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There was no denying that the way Ash, Elizabeth, and he chose to live their lives was difficult. They just didn’t realize how much so until they’d arrived in London. He’d once thought that if only they hadn’t been caught together, then the three of them could be living the life they craved. They could be in the country enjoying a quiet and happy existence in their small village next to Wickford. That had been an innocent dream. They’d never be at peace as long as Eleanor threatened them.
The husky sound of Ash’s laughter vibrated close to Robert's chest, breaking him out of his musings.
“Why on earth would anyone want to be prime minister? Everyone hates the person in that exalted position, and no one ever thinks he does an adequate job.” Ash finished his drink. As he walked to the table, he lifted his glass, asking if anyone else wanted one.
Robert followed him. “I don’t want the bloody position.”
Elizabeth followed but didn’t refill her glass. “Well, it is true that you do important work. The funding for the additional foundling homes and the fight to reduce the working hours of children have you as their champion.” She wrapped her arms around Robert’s waist. “But I hate to see you so miserable when you come home in the evenings.”
“What are we going to do?” Ash refilled Robert’s glass and then lifted his in a toast.
For the first time in a year, a sense of peace invaded every inch of Robert’s body. Having Ash near instantly diminished his weariness at their situation.
“I’ll figure out how to handle Eleanor.” Still holding Elizabeth close, Robert put his hand on Ash’s shoulder and squeezed. “Let’s go to dinner.”
As Ash’s stomach growled, he placed his hand over Robert’s in a show of affection and solidarity. “I think that’s an excellent idea.”
A knock sounded on the door, and Mr. Winter stepped into the room. “Dinner is served, my lady.”
With a wicked grin, Ash turned to Elizabeth and lowered his voice. “One of my appetites will soon be satisfied.” He winked in Robert’s direction. “As the lady of the house, I expect you’ll want to satisfy the other.”
“Do tell.” Elizabeth met his wicked grin with one of her own.
“I think you should show your husband and me your bed. I quite fancy a well-deserved tumble with my lovers.”
Chapter Two
After a delightful dinner, Ash retired to his room and discovered that Robert’s valet Anthony had unpacked and put away the clothing. He never seemed to mind working for Ash as well as Robert. The valet had said that with their two exquisite wardrobes, he was the luckiest man to ever hold the position in the Overton household.
That was the thing about the Overton staff. They were extremely loyal and never said anything inappropriate about the marriage that Ash shared with Robert and Elizabeth. Nor did anyone say anything about the fact that Ash’s room connected directly to the marquess and marchioness’s suites.
Quickly, he shed his boots and clothing, then donned the banyan that Elizabeth and Robert had given him last Christmas. It was an exquisite quilted ivory silk, embroidered with flowers that resembled the gardens at Overton Hall.
He poured himself a drink and took a seat next to the fireplace where a small fire crackled in welcome. Because of Elizabeth’s cough, Robert had deemed that only wood would be used in the fireplace no matter the cost. Smoke from coal fires brought on severe coughing spells that always fatigued their darling Elizabeth.
Ever since the three of them were old enough to ride a horse, he and Robert had always kept a watchful eye out for Elizabeth and her health. But in the country, she could ride like the devil and outjump both of them. In a foot race, Elizabeth usually won even though her legs were shorter. Of course, they’d been young, but she was a marvel at athletic feats. Such wasn’t the case anymore. Not since they’d moved to London.
The door latch clicked, then softly closed. When Ash looked up, he relaxed. Robert wore a determined look that could only mean one thing. He was here to pleasure Ash and himself.
“Elizabeth is meeting with the housekeeper Mrs. Clarion.” When Robert reached his side, he took the glass of whiskey out of Ash’s hand. With their gazes locked, he took a sip, then his brow creased. “What’s the look for?” He cupped a gentle hand on Ash’s cheek. “Tell me,” he said softly.
Ash closed his eyes at the familiar warmth and touch. “I worry about Elizabeth.”
Robert let out a pained breath. “I’m worried for her too.”
“How’s her cough?” Ash leaned in and pressed a kiss to Robert’s neck. The taste was still as he remembered, slightly salty and delicious.
“It’s better since we came to see you at your brother’s estate. She’ll be joining us shortly. She’s anxious to see you.” Robert arched a perfect aristocratic eyebrow. “Until then, what can I help you with?”
Ash jutted his hips and palmed the tent in his banyan. “This.”
“I know just the thing.” Robert leaned close and pressed his mouth against Ash’s. Ash took him in his arms and ran his hands over Robert’s muscular back and arse. That man could have been a model for Michelangelo or Titian. He was perfection. Ash’s cock thickened even more from the roar of desire that rushed through every part of him.
Gone was Robert’s earlier gentleness. He crushed his mouth to Ash’s lips. Ash answered with a moan, and Robert slipped his tongue inside. As their tongues collided, Robert’s hand slipped beneath Ash’s banyan and fisted his engorged cock. Both sucked in a breath at the touch. This is what he’d missed. The incendiary desire that could ignite whenever they were together.
Robert slowly broke the kiss and with a devilish half smile regarded Asher. “All I could think about at dinner was tasting you.” He rubbed his thumb over the seeping crown of the cock, then sucked it into his mouth.
Ash’s hips shot forward at the fierce heat in his lover’s eyes.
