The servants downstairs were friendly enough, but as a lady’s maid she was a bit above their level. She had no friends among the staff, most of whom had worked for the earl for years. She’d thought at first that she could get close to one of the parlormaids, Posy, but amazingly that girl had recently married the earl’s half-brother of all people. Imagine, a maid marrying above her station and gaining a husband who clearly loved her!
“Are you still playing about with the countess’s fripperies, Lily?” Cabot asked from the doorway.
She took a breath and turned to face the footman. “I am doing my work, Cabot. Never say you’re checking on me.”
Cabot flashed his most charming smile. “I
might
say I am.”
Lily eyed him. The blond young man was tall and handsome, as a good footman should be. He’d been after her for weeks now, but she was less than interested.
“I’ll not have any of that funny business, Cabot.”
He shook his head, his blue eyes bright. “Just because you couldn’t catch Mosley, don’t be prickly, love.”
“What cheek!” She stiffened, her heart racing at what he insinuated. “I wasn’t trying to catch Mosley. And don’t call me love!”
Sailing past him, she left her lady’s room and hurried down the hall toward the back stairs. Cabot was pretty to look at, but he was too glib by half. She
had
been interested in Mosley, the earl’s chauffeur who now worked for one of the earl’s Hawk relatives. And was romantically involved with him too, if her suspicions were correct.
She knew men could love men. That didn’t surprise her. In fact, one of the old baron’s footmen was deeply in love with an under-gardener. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time a Hawk had taken up with one or more of the earl’s staff, either. Why, even the earl’s half-brother was involved with William, the first footman, as well his wife, the former parlormaid Posy! It was passing strange that they could love two people, but she believed it had something to do with the Hawk curse.
She’d heard whispers about it in her time here at the manor, but she’d been unable to get at the particulars. It wasn’t her business really, but all of the Hawks were just so compelling. They all had the earl’s dark eyes, handsome face, and muscular build. It was little wonder the women in their lives had succumbed. Of course, those women
wanted
sensual involvement. Lily most certainly did not, her passing infatuation with Mosley the chauffeur notwithstanding. That part of her life was over before it began, thanks to the old baron.
“Not for me, thank you very much,” she told herself as she stepped down into the servants’ hall.
“What’s that, Lily?” Mrs. Holmes asked.
Lily straightened her spine. She clasped her hands and nodded to the housekeeper. “Nothing at all, Mrs. Holmes.”
It was said the housekeeper all but raised the earl from a babe and felt a strong connection to all the Hawks. There was little the she missed. The older woman tilted her graying head, her eyes sharp. Then she gave Lily a small smile and went past her toward the stairs.
Lily watched her go. For a second she’d longed to ask her about the Hawk curse. It was shrouded with talk of dark, delicious desires and earthy sensuality. She was sure of it. All of the Hawks radiated strong sexual magnetism. There was something about a beast that rose and demanded satisfaction, as well. In spite of herself, her body began to tingle.
“Almost time for dinner service,” one of the other footmen said as he rushed past her toward the kitchen.
She wasn’t needed to serve, so she poured herself a cup of tea and settled in the common room. She sat at the long table with a book, blocking out the sounds of the kitchen staff just across the way. The family would eat upstairs, and afterwards the staff would eat down here. It was how things were done, and Lily liked the routine. It was comfortable dining with the others and Mrs. Holmes. It almost felt like family.
She wouldn’t think about what always came after, when she was alone in her attic room with nothing to occupy her mind but loneliness. She was nothing like the countess, sweet and beautiful. Or even like Posy, bubbly and pretty. She couldn’t entertain any thoughts of love or true connection, not with a Hawk or a servant.
She would live her very comfortable life alone and be happy for it. It was no hardship, really. Indeed, it was a small price to pay for her safety.
Colin sat at his dining table, alone as usual. His heart thudded in his chest as he thought of that last night with Graham over a week ago. He’d left him. Again. They’d shared a girl as they’d done many times before, but it had seemed like more than that that night. Graham had stayed with him here at his country house and Colin had begun to hope they could deepen their friendship at last.
He was growing tired of keeping his feelings inside and only playing by Graham’s rules. He hadn’t said anything that night, though. He wouldn’t say anything the next time he saw him, either. The last thing he wanted was to make his best friend uncomfortable.
