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“Besides,” he said with a smirk, “I don’t believe you have become my mistress yet.”
But after tonight, she would be. And the idea frightened and excited her at the same time.
“Middleton,” a loud voice boomed from behind them. “I’m surprised to see you here after your brother’s scuffle last night.”
Tia and Middleton turned to see an older man, near to fifty from the looks of him, standing behind them.
“Kettering,” Middleton said with a bow. “I was looking for my brother.”
The man laughed. “Hardly think he would have the nerve to show up here again.”
“Were you here last night?”
“Of course. Saw the entire thing.” Kettering stared at Tia as if he’d never seen a woman before tonight.
“What happened?”
“He was at the faro table. He looked pretty deep in his cups. Another man I don’t know started to antagonize him. Your brother threw the first punch and then they were hitting each other. Adams had both men thrown out. He told them never to set foot in here again.”
Middleton frowned deeply, creating lines across his forehead. “You don’t know who the other man was?”
“Never saw him here before last night.” Kettering slid a glance toward Tia. “Now, you must introduce me to your companion.”
“This is Miss Featherstone.” Middleton looked at her and said, “Lord Kettering.”
“My lord,” Tia said with a quick curtsy.
“My, she is a fetching gel,” Kettering said and then licked his lips as if he wanted to devour her. “Do let me know when you tire of her.”
Middleton stiffened. “That might take a very long time, Kettering.”
The man wiggled his white brows at her. “Might be worth the wait.”
Tia felt her cheeks burn from the disgusting man’s scrutiny. “My lord, I believe Lord Middleton is right. I have no desire to leave his bed any time soon. He had to beg me to accompany him tonight. I would have preferred we stay at home . . . in bed.”
Middleton’s lips twitched.
“I see.” Kettering glanced at them both and nodded. “Good evening, then.”
“Well played, Miss Featherstone. Perhaps tomorrow night we shall stay at home. In my bed.”
Tia’s cheeks burned from the hot gaze he sent her. “So who exactly is this Adams man? Perhaps we should find him and see if he has anything to add.”
“Nice way to change the topic, Miss Featherstone.” He led her away from the hazard table. “Philip Adams is one of the owners of this establishment.”
“Oh, is he here tonight?”
“Right over there,” he said, leaning his head to the right.
“That man standing against the wall?” The man looked more like one of the hulks guarding the doorway. He was well over six feet with large muscles and as they walked closer, he displayed even white teeth and dimples in both cheeks.
“So, you ejected my brother last night, Adams?”
“You would have done the same, Middleton.” Adams scanned her with a frown. “I thought you were through with that.”
“Long story.”
“I’m quite certain it would be an entertaining one at that.” He turned toward Tia with a grin. “Philip Adams, at your service.”
