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My mate smirks. "I can't deny that assessment. But how did shy Ben get himself a gorgeous girl?"
Sam glances back and forth between us, her brows crinkled in the most adorable way.
I nod toward my mate. "Sam, this is Hugh Parrish, also known as Lord Steamy."
Hugh makes a disgusted noise. "Come off it, Ben. Nobody who knows me calls me that."
"Sure we do. I heard Chance tell Elena that's your official title."
My wife seems even more confused. "Lord Steamy?"
Hugh rolls his eyes. "That's not a real title. It's what silly birds call me because they're…silly birds."
"He means girls," I tell Sam. "He's a viscount."
"A what?" she says. "Is that like Count Dracula?"
"No, but I've heard rumors about Hugh and a pair of plastic fangs…"
"Don't believe every rumor you hear," Hugh says. Then he offers his hand to Sam. "May I formally introduce myself? I am Hugh Parrish, Viscount of Sommerleigh. And a viscount is not a vampire. It's a title just below earl but above baron."
Same shakes his hand. "Nice to meet you, Lord… What should I call you?"
"I prefer Hugh. But if you insist on formality, I'm Lord Sommerleigh."
"Well, Hugh, I'm Samantha Montague. But you can call me Sam."
He winks at me. "I'm sure Ben calls you all sorts of other things."
My wife ignores that comment. "So, you must be a real ladies' man to be called Lord Steamy."
"Oh yes, I am world famous."
I shake my head. "Infamous is more like it. How many times have you been caught sneaking into a proper English lady's boudoir and gotten horse-whipped for it?"
"Very funny. I've never been whipped." He smirks. "Though I have had girls beg me to whip them. Playfully, of course."
Sam laughs. "They beg for that? Wow, you must be super hot in bed."
Hugh grins and starts to speak.
I cut him off before he can finish one syllable. "Can we please stop talking about Hugh's sex life?"
Lord Sommerleigh smiles and slaps my arm. "Relax, mate. I'm not after your girl. Even I wouldn't stoop that low."
"Yes, I know. But your escapades aren't an appropriate topic for conversation at a backyard party."
"Fair enough. Sorry."
"No need to apologize."
Hugh checks his mobile, but he seems to be looking at the clock on its screen rather than wanting to make a call. "I should leave, anyway. My best mate needs a hand, and I promised to fly to Inverness to offer my support."
"What's wrong with Callum?"
"He injured himself again, and his brother has sent him to physical therapy in Inverness."
"Who's Callum?" Sam asks.
