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“Yes,” insisted Hector and Marcus.

The thrill of the hunt took over, and the men travelled in practiced silence, their eyes sharp for any sign of movement. Hector felt the old rush of adrenaline as they tracked a deer through the underbrush, his senses heightened with each step.

When the moment came, Hector raised his rifle and steadied his aim. The blast echoed through the trees, and the deer fell to the ground. It was a clean kill, and Hector’s precision was met with approving nods from Marcus and Herbert.

“Still the best shot among us,” Marcus remarked with a grin as they approached the fallen deer.

“It’s a skill I take pride in,” Hector replied although there was no arrogance in his tone, only the quiet confidence of a man who knew his strengths.

Marcus and Hector tried for a few more while Herbert tagged along.

After the hunt, the men retreated to a small clearing where a fire had been lit. While the spoils of the hunt were being prepared, the trio settled and relaxed by the warmth of the fire.

“How fares the family, Marcus?” Hector asked as he accepted a flask from his friend and took a long drink. The brandy was strong and warmed him from the inside out.

“Growing too fast,” Marcus replied with a chuckle. “The boys are already giving their governess a run for her money, and Emma insists they learn archery. Claims it will build their character.”

“She is probably right,” Hector mused, a faint smile on his lips. “You are a lucky man.”

Marcus took a swig of his brandy. “That I am. And how are you?”

“Good.”

Marcus scoffed. “You know what I am asking.”

Hector paused, leaving Marcus’ question hanging in the air. His mind moved to Juliet, her laughter still echoing in his thoughts. His mind then wandered to their noontime adventure. Had they not been interrupted, he wondered how far she would have let him take her.

His body ached from how much he had forced himself to hold back. It was only a matter of time before he gave in to his needs, but he doubted she wanted what he was offering.

“It is…We are making some progress,” he finally said.

Marcus raised an eyebrow but said nothing further.

Herbert joined them, and their conversation turned to lighter matters as Marcus regaled them with tales of his children’s latest misadventures.

“Who knew offspring could be such a blessing?”

Hector grinned. “Says the man who wanted it to be just himself and his woman.”

“Ancient history. I love those miscreants dearly now,” countered Marcus.

“You should meet my nieces and nephews,” Herbert chipped in, “and you would never want scrawny brats running amuck in your home.” Marcus shook his head and sighed knowingly as Hector laughed.

The afternoon sun began its descent and paved the way for the evening. The men packed up their belongings, and the day’s hunt concluded. They returned to Marcus’ estate, still bantering in light conversation.

“You should come by more often, Hector,” Marcus said as they walked to the stables where Hector’s coach waited for him. “You could use a break from all that estate business.”

“I might just take you up on that,” Hector replied, his mind already returning to the responsibilities that awaited him. Hefound he was in a much lighter mood, the weight of his duties lessened by the day’s simple pleasures.

They said their goodbyes, and Hector climbed back into his coach. It had been a good hunt and a pleasurable day.

The carriage began its journey back to Islington Manor. Hector leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, allowing himself the luxury of reflection.

His thoughts drifted back to Juliet, and he wondered how she had spent her day. Despite the complexities of their relationship, she intrigued him and made him want to have her in every way possible, but to accomplish that, he had to be the one in control.

The memory of her soft skin beneath his bare palms made him yearn to touch her again. Perhaps there was more to their marriage than just duty and obligation.

For now, though, there was work to be done. And as the carriage rolled on through the night, Hector steeled himself for the challenges ahead.