David chuckled, raising his glass. “God knows you needed that challenge! To defiant duchesses, then.” They clinked their glasses together. “But seriously, Raph, give the Duchess a chance. She’s shaken you up, and maybe that’s not a bad thing, since you’ve been an unshakeable fortress for too long.”
Raph stared into his glass, his thoughts churning.
A fortress or a wall?
It did not matter because either way, Camelia was breaking through, and he was not sure he could stop her or even if he wanted to.
“Enough about me,” he said, deflecting. “What about you? Still chasing all the women London has to offer?”
David chuckled. “You got it all wrong, Raph.Theychaseme.”
“Oh, of course.” Raph shook his head, but the corners of his mouth lifted.
“Although I do admit that I long to settle down with my own wife someday. My own…Camelia,” David teased.
Raph stilled. “Stay away from her, David,” he warned.
David’s laughter rang out, unyielding.
Raph was accustomed to his friend’s relentless teasing, but Camelia’s name on David’s lips stirred a primal, possessive heat within him, dark and dangerous, urging him to claim her fully.
Camelia was his.
“You truly need to relax, Raph. As it is, you’re fighting a losing battle against two women.”
Raph sighed. David was right.
“Do you have any useful advice on how to win this battle, David?”
“With that shoulder? I say you should surrender.”
“Surrender? To my own wife? You’re a worse strategist than I thought. I’m the Duke of Brentmere, not some lovesick pup.”
“Oh, Raph, you’re practically panting for her like a dog in heat. I’m seeing it right now. God as my witness! Just admit it, she’s got you wrapped around her little finger.”
“Hardly. I’m keeping her in check, David. With rules and control, that’s how I win. Unlike you, chasing every skirt in the ton.”
“Well, I have a right to chase skirts. I am not a duke… yet. So, I do not need marriage!” David cheered to that and downed his drink. “And Raph, be warned, no man is in control when he’s married.”
Raph’s eyes narrowed.David was right, again.
“Do you have anysoundadvice for me?” he huffed.
“Yes!”
“Do continue.”
“Bed her senselessly; that will make her obey you without making any complaints.”
The men laughed in their shared camaraderie.
“Thank you, David.”
“What for?” David asked drunkenly.
“For the bad advice and even worse company.”
As the night sky filled with stars. Raph drained another glass, the brandy doing little to cool the heat inside him.
