Chapter Two

A Week Later

A rthur Winterburn, Earl of Dunmere, inhaled the cold crisp air and focused on ignoring the very potent male standing next to him.

It was strange to think that he and Linc had been chummy for a few months now, even engaging in the Lustful Lords usual activities at The Market fairly regularly. And then suddenly, in the midst of their most recent round of debauchery, his mouth had entirely gotten away from him.

Do you think hed take my cock up his arse?

Now all he could think about was how Lincs mouth would feel wrapped around his cock. Who could blame him?

The unexpected thought had resulted in him walking around for the last week or so with a semi-erect cock. It was growing bloody awkward at times, especially now they were alone at Dunmere Manor, his country home in West Sussex.

There, Arthur, across the way. Linc pointed then lifted his rifle. The sharp report of the rifle firing was followed by the loud squawking of birds and the flapping of wings as the birds took flight.

His own rifle sounded immediately after Lincs, adding to the kerfuffle as his matched retrievers bolted forward into the undergrowth.

Good eye, old man. Arthur clapped Linc on the shoulder as they waited for the dogs. A frisson of awareness shot up his arm and had him jerking his hand back as he inhaled softly.

The pair reappeared each one carrying their prize. As they dropped the birds, the dogs were rewarded with treats and pats.

Old man, Linc scoffed. Im but two years older than you! Id take you in a fight, and handily.

Arthur laughed. Ill take that challenge. He started to remove his outer coat, the anticipation of wrestling with Linc making his cock half hard before hed even removed one arm from his sleeve.

Put your coat back on, you great fool. Linc looked up at the sky across the meadow. Cant you see the low clouds, feel the moisture in the air? Itll be snowing soon. We should head back to the manor before we get caught out here freezing our arses off.

I thought you were supposed to be the jovial one, Arthur couldnt help but grumble as he pulled his coat back on. His disappointment was an unexpectedly sharp stab to the chest.

He couldnt avoid wondering what Linc would feel like beneath his fingertips. Would he be sinewy muscle? Or would he feel softer, more pliable? Hed seen the man naked more times than he could count, but seeing and touching were two entirely different things.

Linc grinned. I am the jovial one, but I also have a healthy sense of self preservation, which is why Cooper trusts me to make sure you dont get yourself killed out here. Besides, Emily would never forgive himor me.

Bah. Arthur grumbled as they turned to head home to the warmth of a fire and a hot meal. Emily worries far too much for a younger sister.

A younger sister who managed to keep both you and your estate from penury, despite your best efforts. Linc had the gall to wink at him. The cheek!

If you dont mind, I prefer not to be reminded of the lengths my little hellion of a sister went to all to accomplish just that. Its bloody embarrassing that I was too self-absorbed to notice what the blazes she was up to. Arthur wanted to cast up his accounts just thinking about how shed prowled around Londons ballrooms stealing jewelry to keep them out of hock. Good God! She could have been accosted. Or molested. Or discovered, which she very nearly was.

Thank heavens for Robert Cooper, Earl of Broughams, timely intervention.

Linc stopped walking and examined him with a close eye. Do you think yourself likely to repeat your mistakes?

Not at all. I should like to think I could never be so self-absorbed again. He hoped. No, he would never be that way.

His companion turned and resumed walking. Then there you are. Youve learned from the experience.

The dogs bounded ahead of them, periodically turning their heads back as though wondering what was taking so long. Despite the less than subtle prodding by the hounds, he and Linc continued at their leisurely pace.

As they arrived at the manor house, a gentle snow had begun to fall just as Linc had predicted. By the time they had cleaned up, donned clean clothes, and settled in by the fire, the snow was coming down in a thick snowstorm which promised to leave a blanket of white.

The flames of the fire danced in the grate as Arthur eased back into his seat and stretched his legs out. Assuming we arent snowed in, we can try stalking some pheasant along my eastern boundary. My neighbors along there have been there for decades and have no concerns if we crossover in our roamings.

Linc swirled a snifter of brandy. That sounds excellent. The fire crackled, the only noise breaking the silence. So. Tell me. How are you doing, with all the changes youve gone through recently?

Do you mean letting my old pals go? Arthur asked, knowing that was what the blighter was asking, but stalling for time to sort out his thoughts.

Certainly. Youve given up your circle of friends, curtailed your past pursuits in a rather dramatic fashion, and in all honest, sobered up significantly, Linc said carefully. Its no small feat. Add to all of that the loss of your parents and the more recent marriage of your sistermuch has changed for you. Youve done well.

Arthur chuckled, his cheeks heating slightly at the praise. I suppose its not a few small changes. But once I understood what was happening with Emily it was all quite easy to change. Im ashamed to saywell, I was so busy wallowing in my own despair and loss over my parentsnot to mention my gambling problemI quite forgot about my sister. In truth, I was overwhelmed by all of it. My father had tried to show me how to run the estate but he was no deft hand himselfas we discovered, he already had the family halfway to the poorhouse. What little advice he had bothered to gift me was entirely unsound, as you all saw.

Linc nodded. Im sure it was a lot to bear. Im just glad Cooper found Emily, and by virtue of their connection, found you in time to save you both.

I too. It has been anenlightening journey in many ways. Arthur couldnt help but think back to their last night at The Market once again. His cock stirred, and once more he wondered about the feelings he found stirring within when it came to one particular Lustful Lord.

Feelings he absolutely had to ignore. His family had endured enough scandal already. The last thing Emily needed was for him to suddenly find other men attractive. Not to mention, such a thing would not aid his already sparse marriage prospects.

No, he could not afford to think of Linc in such a manner, not anymore. Well, not after tonight. Perhaps just a few more thoughts.