The Prince's Groom (Pirates of Flaundia #2) Read online

  As they kissed, William spread his palms on Thomas’s chest and made circles around his nipples. Thomas moaned and finally released him. “And a good morning to you, Mr. Stephens.”

  William, better known as Stephens to Thomas’s staff, grinned and patted his employer on the rump. He then sat on the bed, yawning.

  “Did you sleep well?” Thomas went to his closet to decide on his outfit for the day.

  “Very well. You were amazing last night as always.” William coughed in his hand. “Have I told you how honored I am to be working for you?”

  Pulling on his shirt, he lifted an eyebrow. “You tell me every day. I should be the one thanking you for working for me.”

  William rose and helped him button his gray shirt. “If you hadn’t offered me a job, I would have been desolate.”

  It had been the least he could do after William had revealed Lord Humphrey’s fiendish plan to kill Thomas during Daisy’s rescue, when he had first found out she had been kidnapped by pirates. As Humphrey’s personal secretary, he had been privy to most of the evil man’s secrets. Unable to live with the knowledge that Thomas had been marked for death, the night before he had left to rescue Daisy, William had come to him to explain the entire situation. In his gratitude, he had thanked the secretary with a kiss that had led to much more between them into the wee hours of the morning.

  He’d felt it his duty to give William employment. Truly, he had been paid back tenfold through the service of a more than competent employee and generous lover who had no qualms about keeping their affair a secret.

  Unlike another he had on his mind every, single day….

  “Thomas? Are you well? Your face has gone pale.” William lifted his chin in apprehension.

  “You worry too much.” He grabbed the shorter, slighter man who was more concerned about his health than was needed and kissed the back of his hands. “I’m perfectly fine. I need coffee and some food, and I’ll be set.”

  “I guess I did keep you up late.” William smiled, kissed Thomas, and started pulling on his clothes.

  He finished getting dressed and mentally shook off any other stray thoughts of Martin that seemed to creep in his mind without his permission.

  William opened the bedroom door and stuck his head out. “I don’t hear any servants in the kitchen. I think it’s a good time for me to go to the guest house and get ready for the day. I’ll see you later, sir.” He winked, making Thomas chuckle. He just couldn’t get his wink down correctly and ended up squinting both eyes.

  “See you soon, Mr. Stephens.” He saluted his assistant as he left.

  With a swift brush over his hair, he was ready to start another long day of running his estate and other mundane responsibilities that had become a never-ending circle of regularity.

  ***

  “Please remind me to tell Martha we should always have cranberry biscuits at breakfast. These are simply divine.” Thomas finished a second biscuit and reached for a third.

  William stopped reading one of the letters and cocked an eyebrow in Thomas’s direction. “I cannot figure out how you can eat so much and still remain fit. I, on the other hand, must take precautions.” He patted his flat stomach and took a sip of his coffee.

  He snorted and leaned over to give William a kiss. He had never done so before and always kept his affection in the bedroom. William shook his head, as if he knew what he wanted to do and began reading again.

  The two men always breakfasted together. William used the time to review any invitations and business letters he’d received the day before, while he enjoyed these few hours in the morning where he savored a meal, indulged in good conversation, and read the morning paper. He opened the newspaper now, and an article on the front page caught his eye.

  “The dastardly Night Prowler has struck again.” He tapped his teeth with his tongue as he read the account of the deadly highwayman’s actions. The villain had stopped another carriage only three days ago, had held the family at gunpoint, and stolen all their money and jewels. For the past ten months this masked man, always dressed in black, ambushed unarmed, innocent people as they made their way along roads that had been safe to travel in the past.

  William glanced up from his letter and shook his head. “At least we have a new sheriff after six months without one. I still can’t believe the gall of the criminal, killing our beloved sheriff. The man should be hanged!”

  “We can only hope the new sheriff will stop this madman. At least the king has become involved. I hear Alastair Veiga is extremely qualified.”

