Montague slapped dust from his thigh. “Interesting technique. I thought for sure you’d be the one I had to stop from inflicting too much damage.”
Summerset huffed. “Ever since he’s given his manager carte blanche, he’s gone soft.”
“Soft?” Rothchild raised his eyebrows. “With those tight, little waistcoats the woman wears, I would have thought it would be the opposite.”
“Enough.” Slashing his hand through the air, Max glared at his friends. “You wouldn’t tolerate me making lewd comments regarding your wives, would you? Show Colleen the same respect.”
“We respect all women,” Montague said mildly. “But there is a difference between jesting about a man’s wife and his mistress. Rothchild’s joke was no more than we’ve all said to each other before.”
“Unless Mrs. Bonner is more than a mistress?” Rothchild gave him a sympathetic smile. “I apologize for my remark. It won’t happen again.”
Max nodded his thanks. He turned and made his way out of the alley.
Summerset trotted by his side. “No,” he said, shaking his head. “I won’t allow it.”
“What are you on about?” Max asked.
“Another friend becoming imprisoned in a life tenancy.” Summerset waved his arms in the air. “We’ve already lost two men. I won’t allow another.”
“What?” said Rothchild as Montague huffed “I object!”
“We haven’t lost anyone.” Hitting the street, Max looked for their driver. The man was down the block but put leather to horse when he saw Max wave. Max strode down the sidewalk, meeting the carriage half way.
“Really?” Summerset clambered into the carriage behind him and scooted over to make room for the others. He jabbed a finger at Montague. “Where are you heading now that our work is done for the night?”
“Home. To Liz.”
“Uh, huh. And you?” He knocked Rothchild with his knee.
“To Montague’s to collect Amanda.” He shrugged. “The sisters wanted to spend their evening together.”
“So, instead of going to King Street or The Black Rose as we used to, the two of you are going home. To yourwives.” Derision dripped from his words like water from an icicle. “You’ve been domesticated.”
“Don’t include me in that group. I’ve spoken no vows.” Max tugged the hem of his waistcoat.
“So, after we drop off this lot, do you want to go to a hell? Find a little trouble?” Summerset asked, skeptical. “I know a couple of women who would be more than happy to entertain us.”
“Can’t.”
“Because you’re going to your Mrs. Bonner?” Summerset shook his head sadly. “Domesticated and you don’t even realize it yet. Pathetic.”
Max shoved his friend, and the carriage rocked with the ensuing scuffle. Max had to admit his heart wasn’t in it. Going home to a woman he cared about each night might be tame, but it did sound pleasant. Montague and Rothchild were lucky bastards.
He thought of Colleen’s forgiveness and hoped that he might be allowed into the ranks of lucky bastard, as well. He took Summerset’s elbow to the ear with equanimity and settled back into his seat. His life was changing, and even though his friend might not be pleased with the outcome, Max was. His jobs for Liverpool would soon be a distant memory, and he could spend his days relaxing with Colleen, puttering around the conservatory, helping her run her shop.
No, things were looking up. Even under the heavy cloud Zed cast over their lives, the bad times wouldn’t last. With a remarkable woman like Colleen at his side, his future was bright.
At Montague’s townhouse, Max practically kicked his friends from the carriage.
“Hey!” Summerset stumbled to the sidewalk and ran a hand through his hair. “This isn’t my stop.”
“I’m certain Montague can lend you a horse. I’m going in the opposite direction.” And didn’t want to waste a minute before returning home. To Colleen.
Crossing his arms, Summerset shook his head. “At least I still have Dunkeld. That lout will never leg shackle himself.”
Max ignored that. “I’ll notify you if I hear back from Zed.”
“His response might be a bullet to the head.” Rothchild closed the carriage door and rested an arm in the open window. “Have you thought of that?”
