Chapter Eleven

January 15, 4831: The Thompson Family Musicale at Thompson House, the Duke of Eversleigh’s townhouse, in Classige, Pruluce.

 

Maybe he’d developed leprosy and hadn’t realized it. It would figure the way Colton’s day was going. Last night was a mistake, and today was a travesty.

Colton sighed. Wentworth had been running errands instead of overseeing day-to-day security operations at the castle, and Colton hadn’t been able to ask him about Jeffers. Oh who was he kidding? He wanted to see Wentworth. He wanted to know if Wentworth was going to treat him differently after last night, and that made him furious with himself. He didn’t want to care because it didn’t change anything.

A couple of men walked by on their way out of the ballroom, and they both turned to look back at him.

When was the entertainment going to start? He didn’t envy Bannon having to play his harp in front of people, but at least it would take some of the focus off Colton for a bit. The rumors should’ve died down by now, but apparently they’d gotten worse.

He’d only been here for half an hour and no less than six people had whispered behind their hands while looking at him. Lord Vale even gave him the cut direct. No one else had seen it, but still… It took every ounce of restraint Colton had to resist getting in the man’s face and forcing acknowledgment. The worst thing about this whole escapade was people wanted him to know they were talking about him.

Two more men passed him, craning their necks.

If Colton wasn’t mistaken, one of those men was Mr. Potts who had been involved in a scandal just last season. Potts had reputedly been caught taking Lord Higginbotton’s favorite jeweled snuff box. Hypocrites, every last one of them.

“Having fun, Your Highness? I do hope you’re happy with your purchase. Was Razzle Dazzle worth what you paid?” The contemptuous tone skittered down Colton’s spine like nails on a chalkboard.

Swiveling around, he came face-to-face with Dazz’s former owner. With as much scorn as he could muster, he said, “Plume.” He itched to wrap his fingers around Plume’s neck but settled for a warning. “If you so much as touch my horse—”

A blur of dark blue fabric and auburn hair jumped between them.

Blinking, Colton wobbled backward. Where had Bannon come from?

Plume laughed and walked away. Gads, even his laughter sounded vile.

Colton gritted his teeth and glared at Plume over Bannon’s head. He could not remember having this strong a dislike for another person before.

Bannon sighed. “As much as I’d love to help you pummel that jackanapes, it will only make the rumors worse.”

Chuckling, Aiden came up beside them. “You should’ve let him get in one good lick. Although if you did somehow or other, it would be my fault. So maybe it’s for the best because I can practically hear the lecture.”

“I wasn’t going to hit him…again. Give me some credit.” It sure would be nice to hold him and let Dazz kick him though.

Over the cacophony of voices, pianoforte keys jingled and a violin whined. The musicale was to take place in the music room across the hall. Colton sought Bannon’s gaze. “Aren’t you supposed to be warming up?”

Groaning, Bannon snarled. His shoulders sank, and he huffed out a breath, making his auburn bangs flutter. “My parents hate me. They know I’m not a musician, but every year they force me to play with my brother and my cousins. I’m a sculptor, damn it.”

Aiden’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “I told him I’d sneak him out of here.”

A man across the room pointed at them, and his friend knocked his arm down. Colton gritted his teeth and tried to ignore them.

“It won’t work. My parents are expecting it because of last year.” Bannon’s bottom lip pooched out. “We would’ve gotten away with it if you”—Bannon leveled a stare at Aiden—“hadn’t stepped on the hem of my dress, tripped me and slowed us down.”

“His dress?” Colton’s eyes widened.

“Rupert and I disguised him as a scullery maid.”

Colton grinned. He vaguely remembered Cony fussing about it at the time and accusing Nate of letting Aiden do whatever he wanted.

Was that Lord Dunsford staring at him from behind that potted plant?

Bannon rolled his eyes and shoved Colton’s shoulder. “Leave off, Colton. It was a good plan.”

“A scullery maid? Didn’t you think people would wonder why Aiden and Rupert were hanging around a scullery maid?” Colton frowned. That was definitely Dunsford. “Why not a butler or a footman?”

