Page 104 of Enemies with an Earl
She smiled up at Ryker like he was a mischievous child—which Felix supposed was probably the best description for the man. “You are too much, Mr. Drake. Alas, this is a quick visit. I just wanted to say my greetings and ensure you boys had everything you needed. If you need anything other than biscuits, the kitchen staff are ready.”
With a last meaningful look sent Felix’s way, she swept from the room.
Ryker deflated in his chair. “Your mother, Bentley. What I wouldn’t give for her to pat me on the head and call me a good boy.”
Felix gnawed on his lip. Normally, he’d chastise his partner, but his mind was too busy turning over Sam’s reaction and abrupt departure.
“What is wrong with you, Ryker?” Xavier said. “You shamelessly flirt with both Bentley and his mother? Do you have no shame?”
Felix tried to think back to everything that had been said here in this room. He’d thought it’d been Ryker that had spurred the reaction. He wasn’t so sure now…
Koz snorted. “No, Ryker has no shame. He’ll sleep with anyone. Including his best friend and his best friend’s little brother.”
Ryker groaned. “I’ve apologized athousandtimes. I didn’t realize there was anything wrong with doing that.”
Felix blinked. Wait.Pardon?His gaze shot to Kozington.
“My point exactly,” Kozington said with a heavy sigh as he shook his head at Ryker. “You have no boundaries.”
Apparently so. Felix hadn’t any idea that Ryker had slept with both Kozington and his younger brother.
“Or morals,” someone else threw out.
“Decency.”
“Restraint.”
Felix had thought Sam would love his partners’ antics. Thought he’d feel at home with this group and maybe start to find that purpose he’d been searching for.
“Ah, I love this.” Ryker’s pleased exclamation floated in, brushing the edge of Felix’s awareness.
“And what’s that…?” Lord Kozington asked.
“Being the center of attention. Keep talking about me,” Ryker said with a lazy wave, eyes fluttering shut with a satisfied hum.
Kozington stealthily crept over and then flicked Ryker hard across the nose.
“Bugger!” Ryker jolted upright. “Ouch! Ry, that fucking hurt!”
It was exactly the kind of ridiculousness Felix would usually smile at. The comforting chaos of his friends—ones he’d been so excited to share with Sam. But not now. Not when all he could see was Sam’s back disappearing out his study door. Something was wrong, and he wouldn’t be able to breathe easily until he knew what it was. And ensured he made it right.
50
Sam
Samstormedoutofthe Thornfield Hall servants’ entrance. A door he’d always have to use, regardless of if he was truly a servant or Felix’skept man. The words were like acid on his tongue. All he could hear over and over in his mind were the men’s words.Stallion. Toy. Mistress. Kept man.
He swore. He didn’t even know where he was going. He didn’t have anywhere to go. His chest tightened. He kicked furiously at a rock, the pebble skittering across the dirt in front of him. His month here with Felix had started out amazing, but wasn’t this a bloody wake up a call?
Thornfield Hall wasn’t his home.
It wasn’t anything like Devonford. And right now, Sam really missed Devonford Castle. He rubbed his chest, the occasional leaf crunching underfoot. This feeling, thistrappedfeeling, was exactly what had been breeding like a nest of spiders in his gut. He was a guest at Felix’s home. He wastemporary. However long Felix wanted him was how long Sam was allowed to stay. If Felix tired of him—just as men tired of their mistresses… Where would that leave Sam?
Disposed of.
Could Sam run back to Ash? Of course. But how awkward would that be? Running back to one’s best mate, who was married to the sister of the man who’d just grown tired of you. And Ash would have a new valet. It would be a pity offering. Wasn’t that what it always had been? Poor, lost Sampson Trenton, sent to the gallows by his own kin, forever someone else’s burden, or else he’d end up dead. A stray taken in.
He dropped his head back and let out a roar. Fucking hell. He was spiraling, but he couldn’t rein it in.
