Simply Insatiable (House Of Pleasure #5) by Kate Pearce

Author:Kate Pearce [Pearce, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2014-10-22T07:00:00+00:00

Robert lounged in the cavernous hallway, his back against a black-and-white marble pillar, his gaze fixed on a hideous portrait of an old lady with fifteen pug dogs surrounding her. He hadn’t settled on fifteen yet. Every time he examined the picture he spotted another of the little buggers lurking in the drapery.

Minshom’s dismissal hadn’t bothered him, although the ride to the mansion clinging to the outside of the ponderous coach had proved somewhat cold. In truth, he wasn’t sure how he felt about his master at the moment, was even relieved not to have to face him. And Minshom knew him far too well for such unruly thoughts to be hidden and would only exploit them, drive him into a corner, reduce him to begging again.

Robert sighed. Why couldn’t he just leave? Hadn’t he paid his dues fifty times over?

“Does anyone know a Captain David Gray?” The footman’s voice shattered Robert’s musing. “There is an urgent message for him.”

Robert put up his hand. “I know him.”

The footman looked relieved. “Can you take this note to him immediately? I’d prefer not to have to announce this to everyone.”

Robert took the note and headed up the wide staircase, ignoring the occasional look of surprise or deliberate sneers at his somber attire from the invited guests. He had to help didn’t he? He couldn’t pretend he didn’t know Captain Gray when there was obviously an emergency.

He spotted the captain almost as soon as he entered the ballroom and hastened to his side.

“Captain Gray.”

His lover—his ex-lover—turned around slowly as if bracing himself against the sound of Robert’s voice.

“Yes?” For the first time, there was no hint of warmth in David’s face, no indication that they were anything more than master and servant. Robert concealed his immediate pang of hurt. He’d told David to leave him alone, had begged him to, in fact, so why should he hate it?

Robert bowed. “I apologize for interrupting, Captain, but I was asked to deliver an urgent message to you.” He handed over the sealed note and stepped back.

“Thank you.” There was no inflection in David’s voice as he turned back into the circle of his acquaintances, leaving Robert standing alone. God, it stung to have to walk away, to not have the privilege of asking what was wrong, of offering his help.

Robert made his way back down the stairs and took up his previous position by the marble pillar. At least Lord Minshom hadn’t seen his humiliation—that was one thing to be grateful for. He glanced up at the entrance to the ballroom and saw Captain Gray descending the stairs with great speed. He couldn’t help stepping into the light and into his path.

“Are you all right, Captain?”

David looked at him and swallowed hard. “Apparently my father has suffered another stroke. I’ve been ordered to attend his bedside. He is not expected to live.”

Robert touched his arm. “I’m sorry. Can I do anything to help?”

Briefly, David’s hand sought his and squeezed hard. “No, I thank you. Just pray for him.

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