“I don’t know. A maid seemed like a good idea at the time. Oh well. At least I won’t be entirely alone in my misery this year. My father is planning on asking Tarren to sing a few songs.”

Aiden smiled. “I’d like to say I feel sorry for the brat, but anyone with a voice like Tarren’s owes it to the galaxy to use it. I can’t believe he hates singing so badly.”

“I won’t argue he has a gorgeous voice, but at least he’s normal. My brother and cousins actually like performing.” Bannon scoffed. “Can you believe that?”

Two more men walked by, not so discreetly watching Colton. The two men actually turned their heads to look over their shoulders at him as they passed. Unbelievable.

Colton snapped. He couldn’t take anymore. Why was such an asinine rumor still making the rounds? If they wanted something to talk about, he’d give them something to talk about. Leaning around Aiden, Colton glowered at the lords and stuck up his middle finger.

“Stop that.” Aiden slapped his hand down. “Are you insane? You’ll get us both into hot water. I can’t believe Trouble taught you that.”

Colton shrugged. “They won’t know what it means anyway, it’s an IN thing. Besides, they deserve it. They’re fueling the fire. I’m tired of everyone staring at me and whispering. They don’t even have the bollocks to accuse me of theft to my face.”

“What did that hand signal mean?” Bannon whispered.

Ignoring Bannon, Aiden said, “I don’t think they’re still talking about your horse. I think Plume is spreading new rumors, but no one is stupid enough to repeat them in my hearing.”

“He had to be the source of the first gossip too. As far as I know, he was the only one around when Wentworth and I helped Dazz. He’s trying to get even with me for punching him and making him sell to me.”

Bannon growled and stomped his foot. “I’ve got to go, but I want to know what that hand signal meant when I get done with this stupid concert.”

Waving him off, Aiden scanned the ballroom. “I’ll tell you later.”

Colton fluttered his fingers at Bannon. “Break a leg or whatever it is they say.”

What tales could Plume be spreading around? Colton searched the crowd for Plume. Was the dastardly man even now telling people falsehoods? Darn it, he couldn’t see over the heads of the men in front of them. “Blast, I’m not tall enough.”

Aiden snorted. “At least you’re not the shortest man in the family.”

“Neither are you. Payton is.” Technically, their nephew Garret was now.

“Are you sure?” Aiden bounced on his toes, trying to see over the crowd.

“Yes.”

Aiden beamed at him. “I’m not the shortest?”

Colton shook his head. He wasn’t sure what Aiden was so pleased about. He was only a couple inches taller than Payton. Which still made him pretty short. In truth, Aiden actually looked shorter unless he and Pay were side by side because Aiden’s shoulders were wider. Payton had more of a slim, sleek look, but no way was Colton going to dash Aiden’s happiness and tell him that.

Dalton strolled up to them with a tumbler full of an amber-colored liquid. No doubt something he shouldn’t be drinking. “Who’re the two of you looking for?”

“Plume,” Aiden answered at the same time as Colton. They glanced at one another and shared a smile.

Dalton swirled his drink before taking a sip. He too began searching the crowd. “Barnaby Plume? He’s an arsehead. Why do you want him?”

“We don’t want him. We’re trying to see what he’s up to. Does this mean you haven’t heard the rumors?” Colton asked.

“What rumors?”

“Where have you been? I hate society, and I’ve heard the rumors.” Aiden stopped a passing footman and grabbed a drink from his tray.

Dalton shrugged. “Not all of us have a gorgeous husband to, er…entertain us. Some of us have to actually seek out our amusements, if you know what I mean.”

Aiden offered his drink to Colton. “Here, take this. You’ve earned it.”

“In other words, he’s been hanging out in brothels and gaming hells rather than soirées.” Colton took the glass and sniffed. Alcohol of some sort. What the heck? He had earned it. What was the worst that could happen? He’d get called on the carpet by Cony. He’d been called on the carpet before.

He swigged back the drink. Dust. It sucked the air right out of him and stung his insides all the way down to his stomach. An uncontrollable round of coughing racked his body, and tears streamed from his eyes. Good galaxy, he was going to die.

Dalton began pounding him on the back.

Aiden grabbed the glass. “Cripes. You weren’t supposed to try and down it in one gulp.”

