James tells himself he doesn’t miss its warmth.
“And in keeping grooms-to-be alive,” James offers, feeling like he must give the man something, in exchange for all that he cannot offer.
“We could be more than that,” Mason says. His eyes are clearer now. “We have a perfect cover, a perfect situation. Wouldn’t—” He pauses, licking his lips. And damn, if thatdoesn’t send a frisson of want through James’ body. “Wouldn’t it be nice to be with someone who understands, even a little?”
Mason’s words land against James’ chest like a blow. Of course it would.
He understands, he does, Mason’s fixation on this. But that doesn’t make it the safe choice Mason thinks it is.
Mason, with his understanding family and friends. Mason with his secure position as the second son, unwatched, unhindered by obligation. He couldn’t understand the sacrifice it would be to engage in an affair this risky. With all of London always watching—it would be a scandal of monumental proportions waiting to happen.
James meets Mason’s eyes, and his strong refusal dies in his throat. Mason looks so earnest, and so vulnerable.
“We can’t be lovers. But we could be friends,” James hears himself say.
Mason blinks at him, before a smile slowly stretches across his face. “Yeah?”
James can’t help but smile back, even as something sinks hard in his gut. Regret, maybe? “Yeah. We could try being friends.”
Mason nods happily and squeezes the hand James still has pressed to his heart. James quickly retracts it, but keeps his smile wide. He knocks on the door as Mason shuffles his feet.
“Try to get some sleep, and eat something, before the wedding,” James suggests.
Mason rolls his eyes, opening his mouth for some retort when the door cracks open. Lord Mason leans out in his robe, looking between them.
“You’re both in one piece. I’m impressed,” he says.
“Demeroven’s worried I’m going to faint dead away, though,” Mason says, shockingly put together given the previous few minutes.
“I’ll leave him in your care. Do be on time tomorrow, won’t you?” James says, stepping down into the alley while Mason snorts.
“Thank you for bringing him home,” Lord Mason says.
Mason whacks his brother’s shoulder. He turns, gives James a wink, and disappears inside.
“We’ll see you at the wedding,” Lord Mason says, before closing the door with a soft snick.
James stares at the closed door, something strange swirling in his chest.Friends.
Chapter Fifteen
Bobby
He can hear his teeth.
He’s never been well the next morning after more than three drinks, but this is one of the worst hangovers he’s ever experienced. He can literally hear his teeth as they sit inside his head. And instead of spending the morning convalescing in bed, or more likely bent over a chamber pot, he has to somehow survive Prince’s wedding. Which means making it down the stairs without breaking his neck.
“You look horrid,” Albie says as he stumbles down the final steps, clinging to the banister for dear life.
“Thank you,” Bobby snarls, gratefully taking the glass of water their valet Mr.Tilty hands him, and pocketing the scone for later, if his stomach feels solid enough for food. He really thought he’d cut himself off at the right time last night, but God, it’s like there are hammers in his skull.
“Did you sleep at all?” Albie wonders, passing Bobby his top hat.
“I think so,” Bobby says, looking Albie over.
In his freshly tailored black suit with his top hat, Albie looks downright dashing. While Bobby feels like a well-dressed sewer rat.
“It looks like you slept five minutes, at most,” Albie says, stepping up to redo his bow tie.
