Page 137 of Enemies with an Earl
Cheers erupted in the room. Then, in a complete blur, Sam found himself standing before a reverend, facing Felix, as the man blessed their union. As theyvowedtheir lives together before God. Sam still could barely believe it was real. What was currently happening. What Felix had made happen. For them.
“And now I pronounce you husbands in life.”
And Sam’s throat decided now was a great time to close off. His heart raced behind his breastbone as he stared into his husband’s eyes.Fuck.Husband’s. He reached up and tangled his hand into those amber curls and hauled his husband against him. They stood there, foreheads resting together, Sam’s eyes squeezed shut, just breathing each other in.
Sniffles mixed with their shaky breaths and then a woman’s sob echoed through the room. That must have been the last straw to push Fee over the edge, because he buried his head into Sam’s neck and shook with his own sobs. Sam wrapped his arms around his husband, tried to let Fee know with the tightness of his hold, the relentless grip of his fingers, that he understood.
This wasn’t something either of them thought they’d ever have. Not love. Not marriage. And for Sam, not a supportive family who accepted him, all of him.
Felix pulled away, blinking rapidly and murmuring a watery apology. “Sorry. I’ll compose myself in a moment. I don’t know what’s come over me.”
Sam chuckled low in his throat. His Fee, who felt emotions so deeply,didn’t know what had come over him.Right. Sam kissed him quickly, fiercely. “You don’t ever need to compose yourself with me, Fee. I want all of you, every unguarded emotion, every fallen tear, every truth.”
“You have it. All of me,” Felix whispered roughly.
Sam let his eyes fall shut, wrapping his arms securely around Felix and burying his head in Fee’s neck. He sank into the comforting warmth and sweet scent of almonds that clung to his husband. Let it surround him.
He finally had it. Right here in his arms.
Everything.
70
Felix
“Getaroom!”
Felix reluctantly pulled away from Sam, where he’d been practically in the man’s lap. But the whisky and wine were flowing, Fitzy and Flick were offering an endless array of tavern ditties on the pianoforte, and laughter and good spirits rang through the large Thornfield Hall library. Oh, and the young ones—and thankfully Felix’s mother—had all retired for the evening. It was just the raucous crowd left. That and Felix had snuck away earlier to get Sam’s other surprise ready. And he was counting down the minutes until he could deliver that one, too.
“I, personally, am happy for them to continue,” Ryker said from where he leaned against the sideboard next to Lord Kozington. “Or…” His gaze swept over them. “That’s quite a bit of man to handle, Bentley. I’ll gladly lend a hand.”
“He has it covered,” Sam growled. And now Felix was very much in Sam’s lap.
Felix melted back into Sam, everything light and a little spinny. He might be a touch bosky. But it was the perfect amount. Everything buzzed, thrummed with…happy.
“Whoever yelled that might have a point,” Sam whispered in Felix’s ear. “I think we—well, this entire group—might be overwhelming your new brother.”
Felix glanced over to where Weston stood off to the side, an untouched whisky in hand, a blush dusting his high cheekbones as he quietly took in the revelry. He’d filled out quite a bit in the last year. Much more man than lanky lad now, growing into the twenty years he’d turn this December. But Weston was a studious type, similar to Fitzy in that sense, quieter, preferred smaller groups or one-on-one.
Felix had already warned Ryker to stay away from his brother. Not that Felix had any idea of his brother’s preferences. But he knew Ryker would be more than happy to help Weston…figure that out, if there were any question. Especially considering he now knew Ryker had a thing for younger brothers. His attention landed on Xavier. He whistled softly, and Zavi’s gaze shot to his. He canted his head, a silent signal to have Zavi come over.
The blond-haired, hazel-eyed young man stopped next to the couch Felix and Sam were resting on. Christ, the man was built. He may be only five-and-twenty, but he was a dedicated pugilist, and it showed.
“What do you need, Bentley? I’m in a giving mood, considering your nuptials, but I’m not as giving as Ryker.”
“We’re going to take up Lord Wessex’s suggestion and make ourselves scarce. But”—his gaze darted back to his youngest brother—“I don’t want to leave certain individuals unattended.”
And Felix could already see that certain other couples weren’t going to be sticking around much longer. Ash and Georgiana were hovering around the pianoforte, as though they were waiting to swoop in and steal their spouses. The last thing he wanted was to leave poor Weston with Ryker. It was like tossing a lamb to a starving wolf. Not that Ryker would ever force himself on someone, but Felix also didn’t need his brother being made uncomfortable by Ryker’s flirtatious remarks.
Felix frowned. And it looked like he had someone else to worry over—one who posed a threat larger than flirtation. Lady Camoys sauntered up to Weston, and that light blush took over the poor young man’s whole face. Christ, that woman. Felix didn’t know the extent of his brother’sexperience, but he knew Lady Camoys wouldn’t hesitate to help…educate him. And she was stunningly beautiful, something she knew how to use to her advantage. A shy, young man like Weston didn’t stand a chance.
Zavi’s gaze followed Felix’s. “Ah, yes. Your poor brother, getting quite a bit of attention from both sides tonight. It’s unfortunate he’s nearly as handsome as you, Bentley. Tim and I can keep an eye on him until he retires.”
“Where is Tim—”
“I come with more food!”
Ah. There he was.
