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Bash’s gaze sharpened. “He ran to you.”
Shite.
“I believe he rode a horse here,” she said in as bored a tone as she could affect.
“Oh, sod off, Theo. He ran from that dining hall like his boots were on fire. He had terror written all over his face.” He leaned forward. “And he fled straight to you. And spent the night. Seems awfully…intimate for an arrangement that apparently means nothing.”
Theo threw up her arms. “Fine. You win, Bash. I don’t know what’s happening. When I figure it out, apparently I should inform you first. All I know is something is different with him. And I don’t know why.” But none of that mattered. It was insignificant. They’d have their fun, enjoy their time, and then he’d ride off to London. And if she was successful, hopefully he’d be leaving some of his monsters behind. “Are you happy now?”
“Exceedingly.”
Theo harrumphed. “You’re insufferable.”
“You pronounced incomparable wrong.”
She snorted. “An incomparable arse, perhaps.”
A heavy, commanding knock boomed through the cottage, and Sebastian’s eyes lit up like a fireworks display. “I wonder who that could be.”
Theo stood, her shoulders sagging with a sigh. “This is repayment for my Leo comment, isn’t it? The powers that be are punishing me for teasing you.”
Sebastian followed her to the door. She shot him a look over her shoulder. He just smiled at her and didn’t take the hint to go back and sit down. Apparently, he wanted a front-row seat. Her gut tightened. Hopefully, the Duke was on his best behavior. Considering how he’d arrived before, this could end up quite embarrassing.
She pulled the door open and quickly stepped aside so that Bash was visible. His Grace’s eyes darted to Bash and back to Theo. But all he did was arch a brow at the oddity of finding his half-brother at her cottage.
“Miss Dawson. Sebastian.”
“I was actually about to take my leave,” Bash said chipperly. “So, this is quite excellent timing. I’m sure you two have much to work through with the estate. I wouldn’t dream of interrupting such…pressing business.” He winked.
Somehow Theo managed to hold back her eye roll. Heaven help her.
His Grace’s lips twitched, nearly indiscernible, but Theo caught it. Interesting. Whatever had caused Bash’s new affection for his brother seemed to have also inflicted the Duke.
Sebastian bowed. “Your Grace.”
His Grace stepped aside, giving room for Bash to exit. “Rafe,” he murmured. “Rafe will suffice.”
Bash’s eyes went round, and he blinked a few times. Then he seemed to come to. He cleared his throat gruffly. “Of course. Excellent. Rafe it is. Jolly-good. I’ll leave you two to it. Until next time. Rafe.”
And then he practically bounded through the door, leaving Theo’s heart a puddle in her chest as she watched after her friend. Her friend who’d reverted back to the nine-year-old lad she’d met all those years ago. She wasn’t sure the Duke knew what giving his brother that honor meant to Sebastian.
She pulled her attention back to His Grace, who wore a soft smile, and there went her heart, a puddle for an entirely different reason. He did know.
She leaned her shoulder against the doorframe, crossing her arms, and quite obviously not inviting him in. She raked her gaze over him. He was in riding dress.
“Can I assist you with something, Duke?”
“Would you care for a ride?”
His posture was stiff. A soft blush dotted his cheekbones, making his scar even more stark than usual. Small signs of discomfort from everything that had transpired the night before.
“I was hoping you might take me through the areas you consider most promising for quarrying,” he added gruffly.
She pushed off and headed for her bedchamber to gather her riding boots and coat. “Not the ride I had hoped you were proposing,” she called over her shoulder. “But I suppose I’d be amenable.”
She smiled as his groan echoed behind her.
* * *
