Page 78 of Too Many Beds
Too Many Beds at Crofton Hall
Rebecca Cohen
Evan was not a man to be cowed, nor would he be spoken to as if he was filth under someone’s shoe. “I take exception to being talked to in such a manner, Trafford.”
The blond-haired lobcock sneered. “That’s Lord Trafford to the likes of you. A bastard is not worthy of occupying the same space as me and I will speak to you accordingly.”
Albert Pine might have been Marquess of Trafford but Evan’s father outranked him. The problem being while his father had seen him well set-up financially, he’d never officially claimed him. So being the illegitimate son of a foreign prince was enough ammunition for arseholes like Trafford to think they could do as they pleased and refer to him as if he were vermin.
Maybe if he’d had one less glass of wine he might not have swung his fist but it was debatable. Trafford staggered backwards but recovered from being caught off guard and lunged at Evan in retaliation. Before he could land another punch he was being pulled away. Trafford’s friend held him firm but the man who had Evan caught around the chest was their host for the evening, Jeremiah Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, and a man Evan would have loved to have been in this position with, albeit in a private setting.
“Mr Davidson, calm yourself.”
Jeremiah was strong despite being at least twenty-five years Evan’s senior. He had no chance of breaking out of his grip. Evan had never had the opportunity to be this close to Jeremiah but his reputation of not giving a damn what people thought of him, or his wanton pursuits, made Evan want to show Jeremiah he knew how to behave.
“I will not sully my knuckles on Trafford’s jaw again, Lord Crofton.”
“I am pleased to hear it, I wouldn’t want to eject you from Crofton Hall.” Jeremiah let go. “How about you come with me for a quiet drink? To let your blood cool… over this matter at least.”
Evan saw Jeremiah smirk, the fire dancing in his eyes, and he was quick to follow, leaving the long gallery where the scuffle had taken place. Lady Crofton gave him the most deliberate up-and-down look as they passed and then winked at her husband. Evan wondered if he was missing something.
He was being led away from the raucous areas of the hall. The Earl of Crofton’s parties were known as being lively and his reputation only heightened people’s desires to attend. This had been Evan’s first invitation, and he didn’t want it to be his last. “I hope I did not cause offence,” he said as he was ushered into a sitting room on the first floor.
“I am not a man who is easily offended.” Jeremiah offered Evan a drink, which Evan accepted. “And if I am not mistaken neither are you.”
Evan wasn’t aware Jeremiah knew him well enough to make such a statement. They had met a few times but nothing that suggested a deep knowledge of each other. “I suppose that depends on what’s said.”
Jeremiah sat on a Chesterfield sofa and patted the seat next to him. Evan swallowed thickly and followed suit. He’d beenharbouring a desire for Jeremiah for several months, and the more he heard about his ways the more Evan wanted to see if the stories were true.
“I am going to speak plainly—there are times for soft words and delicate actions and this is not it. Evan, I want you to be honest with me, do you think you can?”
There were a lot of things Evan would do if Jeremiah asked. “Yes.”
“Good lad. Now, I am a perceptive man, I notice what goes on around me, and I have seen you hold a fascination for me.”
Jeremiah wasn’t wrong, and Evan wondered how best to play this game. He had no doubt there were societal rules around this sort of conversation, but they appeared to be writing new ones as they spoke. Evan knew he was an attractive man, had taken several lovers, knew how to please both women and men and wanted the chance to show off his skills to Jeremiah.
Evan leant forwards. “I am more than just fascinated.”
“I am pleased to hear that. But I don’t let any old Tom, Dick or Harry play with me. You would have to earn your place in my bed.”
“Do you want my credentials?” he asked, licking his lips for good measure. “I can provide testimonials from satisfied partners.”
Jeremiah chuckled. “You are a bold thing, I approve. But the blessings of others are irrelevant.”
“Then what would you want of me?”
“A game. And not tonight, but at your next visit, a simple test. You want to spend a night in my bed, all you have to do is find it.”
Evan frowned. He had no idea what Jeremiah meant. “I don’t think I understand.”
“Crofton Hall has many beds, some might say too many. I will set up a little adventure for you, and if you solve the clues, I will let you have the pleasure of spending time in my bed. And Ipromise, if you are bright enough to find me, I will make it worth your while. I might go so far as to say, you may never wish to leave but you won’t be allowed to stay.”
Evan was all for a night of fun, but he had no interest in anything more than a one-time thing. Jeremiah had a circle of lovers, but new additions were temporary and Evan would be happy to experience whatever was on offer. “I look forward to receiving your invitation. Although, I would like a sample to ensure that your offered prize is as good as you allude to.”
Jeremiah’s nostrils flared and Evan wondered if he had misjudged the amount of bravado to lay on. “Come here.”
His voice sent a delightful shiver up Evan’s spine and he felt compelled to comply. He leant in and Jeremiah reached out then cupped his cheek, his hand warm and thrilling. Evan licked his lips, being this close to Jeremiah was intoxicating. His hazel eyes sparkled and Evan felt as if he were caught in a spell he never wanted to break.