  “And a viscount as well! You’d think a man of luxury wouldn’t be so concerned with such matters. But then again, he does have a wife and two daughters in his care. From what I hear, his younger, Ramona is a sight to behold, while his elder, Mrs. Julia Whitney, a widow is still mourning the death of her husband after a year.”

  “My, my, Stephens!” Thomas sat back and folded his hands on his stomach. “I’d never thought you’d take part in the ondits. Been talking with the staff, have you?”

  His face turned a bright shade of red, and Thomas covered a smile.

  “Well, sir, it is my obligation to know everything. It was like that with Lord Humphrey. Oh. Please, forgive me.”

  He glanced at the open door to see if anyone was about, and then skimmed his hand over William’s. “Will, you don’t have to apologize. You worked for the man for almost eight years. I understand.”

  William squeezed his hand and took off his glasses to wipe the lenses. “I hope I can work much longer under you…erm, I mean with you.”

  He let out a loud laugh that had William joining him.

  “I’m going to have one more cup of coffee, and then we can examine this month’s billing. We need to finish as much as we can since I’ve been invited to Viscount Veiga’s welcome ball. I’ll finally get to meet the man who will restore law and order to the land.”

  William slapped Thomas’s arm with the newspaper. “You don’t seem too thrilled. The ball will surely be the highlight of the season.”

  “I’ve never been one for balls. There are too many single women pursuing too few unattached men to wed. And their mothers are the worst! I can promise you by tomorrow the number of invitations I receive will increase.” He winced. “My feet are already throbbing from all the dancing I’ll be forced to do.”

  “I count myself lucky I’m not a member of the upper crust of society, merely a lowly servant.”

  “If only I could run away from it all,” he lamented and glanced out at the window as a bird flew past. It reminded him of a seagull and the island where he’d spent lazy afternoons without a care in the world, napping on the beach next to Martin who’d held him close and whispered sweetly in his ear.

  “Perhaps after tea, you should take a stroll around the garden before you go out for the evening. It might relax you,” William suggested as he got up from the table.

  How lucky he was to have a man like William concerned for his welfare. “I expect you to join me, also. There are many ways to relax other than taking a turn around the garden. I know a perfect spot behind the bushes where there’s a nice water fountain we can sit near and…talk.”

  William blushed, and cleared his throat. “Rightly so, sir. But first, we have work to do.” He clapped his hands. “Let’s get to it.”

  He got up, took the arm William extended, and left the room. He’d spend the next few hours in his suffocating office, when all he longed to do was sit outside with the sun shining on his face, pretending he was at the beach with the sand under his back and a man on top of him. A heavy, hairy man who gave him hungry, breathtaking kisses.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Ramona Veiga rushed down the hall to her sister’s bedroom wearing a sapphire-blue ball gown that made her waist tiny and her bosom full. The nineteen-year-old stopped at a mirror, smiled at her reflection, and patted the intricate hair style that had taken her maid over two hours to create. She expected a flawless reflection since she knew she was perfect, or so her parents had told her on many occasions. She just needed one final accessory to add to her outfit.

  She passed two scullery maids without acknowledging them even though they curtsied as she carried on. Without bothering to knock, she entered the room she sought and slammed the door, making her presence known to the occupants.

  Julia barely gave her a glance even though her maid, Nan, flinched and poked Julia in the head with a clip as she pulled back her flat auburn hair in a braid. Her older sister winced from the sting, and Ramona held back a giggle as she skipped over.

  “You really should wear some cosmetics. You’re too pale and sickly.” She tapped her chin and pushed back her shoulders. “Perhaps some extra padding added to your bodice would help, since that dress does nothing to improve your cleavage.”

  Ramona loved bringing up her sister’s lack of endowments at every opportunity. She took special glee from the soft, resigned sigh from her sister’s mouth and the almost imperceptible glance her sister flicked towards her bosom.

  “I’ll keep it under advisement. Thank you for your concern.” Her sister sounded as if the issue were unimportant.

