Chapter Six

Chapter Six

“My lord?”

“Come in, Keating. What is it?”

Phillip barely looked up from the ledger he was going over. He had some thoughts on what to add to the plantation but was trying to figure out with more clarity how much that would cost and what his return would be if he opted to go that route. Did he need to stare at this ledger? No, but for some reason it made sense in his mind.

“You have a visitor.”

Nothing else. He looked up once more and lifted a brow. “Did they provide a card? Or a name?”

Keating’s lips were thin and yet, somehow, they flattened more, making them nearly vanish.

“No card, my lord. It is a colored man.”

Irritation grew. “It is a man, Keating. Learn that. Does he have a name?”

“Of course, my lord. Elonne.”

Fyre’s brother. “Send him in.” He looked back at his work, not pausing until Keating returned with Elonne.

This time Phillip closed the ledger and watched Elonne step in.

“Thank you, Keating. Pour us each a drink then leave us to talk.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Elonne didn’t move much from his position until the drinks had been poured and Keating left. Only after a gesture from Phillip did he take a seat.

“Something I can assist you with, Mr. Elonne? I am sorry, I was not provided a last name.”

“Parker, my lord.”

Gwen Parker. Personally, he preferred Fyre.

“Mr. Parker, how can I help you?”

“I am here about my sister.”

Without realizing it until it had happened, he sat up more at the mention of Fyre.

“What about her?”

“I know you can understand a man’s need to protect his family. I want you to tell her you are letting her go. I can do your books or point you in the direction of someone else.”

Phillip leaned forward, resting his arms along the top of his desk. He laced his fingers.

“Let me make sure I am understanding you properly. You, who told me when I first asked you about the books that you could not give me the breakdown because you had not done them, want me to fire the person who could?” He shook his head. “A man taking care of his family does not pull money from their mouth to line his own pockets, Mr. Parker. Surely you can see how that style of behavior is not supporting your sister.”

“My lord.”

Nope, he was cutting this off right now.

“And also, who are you to demand what I do? You cannot walk in my home and tell me how to handle one of my employees.”

“I have to protect my sister from herself.”

“Seems to me you want to control her. She is amazing at what she does and from the looks of her calendar, she has a lot of other work besides mine. Are you telling all of them to get rid of her as well? Or is that pleasure only for the Earl of Edais?”

Elonne at least had the decency to look embarrassed. Not that it lasted long.

“I can take care of my sister and family.”

“If that were the truth, Mr. Parker, you would not have had her working on my books in the first place. Or working at the other places she is.” He didn’t even begin to disguise the derision in his tone.

“She has always worked. Not only that but she has work that will cover what she gives up from this position. I arranged it with Albie Caulfield. He will give her all the work she needs.”

Jealousy unfurled in his chest. And anger, at Fyre’s brother. He was selling her off. The urge to yell and rage at this man who under the guise of protecting his sister was doing things to elevate himself rose within him.

Phillip had grown up in a world of cold people, where backstabbing and undercutting was a way of life. It was what people did to get ahead.

He leaned back, as if not completely tense and ready to punch Elonne in the face, and touched his fingers together even as he stared at Fyre’s brother.

“I will tell her no such thing. However, since you seem to be so concerned for the amount of work on her shoulders, I will do you one better. I will hire her full time here. So you, Elonne, can do the work she’d been doing and feel better that she is taken care of. I guarantee I pay far better than Mr. Caulfield ever can or will.” He rose. “Have a good day.”

All I have to do now is find her and explain this before he does.While a wish, it wasn’t likely to happen. He shrugged. He could explain it away later.

As if on cue, Keating stepped in and stood by Elonne’s chair, clearly waiting for him to rise as well. The man took the unspoken directive and got to his feet. No doubt the expression on his face alerted all that he wanted to say more, but he held his tongue.

After Keating escorted Elonne out of the room, Phillip sank back in his chair. Somehow he didn’t think that either Albie or Elonne would give up so quickly.

He worked, sort of, for another hour before tossing down his pen in defeat and calling for his horse, even as he moved through the house. Seated on the back of his chestnut, he touched his heels to him and they shot off. For a while he allowed the horse to pick the speed and just enjoyed the ride. Something he’d not done all that much since he’d arrived here.

