Always His Earl (5 page)

“What?” Myles asked.

“We need to sleep. I want this as much as you do. More if you count how long it’s been, but we’ll be no use to anyone exhausted.” George’s expression went blank.

Myles rubbed his neck, and for the first time in a while, he thought of his sister. “We must think of Claire. We’ll have to be up before the valet comes in anyway.”

“Once we’re done with Philips and Claire is fit again, I’ll give my valet the day off and exhaust you. Make no mistake. I will have my every way with you. I’ve had plenty of years to think about it.” George squeezed Myles’ ass and gave it a smack.

“So have I.” Myles couldn’t wait until all they had to worry about was resolving their issues and hopefully building a life together, if possible.

“Don’t start things. Go to sleep. The house feels peaceful. If it stays that way, tomorrow might look better.” George slid down a bit on the pillows but held Myles to him.

Holding on, Myles thought of George and forgot his life at sea. He would repair his life somehow and make it up to his sister. Myles let sleep take him before he started searching for an answer and ended up pacing all night.

W
aking early, George hoped and feared it’d all been a dream. Myles lay there surrounded by pillows with one leg over the covers. With no idea of the conditions onboard a ship, George could only imagine what Myles’ bed looked like there. Clearly he enjoyed George’s bed more.

Glancing at the clock, George knew they had time, but he had to wake Myles. The peace made his face more handsome than ever. Myles’ behavior didn’t indicate he was forced or coerced. Perhaps it’d been the lie he told his father to cover for their sinful ways?

Dwelling on the past was useless. George resented the pain that had plagued him every day. Having it out with Myles would only endanger Claire. George had been selfish enough with the sex, but he had to keep his feelings under control. Myles was not to blame for Claire’s marriage or neglect. They had to work together.

They were older. Certainly they’d matured. While finally freer to run their lives, George would never forget the past. He surrendered to the lust and ignored his mind. Tugging the covers back, he kissed his way down Myles’ muscled back. Myles’ firm, round ass teased George who gave in and squeezed the flesh. The passion took him back to his teens, but George had to remember the years they’d been apart. Even if Myles was stuck in the navy and George’s life had gone on without much change, they’d both grown. They’d have to learn each other again—if they could make peace. Myles was more confident than he’d been; George liked that.

Spreading Myles’ ass cheeks, George felt Myles stir.

“Good morning,” George said.

“It is. I’ll be right back.” Myles slid from the bed and George’s grip.

Waiting impatiently, George fell back in the pillows. Minutes later, Myles returned with a box. He knelt on the bed and opened it.

“Spoils of war. The French make it better.” Myles set out a decorative pot.

“I’ve got something like it; the grease is important.” George opened the pot and ran it between his fingers. “Nice.”

“Use what you like. I need more than your mouth today.” Myles crawled on top of George and kissed him.

“You’ll get much more.” George’s cock hardened as Myles’ straddled George’s hips.

Myles kissed him deeper. “What went wrong?”

“Right now, I don’t care. Don’t ruin this.” George let his hands roam over Myles’ muscled arms and chest. The power and maturity showed. He touched the scar.

“You hate me. I see it in your eyes.” Myles shifted, teasing George’s cock.

Lifting to create more friction, George nodded. “There’s betrayal in your eyes as well.”

“Never hate,” Myles said against George’s lips.

Hard and eager not to talk about things, George grabbed the grease and rubbed a bit on Myles’ ass. “Ride. I want to see you.”

Myles moaned. “You’re as high-handed as ever.”

“I am not.” George grabbed his lover’s ass and pulled him down.

“Yes, my lord.” Myles groaned and took the shaft.

Arching his back, George watched Myles take his cock like an expert. Unlike their very first time when Myles was so tight, now George could really fuck his man. George refused to think about the other men Myles had been with. Were they bigger? Better? George trusted Myles wanted him more.

“You’re so big,” Myles moaned.

“You’ve taken it before.” George smiled as Myles rode up and down.

Grabbing Myles’ hard cock, George teased him.

“Damn it, George. We’re not going to get caught. We don’t have to rush.” Myles’ hips snapped faster.

