Page 30 of Soul of Discretion

Simon took a deep breath. “Okay, so quite a lot has gone on since we spoke last. Let me fill you in now that you’re here. And then, perhaps you can finally give me an answer to why you’re sitting in front of me right now.”

An hour later, hoarse from telling his tale and answering Peter’s probing questions; they sat, staring at each other.

“Do you think these guys will come after you? Is that why there’s such tough security downstairs?” Peter scowled. “And who the hell is this Sergeant Cooper anyway? He sounds like a right bossy git. The reception staff seem terrified of him.”

Simon coughed and stared at Peter sheepishly. “Yes, I might have left that bit out. His name is Nick Cooper, he’s an RCMP officer and assigned to this case. He’s quite good at his job, and I trust him implicitly. He’s been assigned to be my official bodyguard…” His voice trailed off as Peter made a strangled noise, sounding like something between a baby’s gurgle and having something stuck in his throat.

“Oh. My. God. You’re fucking this guy, aren’t you? And not only that, you care about him. Holy crap. I thought I’d never see the day.”

Simon stood up and paced across the floor. “Do you have to use such language? I mean, I am your boss and a fucking earl at that. What happened to commanding respect?”

Peter was too busy singing to listen to Simon. It was distracting hearing the song Whitney Houston sang in “The Bodyguard” coming out of Peter’s lips. The man had a good voice and to be honest, Simon thought the rendition didn’t sound too bad. The high notes though…Simon winced as one went horribly astray.

“Do you mind,” he finally bellowed out, a kernel of laughter forming in his chest. “You little bastard, I have no intention of being thrown over Nick’s shoulder and carried off stage like a bloody diva.”

That stopped the singing but made Peter laugh so hard Simon thought his valet might wet himself. He took a deep breath and waited for his friend’s fit of amusement at his expense to be over.

“I’m so sorry,” Peter gasped as his laughter subsided. “You have to admit this whole situation is rather funny.”

He wiped his eyes with a handkerchief plucked from his pocket then stuffed it back. “Okay, I think I’m over it now.” He peered at Simon carefully. “The way you spoke about him, and the look on your face…I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like that about anyone before.”

Simon shrugged awkwardly. “We hooked up on crUIzer, had some fun with no idea who the other was, and then when all this mess kicked off, it turned out he was a Mountie who was assigned to the case.”

“Does he know you’re a Lord?” Peter snickered. “The Mountie and the Toff. Sounds like a damned penny dreadful romance novel.”

Simon laughed at that. It was an apt description. “Yes, he’s aware. One of his staff saw me in some fancy magazine and my secret was out.”

They were silent then both spoke at once.

“For the last fucking time, why—”

“I’m here because I was worried about—”

Simon sighed. “You go first.”

Peter squirmed a little. “I didn’t tell you I was coming because I knew you’d tell me not to. After we spoke, and you told me about Jack’s death and Margaret being found in such a state—” He drew a deep breath. “You sounded really down, so Coll and I talked with your mother and we all thought I should come over, stay here and look after you. I know you don’t eat properly when I don’t force you to, and God knows your experience in choosing the right accessories for your suits is diabolical—oomph.”

Peter’s reasons for being here were cut off as Simon pulled him up and into a fierce hug.

“Thanks,” Simon murmured into Peter’s fiery red hair, which tickled his nose. “You don’t need an excuse. I’m absolutely glad you’re here.”

A throat being cleared from the other side of the room startled them both.

“Sorry to interrupt. Mr Bridgeworth. I have some feedback from the hospital regarding Mrs Teeman. I thought you’d like to hear it first.”

Simon released Peter and turned to face Nick. Nick’s face was wary, his eyes narrowed. He appraised Peter carefully. It wasn’t a friendly once-over.

Oh fuck, his Mountie looked jealous. The thrill that gave Simon ran through him like a sliver of heated steel.

“Oh bollocks, it’s not what it looks like, honestly.” Peter moved over to Nick, who stood, arms folded, looking hotter than Simon could remember seeing him. Possessiveness did something to the man.

And why the hell am I pleased about that? Christ, I seem to be getting in over my head here. I’m going back to the UK, he’s staying here, and the chances are we’ll never see each other again.

The thought of that eventual parting didn’t sit well with Simon. At all.

Peter held out his hand. “I’m his personal valet, personal assistant, general factotum, and a friend. And I’m married. To a woman.” Peter threw Nick a beaming smile.

Simon snorted loudly.