Phillip rode back to the house once the horse was winded. He swung down before the stallion stopped and passed the reins over to a groomsman, who took them with a nod. Pulling off his gloves as he jogged up the steps to the door, he smacked them against his leg as he paused to allow the footman to open the door for him.

“Keating, have a bath sent up to my room.”

“Very good, my lord.”

He paced while he waited, anxious to get clean and soak for a bit. Footmen brought in the tub and maids along with other footmen followed carrying buckets of hot water.

He dismissed them all and stripped down to nothing before stepping into the tub. Despite the weather being hot as Hades here, he loved how the water soothed his muscles. And he needed that today. He’d not ridden like he’d done this afternoon in far too long.

Once he’d cleaned up, he leaned back and rested his head along the edge, eyes closed. Out of the million and one things he could have started thinking about, his mind chose Fyre.

He bit his lower lip and skimmed his hand down to his cock, grasping it and starting to stroke. Shit, this wasn’t right. He didn’t want to use his own hand. He wanted hers. Wanted her in every way possible.

Tightening his grip, he shortened his motions, making them faster and closer to the swollen head of his dick. He slid his other hand up his chest and pinched a nipple, gasping as lust shot through him.

How hot, tight and wet she would be streamed through his mind. Pinching the head of his shaft so he didn’t come so soon, he adjusted in the tub to get more comfortable. He needed this. Wanted it.

But he wanted it with the woman, not just her mental image. Harder he pulled. Faster he tugged, twisting his hand to add more friction. A moan slid free and it took him a bit to realize it had escaped his mouth.

“Fyre,” he whispered to the room as he squeezed his sac then pumped his hand like crazy as he came, hard.

It took a few moments to regain control of his breathing and to have legs strong enough to hold him when he got up. This woman was going to wreck him. Hell, perhaps she already had.

He dried off and dressed before calling for them to come take out the tub. As he walked down the steps he heard Keating at the door and paused. He wasn’t sure who was there and he was not necessarily ready for company.

However, he heard a familiar voice, a thick English accent, and in seconds changed his mind. Phillip took the rest of the stairs in a few rushed steps.

“I have it, Keating.” Phillip walked up along his butler and smiled at the man standing there.

Lucien St. Martin, Marquess of Heartstone.

“Saint,” he said with affection as he stepped up to hug his friend. A gesture that was returned. As they separated, Phillip looked behind the marquess. “Where is Ciara?”

“Visiting family in Ireland.”

Phillip frowned and sent his friend a look of concern. “Everything all right?”

The man nodded.

“Come on in. Keating, get us some food. We will be in my study. And make up a room for Lord Heartstone.”

“Right away, sir.”

He led the way to his study and poured them each a drink. Leaning against his desk, he hooked his ankles and took a sip. “How the hell are you, Saint?”

His friend pushed a hand through his dark hair and nodded. “Perfect.”

That familiar pang of jealousy hit Phillip, as he knew his friend had found love and was loved. By a woman who was a perfect match for him. Even despite the long road it had taken for them to get back to each other, when he watched them now, he knew there could be no other for either of them.

“The kids? I just purchased some gifts for them but now I can send them back with you.” He took another drink. “What are you doing here?”

Lucien walked around the room, his presence larger than the man himself, which was saying a lot.

Phillip couldn’t help but remember how they had all been, before. Whores, mistresses, no regard for much of anything other than their own pleasure. Then Lucien had met Ciara and his entire world had shifted. Their friend Rafe had fallen for Lucien’s sister and soon it had been just Phillip who was on the outside looking in at the happiness his friends embodied.

Not to mention his friends had welcomed their new lives with open arms. He loved the children and looked upon them as his own in a manner. He would protect them without hesitation or fail. He’d come to this island as a favor to assist a man whose son was being threatened. That man, his woman and their children were also included in his circle of protection and friendship. However, he hadn’t gone back to England. No, instead he’d stayed. Purchased the house, and hadn’t considered returning there.

“You have not come home.” Lucien turned to look at him, the sun surrounding him from the window behind him. “I, we, have become concerned.”

“My lord,” Keating interrupted. “Ms. Gwen is insisting on an audience.”