They’d been close from the first. And from the first, Colin had sensed something inside Graham. He needed connection even though he often professed the opposite. The atmosphere at Weston Park fed that illusion. His great aunt and uncle were pleased to continue their quiet life, now that the boy they’d welcomed into their home as a baby was an independent adult. Graham came and went as he chose, and Colin was grateful he was the companion he preferred.
As for Colin, his family was loud and numbered many, but at his country house in Yorkshire he found the solitude he sometimes needed. Graham was the only person he ever invited to stay, even for the shortest time. There had been lovers during his long association with Graham, women who held his attention for some time or other before he grew bored. Where Graham never took the same lover twice, it was Colin’s secret wish to find the person who could hold his attention—and his heart—for longer than a fortnight. Aside from Graham, there really hadn’t been anyone whose company he craved for any length of time.
“Not so different from Graham there,” he muttered.
He finished eating and left the room. A quiet evening spent in front of the fire seemed to be in the offing. The wind buffeted the tall, leaded windows of the parlor. He shuddered at the sound. It seemed to enhance his loneliness tonight. He poured himself a glass of brandy and took a long sip. The liquor burned pleasantly down his throat and warmed his belly. Closing his eyes, he let his head fall against the back of the chair. A knock at the door brought him out of his melancholy.
“Come,” he said without much enthusiasm.
His butler opened the door and bowed. “Lord Weston, sir.”
Colin straightened as Graham strode into the room. His hair was windswept and his cheeks ruddy, but it was the wide smile on his face that took Colin aback. It was fresh and wild and full of excitement. He hadn’t seen such an expression on Graham’s face in ages.
“Graham!” He stood, setting his drink down on the table beside the chair. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Never say you’re turning me back out into the cold.”
Colin laughed. “Hardly.” He crossed to doorway and shook his hand. “Not expecting you doesn’t mean I’m not pleased to see you.”
Graham nodded and removed his coat. The butler took it and looked at Colin for instruction.
“Prepare Lord Weston’s usual guest room, Mason.”
The butler bowed his head and left them, closing the door behind him. Colin poured a drink for Graham and held out the glass. “Do tell me what has you rapping on my door in the dead of night.”
Graham laughed, flicking his golden-streaked hair back from his face. His dark Hawk eyes sparkled. “I have been invited to the infamous Hawk roost, Colin.”
Colin blinked. “Hawksfell Manor?”
Graham arched a brow. “You’ve heard of it?”
“It’s infamous, Graham. You just said so yourself.”
“So I did.” He shrugged and settled into the chair Colin had just vacated. “The esteemed earl’s man-of-affairs sent me a missive extending an invitation from the man himself.”
Colin sat across from him. “Why?”
“Apparently the earl has dedicated himself to saving wayward Hawks.” He laughed. “His man tracked me down, no doubt due to my scandalous behavior.”
Colin leveled a look at him. “Scandalous to a Hawk? Not if half of what I’ve heard of your extended family is true.”
“All is true, I’m afraid.” Graham winked. “You’ve seen me firsthand, Colin. At my worst.”
There was a thread of something beneath Graham’s teasing tone. Was it regret or embarrassment? Colin didn’t believe so.
“When is this auspicious visit?” he asked Graham.
“I responded that the earl is to expect me in two days’ time.”
“I’m sure you’ll have a fine time getting to know the earl and his family.”
“His family?”
“Do you truly not know?”
“Know what?”
“The earl married over the summer. There are a few Hawk cousins about now, as well. Along with a half-brother he hadn’t known he’d had.”
A frown passed over Graham’s face. “He has a family.”
“As do you, if you think about it. You’re a Hawk.”
“Yes, yes.” Graham nodded absently. “Maybe I should reconsider.”
“Why?”
“I thought this would be a lark, Colin. I’d heard about the earl’s staff, paid to serve his dark desires with enthusiasm and discretion.”
Colin nodded. “I’d heard that, too. For years, actually.”
“Then it’s true.” He smiled again. “Then we must take the earl up on his offer and play a few games with his staff.”
Colin grew quiet for a moment. “If you wish,” he finally said.