  She smirked, recognizing defeat in Julia. She assumed her sister would humor her in all things, and Julia never disappointed. She watched from the window as the footmen prepared themselves for the guests who would soon arrive.

  “Thank you, Nan. That is all,” Julia told her maid.

  She turned, watching Julia pat the skirt of a buttercup-yellow gown that complemented the pale skin Ramona had just pointed out. Ramona frowned. She was prettier and had a more voluptuous body than her sister. No way Julia would ever outshine her.

  Julia walked to her dressing table and clipped on her pearl earrings. She had just picked up a matching necklace given to her by her deceased husband David, when Ramona snagged the piece from her hand.

  With her hand still frozen in the air, Julia gave her a questioning stare. “Yes, Ramona?”

  “I believe this necklace will suit my throat very nicely. Don’t you agree?”

  “And I think it’s better on my throat since it’s mine and not yours. You have a wide variety of jewels to choose from. Why not wear them?” Julia held out her palm.

  She rolled her eyes, turning her back on Julia as she gazed at the mirror and clipped on the necklace. “I would rather wear this. These pearls are more appropriate on a woman who’s dazzling and beautiful.”

  “I’m not in the mood for your heartless and immature—”

  “Heartless?” She tugged down her bodice, pleased the rise of her chest was now more to her liking. Many of the male guests would be dying to dance with her. “Sister dear, I advise holding your tongue when speaking to me. You know all too well I might say something to Mama and Papa by mistake.”

  She enjoyed the sounds of her sister’s irritated search for another necklace and knew she had won the battle when Julia removed a silver necklace with a small diamond in the middle from her jewelry box.

  “How can I forget myself where you’re concerned?” Julia asked. “You remind me all the time.”

  She came up behind Julia and placed her chin on her sister’s shoulder. She curled her arms around Julia’s waist and held her close. When her sister began to struggle to get away, she dug her chin in, holding her in place. “Perhaps if David hadn’t killed himself over your betrayal, you wouldn’t have to associate with me.”

  As Julia’s face lost color, Ramona pinched her cheek then fanned her skirt out. She laughed gaily. “I will surely outshine all those insipid wallflowers tonight.”

  “I have no doubt you will,” Julia responded in a shaky voice, fastening on her understated necklace. She put on her white gloves and faced Ramona. “They can’t compete with a bitch like you.”

  Red filled her vision, and she open her mouth to give her sister another piece of her mind, but their mother, Cornelia, entered with a big smile on her face.

  “There’s my precious doll!” she cried and held out her arms.

  She ran toward her mother, and they hugged. Julia remained silent.

  “You would make an angel from Heaven jealous.” Cornelia cupped Ramona’s cheeks and kissed the tip of her nose.

  Julia cleared her throat, and Cornelia released Ramona, glancing at her older daughter. “And you’re…lovely,” she said after a pause, walking over to pat Julia on her arm.

  Ramona stuck her tongue out at her sister.

  “Thank you, Mother. You’re beautiful as always.” Julia sat on her bed to pull on her slippers.

  Cornelia glanced in the mirror and fluffed her hair, pulling down her bodice of her ruby-colored ball gown. She nodded, seeming pleased with the results, and clapped. “This will be a marvelous night! Not only have all of the finest members of Flaundian society come to welcome us, but I heard a very eligible guest will be present.”

  “A dashing and rich man, Mama?” Ramona clapped her hands the same way her mother had a moment ago.

  “Always on the prowl for some poor sap,” Julia muttered under her breath.

  She sent Julia an evil glare and Cornelia, not appearing to have heard her comment, grabbed Ramona’s hands in hers. “Why, yes. How smart you are! There are more than a few single gentlemen for you.” She gave her elder daughter a tepid smile. “And for Julia, of course, but I have it on good authority from your father that a prince will be in attendance!”

  Julia stood and sighed loudly. “Mother, he’s a former prince—”

  “But he comes from royal blood,” Cornelia pointed out and then frowned. “Oh dear, please tell me you aren’t interested in making a play for him. Since he is a monarch, he is better suited for Ramona, don’t you think?” She went to Julia and tilted her head to the side. “Perhaps if you weren’t a widow and going on your thirtieth year….”

