Page 112 of Enemies with an Earl
Sam gently rubbed Fee’s back. “Even so, there are some really lovely blessings in this life. That new babe back there is going to have the world’s best uncles in us. Obviously, I will be his favorite. But I’m sure he’ll like you just fine, too. I suppose you’re not so bad.”
Felix let out a muffled, watery chuckle against Sam’s chest.
“Thank you, Sam.”
“Of course.” Sam pulled the blanket tighter around them. “Whatever you need, love.”
“I think I need a little more of this. Can I just be sad for a little bit longer…while you hold me?”
“You can be however you feel with me, Fee.” He brushed a kiss against Felix’s amber curls. “Always.”
Felix nestled closer to Sam. “I’m so bloody grateful. For you, to have you in my life. You haven’t been in my life that long, but bloody hell, Sam, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Sam’s throat tightened while his chest ached with the maelstrom of emotion building there.
“I love you,” Felix murmured.
Hell, Sam really loved this man, too.
He really fucking loved him.
Part Five
February 1818
54
Sam
February 1818
London, England.
Sam left his chambers, whistling a bawdy alehouse tune. He’d just received news of a private tutor opening: a gentleman farmer not too far from Thornfield Hall. The gentleman had two boys—described as having anenthusiasm for life. In other words, they were two terrors.
While the gentleman’s advertisement didn’t mention anything specific, Ash—who’d found the position—had done some digging and found the boys had gone through a few tutors. Two raucous boys couldn’t scare Sam off. Hewasa raucous boy. Who better to teach them than one of their own ilk?
The only downside was Sam would have to reside permanently in the country unless the boys ever traveled to London. Which meant when Parliament was in session—like it was right now—Felix and Sam would have to spend some time apart.
But there wasn’t anything wrong with that. Sam was fully capable of spending time away from Felix. It wasn’t as though hehadto be at the man’s side at all times. If he told himself that enough, maybe he’d start to believe it.
It was just…he was kind of obsessed with the man.
And honestly, could anyone blame him? The man was all endearing freckles and commanding earl. Add on a fiercely loyal heart and the playful, passionate lover who showed up in the bedchamber. It was the most intoxicating, addicting combination.
He passed Blakely, the Jennings London butler. “His Lordship?”
“In his study, Mr. Thorne.”
“You’re a gem, Blakely.”
The man’s countenance remained blank. Sam was determined to get emotion out of the man. He’d earn a smile. Or at least a twitch of the lips. Sam knew the man was capable, because when Felix had introduced Sam to the staff and stumbled over his words, explaining that Sam was his partner, Blakely’s features had turned soft, and there had been an almost paternal fondness shining in his brown eyes. Blakely had been with the family since Felix had been a lad. It was clear what Felix had told Sam was true: the Jennings had a staff who all stood loyally behind Felix. It gave Sam hope. That there was good in this world.
Sam paused outside Felix’s study and leaned against the door frame. He drew in a slow breath and just took his man in, let the warm contentment that bubbled up every time he was in Fee’s presence wash over him. Sam had never realized how multifaceted love was. He’d thought it was all sweeping love declarations, overwhelming and all-consuming. And at times, it was. But it was also quiet and simple. Like right here and now. The comfort that came with watching his man read a newspaper, casually sipping a coffee, an adorable concentration line between his amber brows.
Sam wanted to press that small furrow flat with his thumb. He stepped forward. Perhaps he’d do just that.
Felix’s head lifted at Sam’s footfalls and took the task away from Sam. A smile lit his face, all semblance of a frown gone. Glittering whisky eyes reflected back at Sam. Best feeling in the world, that look. It was a shot straight to the heart every time, knowing someone desired Sam’s presence so much. Knowing that person was Felix.
