as his emotions.

Tonight, he’d not only danced with Wentworth, but kissed him. Obviously, Wentworth had not been as thrilled by the kiss as Colton, so why had Wentworth done it? Why had he even danced with Colton? Colton groaned. Since the man was now his business partner, he couldn’t ignore him—not like he was doing a good job of that anyway—but he had to keep things professional between them. And for galaxy’s sakes, he had to stop kissing the blasted man.

Trying to catch his breath, he stared up at the haylofts on each side of the peaked roof and groaned. What was he going to do with Wentworth?

Apollonia nickered again, louder this time.

“Hush, Apollonia.” Sitting up, Colton rubbed his arms and pushed himself to his feet.

Apollonia danced in place inside her stall.

His lip twitched. “Okay already.” On the way by he petted her mother, who had stuck her head out of her stall. “Good evening, Belle.” Moving to the next stall over, he unlatched Apollonia’s door and pointed his finger at her. “You can have out of your enclosure, but we aren’t going outside.”

She hurried into the center aisle and turned back to him, nudging his arm and flipping it up with her nose.

His hand landed on her head, making him chuckle. “Okay, pretty girl.” He rubbed her neck. The red chestnut coat appeared even darker in the dim overhead lights. Resting his head on her shoulder, he put his arm around her neck and the other on her back. He was still chilled, but her warmth and the heat in the barn seeped into him. “Maybe Wentworth’s libido got carried away, and I was in the right place at the wrong time. Or is that the wrong place at the right time?” None of it had felt wrong. Even now his lips tingled, and he fancied he could feel Wentworth’s lips pressed to his. Or maybe they were just cold.

Apollonia leaned against him.

“Ack.” Colton shuffled around to keep from being knocked over and shoved against her side. “Stand up, you dolt.”

She turned her head to look at him as if to say, You started it, I was only cuddling.

Colton patted her side once more for good measure. “You have not developed the fine art of listening like your father.”

Apollo, who was next door to Apollonia, lifted his head. Some hay hung out of his mouth as he chewed. Flicking his tail, he looked at Colton. How many times had he come out in the middle of the night to brush and talk to Apollo over the years? Too many to count. “Hi, boy. How’re you this evening? Let me check on Dazz and see how he’s settling in then I’ll come brush you.” Colton rubbed the velvety nose and started down the aisle.

Halfway there, the stable door opened and a chill whipped down Colton’s back. Wrapping his arms around himself, he turned to face his intruder.

With his frock coat flapping in the wind, Wentworth struggled to close the door.

That familiar tingle he got whenever Wentworth was near niggled at Colton. He hadn’t thought to see Wentworth again so soon. Maybe it was too soon. Colton had no idea where things stood between them.

The door finally slammed shut, and the roar of the air rushing inside converted to a howl outside. Wentworth glanced around. When his gaze landed on Colton, he grinned. “I wondered if you’d be out here.” Wentworth’s shoulders sagged more than normal, and his black eye was darker than it had been at the ball.

“What’re you doing here?”

“Max is here.” Wentworth gestured to the back of the stable.

Colton glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, Max was in a stall at the back. “Oh. I was checking on Dazz.”

“How is he do—?” Something jangled as Wentworth strode forward. He stopped in front of an open enclosure. “Give me that.” The deep dulcet tone was like wrapping up in a blanket.

Glancing around, Colton realized Apollonia was not in the center aisle anymore. Oh no.

Wentworth disappeared into the empty stall. “No. Bad.”

The jingle sounded again, and Apollonia snorted. Her hooves clicked a few times in rapid succession on the cement floor. What was she into now?

Amused, Colton walked over to investigate.

She held the end of an old leather harness clenched between her teeth. Wentworth gripped the other end. “Gimme this. You don’t need it.” A tug-of-war ensued, and Wentworth’s boots slid on the concrete floor. Little by little she tugged him right into the pen with her.

Stifling a laugh, Colton grabbed the harness and added his strength to Wentworth’s side. “Apollonia.” He tsked. “Drop it.”

She turned her head slightly, eyeing him.

“Why is she out of her stall?” Wentworth shook the ends of the halter, trying to loosen her grip.

“Because she wanted out.” Colton tapped her cheek. “Just what do you think you’re going to do with this, young lady?”

Wentworth groaned. “That’s the problem. You try to reason with her, and you think everything she does is funny. Training her is going to be pure hell because she runs right over y— Ahh!”

Apollonia let go.

Colton and Wentworth went down in a tangle of arms, legs and frock coat. Colton’s back hit the cement, and the air whooshed from his lungs. His head hit something soft. Gasping for breath and not getting any, Colton tried to grab his chest but Wentworth’s weight on top of him made that impossible.

