Chapter Thirty-Four

A fter a delightful three days of privacy, Jo declared she missed her son and wished to collect him from Stone and Theo. Arthur sent around a note so there would be time to get Matthew ready to leave while they dressed themselves. With all the wandering hands and eyes, it was a miracle of Jos resolve to see her son that they were eventually presentable and ready to depart.

As they walked into the entrance hall of Stones townhome, a not-so-small bundle of energy hurled itself into Jos legs, nearly toppling her over. The happy tears she shed as she hugged her son had Arthurs throat closing as memories of his own parentsand ultimately their lossbubbled to the surface in a most uncomfortable and unexpected fashion.

A hand squeezed his arm, causing him to glance over at Linc. The man whod stolen part of his heart gave him a sympathetic look before he turned a sparkling smile to the boy, now wrapped around his legs.

Jo looked over at Arthur, concern dancing through her speckled green eyes. The dark flecks he could sometimes see always seemed to come out when she was upset. Determined not to ruin this moment for her or Matthew, Arthur reined in his memories and tried to find the peace hed long ago grabbed a hold of. It served no one, least of all himself, when he allowed the sadness of his past to have control.

He summoned a smile for Jo that had her brow smooth out as Matthew latched on to his legs next.

With a peal of excitement, the boy asked, Can we, Uncle Arthur? Can we go to the park?

Arthur wasnt sure what hed missed, so he shot a glance at Linc and Jo in turn.

Linc took pity on him. I think wed better save a trip to the park for another day. Your uncle and I have an errand to run after we deposit you two at home.

Arthur let out a breath on a whoosh. He hadnt been sure if either Linc or Jo had made the suggestion, and hadnt wanted to countermand one of them. But it simply wasnt safe for Matthew or Jo to be in such a public and wide-open space right now. Hopefully, after their errand, that would change.

Disappointed, the boy nodded. I suppose so.

I think perhaps there may be a treat for you when we get home. Cook has made a special treat for the new master of the house. Jo grinned as her son was instantly distracted by that exciting bit of news.

With a crisis averted for the moment, they managed to remove themselves from Theo and Stones foyer.

Linc looked at Arthur as the carriage rumbled toward Jos former home. Lord Downs had installed himself and his family there post-haste after her escape. It was easy to imagine the greedy couple occupying the Lord and Ladys chambers, congratulating themselves with smug faces.

When would they figure out just how much a house of that magnitude cost to maintain in London?

Soon, he suspected. Very soon.

The carriage rolled to a stop and the door was opened. They exited the vehicle and quickly climbed the steps to the front door.

Arthur reached up and firmly rapped the knocker against the door. As they waited, he looked at Linc, his brown eyes darkly intense. Be prepared for anything.

No question. The man is a loose cannon. Linc nodded, acknowledging that this conversation could go sideways far too quickly.

The door opened, and a man stood there. It was not Bell, the previous butler. Linc wondered if this was Jasper who Jo had fired.

Good day, my lords. The butler bowed stiffly, just enough to be courteous.

The Earl of Dunmere and Baron Lincolnshire, to see Lord Downs. Arthur stood ramrod straight next to him as he explained who they were.

Just a moment, my lords. The man closed the door and left them standing on the front step.

A few minutes later, he returned and granted them entrance. Lord Downs will see you in the study.

Neither spoke as they followed the servant into the house that had once been Jos home, and down the hall. Normally they had visited Jo in the drawing room, so this was a part of the house they had not seen previously. The butler knocked on the door and announced them.

They entered to find Downs sitting at the desk in a dark, wood paneled room. He didnt bother to stand up as they walked in. Lincolnshire. Dunmere, I hear congratulations are in order.

That is why we came to see you. Arthur stared at the man from where they stood.

Me? I cant imagine why your marriage would necessitate a visit with me. Downs leaned back in his chair, smugly casual.

I am almost certain you can imagine why a visit with you is required now Jo and I are married, Arthur said flatly.

Linc listened and watched, hoping he wouldnt need to intercede. Downs was needling Arthur in a most unhealthy manner, and it could all change in a moment.

Im afraid I really dont. Im pleased Josephine has found aprotector. The man clearly strove for an innocence which did not ring true, considering what they knew.

Linc smirked. Im sure you felt something at her recent nuptials, though pleasure is a bit of a stretch.

I believe I am offended by your suggestion. I like Josephine. I wish her only the best. Downs spread his hands, as if that proved his sincerity.

Arthur snorted. Regardless of your nonsense, I wanted to make it clear where things stand.

Lincs heart pounded in his chest. This was where things would get dicey .

Downs leaned forward and rested his forearms on the desk. And where precisely do things stand, from your perspective? The tone of the question was decidedly less friendly than the rest of the conversation had been, but that was to be expected. Things were about to escalate.

Jo and Matthew are now under our protection. Arthur pointed at himself and Linc. You will cease any attempts to contact them. You will cease any efforts to harm them.

As inappropriate as it was, Linc found himself aroused by the forcefulness Arthur displayed. He took a deep breath and willed his cock not to thicken, trying to refocus on the conversation at hand.

I do not know of what you speak. I have never attempted to harm Jo or my nephew. Downs said flatly.

Linc couldnt contain the grunt of disbelief. You deny that you held her captive in her rooms for three days?

Ha! I believe she misunderstood what was intended as a protective measure.

Another snort escaped Arthur. Absolutely no one misunderstood your intentions in locking her and her son away. You will cease your pursuit or we shall end your activities ourselves. Permanently.

Linc repressed a groan. Fucking hell, the man was stimulating when he got all protective.

Im afraid Im still baffled by this threat of violence, Downs reiterated with a wry smile.

Regardless, know this is your first and last warning. My wife and son are not to be targets, Arthur growled.

Very well. Downs said and slumped back in his chair once more. And since Ive done nothing up to now, I can assure you nothing will happen moving forward.

Linc looked at the man askance. He played innocent, but he just didnt believe him.

Then we have an understanding. Arthur nodded sharply and turned to go.

Linc fell into step behind him until they reached the hallway.

As they made their way out, Arthur looked at him. I have my doubts about him. But I believe we should take him at his word they stepped outside mostly.

They climbed back into the carriage. Agreed. We should take him at his word for now, but that doesnt mean we ever leave them unprotected. They belong to us. Linc leaned over and turned Arthurs face toward him. My God your fierceness in there was arousing as hell.

Arthur chuckled, instantly shedding the anger which had simmered while theyd been in there. He reached up, wrapped a hand around the back of Lincs neck, and kissed him. Their tongues met and tangled, slipping over each other as they took comfort in each others touch. They separated, pressing their foreheads together as they each caught their breath.

They would face this situation shoulder to shoulder. Together, they would protect their woman and their son.

But it seemed the threat was over. Lord Downs understood Jo was no longer without protection. She nor her son would be easy prey.

Could this be the happily ever after theyd hoped for?