Now he tells me. Colton tried to inhale deeply. Several moments passed, but his hacking subsided into wheezing. When he was able to breathe normally, he glared at his brother.

Ignoring the glare, Aiden gripped Colton’s arm and started walking. “Come on, everyone is going into the music room to find seats.”

Dalton grasped Colton’s other arm and leaned around him to talk to Aiden. “I still can’t believe you married Captain Hawk.”

“Admiral,” Aiden corrected.

Dalton went on like Aiden hadn’t spoken. “The man is a legend. Half the soldiers I know are in love with Hawk.”

“Too bad.” Aiden smiled at Dalton and drank from the tumbler. “They can’t have him.” Un-looping his arm, Aiden handed Colton the glass again. “Here take another drink. A sip this time, not a gulp.”

Colton swallowed another drink, and Aiden explained the events surrounding the gossip to Dalton. By the time Aiden got to the part about Plume seeking Colton out tonight, Colton was seeing blurry figures rather than actual people. Whoa, was the room moving?

Dalton’s arm tensed under Colton’s hand. “I’ll see if I can find out what rumors are going around. I’ve a good mind to call Plume out.”

Blah blah blah. Colton tuned out the conversation and stifled a chuckle. He shouldn’t think blah blah blah when his family was trying to come to his aid, but he couldn’t seem to help it. Colton hiccupped and slapped a hand over his mouth. For some reason that was hilarious. His hand did nothing to hold back the laughter. Hiccupping again made the giggles increase. His limbs were loose and heavy…floppy.

He needed another one of those coughing drinks. One more drink, and he wouldn’t care about anything. No wonder Trouble was always trying to pilfer strong spirits.

“Give me some more of the coughing drink.” Colton snatched the drink from Aiden’s hand and swigged. It stole his breath, but he didn’t cough this time.

Why were Aiden and Dalton staring at him? He glanced behind him. Just a plant. Hmm… When had they made it to the music room?

“What?” He hiccupped again and smiled.

Dalton frowned, snatched the drink away from Colton and handed it back to Aiden. “Look what you started. I can’t believe you gave him that. You could’ve at least waited until dinner, so he’d have something in his stomach.”

“It was just a little scotch. I had no idea it would affect him like this,” Aiden said.

A lord—he had to be a lord because he had a pompous air—gawked at them. Oh, so was the man beside him. And the one over there by the marble column.

Should Colton glare back or wave? Hiccup. He was in much too good a mood to give in to rudeness, so he waved.

Aiden jerked Colton’s hand down. “Cut it out.”

Colton tugged at his cravat. The room was getting hotter.

“Maybe we should go look for some coffee,” Dalton suggested.

Across from them, Lord Roth, Lord Francis and Mr. Fareweather entered the music room.

Waving, Colton smiled. His head swam, making him a little dizzy.

Lord Roth looked his direction and turned away, giving him the cut direct. Lord Francis did the same. Mr. Fareweather lifted his hand, but before he got it past his waist his smile faded, and he glanced back at his friends. He followed the other two men but spared Colton a backward glance.

Colton’s stomach dropped and flopped like his other limbs. This rained meteors.

“Let’s get a seat. Maybe sitting down for a bit will clear his head. Just help me hide him from Father and Cony. Dinner is right after the performance. We’ll get him some coffee then.” Aiden led Colton toward a row of seats a few aisles back from where the pianoforte, a harp and some chairs with smaller instruments on them were set up.

Hiccup. Head still spinning, Colton scooted sideways through the narrow line of chairs with Aiden in front of him and Dalton behind him. Dalton only had to steady him once.

As they took their seats in the middle of the row, someone behind them spoke Colton’s name. He listened intently but only made out whispers after his name, not actual words. Maybe the lack of clarity was because his head was so foggy. As they sat, he glanced at Dalton to ask if he’d heard.

Dalton stared straight ahead with a goofy grin on his face. It was doubtful he’d heard anything the way he seemed mesmerized.

Following his gaze, Colton found Blaise Thompson setting his sheet music on the piano.

Colton leaned close to Aiden and lost his balance. “Whoops.”

Aiden pushed him back in his seat.

