Chapter Twelve

March 1862

A voiding Linc was proving bloody difficult for Arthur. It didnt help that none of their circle was aware of their estrangement. The Lustful Lords were marching right along, pairing off and falling in love, with no notion of what had occurred between him and Linc. And they certainly had no idea about her .

Arthurs gut clenched. He couldnt even conjure her name, let alone speak it.

He was at yet another ball and there was Linc, smiling and beguiling the ladies with his charm. The bloody

Arthur sighed. He wanted to hate Linc, but sadly, he knew it was his own fault they were apart. His own fears and insecurities held him back. It had been one thing whenhe nearly choked on her namewhen Jo had been there as a buffer. But there had been no denying that the night hed let Linc take him, there had been something between them, even without her there.

Now the man was parading around Londons ballrooms as though he didnt have a care in the world. And damn him to hell, Arthur couldnt look away. Couldnt stop watching. The way Lincs dark blue eyes sparkled with mischief. His sly, puckish smile as he said something undoubtedly outrageous to the young miss he was dancing with.

Something primal and needy inside of Arthur demanded that he make Linc bow to him. Make him kneel before him and take whatever he chose to give him. The notion was so strange and foreign he nearly recoiled physically as he stood next to his friend Lord Stonemere and his brother-in-law, Lord Brougham.

Are you well, Dunmere? Cooper, Lord Brougham, stared at him.

I think I shall take some fresh air on the balcony. Its a bit stuffy in here. Arthur made to leave the group he stood with.

Arthur, do be sure to dance with a few of the eligible ladies. His sister, Emily, Lady Brougham, gave him an arch look. You did promise to make an effort .

Refusing to say anythingafter all, he had promised to make an effort to find a match, but that had been before Jo and Linche chose to nod in acknowledgement. What could he say to his sister?

Soon he found himself in the frosty night air on the balcony where only those seeking escape from the evenings entertainments or some form of privacy would venture. He moved to the far end of the space and melted into the shadows, happy for the reprieve.

There you are, Dunmere. An all too familiar voice followed him into the shadows.

The two men stood in silence as Arthurs body warred with his upbringing and societal expectations.

You know, you cant avoid me forever. Lincs voice held a note of sardonic humor.

Needled by his mocking tone and cool sense of confidence, Arthur looked at where the moonlight shone down on Linc. Youre the one who walked away. What makes you think Ive been avoiding you?

Ive seen you at the last three balls Ive attended, yet each time I visit with our friends, I find you conspicuously absent. Linc let one silvery brow lift in question. And I left because you hurt me. Staying would only have led to more hurt, on both our parts.

A coincidence. As good etiquette dictates, I ensure I do my duty and dance with a few of the ladies. It just so happens to have aligned with the times you chose to greet everyone. Arthur tried to sound as nonchalant as he wanted Linc to think he felt about it. Not that he had carefully timed each absence from the group to avoid any awkward meetings, which, of course, he had. His cock twitched, highlighting why that strategy had been so very necessary. And I suppose you are right. I Arthur swallowed, guilt swamping him. I did not handle that moment well. Im sorry if I hurt you. Youre my friend first and foremost and I would never wish to do that again.

But he would one day, wont he? Because hell have to marry. Eventually.

Linc edged closer to him, crowding him in the darkened corner and drawing him from his thoughts. Good. I should hate to think that you were dodging me. Evading this thing between us.

Arthur growled, his earlier instinct rising to the fore in a most unexpected surge. He snaked out a hand and fisted it in Lincs hair as he drew the man closer. I thought you were past sneaking about.

I was caught off guard and rather hungover. It wasnt the moment to discuss your obvious concerns. But when I looked for you later in the day at a reasonable hour, you had hied off to your country house. Linc sounded hurt, perhaps even a tad resentful.

I- Arthur hesitated, trying to remember what hed thought that morning. I was still so fuzzy from the night before and the way you left, I assumed you were done with me.

Linc lifted a hand to his face. Wary perhaps, but not done. You returned to London but did not seek me out. I thought to give you the space you seemed to desire. He appeared to swallow, his throat bobbing with the motion. Youyou are all I have left. I didnt want to overstep more than I had. I thoughthopedyou would come to me when you were ready. But you havent.

It was too much to bear, too much to hear without acting. Arthur took Lincs mouth with his own and the kiss was one of possession. Ownership. Their tongues tangled and twined but Linc sank into it, melted in to him: submitted to him.

Arthur turned him and pinned him against the stone railing. Their cocks had both grown hard. His own pulsed and throbbed with need as they rubbed against each other. A low groan escaped one of them, Arthur wasnt sure who, as the kiss lingered and slowly ended when the need to breathe took over.

He rested his forehead against Lincs. We need to talk about how this might work, but Ive been miserable without you this past month. Its bad enough being without Jo. I dont want to lose you as well.

Linc inhaled sharply. We should talk. I know discretion is important to you, but I refuse to be relegated to shadowed corners and back alleys. He huffed a laugh. Well, any more than is necessary. Linc tucked his nose into the crook of Arthurs neck and inhaled deeply, as though he needed his scent to sustain him. Take a few days to think about it. Let me know when you are ready to discuss the possibilities. Then the handsome man slipped away as quietly as hed appeared.

Arthur stood there in the dark, reeling. The taste of Linc lingered on his lips as he tried to imagine how he might configure his life in such a way to fit a man such as Linc. He would have to marry eventually to carry on the title, but suddenly the thought didnt seem so bleak. After all, they had found Jo, who had loved them both. Was it possible they could find another woman who could feel the same?