Page 63 of Enemies with an Earl
An ear-splitting snap rent through the cottage.
Fuck.Sam threw his arms around Bentley’s waist and wrenched him backward. Shouts and yells filled the small cottage. He thrust Bentley away, just as half of the beam came swinging down. Sam dove atop the man, cradling his arms over their heads, trying to create a protective cage. A deafening crash rang around them, wood exploding, and Sam couldn’t tell if the entire cottage was shaking or if it just felt that way inside his skull. Debris whipped against his legs, across his head. Nothing too heavy, but bleeding hell, it stung like the blazes.
Silence settled, but a ringing still continued in Sam’s ears. He glanced over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes to see through the dust-shroud room. And there was the beam, ladder completely destroyed, in bits and pieces strewn about the cottage—exactly where he and Bentley had just been standing. Curses and hoarse calls asking after everyone’s welfare echoed through the space.
He sagged slightly, relief melting his frame at seeing no one around the fallen beam. He turned back to Bentley, then quickly rose up on his knees, cautious not to be too close to the man for too long in public company.
Sam assisted Bentley up and tugged him close enough to whisper, “Are you well?” He pulled back and searched the man’s face. Black pupils drowned amber irises, the flush previously donning those high cheekbones completely gone, skin now pale as parchment.
Bentley nodded jerkily. “Fine. I’m fine.” But the response was unthinking, like he wasn’t truly there.
Ash hurried over and corralled them over to a corner of the room, away from others. “Bloody hell. Bentley.” He clamped a hand on the man’s shoulder and scoured every inch of him. “Are you all right? Thank God, Thorne’s quick on his feet. Fucking hell.”
Bentley shook his head and seemed to come out of his stupor. “I’m fine,” he said again. Bentley met Sam’s gaze, and something Sam couldn’t quite name reflected back at him. “Thanks to Thorne,” Bentley added softly, before his gaze slipped away.
Sam wasn’t certain he believed the man, but anyone would be shaken up after an accident like that. Sam would just keep a close eye on Bentley to make sure he hadn’t suffered any injuries and ensure the shock faded.
Apparently, Sam’s concern must have been obvious.
“I’m well,” Bentley said with more force. “A man needs a moment after he’s almost crushed to death by a falling hunk of timber.” He winged a brow, and a bit of his usual pompous-self resurfaced, color seeping back into his previously wan pallor. “Careful, Thorne. I could almost believe you’re starting to care about me.”
Sam was afraid it was already too late for that.
32
Felix
Felixstaredattheburnished umber wood that made up the ceiling of his bathing chamber. Ironic how he was nearly crushed by a beam not too long ago, and here he was, laying beneath them again. More vulnerable this time, considering he was in the bath. But he knew he had nothing to worry about when it came to the structure of Devonford Castle. He sank lower into the water, only warm now.
After the accident at the cottage, they’d all resumed cleaning up the cottage and readying it for the new beam, which would be put in tomorrow. Then he, Thorne and the Duke had ridden over to the river pool to try to scrub as much of the filth off as they could. Once they’d arrived back at the castle, they’d all gone their separate ways to get properly clean.
Which was why Felix was sitting in bathwater quickly growing cold, lost in thought. Contemplating. After the whole piano debacle, he and Thorne had fallen into a comfortable pattern of friendly, yet polite interactions during the day—with the occasional offhand remark laced with innuendo thrown in by Thorne, because the man apparently couldn’t help himself—and coaxing as many orgasms as possible from each other at night.
It was…unthinkable that Felix had this opportunity. To be with someone, someone he wasextremelyattracted to, and not have to fear the consequences. He’d pinch himself to make sure it was all real. But he thought having a beam nearly collapse on him was proof enough that he was very much alive.
So what was he waiting for? He had a powerfully built, virile man—his lips twitched—quite literally at his beck and call. One with a severe brow and enigmatic grey irises that were in contrast to his smart retorts and playful jests. Thorne was a Viking. A man whose presence made others take a step back, hesitate. A beast. One Felix wanted to taunt, sharpen its teeth, and then let it loose. On himself.
But that was just Thorne’s exterior. Underneath it all, he was a cheeky cove who loved pranks and a good laugh. One who’d proved himself trustworthy. Who’d used his own body to shield Felix from harm. Power and strength, yet soft and playful.
Felix didn’t think Thorne would ever understand what that act had meant to him. It had felt like…a sign. Thorne wasn’t the kind of man who would use Felix’s body and then discard him, only to turn around and hurl accusations that would cost Felix his life. No. Thorne’s first thought had beenprotectingFelix. Hell, Thorne had savedhim, physically wrenching him off that ladder. Kept Felix safe at the cost of his own well-being.
That was the sign. The revelation that Thorne wouldn’t betray Felix like he’d been all those years ago. The sign that it was time to stop running scared and take what he wanted. He set his jaw. He was going to. Felix sat up and reached for the pile of towels on the stool beside the bathtub. He’d get out of the bath, get ready, and ring for Thorne.
He picked up a towel—a verysmalltowel. His brows slowly drew together. He reached for another. Also, small. And the one below that… Bloody fucking hell.God damn you, Thorne!But even as he cursed the man, his lips tugged up.
He turned and yanked the bell pull on the wall next to the tub. Then he settled back in the water and closed his eyes. He supposed being wet and naked would work just as well for what he had planned.
A few moments later, footsteps sounded. Felix’s eyes snapped open.
“You rang, my lord.”
Felix’s mouth twitched at the faux formality. The man was a cheeky brat. “You came rather quickly,” he said, arching a brow.
Thorne’s face remained impressively impassive. “You naked in a bath lends itself to me…coming quickly.”
Felix snorted and let his head fall back. “You’re something else.”
Thorne winked. There he was. “Did you require something, Bentley? I’m happy to assist in any way you need.” Thorne fluttered his eyelashes innocently. “Perhaps you missed a spot?”