Hiccup. “Can you make out what the men behind us are saying?”

“No. I only caught your name.” Aiden dragged his attention away from where the musicians were setting up. “But I found the jackass.” He tilted his head in a jerky manner toward the front of the room.

Plume stood in the front row. With a smirk, he held up a champagne flute in a mock toast. Downing the liquid in the glass, he gave Colton his back and sat.

A chill went through Colton.

Nate slid into the chair next to Aiden. Resting his hand on Aiden’s thigh, Nate leaned forward to catch Colton’s gaze. His jaw was tense and his brows lowered. “You’ve apparently become Wentworth’s paramour.”

 

 

As soon as Sebastian walked in the front door of Townsend Castle, Thomas handed him a note. “Lord Wentworth, this just came for you.”

The black wax seal bore the Duke of Knighton’s coat of arms.

Sebastian broke the seal. Fear clawed at his gut as he read the words. Your presence is required at Thompson House posthaste. There is a problem with Colton. He needs you.

A problem with Colton? Every possible scenario flashed through Sebastian’s mind, and they were all bad. Had Colton been injured? Kidnapped? Killed? Oh galaxy no.

Pain twisted in his gut as he turned and headed back out the front door. “Jeffers, have the lift return immediately.”

A cold blast of air hit him in the face as he strode down the front steps. Gads, not only was he still holding the note, his hands shook. He stuffed the letter into the breast pocket of his evening coat, but there was nothing he could do about the quivering. What if he never saw Colton again? What if—?

The lift pulled up, and Sebastian jumped in. “To the Duke of Eversleigh’s townhouse.” The coach was dimly lit, but Sebastian pulled out his pocket watch. Hoping to borrow some light from the streetlamps, he held it up toward the window. What time was it? How long had the note been waiting for him? Sebastian stuffed his watch back in his waistcoat pocket. He had no idea when Rourke had sent the note and couldn’t see the blasted watch anyway. His skin crawled with nervous energy. If this bloody lift didn’t hurry… “Faster. This is an emergency.”

The lift sped up marginally.

“Bugger.” Sebastian closed his eyes, fisted his hands and clenched his jaw. He opened his eyes. This was still faster than walking. If only he’d ridden Max this evening. He’d taken a lift to investigate Admiral Jenkins’s townhouse and gotten nowhere. He now had even more questions and no answers.

After what seemed like forever, the lift slowed. Outside the window, the Duke of Eversleigh’s townhouse glowed with life.

Sebastian jumped to his feet and swayed as the lift stopped suddenly. The door opened, and the sense of calm he’d always gotten before going into battle claimed him.

The street was deserted, yet the house held a warmth. The atmosphere was tranquil. Normal. The night was cool but refreshing. A nice hum came from inside the mansion. Death and injury had a way of seeping into the air, and there was no evidence of it here. No screams, no frantic pace, no emergency lifts, nothing.

Feeling much more in control, Sebastian ascended the steps. It would be nice to know what he was walking into. When he saw Rourke, he was going to instruct him on how to write a proper note.

The foyer was empty except for a doorman. Music floated in from the open music room doors. The place was packed. Everyone was enjoying the show.

Scanning through the crowd, Sebastian searched for Colton. He found Knighton first. The duke sat several inches above everyone else. The admiral was easy to spot since he was also taller than most. Aiden sat next to him. On Aiden’s other side was a dark-headed man and then Ashbourne. Colton must be there somewhere.

By his second survey of the music room, Sebastian’s uneasiness was beginning to return. He’d located all the Townsend offspring except Colton. He returned his attention to the man between Aiden and Ashbourne. That had to be Colton.

The music came to an end, and the audience broke out into applause. As he clapped, the ebony-haired man turned his head slightly. It was just enough to show off the high cheekbones and a stubborn chin. Colton.

Sebastian frowned. Why had he dismissed Colton at first? Colton’s shoulders didn’t look as wide as they normally appeared. Nor did he seem as tall. Colton was slouching. Something was definitely wrong. Maybe it was from the hours on horseback or from his upbringing, but Colton always held himself upright. Some would call the posture arrogant, but it wasn’t. He had an innate self-confidence.

