“I cannot see anyone but you.” His focus was on her, his hand gentle under her hair so he would not muss it, his other cupping his breeches out of the way of his bollocks. “Please, Althea. ’Tis my turn to beg.”
“There is no need to beg, my lord. I am happy to please you.” She sucked him down, their gazes locked in the darkness as she teased him with her pace for long minutes before she drove him up, bobbing faster. His cock pulsed and grew harder in her mouth. He stifled a groan with his fist to his lips, his other hand tugging her hair a warning. Her tongue curled around the sensitive underside of his cock, and he exploded in her mouth. She swallowed the hot spurts down before licking him clean.
The final act continued to play as he helped her back into her seat. They each stared blindly at the stage, sipped champagne, and watched Beth, giggling quietly, resume her position on Ford’s lap. As the theatre emptied and they followed the herd to the stairs down to the lobby, Evan was silent again. His reserve had returned, a veil over his emotions.
Uncertain how to reach him, she knew ’twould be impossible in a crowded theatre. Her hand was on his arm, and she squeezed it to garner his attention. “Evan, I look forward to your call two days hence.”
He nodded once before handing her into her carriage after Ford had done the same for Beth.
She’d see what he had to say, then hopefully find the right words to ask him to continue their secret affair.
Chapter Sixteen
Evan arrived at White’s for a long overdue visit with Michael. They, along with Ford, tried to meet once a fortnight when they were in Town.
Seeing he was the first to arrive, he ordered a round for all of them and settled into his preferred chair. They always chose this particular seating area and always sat in the same chair within that grouping. Much as Evan embraced new experiences, this one habit was comforting, as was the prospect of catching up with his friends.
Michael’s voice sounded behind him. “Good chap, ordering me a drink.”
Evan stood. Ignoring formality, the men clasped each other on the shoulder before sitting.
“Tell me about marital bliss. And Pen’s bakery. Did you bring me any treats?” Evan always asked, even though White’s was not a place Michael would bring food.
Michael laughed at him and shook his head. “Marital bliss is delicious, and that is all the detail you’ll get. And the bakery is still under construction, but you’ll be the first to know when she needs someone to test recipes on again.”
Evan glanced around to ensure no one was sitting nearby before leaning in. “While ’tis just us, I wanted to mention something. Given your ownership of the theatre where Pen was auctioned and your betrothal, I have no doubt you’re aware of the School of Enlightenment.”
Michael’s eyes darted left and right. “I was sworn to silence.”
“Bah, always the drab fellow, even now. I make my own rules, and you know I don’t do anything by half measure. Why d’you think my servants have always been comfortable with the house party activities? Heck, they sometimes join in when they want.”
Michael nodded in remembered agreement. “I should have wondered about that. Before Pen, I was too busy having fun with any and all interested.” He pondered that for a moment, then directed his gaze at Evan. “What was it you wanted to discuss?”
“I wanted to hear more of the scholarship you are sponsoring.”
“’Tis for other girls like Pen to have a path out of poverty.”
Ford plopped into his usual seat, and they sat back, reaching for their drinks.
“Gentlemen.” Ford’s greeting was terse, said through tight lips. He waved a hand in a circle. “Pray, do continue.”
Evan knew him too well for that. “What’s the matter, old chap?”
Ford leaned in and hissed, “Does everyone in White’s know about the school? Or just you two, and apparently your ladies, and their friends, and God knows who else?”
Evan’s brows had risen at his first question, and he and Michael both leaned forward again.
“I suppose Beth told you about it?” Evan said as Michael’s eyes widened at the discovery of yet another student.
Ford growled.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Evan remained calm. “It is a very closely held secret, I assure you. No one who isn’t directly connected hears about it, or you know I would have said something. As for talking about it here, consider the background noise. No one can hear us. ’Tis the perfect foil.”
“So how did he learn about it?” Ford flung a hand toward Michael.
“The auction that Penelope participated in was hosted by a group connected to the school and the girls came from there.” Michael attempted to diffuse the situation by answering Ford’s question. “If you had bid for a contract with someone, you would have been brought into the fold.”
When Ford started to speak, Evan held up a hand. “Really, Ford. I am sorry. Even students who know one another are told to be careful when they discuss it. And those they meet after attending are not to know.”