George lifted to Myles’ ass harder and matched his pace. Myles’ muscles squeezing him made George groan. He jerked Myles’ cock, slapping it playfully. It wouldn’t be enough. Once would never last him all day. He wanted to go slowly yet reality would knock on the door soon. The idea of being caught spurred his arousal.

“I won’t let you go again,” George said through gritted teeth.

“I’ll be at the next estate. Convenient.” Myles ground down on George’s cock and moaned.

George smacked Myles’ rump a few times. Cum shot from Myles’ cock as he shuddered. The squeezing and rocking sent George into his own daze of pleasure. Coming inside his lover made it so much better than the nights alone. Thinking of Myles and actually fucking him were nothing alike. The exquisite release George had while staring at the man he’d loved for so long was painful. It proved even better than their very first time.

Staying joined, George pulled Myles by the hair down for a kiss.

“I want to fuck you as well,” Myles said.

“No time. The valet will be here soon. You have to go back and make your bed look slept in. Hide the grease in the trunk so you can always claim it was a naval prank from your pals onboard if it were ever found. There will be other chances.” George held Myles for a second and then slid free.

As Myles left, the look in his eye said he longed for more. George wanted to take more time and indulge as well. Instead, he closed his eyes.

No other man did this to him, but could he ever trust Myles again? Part of him wondered if Myles preferred any of his shipmates sexually. It wasn’t important at the moment, but the question nagged at George. His experience was so limited. He rearranged the bed so it looked as if he’d slept alone like normal and cursed himself for not being able to resist.

* * * * *

M
yles paced outside the guestroom where the doctor was examining his sister. The maid who’d nursed her all night exited the room after answering the doctor’s questions.

“She had a good night?” Basil asked.

After talking at breakfast, Myles had to admit Basil was more in control. Yet he clearly had only one focus.

Minnie bobbed a curtsy to the gentlemen. “She was calm and sleeping. When she fussed, I gave her a bit of laudanum to ease the pain.”

“She shouldn’t be in any pain. Give her as much as she needs,” Basil insisted.

“No, sir. Too many soldiers do that and won’t ever let go of the bottle. My brother may have cursed me and the pain, but he’s recovered.” Minnie held her ground.

“She’s right, Basil. I’ve seen too many injured men get stuck on the stuff or turn out to be drunks. If she can sleep then the pain is tolerable, that’s enough. We need her alert and awake at some point so she can eat.” Myles couldn’t forget George’s point from the night before. If her husband was dead, Claire might be spending the rest of her life in America under another name.

Myles had to keep her safe. Nothing was more important.

The doctor stepped from the room and nodded. “Lady Philips is stronger this morning. Her heart and lungs sound good. She isn’t staying awake for long, but as I suspected, there are internal injuries. Bed rest is best. Mrs. Blake gave her some broth and the fact that she ate is a good sign. I’m very encouraged.”

“But she should stay in bed and not be moved?” George asked.

“Absolutely. There is no way to know the extent of her injuries. I’ll check on her again tomorrow but I’d say she’ll be in that bed for a few more days at least. Stick with broth and water and plenty of it.” The doctor closed his bag. “I’m sorry there isn’t more

I can do.”

“What about the pain? Is she comfortable?” Basil asked.

“I’ve left another bottle of laudanum. If she can rest quietly, she’s taken enough. If she’s too sleepy it’s hard to examine her properly. Have no fear gentlemen, Mrs. Blake and Minnie know what they’re doing. If you’ll excuse me, I have some other visits to make.” The doctor headed for the stairs.

Basil and Mrs. Blake went right in while Minnie headed for the servants’ stairs.

“Doctor, a word?” George said.

“Of course, my lord.” The doctor stopped.

“Any word on Lord Philips?” Myles asked.

“No, he hasn’t made any inquiries of me. As I said last night, I’m here to look in on Mr. Hardwick. No matter what happens, I wouldn’t move her for another two days at least. She’s frail and needs to be still.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” George gestured to Davis.

Myles watched the doctor and butler descend the stairs. “No word. I should go and call on Philips.”

“Let’s see Claire first. When you go to see Philips, you have to be calm and indifferent. You’re the injured party. He’s lost your sister,” George said.

“I know, if only the law agreed. It seems that I should know my brother-in-law and not be calling on a stranger.” Myles tapped his foot.