Careful not to draw attention to himself, Sebastian eased away from the door and sought out the doorman. He offered the man a hundred pounds for his silence about Sebastian’s presence and asked for paper and pen. When the man returned, he’d jot a quick note and have the man deliver it to Colton.

“Sebastian?”

Turning, Sebastian came face-to-face with Steven. “Your Highness.”

“I’m glad you’re here. Come with me.” Making an about-face, Steven walked away.

Combined with Colton’s slouching, Steven’s pace didn’t give Sebastian a warm, fuzzy feeling. Sebastian hurried to catch up. “I got a note from Knighton saying Colton needed me. What’s going on?” He jogged to keep up. The unease he’d had in the lift came back full force.

Steven went into Eversleigh’s parlor and closed the door as soon as Sebastian cleared it. The room was empty and mostly quiet. Music could still be heard, but it was muted. Steven walked to the fireplace and faced him. “The rumors have gotten worse. Now the predominant one is that you and Colton are lovers, rather than the two of you stealing the horse.”

“Bugger.” Heat suffused Sebastian’s face and neck. His muscles bunched. That same fierce protectiveness he experienced before rose in him. “Are people shunning him?”

“Yes.” Steven didn’t sit down as Sebastian expected but paced back and forth in front of the fireplace. “Oh don’t get me wrong, they aren’t stupid enough to talk about him in mine and Raleigh’s presence. But I’ve seen several peers watching Colton and whispering when they don’t realize I’m looking.”

The thought of Colton being treated so unfairly made Sebastian sick to his stomach. How had things spiraled out of control so quickly? True, he hadn’t done much to quash the tales, but even still he’d done nothing to encourage them. He could only think of one way out of this. One way to protect Colton.

The muscles in Sebastian’s throat constricted, and his palms began to sweat. He didn’t know if he could do it. Old self-doubts gnawed at him. Could Colton live with him? The real him? Could Colton deal with Sebastian’s past? Giles couldn’t.

Sebastian would just have to keep Colton from learning the truth. What mattered was protecting Colton. A little voice niggled at the back of his mind telling him not to jest with himself, he wanted Colton, but he ignored it. It didn’t signify. His wants and needs didn’t play into this. If they did, he wouldn’t be about to do what he was about to do.

Sebastian composed himself. “I don’t think there’s any stopping these rumors now. Steven, with your permission I’d like to ask Colton to marry me.” No turning back now.

Smiling, Steven strode forward with his hand extended. “My boy…” When Sebastian grabbed his hand, Steven pulled him into a hug and pounded him on the back. “Not only do you have my permission and gratitude, but you’ve made me very happy. I’d welcome you to the family, but you’ve been part of our family for years.”

A burning sensation started in Sebastian’s chest. He hugged Steven back, feeling like a fraud. “I’ll take care of him and protect him with my life.”

“You always have.” Steven let go of him but continued to smile. He cocked his head to the side as if he were listening to something.

The sounds of footsteps and people talking had replaced the music.

“Sounds like it’s time for dinner.” Steven patted Sebastian’s back and strolled to the door. His step seemed a little bouncier than usual. “Why don’t you go find Colton and join us in the dining room? Eversleigh will not have a problem with you joining us.” He opened the door and held out his arm as if to say after you. Yes, he was definitely happy about this arrangement.

Sebastian smiled even though it felt as if a heavy weight had been dropped on his chest. He still had to ask Colton for his hand in marriage. What if Colton said no? Sebastian’s lungs constricted.

Oblivious to Sebastian’s unease, Steven slapped him on the back again and strolled into the crowd coming out of the music room.

Sebastian turned the opposite way, swimming upstream against the throng for only a moment before people began stepping out of his way. He became cognizant of the stares and whispers. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. The smell of sweat, cologne and liquor stung his nose, and the press of bodies closed in on him. Even though he couldn’t see it and knew it was his imagination, the weight of the stares pressed against his back, propelling him forward at a pace above his normal walk. Was this what Colton had dealt with all night?

“Seb.” Rourke stood right outside of the music room door. “You got my note?”

“Yes. And I just spoke with Steven. Where’s Colton?” Sebastian stopped beside Rourke.