  “And had a smaller nose and fuller lips,” Ramona volunteered.

  Julia’s mouth dropped, and she touched her less than petite nose. “Mother!”

  Cornelia made a tsking noise and patted Ramona’s cheek. “You know how your sister doesn’t like to hear criticism.”

  She thrust out her bottom lip. “Sorry, Mama.”

  “That’s my darling girl.” Cornelia smiled, and Ramona hugged her.

  Julia cleared her throat but was ignored.

  When mother and daughter separated, sounds of rumbling resonated outside the room.

  “Oh, my! The guests are arriving.” Cornelia picked up her dress and rushed to the door. “Hurry, girls.” She dashed out the room without a backward glance.

  Julia began to depart, but Ramona grabbed her by the arm. Julia gave her a pointed stare. “Yes?”

  “You should know by now who has Mama and Papa’s affections. I can’t help it if they love me more than you.”

  Julia ripped her arm away and winced as Ramona’s long nails scratched her. She made no move to rub her abused skin as Ramona’s smile morphed into a snarl.

  “Now, excuse me as I mingle with our neighbors. I won’t have a moment to myself with all the conversation and dancing I’ll be doing while you sit in the corner rejected most of the night.”

  “Why do you hate me so?” Julia asked in a soft voice.

  She stood in the doorway and gave her sister a critical stare from her feet up to her face. “I don’t hate you at all. I pity you. At least I won’t end up alone, living with my parents and childless for the remainder of my days. I guess it’s God’s punishment for your wickedness and killing your husband.”

  As she wiggled her fingers in the air, she backed away leaving Julia near tears.

  ***

  There was a bit of a nip in the air when Thomas descended from his carriage. He tugged on his white gloves and viewed the Veiga mansion, appreciating the lush foliage covering the property as well as the generous lighting in the mansion. A few couples passed him; the gentlemen tipped their hats in recognition, and the women nodded in his direction. He recognized one of the two young ladies, a girl who’d just had her coming-out party last month, giggling behind her fan. With one last survey of the area, he walked up the front steps and inside the foyer.

  Already a crowd had formed, and many of the guests held glasses filled with some sort of amber liquid, or flutes of champagne. The violins and a piano playing in the corner of the room cut through the buzz of conversation surrounding him. He handed his long coat and hat to a servant and made his way to a massive ballroom that was easily ten times the size of the one in his house. The ceiling had a mural covered with painted pictures of cherubs and clouds, under which couples danced to the harmonious music. His stomach released a low rumble and he straightened, hoping no one had heard the unruly noise.

  “I’m famished. Please let there be food.” He tugged on his cravat. William had helped him dress, and he always tied his neckwear too tight. It didn’t help matters that after they had finished with the paperwork, they had dallied too long in the garden and then up in his bedroom. Instead of a nap and then dinner, William helped him release his stress in other ways.

  He smiled as he thought of the way William had stroked his buttocks as he moved against him. When his cock stirred, he pushed aside those lusty thoughts so not to embarrass himself. His stomach grumbled again when he approached a table lined with many different foods. He would, in short order, make up a plate, mingle, and then introduce himself to the viscount before the evening grew late.

  “Excuse me,” he said as he moved through the guests, turning when he thought he heard his name called. His arm unfortunately smacked into someone, and some liquid splashed his wrist.

  “Oh, please forgive me!” he cried out at the woman who barely came up to his shoulders. She was dressed in one of the finest gowns he had ever seen. Her face was turned away as she held out a glass filled with pink liquid.

  “Why, of all the ass…ah.” The woman finally looked up at him and fell silent.

  He reached into his coat and presented her with a handkerchief. “I hope I didn’t ruin your lovely gown. I would be so ashamed to have been the cause of such a thing. I usually don’t stumble around, but in this crush, I have two left feet.”