Hurtheven grunted. He’d been astonished to hear Lady Adelaide revive the old rumors.No oneinsulted him anymore. No one but his closest friends.
“So”—Ash rubbed his chin—“debutantes are unacceptable. Thatdoesmake things difficult. Perhaps we should form a search of our own. Enlist the wives…?”
Hurtheven cast Ash his fiercest scowl, which Ash met with a widened grin.
“Believe it or not, I do know my duty. Ihaveconsidered the matter.WhenI choose a bride,I’llproceed rationally. Unlike the two of you.”
“Oh, this should be entertaining.” Chev crossed his feet at the ankles. “Especially from a man who has—on frequent occasions—gone outside in the middle of an electrical storm and turned his face to the sky.”
“He’s always had a strange fascination with storms,” Ash said dismissively. “And lightning. That’s why we call him Zeus, remember? Now, Hurtheven, elaborate on yourrationalplan, please.”
Hurtheven exhaled, glad for Ash’s unintentional rescue. He adopted a careless manner. “First, I will define the qualities necessary for a harmonious household, and then, I’ll set about finding someone who matches my criteria.”
Chev and Ash exchanged a glance and then laughed out loud.
Ingrates.
Ash shook his head, his expression looked suspiciously like pity. “That doesn’t makeanysense.”
“I believe he’s telling us,” Chev supplied, “that he’s going to make up a list.”
“Lists,” he gritted, “are useful.”
“And, what, exactly, would be on said list?” Ash asked.
“As I said…qualities.”
“Qualities necessary for aharmonioushousehold,” Chev repeated, his emphasis making the idea sound frivolous.
Easy for Chev. Chev and Pen had simply recognized one another, as if they’d been the best of friends in another lifetime. For Hurtheven, however, holding out for love would be as mad as waiting for another lightning strike. He would not be made weak. Vulnerable.
When he was ready, he’d take charge.
As usual.
Chev leaned toward Ash. “I don’t recallyouhaving a list, Ash.”
“To be fair, I had no intention of marrying Alicia.”
“That’s right.” Chev set down his drink and clapped Ash’s knee. “You rogue.”
“Imaintain,” Ash said with a smile, “That Alicia and I made a perfectly respectful, carnal agreement between equals.”
Hurtheven rolled his eyes. “Youpractically kidnapped Alicia.”
Ash smiled at a private memory. “Very well. Perhaps a dash of seduction was involved.”
“And an accidental pregnancy,” added Chev.
“My wife is not complaining, now, is she?” His lips turned up in a cat-with-cream smile. “Didyouhave a list, Chev?”
“He’d barely laid eyes on Pen when he decided to marry her!” Hurtheven exclaimed.
Chev observed him with a hooded gaze. “A list, my friend, does not appear to be a necessity.”
“Whatisa necessity is an heir,” Ash added.
“I am well-aware,” Hurtheven replied.