Several heads whipped back around as his gaze landed on them. “Good galaxy. Have they nothing better to do with their time?”

One corner of Rourke’s lips turned up. “No. They live for this sort of thing. And to answer your question, Colton went out the other door.” He hitched his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the music room. “Toward the washrooms with Aiden and the admiral.”

Inside the music room, past the rows of chairs, another door stood open. People milled about like a flock of sheep in the hallway beyond.

“Thank you.” Sebastian started into the room but stopped. “We need to discuss your missive writing.”

Rourke chuckled. “There isn’t a thing wrong with my missive writing. It got you here, didn’t it?”

He supposed it did. Growling, Sebastian continued through the room and into the hall. Only a few of the washroom doors were closed. Everyone seemed to be leaving and going to the other end of the passage, Colton included. With his shoulders slightly slumped, he walked between Aiden and Nate.

Sebastian frowned and hurried to catch up. “Your Highness.”

Aiden and Colton both turned.

As soon as Colton’s gaze met Sebastian’s, Colton smiled. The genuine response went right to Sebastian’s head. He returned the smile, feeling much more in control.

“Good evening, my lord,” Colton said as Sebastian drew near.

“Hello yourself.” He took Colton’s hand and brought it to his lips, ignoring Aiden’s grumble. Sebastian found that despite his reluctance at marriage, he wanted to kiss Colton. If they’d been alone, he would’ve done just that. Did Colton still have a mark on his neck from last night? Dust, he had to stop thinking like that or he was going to get an erection.

Nate stepped closer to his consort and rested his hand on the middle of Aiden’s back. “I trust you’ll be escorting him to dinner?”

Sebastian nodded. “I will.”

Glancing around, Aiden put his hand to the side of his mouth and practically hissed, “There are already rumors.”

Sebastian had always respected the Townsends and their loyalty to one another, but it still caught him off guard from time to time. Taking Aiden’s hand, he bowed over it. “I know. I’ve come to help dispel those rumors.”

“We’ll save you both a seat.” Nate steered his consort around.

“But…” Aiden glanced up at his husband with a frown.

Nate didn’t relent. He kept moving Aiden forward. “Boy, behave yourself.”

Colton shook his head. “Nate is forever having to tell him to behave. You’d think by now he would’ve learned it’s a wasted effort.”

“Something tells me he doesn’t mind Aiden’s rebellions.”

“I believe you’re right.” Colton wobbled a bit and threw his hands out to his sides.

Sebastian grabbed his arm. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, just a little floppy.” His eyes were darker than normal. No, wait…they weren’t darker, they were dilated.

Sebastian leaned close and sniffed. “Are you foxed?”

“I wouldn’t say foxed exactly. I only had two.” Colton held up two fingers and grinned. “And I think it’s wearing off.”

“Why in the galaxy are you drinking?”

Colton shrugged and teetered to the side.

Sebastian caught him again, put Colton’s hand on his arm and started them walking. What else could go wrong tonight? It was definitely a night of surprises.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

They passed a group of four lords loitering outside the dining room, and Sebastian tipped his head to them. Let them say something with him here. He had no qualms about fighting duels.

They all returned his gesture and resumed their conversation.

“Plume is spreading a rumor that I’m your latest paramour.” A blush washed over Colton’s face. “I guess it’s sort of true after last night.”

“Yes, well, about that. I want to ask you something.” Here goes nothing. He opened his mouth, but before he could speak another voice broke in.

“And here is the happy couple now.”

To their right lay the dining room. How had they gotten this far this fast? There were at least thirty tables full of people, and they were all staring. A round of applause and well wishes poured from the room.

Steven held up his glass from where he stood next to the Duke of Eversleigh at the head of the main table. “To Colton and Wentworth.”

Blast. Sebastian’s stomach plummeted to his feet. Surely Steven hadn’t announced their engagement before Sebastian could even ask Colton.

“The wedding will be held tomorrow at Townsend Castle. It’s a private affair, but rest assured there will be a ball to celebrate.”

Colton squeezed Sebastian’s hand to the point of pain.

Bloody hell.

