Page 70 of Claimed By Her Forbidden Duke
Daphne only wiggled her eyebrows, and Penelope launched into her tale of how the Duke had touched her so searingly, and how, ever since, he had left an imprint between her legs that she never wished to rid herself of.
* * *
After his chess game, Edmund bolted from his townhouse, leaping onto Altair, and finally getting the restlessness out of his veins. Escaping the streets of London was far more difficult than riding out in the countryside around Blackstone Hall, but he made the best of what he had. He took the trail he and Benjamin had taken towards Thatcher’s house but didn’t go as far.
Just enough to douse the flames a little, until the hoofbeats drowned out Penelope’s face and her voice and her hands and the delicate way she had asked to touch him and?—
Edmund let out a foul curse as he yanked Altair to a stop about an hour outside of London, turning back to thunder right back home. He couldn’t trust himself alone with his thoughts, and trying to adjust to city life after being trapped with Logan in the expanse of the Caribbean wasn’t helping. Everything felt wrong, a picture painted on a canvas and slightly lopsided. At a quick glance, it looked fine enough, even as something niggled about it. It was as if the shoes he had always worn were suddenly too small. Everything around him was recognizable, but it was no longer familiar.
Only when Altair started to pant from how hard Edmund pushed him after years of not being ridden frequently enough did Edmund slow down. He trotted his way back not to his townhouse, but to Julian’s house.
In the midst of a ton who did not understand, Edmund craved the company of the only man who could comprehend his inner turmoil.
Tethering his horse, Edmund made his way to Julian’s door and rapped on it.
It opened in a moment, his friend striking a pose in the doorway, bare-chested, his breeches hanging low on his waist.
“You know, you do not have to look so surprised and disappointed when it is me on your doorstep instead of a client,” Edmund told him, raising an eyebrow at the way his friend’s face fell.
Julian recovered quickly and smirked. “Perhaps the disappointment is because you are not a client.”
Edmund let out a hard laugh. “I am not your type, Gray. Can I come in?”
“Always.” Julian waved his hand, beckoning him into the hall. He started for the stairs. “Excuse me for a moment while I get a shirt. I did know it was you, though. I saw you from my window before I answered. I know you do not like to be kept waiting, so I saved dressing myself for after I let you in.”
“I was about to ask if you often answered your door half naked.”
“If I did, I do not think I would hear any complaints. Do make yourself at home.”
Julian’s laughter disappeared upstairs while Edmund saw himself into the drawing room and poured two glasses of brandy. He was sitting down and holding his glass by the time Julian returned, much more presentable. His curls were brushed into shape once more, and a dark green shirt covered him.
“Busy evening?” Edmund asked, lifting the glass he’d poured for him.
His friend nodded. “Somewhat, although this lady was more of a caller than a client.”
“I see.” Edmund smirked knowingly.
Julian sat down, and Edmund casually raised his glass in a toast. Together, they drank.
Julian looked tired but happy enough. “So, what brings you to my house if it’s not my renowned talents in the bedroom?”
“Cyrus Reed.”
Edmund spoke the name without thought, knowing the more unexpected it was the more of a genuine reaction he would get from his friend. And he did.
Julian stiffened.
Edmund arched an eyebrow. “You know him,” he noted.
Julian nodded. “Knowofhim. He is a very powerful man. It is hard not to know him when one works in London’s underground. He runs in other circles, of course. I have had clients who have had their brushes with Reed.”
Edmund perked up. “What else do you know about him?”
Julian’s eyes turned shadowed, cautious. “Edmund?—”
“No, do not clam up now,” Edmund said quickly. “Please, Julian. I am not a man who begs, but I need information, and if you have it, then I need it.”
“Am I the first person to ever make you sayplease?” Julian laughed, clearly trying to distract him.