Graham tilted his head. “Come now, Colin. Never say you’re not up to a bit of fun.”
Colin found a smile. “With you? Always.”
Something flared in Graham’s eyes, a heat that Colin felt echoed in his belly. Desire was clear on his handsome face, that need that was never silent for long. His Hawk lust was rising, and Colin couldn’t help but respond.
“I’ve missed you, Colin,” Graham said, surprising him. “It’s deuced quiet at Weston.”
Colin didn’t point out that he’d invited him to stay here just last week. They both knew it. He’d thought Graham would want to fuck one of the maids again, but the expression he wore said something more. Something elemental that Colin couldn’t deny.
“When do you leave for Hawksfell Manor?” he asked, his voice low.
Graham reached out and stroked a strong hand over Colin’s thigh. “When do
we
leave, you mean?” At Colin’s nod, he smiled. “Tomorrow would suffice.”
Colin swallowed thickly. “I’ll be ready.”
Graham’s eyes ran over him, and Colin couldn’t keep himself from reacting. “Ready?” His low laugh was like a caress. “Oh, I hope so.”
Colin stood, unable and unwilling to disguise the erection tenting his trousers. “Shall I ring for a maid?”
“Not yet.” Graham stepped closer. “Maybe later.”
“A footman, then?”
Graham shook his head and brought his mouth to his. “Just kiss me, Colin.”
They’d never kissed. Not once. Colin pressed his lips to Graham and tasted him. He sucked on his tongue and caught Graham’s groan. His hands were firm on Colin’s ass, and he felt Graham’s long hard cock against his belly. Yes, they’d pleased each other before but they had never shared only each other’s company.
Colin pulled back, his heart racing as he read the desire on Graham’s face again. “Upstairs?” he managed to ask.
Graham smiled.
* * * *
Graham followed Colin up the grand staircase to his rooms. His country house was really quite comfortable, and Graham had spent many pleasant nights under its well-maintained roof. But tonight felt different. He had to come here tonight, after passing too many lonely days at Weston Park. He’d been seized with the need to see his friend.
Though he’d asked for it, Colin’s kiss had been a surprise. It was sweet and hot, just like his best friend. His cock pounded in his trousers, and he doubted they would need to add some servant to the mix tonight. No. Tonight he wanted Colin.
His stay at Weston Park had been beyond dull. His great aunt and uncle were as quiet as the grave, bringing to mind the inevitability of their leaving him as his parents had. Truth was, he didn’t even know if his mother and father were still alive. It felt strange to consider being truly alone in the world.
Colin stopped in front of his door and arched a dark brow. Graham needed him tonight, and not just because his cursed Hawk cock was hard and ready. He wanted a connection along with release, and who better to find that with than his best friend?
“Proceed,” Graham urged. “I fear I’m about to split my trouser seams.”
Colin smiled, losing that apparent doubt Graham had glimpsed in his blue eyes. In fact, he seemed as ready to go as Graham was himself. They disrobed and again Graham was struck by Colin’s masculine beauty. He’d had men before, in their mouths or their asses, but it had been for a quick release. At the back of his mind a thought teased him. This felt like more, and he couldn’t have that. This was what it was, and he would take what Colin wanted to give and please him in return.
He shed his clothes, letting them drop to the floor. His cock was hard and throbbing now, his every muscle tense. Colin hissed in a breath, and Graham met his eyes. They burned hot, an electric blue flame. Was there something else there as well?
“Colin…”
Colin stepped closer, shaking his head. “Conversation can wait, Graham.”
Graham gave a shaky nod. “Let the game commence, then.”
Colin blinked then nodded. Graham wrapped his arms around him, kissing his lips again. Colin’s cock was stiff, hard and thick against his belly. His ass was firm and tight, and when he slipped a finger into his hole, Colin moaned softly.
Graham brought his mouth to Colin’s ear. “I want to fuck you, Colin.”
Colin trembled, his body warm against his. “Fuck me.”
They managed to make it to the bed, crawling on their knees until they were in perfect position. Colin was in front of him, arching upright to grab on to Graham’s shoulders. Graham let his hands run over his muscled chest, down his ridged belly, until he grasped Colin’s cock. A bead of liquid was on the head, but it wasn’t enough.