 

 

No doubt about it, tonight he’d be sleeping on the sofa in his suite’s sitting room. Steven pinched the bridge of his nose. He felt a headache coming on. One could argue it was of his own making, but that didn’t make it any less irritating…it made it more. He’d done the right thing, he was sure of it. Colton and Sebastian were so obviously made for one another, but how could he convince Raleigh of that?

“Damn it, Steven. Are you listening to me?”

No. So do be quiet. Steven didn’t dare say it aloud. A night on the sofa he could handle. A whole week? Not so much. He dropped his hand and looked up at his consort. Was it his imagination or did Eversleigh’s library chairs seem lower to the ground than most chairs? Raleigh seemed impossibly imposing. He hadn’t grown taller since he was nineteen, so it had to be his glowering.

Steven sighed. In for a penny…in for a pound. “I did the right thing, Raleigh. Sebastian asked me for permission to marry Colton when he learned about the rumors.”

“Did you see your son’s face? Unless I miss my guess and completely misread his actions, Sebastian didn’t even have time to ask Colton before you announced their engagement.” Raleigh made a sound halfway between a groan and a hiss, threw his hands up and paced toward the other end of the library.

Steven didn’t miss the emphasis on the word your in Raleigh’s question. The emphasis had the desired effect. Colton’s smile had been forced, and Sebastian’s hand had turned white where Colton was squeezing it. A weight settled into Steven’s stomach. He glanced down at his boots and the blue Persian rug. He should have handled it differently, but he was still convinced it was for the best.

A door clicked open, drawing his attention.

Raleigh stood in front of the open glass door leading outside to a rose garden on the side of the house. He stared out into the night. The gentle breeze ruffled his black hair, but his jaw was tight. His back moved with a deep breath, and when he spoke his voice was soft. Resigned. “I told you not to meddle.”

“You told me they’d be horrible together.”

Raleigh whirled around, and his hands flew to his hips. “Because I didn’t want you meddling. They’re perfect for one another, and anyone with a set of eyes can see it. But you weren’t supposed to interfere. And don’t think I don’t know about you telling Jeffers to keep their meetings secret from me.”

Steven’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth to speak and slammed it back shut. Raleigh knew about that? Wait. Raleigh thought Colton and Sebastian belonged together? “You were trying to maneuver me?”

Crossing to stand in front of Steven, Raleigh sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Don’t act so affronted. I’ve been getting you to do what I want for years. Only this time you botched things up because you didn’t listen. So stop your whining and help me figure out how to fix this mess you’ve made. Because Colton won’t marry if he truly does not want to, and I will not try to make him.” Squatting, Raleigh put his hands on Steven’s knees and met his gaze. “You know how I feel about forced marriages. Would you condemn our children to marriages like both of our parents had? I thought we broke that cycle.”

They had. Steven cupped Raleigh’s cheek. Galaxy, he loved this man. He wanted their children to have what they had…have. Couldn’t Raleigh understand that? This was that match for Colton, Steven would bet his right hand on it. And that was his favorite hand. Heck, he’d even throw in a leg.

Leaning into the touch, Raleigh closed his eyes. “Your parents were too busy carrying on their cozy little foursome with Marcus’s parents to make you too miserable, but mine…” Raleigh opened his eyes. His gaze bore into Steven’s. “My parents spent their entire marriage trying to destroy each other and me and my brother in the process.”

“Your brother is an arse.” As far as Steven was concerned, the only good thing Barclay Fairfax had done in his entire life was to father Dalton. Ashbourne was a good kid—wild and scandalous as the day was long but a decent young man.

Raleigh nodded. “How do you think he got that way? He learned from our sire.” Barclay always was Raleigh’s sire’s favorite.

Steven wrapped his arms around his consort, forcing him to abandon his crouch and drop to his knees. When Raleigh rested his chin against Steven’s shoulder and hugged him back, Steven kissed his ear. “The reason you’ve given is exactly why I want Colton and Sebastian together. They will make each other happy. So why is this a bad thing?”

“This is something they have to discover for themselves. Didn’t you learn anything from watching Aiden and Nate muddle through? It’s our job to give them a push now and again but not make the decision for them.”