“Ms. Gwen is here.” Her tone was sharp.

She’d never been so angry in her entire life. The nerve of these men. Fyre had passed the point of caring what was proper. No one, either the man she worked for or brother, had the right to try to run her life as these two were doing.

Fyre glared across the room to the man leaning on the front of his desk, drink in position of rest beside one powerful thigh. His expression showed his shock.

But beneath that, what was she spying? Amusement? Yes, that’s exactly what that was.

“My lord, while I understand I work for you in a small capacity, that does not in any way give you the right to discuss my life or my living habits, or tell people that you are going to be the only person I work for.”

His lips twitched. “Spoke to your brother about our discussion, did you?”

“Both of you, so smug. Acting as if you are doing me a favor. I work hard. I am damn good at my job. So what if I am a woman, and a woman of darker skin? It does not hamper the way I work.”

He held up his hands, the motion drawing her attention to the strength in his fingers and the way the sun glinted through the crystal he held. “I never said it did. Your brother came to me—”

“I am perfectly aware of my brother’s actions with you earlier in the day. Both of you are out of line. I think it will be best for all involved for me to stop working for you as well as Mr. Caulfield, and I will make my money elsewhere.”

“No!”

She stepped back at the fervent refusal that burst from his mouth.

Fyre propped her hands on her hips. “Contrary to how people view you, my lord, you do not control this island. Or me. I work for who I want. He wanted me to quit working for Mr. Caulfield, now he is all about me quitting here, or being let go and working only for Mr. Caulfield.”

“Can you say that with any more disdain, Fyre?” He pushed up from the desk and moved toward her. Prowling. Exuding danger on a level she wasn’t positive she could deal with. “I get it, you have no use for my title.”

“Do not put words in my mouth, Lord Edais. I have no problem with your title. I have an issue with men in my life trying to tell me what is best for me. Like you and my brother.”

His lips twitched as he stopped so close to her the smell of his freshly bathed body reached her and she latched on like a starving animal.

Phillip blinked and those gray eyes deepened as he stared down at her. “Am I?”

“Are you what?”

“A man in your life?”

Such decadence lined that question. She swallowed and licked her lips. His gaze darkened further.

However, a clearing throat jarred her and she jumped. By the window stood a man she’d not seen before. Tall, muscular. Jet-black hair and beautiful lake-blue eyes. Golden skin.

Heart thundering for a completely different reason than being so close to Phillip, she gulped and dropped to a curtsey.

How could I have been so foolish?

Not only had she burst in on an earl, but the man had company.

“Forgive me, my lord. I was not aware you were entertaining.”

“Chin up, Fyre. This is my best friend, Lucien.”

Unsure how much anger and disgust she would witness when she lifted her head, she did so slowly. Those blue eyes sparkled with humor and something else she couldn’t quite identify, but if she had to guess, it would be understanding or realization.

He gave her a little bow. “Lucien St. Martin, Marquess of Heartstone.”

She wanted to dig a hole and climb in as she recognized she’d just pushed rudeness beyond the earl and onto a marquess.

“Apologies, my lord, for my behavior. I will leave.”

“Do not leave on my account,” Lucien said, a smile making him even more handsome. “I am just catching up with my friend. Please. Continue, this is far more interesting than I had thought it would be.”

“Fuck off, Saint.”

Gaze flickering between the two imposing men, she wasn’t quite sure what to say. Phillip didn’t appear upset with his friend, despite what he said. And the fact he didn’t try to check his language before her warmed her. Like it was a bit of acceptance for her to hear this type of banter between him and his friend. Like she was not someone precious or delicate he had to present a certain façade for.

Who is Saint?Perhaps it was because of his name, St. Martin. She didn’t have the gumption to ask.

The man smirked and hefted his glass before taking a drink.

Phillip scowled at him before focusing back on Fyre. Looking serious, he reached toward her only to stop and lower his hand.

“Your brother came to me and told me to let you go. He said he would take over the job. I reminded him he had not been able to do it the first time, as he brought you in. After he told me he’d made arrangements with Mr. Caulfield to have all the work you needed, I informed him I would hire you full-time and pay a far more lucrative wage than Caulfield could dream of paying.”

