Page 25 of Enemies with an Earl
Felix nodded. “Last night. He desires to flee to the Continent with his partner. We’ll need to set up arrangements.”
“I’ll write to Johnnie,” Xavier said. “Let him know we need a room. Just let me know the dates.” Johnnie ran an inn in Dover, right on the harbor, and was one ofThe Harborage’strusted contacts. He wasn’t one who knew the true purpose of the organization—only that it required secrecy and expediency. Very few were granted that knowledge.
“Given the Duke’s financial patronage of the organization, I wonder if he might supply one of his carriages for the journey.” Kozington rubbed his chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Especially considering it’s one of his servants. From what I’ve gathered, he treats this estate like each person is a part of one overlarge family.”
“That would definitely make coordinating much simpler,” Felix murmured. “I’ll try to have a discreet word with the footman. See if he’s comfortable involving the Duke. He seems rather…skittish.”
A grin split Tim’s face. “He needs Colette.”
Felix pointed at Tim. “Brilliant, Timothy.”
Colette was a mother hen, if there ever was one. She lived on the outskirts of Paris and had housed many couples as they found their footing abroad. A perfect first stop for nervous Englishmen stepping outside their homeland for the first time.
Tim lifted his glass of whisky, a pleased smile gracing his lips. “I’ll write to her.” His gaze turned introspective. “You know, Colette reminds me a lot of the cook here.”
“She does have a tendency to stuff you full of desserts,” Zavi added.
“That’s perfect,” Felix said. Hopefully, it would help the two young men settle more comfortably. Then, once they found their feet, they could embark on their new life together.
“Well, this worked out quite well.” Kozington leaned on his cue stick, swinging from side to side slightly. A sly smile curved his lips. “Ryker is going to besoupset he was left out. I can hardly wait to hear him whining about it.”
Felix snorted quietly. Ryker and Kozington had this odd…rivalry. Ryker Drake—the third partner inThe Harborage—offered ties to a far grittier world, as one might expect from a cut-throat gaming hell owner who owned the vowels of half the aristocracy. It was a necessity, having contacts in all spaces for the work they did. And Felix couldn’t deny Ryker provided…a certain skill set that was highly valuable considering their organization’s purpose.
While Ryker provided many benefits, he also held a particular talent for being a pain-in-the-arse. Hence, the rivalry and sparring between him and Kozington.
“Did you all see the servant who ironed the baize earlier?” Tim said, leaning against the sideboard.
“I know!” Zavi said, sidling back next to his twin. A pair of dirty-blond devils, those two. “Built like a bloody blacksmith. I swear when he handed me the balls, I almost told him he could handle my ballocks, too.”
A curse came from Felix’s right, and he grinned when he saw Kozington’s ball spinning in the middle of the baize—very far away from the other two balls.
“I’m with Zavi,” Tim chimed in. “I don’t even have any interest in men, but”—he closed his eyes and made a drooling face before his eyes popped back open, and he grinned—“he’smost becoming.Anyone with eyes can see that. The man is an ox. A big, strapping, hard-muscled ox. I’d be coming if he offered, too.”
Felix choked, Kozington snorted, and a strangled sound came from Zavi.
Zavi turned to Kozington, but gestured toward Tim. “And we’re sure he doesn’t have any interest in men?” Both Zavi and Kozington enjoyed the company of men…and women. As far as Felix was aware, Timothy only held an interest in women.
Kozington’s lips tugged up in a half-smile, and he studied Tim. “Not our place. That’s for Tim to discern.”
Tim’s amusement faltered. “I don’t. Have any interest in men, that is.” He glanced between his brothers. “I just…I just want to feel as though I fit in with you both. I don’t want you two to feel as though you can’t speak openly with me. And I don’t want to feel as though there is something between us, just because I don’t share the same preferences.”
“Dawwww,” Zavi said, a shite-eating grin spreading over his face. “Are you trying to tell us you love us?”
“I think he is, Z.” Zavi and Koz shared a glance, then dove onto their brother, swamping him in a hug.
Felix grinned at the three fools. Tim’s muffled protests filtered past where he was hidden behind his rambunctious brothers.
Rambunctious to a fault. Wild. It was why they melded so seamlessly with the Jennings.
Felix’s smile lingered as he leaned against the billiard’s table, lifting a hand to rub his jaw. The light stubble scratched at his fingertips, abrasive even through his gloves. He needed a shave. And just like that, his thoughts drifted back to a certain becoming valet.
If Felix was still actively trying to keep his distance, he wouldn’t have thought twice about shaving himself again, even despite the few nicks he’d end up giving himself.
It was a risk. Dangerous. Purposely being close to Thorne, having the man’s hands on him. Not to mention after their confrontation, putting a knife in the man’s hand probably wasn’t the wisest move.
His gaze swept over the wild brothers. The thing was…Felix was feeling pretty bloody wild today.
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