Rubbing his back, Steven smiled. “Wentworth is beginning to realize what he feels for Colton. I’m sure of it.”

“Exactly. They were getting there all by themselves.”

“So how do we give Colton the time he needs? How do we make him understand this is right for him?”

Raleigh pulled back and kissed Steven’s lips in a quick smack. It wasn’t near long enough. “We let it soak into his thick skull tonight and take him aside before the wedding tomorrow morning. Then we’ll tell him he doesn’t have to marry.”

He brushed his lips across Raleigh’s. Raleigh was spot-on about Colton. He was stubborn, but Raleigh had overlooked something. Colton was nearly as prideful as he was hardheaded. And that, more than the stubbornness, concerned Steven.

Raleigh arched a brow. Was there anything more sensual than that blasted eyebrow? “You think that’ll work?”

“It has to.” If it didn’t, it would be his fault.

With a hand on the back of his neck, Raleigh pulled him down until their foreheads touched. “I love you. I want to suffocate you in your sleep with your pillow sometimes, but I love you.”

Steven chuckled and nipped Raleigh’s full bottom lip. “I love you too, Cony.” Running his fingers through the back of the thick black hair, Steven urged Raleigh forward. “Please don’t murder me in my sleep.” Their lips met.

Raleigh’s arms slid to Steven’s back, rubbing, as Raleigh slipped his tongue into Steven’s mouth. Steven tilted his head, deepening the kiss.

Moving to pull Raleigh into his lap, something distracted Steven out of their embrace. He couldn’t put his finger on what it was. An odd sense of…being watched. Or maybe it was leaves blowing into the library via the door. He glanced at said leaves.

A shadow passed over them. His gaze shot upward. Something moved into the darkness of the garden. Steven jumped to his feet and a groan sounded, followed by muttering.

Raleigh fell on his arse on the floor.

“Sorry, Cony, I thought—” He stepped over his consort. The uneasiness persisted. His skin was ice cold, and seconds ago he’d been hot and bothered.

As he drew near the door, the rose arbor and trellis of climbing bushes came into view. A lone lamp in the center stood sentinel over the small garden.

A figure emerged at the far edge of the lawn.

“Stop.” Steven bounded out the door and across the yard. Dodging a rose tree, he ran under the covered arches and past the birdbath.

Raleigh was right behind him. Blast, the man was quick.

The gate leading out to Ketterstone Street slammed shut.

“Damnation.” Steven stopped.

The wind rustled the plants and the moon illuminated the garden, but it was otherwise quiet. No running footsteps. Where had the man gone? Standing at the gate, Steven searched the street.

A few people milled about. It was a fashionable part of town and across from Regelence Park. Lifts passed by. There was one on the corner. Its door hissed shut, and it pulled away from the curb. A man with brown hair stuck his head out the window, saw Steven and ducked back inside. It was him. Steven was sure of it.

Raleigh touched Steven’s shoulder. His breath made a visible fog in the cool night air. “What’s going on?”

“That’s the man.”

“What man? What’re you talking about?”

Steven turned to face his husband. “The man who followed Knighton and me at the auction the other day.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized his mistake.

Raleigh’s cheek began to twitch. “Why am I just hearing about this, and why were you at the auction?”

Damn. Steven was back to sleeping on the sofa. Not much to lose at this point. He sighed and confessed the whole story. “You know if I thought it was important, I would’ve told you immediately.”

“Your idea and my idea of important vary widely.” Raleigh’s tick finally ceased, but he still glared. “You will not leave the castle without me by your side until we find this man and figure out what he wants. Let’s go find Knighton and tell him about this. Now, is there anything else you need to confess?”

Was there? Steven rolled his eyes upward. There was the— No, Raleigh had found out about that. Maybe the— No, Raleigh had uncovered that. Oooh. No. Raleigh knew about that too.

Steven shook his head. “No.” He always told Raleigh eventually. Steven’s ability to keep secrets from the man was nonexistent.

Smiling, Raleigh shook his head, looped his arm through Steven’s and led them back to the house. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Oh, I can think of several things.” Steven shivered with excitement.

Raleigh chuckled. “Later, dear. Later.”