“You have to keep your temper. If you can’t, don’t go. You’re not a good liar.” George squeezed Myles’ shoulder.

“I made it through the navy without anyone knowing the truth. They thought I was just another man who’d marry a nice woman when back on land. I can hide things if I must.” Myles frowned.

“Then hide your shock and temper. Mentally prepare yourself. If I see Philips today, I might slit his throat and flee to America without a single regret.” George opened the door to Claire’s room and let Myles go in first.

Myles focused on Claire and had to admit her color looked much better today, at least in her cheeks. Some of the bruising had begun to show on her arms and neck. There was no way to know how much abuse Philips had exposed Claire to. Was this an isolated incident because of Basil or a matter of routine because he was simply a cruel ass who needed to be whipped to death? Myles seethed, doubting it was a one-time occurrence.

“Are you feeling all right yourself, Lieutenant Harris?” Mrs. Blake asked.

He shook off the thoughts of revenge. “Yes, thank you. I didn’t expect the bruising so soon.”

“It’ll be uglier before it improves. I do believe she’ll survive it.” Mrs. Blake nodded with a smile.

“The doctor said nothing about Philips.” Myles informed his brother.

Basil turned to Myles. “You’re going to see him?”

“We must keep up the appearance for Claire’s sake. If I didn’t try to visit my sister, it’d look very suspicious. I went yesterday before I knew any of this, and no one was at home. We’ll see what I find this morning.” Myles kissed his sister’s forehead and left the room.

A quarter of an hour later, Myles was shown into the study of Lord Philips’ London home. The short man sipped a glass of what smelled like whiskey at far too early an hour.

“The famous Lieutenant Harris,” Philips said mockingly.

“Mr. Harris really; I’m done with my naval career. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Philips. I am sorry I was unable to attend the wedding.” Myles did his best to sound sincere.

“War waits for neither man nor wedding. I’m sure you enjoyed your time at sea. You’re a wealthy man of property out in the country. The dream of every second son.” Philips sat back.

“I had hoped to see my sister. It’s only a social call. There’s really no business we need to discuss.” Myles looked carefully, and Philips appeared thoroughly uninjured, but his fists were meaty masses that could inflict pain.

George would be relieved that Claire hadn’t murdered Philips. Myles’ fears shifted to Philips coming to claim her.

“My wife is out,” Philips replied coolly.

“Do you know where she is? I called last night, and I do really want to see her. It’s been years.” Myles couldn’t tell if Philips’ lack of concern was an act or if he truly didn’t care where his wife was. If he beat her, would he truly let her run away without ardent pursuit? He could’ve been so drunk he didn’t remember it today. Myles hated all of the options before him.

“No, she said she’d be visiting friends. Might even stay there a day or so. I have some business to attend to, and ladies grow bored easily. All that mourning was dull and she’s enjoying London. I shouldn’t worry. The butler has your message, and he’ll deliver it as soon as my wife returns.” Philips stood as if indicating the meeting was over.

“Surely she came home last night. My sister is not one for late night parties,” Myles said matter-of-factly.

“Your sister is my wife, and it’s for me to say what is or isn’t right for her to do. We have the name of your club and, if she has time, I’m sure my wife will send a message to you. Invite you to tea or something. We do have many engagements planned already with our own set of friends.” Philips took a step and signaled to his butler.

“Thank you. I’m glad my sister is in such good hands. I’ll be going.” Myles stood and bowed. The lies almost made him ill, but Myles maintained the act.

Exiting the house was like an escape. Breathing deeply, he began the route his sister would’ve most likely taken toward George’s place. He walked briskly to burn off the frustration. Used to a more active physical regime onboard, he felt stiff and useless sitting around.

However, given his sister’s condition, Myles began to seriously doubt she could have traversed the blocks and blocks of distance on foot. George’s home was in a much better part of London, just as an earl’s should be. Perhaps in a frenzied state, desperate to arrive at a safe place, Claire had managed it on pure nerves.

He admired his sister so much more now. The woman had strength no one ever gave her credit for in younger years. There was always a chance that a servant had helped Claire and might fold under Phillips’ interrogation. Myles couldn’t do anything except protect his sister.