Weighing her words, Fyre stole another peek at the man who didn’t even pretend to allow them to converse in private. He was right there, listening with unabashed interest.

“Why would you do that?”

“He is selling you to Albie.” Gray eyes narrowed. “That is not going to happen. Not while I am here.”

“So instead of that, you are trying to buy me?”

His brows furrowed. “What? No.”

There was no mistaking the snort of laughter from his friend. She refused to look at him. Why piss off two powerful men?

Phillip stepped closer and she retreated the same amount.

“Fyre.”

How did men get their voice to resonate so low and vibrate through a woman like that? It did its best to knock her off her focus, the reason she’d come here.

It was not to fall for his charm and sex appeal.

Right, because that had already happened.

“You are doing the same thing my brother is. Telling me who I can and cannot work for. How is it selling me off to someone when you are doing the same thing? Just because you are buying does not make the outcome any different. I am well aware of how he struck a deal with Albie. It will not be honored, not by me. He is staying on the schedule on his days. That is all.”

The earl fisted his hands, nostrils flaring as he took some deep breaths. “I am not buying you. I do not own people.”

“So you say.”

His gray eyes flashed with something she couldn’t identify. What she could recognize was she had quite possibly pushed him too far. Phillip stepped toward her, not pausing when she retreated until he was right there. In her space.

Then there was light and room between them. She flushed with embarrassment as it dawned on her who had split them up.

“Perhaps we should sit and discuss this.” The man’s words were smooth and calm.

The exact opposite of how she felt. With a curtsey, she shook her head.

“I should be going. My apologies for interrupting your day, my lords.”

“Fyre, do not move.”

She flicked a quick look to where Phillip stood. Lucien remained in front of him, and she couldn’t risk staying. The man made her do things and feel things she shouldn’t.

Inching back, she gulped when his gray eyes slashed to her. Then the lake-blue ones found her. Nope, didn’t help her to breathe any easier. While she didn’t have a huge knowledge base on how things were over in England, she did get the concept of these men and their titles.

They could make her life hell.

“I would love to get to know you better, Ms. Fyre. Perhaps you could return for the evening meal and we could talk? You remind me a lot of my wife.”

“Thank you for the offer, my lord, but I…”

Lucien grinned and her heart stuttered at that. The man was extremely handsome.

“Perfect. We will see you here at seven. I will escort you home, check out the town, and be back to bring you here. I am sure Phillip has some more paperwork to finish up.”

No missing the pointed looks between the two men.

Phillip held her gaze. “Until this evening.”

Another curtsey. “My lord.”

She walked out of the room and heard the footsteps of the man who was escorting her home. Fyre didn’t say anything as the man issued orders like he lived there. Within moments, they were going up the road in an open carriage.

They stopped before her cottage and Lucien jumped out without asking for help, then turned to assist her down.

“I will return in a few hours to escort you to dinner.”

“As you wish, my lord.”

He bowed over her hand. “Phillip has been my friend since we were boys. He only has your best interests at heart, even if he is going about it this asinine way to show you.” Lucien dipped his head and hopped back up. They were off in a flurry of wheels.

“Who was that?”

Elonne appeared at her side, Cara with him, her eyes narrowed in suspicion or jealousy, Fyre wasn’t sure.

“The Marquess of Heartstone.” Fyre shook her head. “A friend of the earl.”

“And what were you doing with him?” The accusation stung, even if it came from Cara.

“He insisted on escorting me home. I am not about to tell a man of his position in society no, Cara. And I am having dinner with him and the earl tonight.” She headed for the door, completely unsure of what one should wear to dinner with those two men.

Her brother and sister-in-law followed her, making comments that should have hurt her, but she was far more stressed about tonight.

* * * *

Elonne and Cara had both left and since returned by the time she was to be picked up for the invitation. They were inside her small home, sitting, while Fyre paced. It didn’t surprise her that they would try to weasel their way into coming with her.

The rumble of wheels had her swallowing back more unease.

Her brother bolted from the chair when the knock came. Fyre watched from her position as he opened it and found Lucien St. Martin on the other side.

Their meeting and the subsequent dinner could go well, or not even close.