“Ow. My back. Are you okay?” With his coat over his face, Wentworth eased off Colton and fell to his side, leaving his arm under Colton’s head. He jerked the heavy fabric down with a grin. “Colton?” The grin faded.

Colton shook his head, still unable to breathe from having the air knocked out of him. He needed air. Now. He had to breathe. He couldn’t… Air.

“Shh… Relax. Calm down. Listen to me.” A feather-light touch brushed Colton’s cheek. “Calm down and take a deep, slow breath.”

Staring into the blue depths of Wentworth’s midnight eyes, Colton willed himself to relax. The pain in his chest eased little by little, and air filtered back into his lungs. Closing his eyes, he inhaled several times before the burning let up entirely. “Dust, I hate that. I haven’t done that since I was a kid when Aiden shoved me off a swing and I landed on my back.”

Now that his lungs were functioning properly, he was cold. Why couldn’t he have landed in one of the occupied pens where there was hay? He opened his eyes and was caught by Wentworth’s gaze. His breathing ceased normal activity for an entirely different reason.

Wentworth’s hand still rested on Colton’s cheek. His dark hair lay over his forehead in disarray, and his face was flush with exertion. Sebastian’s blue eyes appeared deeper than normal. A man could get lost in those eyes. Bedroom eyes, Colton had once heard them called. It was fitting. The slightly lowered lids hinted at naughty secrets. They gave Wentworth a wicked gleam.

Wentworth traced Colton’s lips, and his gaze followed his movement.

Oh galaxy, he’s going to kiss me. Colton wanted to taste those lips again. For years, he’d fantasized about that mouth on him… He now knew reality was even better than the fantasy.

“Wentworth.” The whispered word sounded needy.

“Sebastian.” Sebastian pulled Colton’s bottom lip down with his finger.

“Sebastian,” Colton whispered and closed his eyes.

The soft press of lips against his wrung a moan from Colton. Or was that a sob? Sebastian’s tongue eased inside, tracing Colton’s lips. The sweet caress warmed Colton inside and out. It was like being surrounded by the glow of a fire on a blustery night. He was no longer cold. Contentment and excitement warred within him. His cock began to stir. His abdomen and legs tensed. He was wary of the attention, yet he craved it.

Sebastian moved closer, settling his leg over Colton’s body until they touched head to toe. He took his time, caressing Colton’s mouth. It was as if he were trying to learn every crease and hollow.

Their breathing, the shuffle of horse feet and the whistling wind became secondary to the sound of blood rushing through Colton’s ears. The scent of cedar and an earthy spice he’d always associated with this man teased him. The tender caress of Sebastian’s lips on his crowded out every other feeling.

Wrapping his arms around Sebastian’s back, Colton returned the kiss. His erection under the weight of Sebastian’s thigh would’ve embarrassed him if he hadn’t been aware of the equally hard cock against his hip.

Breaking their kiss, Sebastian stared down at Colton. “Say it again.”

Colton’s lips were so sensitive he swore he could feel the air hitting them. “Say what?” He touched the beloved face, feeling the stubble under his fingers. He didn’t want this to end…ever. If that made him a ninny, well then he was a hopeless ninny.

Sebastian caught Colton’s hand, dragged it to his lips and placed a kiss in the center of the palm. “My name.”

“Sebastian.”

“Mmm…” Sebastian released Colton’s hand and tugged at Colton’s neckcloth. “I hate you calling me Wentworth and my lord all the time.” He freed the ends of the cravat and traced a fingertip down Colton’s neck. When Colton swallowed hard, Sebastian grinned.

He unbuttoned Colton’s waistcoat and spread it open to reveal his shirt. “We shouldn’t do this.” Sebastian rested his hand on Colton’s chest. “Damn me, but I can’t help myself.” Cupping Colton’s cheek, he brushed a quick press of his lips against Colton’s.

“Why are you doing this?” Colton swallowed, and it was like glass going down his throat. “I gave up on you. Why now?” Sebastian’s hand stroked his stomach, but Colton didn’t take his eyes off Sebastian’s face.

“I can’t get you out of my mind. I—” Sebastian closed his eyes briefly and shook his head before meeting Colton’s gaze again. “Tell me to stop.”

Colton’s chest ached. He refused to get his hopes up, but he wanted this. Wanted Sebastian… Colton had no interest in marriage these days, but he had an interest in this. Maybe this would even get Wentworth out of his system once and for all. He lifted his head off Sebastian’s arm and poured every ounce of yearning into a kiss.

