How to Catch an Elusive Earl: Romancing the Rake by Tammy Andresen

Author:Tammy Andresen [Andresen, Tammy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Luke lifted his full pint of ale but didn’t bother to bring it to his lips. It was likely warm anyhow.

He glanced about the table and realized that neither Dashlane or Craven had touched their drinks either. Around them, the Swan’s Neck Inn buzzed with activity. He shifted. He’d known these two men for the better part of five years, but he realized when they weren’t carousing, they had very little to say to one another.

In fact, he hardly knew them at all. “I think I’ll be staying in Seabridge Gate for another day or two.”

Dashlane flicked his gaze up to Luke. “Really? I plan to leave first thing in the morning. I can’t spend another day chasing after cats.”

Craven made a small sound that was halfway between a laugh and snort. “You mean you didn’t find that fun?”

Was the man being sarcastic? Luke had no idea. What was going on with Craven? The man never made jokes, if that’s what that was. “I personally thought the exercise had some merits.”

Dashlane grimaced. “But you missed your boat. How will you get north now?”

He looked down at his full drink, spinning the glass. “I reckon I won’t. I mean, it wasn’t the best use of my energy anyhow.”

Craven sat back in his chair. “Good God, man, what’s gotten into you?”

Dashlane gave a salacious chuckle. “I think the better question is what he’s gotten into. Perhaps the answer is a Moorish sister.”

For some reason that comment, which he would have found funny a day ago, irritated him to no end. To make such a comment about an innocent woman who was kind, and caring, and so lovely…He slapped the table. “Don’t disrespect her or any of her sisters like that.”

Craven leaned forward. “Interesting.”

His hand on the table drew into a fist. “It isn’t interesting, and it isn’t like that.” What they’d done today had been the furthest thing from Dashlane’s innuendo. He’d told her things that no one knew…

Dashlane shrugged and sat back in his chair. “Suit yourself. I don’t care one way or the other. What I know is that Juliet Moorish has some definite ideas about me and the future and I’ve no intention of aiding her in their implementation whatsoever.” Then he took a long swig of his ale. “Which is why I shall leave as soon as I can.”

Luke grimaced and nodded stiffly. Likely a good plan. He’d somehow opened a door today, or perhaps it had been yesterday, but now he was having trouble closing said door again. He twisted his neck, giving it a crack. She’d given him a great gift and truly, he hoped to give her one in return.

With that in mind, he pushed the pint away. It was nearing nine o’clock and he had no intention of getting inebriated this evening. First of all, he’d need all his control. She was an innocent and she’d stay that way. Second, and this one surprised him, he wanted to experience every moment with her without the fog of alcohol clouding his judgment or enjoyment.

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