The Hunt Club Chronicles Bundle by Heather Boyd Read Free Book Online Page B

That is every page written by the duchess’ hand. I left the cover and blank pages behind to delay the Lewes’ discovery of the theft.”
    The duke’s deep sigh rattled through the room. “Stackpool, what would I do without you? You are the most loyal and selfless man I know.”
    Before he could stammer out a reply the duke crossed the room, clutched Henry’s skull, and kissed him full on the mouth. For a moment, Henry was too stunned to react. But as the duke’s tongue teased the seam of his lips, he opened his mouth and kissed him back. Pleasure fizzled along every nerve as the duke bore him to the mattress and continued his tender assault.
    Yet the kiss ended far too soon. Henry shuddered as the duke drew away, wariness replacing his desire swiftly.
    The duke, however, only stared at the pages in his hand. “Thank you for these.”
    Byworth turned away, dragged a chair toward the window and bent his head to read, leaving Henry more confused than ever.
    However, one thing stood out clearly in his mind. The duke had enjoyed that kiss: his trousers appeared quite snug in the front.
    “You should eat.” The duke waved the papers in the air. “This could take a while.”
    Henry held the beautiful man’s gaze as long as he could, but he knew a blush was flooding his cheeks. “Yes, Your Grace.”
    But the sudden dismissal cut. To hide his discomfort, Henry fixed his attention to the heaped tray. When he had finished every bite, the duke was still reading so, with no other demands on his time, he lay back against the pillows and closed his eyes against his body’s aches and pains.
    The summer light was fading from the sky as the bed dipped beside Henry. With a start he realized he’d slept the afternoon away and he quickly glanced at the duke to see if he was in need.
    The duke sighed and raked a hand through his hair, disturbing the precise waves. “We need to return to Grantley tomorrow. Will you be well enough to make the journey?”
    Henry quickly took stock of his aches and pains. He nodded. “I will be ready when you desire to go.”
    The duke snorted. “I’d rather remain here, but—” he held up the remnants of the diary—“my duchess must be dealt with.”
    Henry looked up at his master sharply. “What has she done now?”
    Immediately, he regretted his demand for more information. It wasn’t his place to question his employer, but he did care for his reputation. Given the duke’s expression, the diary had contained something distasteful.
    When the duke never answered, Henry lowered his head. He shouldn’t have asked. One soul stirring kiss did not make them equals.
    The duke brushed his hand over Henry’s sheet covered foot. “Are you hungry?”
    Henry hastily slid his limb away. “No thank you, Your Grace.”
    Byworth shifted restlessly on the bed, rubbing his hand across his upper thigh repeatedly. Henry struggled to keep from staring. The master had impressively thick legs. He’d enjoyed the view for some time.
    “I’ll return directly.”
    As helpful as any footman, the duke scooped up the tray and ruined clothing and disappeared out the door. When his steps had faded past hearing, Henry thumped his head against the pillow.
    Fool. Despite that kiss, he should not lust after his employer. Byworth was a married man and, like most titled men, given to chasing light skirts when in Town. Resigned to giving up an impossible wish, he curled onto his side and attempted to fall asleep before the duke returned.
    But sleep proved impossible. He was wide awake when the duke returned to the chamber. Fabric rustled and then the room darkened, yet moonlight fell upon his face.
    As the duke slipped into the bed behind Henry’s back, desire clawed through him.
    Byworth moved closer and settled a hand on his shoulder. When he applied greater pressure, Henry rolled to his back. “Did I thank you properly for your devotion?”
    Despite the dark, Henry ducked his chin as his face grew warm. He’d