Moaning, Sebastian returned the passion. He tangled his tongue with Colton’s as his bare hand touched Colton’s chest.

The sounds of their wet, smacking kiss made Colton’s cock jerk and his testicles draw up. He lifted up against Sebastian’s thigh, and pleasure shot through him, making him itch with need. He wanted so much more, but he didn’t know how to ask for it or if he should.

Sebastian sucked Colton’s bottom lip. He nipped his jaw and trailed kisses down Colton’s throat, sending shivers up his neck. Colton’s arms broke out in goose bumps. It tickled and felt divine all at once. He tangled his fingers in Sebastian’s thick hair, unwilling to relinquish him. For years, he’d longed to touch this man, feel him.

Moving his leg, Sebastian pressed his palm against Colton’s cock and licked a line up his neck.

Oh my galaxy. Gasping, Colton tightened his grip in Sebastian’s hair. He stared up at the ceiling, unsure what to do. He wavered between shock and melting into the floor. He’d always belittled the men Sebastian had liaisons with for being wantons, and he was no better.

Sebastian sucked on Colton’s earlobe and began rubbing his hand up and down the rigid length of Colton’s prick. Colton wanted his trousers off…now. Gritting his teeth, he arched into the touch.

“If you pull on my hair any harder, it’s liable to come out.” Sebastian chuckled in his ear and nipped his earlobe.

“Oh.” Turning his head, Colton met Sebastian’s gaze. He slid his hands down to Sebastian’s back, which was still covered by his overcoat. “Sorry.”

In answer, Sebastian gave him a soft peck on the lips then went back to his neck.

The friction against Colton’s cock was too much and not enough. He should stop this, he didn’t want Sebastian to think him easy, but— Colton contracted his abdomen muscles, trying not to come. Was he supposed to come? Was he not supposed to? Was there a proper etiquette? Oh dust. A shudder shot through him, and he squeezed his eyes shut.

Sebastian sucked at his neck so strongly it almost hurt, but it did nothing to douse Colton’s pleasure. Still rubbing, Sebastian pressed down harder with his hand. “Let go, sweeting.”

The low breathy rumble in Colton’s ear was too much. Every muscle in his body tensed, pleasure exploded inside him, and he came. Colton swore he saw stars. His head was spinning, but he could no longer feel his other body parts. It was a catharsis that had been building for years. He hugged Sebastian to him, not wanting the moment to end.

A groan broke the spell. “Cut it out.” Sebastian raised his head, leaving a cold spot where he’d been.

Colton blinked open his eyes.

Apollonia stood over them, nibbling at Sebastian’s hair.

Sebastian’s gaze locked with his, his lips twitching, and merriment shone in his eyes.

Trying to hold back his laughter, Colton pressed his lips tight together.

Sebastian wasn’t as successful. His shoulders began to shake. He bussed Colton on the lips. “Your horse is eating my hair.”

 

 

Colton snuck back into the castle as Sebastian was saddling Max. He made it all the way to his room before it occurred to him Jeffers had been quiet during the encounter with Sebastian. “Jeffers?”

“Yes, milord?”

Colton winced. Any moment now someone was going to bust through the door and ground him for the rest of his life. He couldn’t believe no one had done so already. How’d he forgotten about the spy? Not just him, but Sebastian too had forgotten about Jeffers. “Jeffers? Do you think we can keep this incident between us?”

“What incident do you speak of, Lord Colton?”

Pausing in the act of shucking his soggy trousers, Colton stared at the ceiling. It wasn’t as if he could see Jeffers, but… Maybe he should just keep his mouth closed. Jeffers didn’t have video in the stables. He only had audio and heat sensors outside the castle. Had Sebastian turned Jeffers off? No, Sebastian was more anal about security than even Cony. Maybe Sebastian bypassed Jeffers in the stables? “Jeffers? Will there be anyone coming to my room?”

“Not that I am aware of, milord. Do you wish me to call someone?”

“No!” If he got away with this, he was never going to do anything like it again. He had no idea what he’d been thinking. More to the point, he hadn’t been thinking.

This path only led to heartache. Realizing he and Sebastian would never be anything to each other had hurt the first time. It would be so much worse now. He had to stop this craziness. He would not be a paramour to any man. Not even Sebastian Hastings.

Colton kicked his pants aside. “Shower forty degrees Celsius.” He’d talk to Sebastian about Jeffers’s absence in the barn tomorrow. He could surely think up some reason to go to Sebastian’s office in the morning. They were business partners after all. Colton stepped into the shower. And business partners were all they could ever be.