Always His Earl by Cheryl Dragon

to suggest that very thing, but Myles’ wardrobe seemed trivial yesterday. “A smart move to make it appear that everything is normal in your world. I was worried about Philips. Clearly, he’s violent.”
    “He knows he has the trump card. She’s his wife and the law is on his side. Unless she turned up dead, he’s free and safe. Seeing as she left the house alive, he could even declare himself innocent of anything that happened later.” Myles pushed away from the door and paced in the room.
    “I know. We’re not in the best position. But he’s alive and that’s one thing in our favor. If we keep her here, safe and concealed until she’s healthy in a few more days, she’ll be completely out of danger.”
    Myles stared at George in disbelief.
    “From her injuries,” George clarified. “Then we’ll have to get her away from Philips. He’ll likely make the next move. You’re very right. The club is where he’ll go to test you. That bit of covering your tracks was essential.”
    “I don’t know if it’ll be enough.” Myles sat down in one of George’s library chairs.
    “Meaning?” George sat next to him.
    “He didn’t seem overly concerned, but he made it clear she was his wife. I don’t think he’ll look the other way if we take her off somewhere. He’ll come after me. If he finds out I’m staying here, I have no doubt he’ll turn up at your door.” Myles shook his head.
    George leaned over. “Relax. The club won’t let him burst in and inspect your room. There are rights and privacy there. Besides, if Philips comes here it’ll be because of Claire and Basil talking last night. I’m shocked he hasn’t shown up yet.”
    “Let’s pray he finds something to distract himself,” Myles said.
    “If only Claire were well enough to write a note to him. Any lie, any letter written in her hand might buy us more time. I checked on her while you were gone. She’s still far too weak even when awake.” George had few options left.
    “Should we be seen in public? Attend a ball tonight?” Myles asked.
    A knot formed in George’s stomach. He wanted to be seen with Myles and yet feared anyone guessing the nature of their true relationship. The complex world they’d have to navigate meant being careful all the time—together or not. “I don’t think us being seen together will protect your sister. If you think you should go out and be social, that’s reasonable. If Basil were truly ill, I’d stay in. We should maintain the lie we’ve asked Dr. Wallis to tell.”
    “You’re right. The lies we weave. I wish we could simply go home. Return to the estates and care for Claire until she’s healed. She and Basil could be together and we could...” Myles looked at George.
    “We’ll be neighbors, like it or not.” George crossed his arms tightly and sat.
    “I miss our childhood. If I could marry Claire to Basil and the world would accept it, I’d do it. We’d be set for heirs. We’d be family and have to sort out our feud. You’d still want me,” Myles said.
    “Want isn’t trust or anything more. Things can’t be the same.” George shook his head.
    “We can forgive and move on. You’ve done so much for Claire. I refuse to believe you hate me. You hurt me, but that’s not the end. We can make peace once our families are safe.” Myles stood and moved to George’s chair. The mood in the room shifted.
    George remained silent despite wanting to point out that Myles had been the one to leave with no word. Finally, George watched as Myles knelt and opened George’s breeches. His cock responded instantly. His brain could do nothing more for the situation. Myles sucked George’s sac, and all he could do was lean back and take it. Praying no one entered, George closed his eyes and let Myles have his way.
    In no time, George was hard as stone. Wanting more than tongue, he stood. However Myles took control and pulled out a snuffbox. He opened it, and there was grease, not snuff,