Page 7 of One Naughty Christmas Night

He glanced back down at his aching body and sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face.

He couldn’t very well stay in the library with his body in its current state.

Roaming the halls of his parents’ castle with an erection wasn’t ideal either, but he wouldn’t attempt to relieve himself here.

Closing the distance between himself and the door, he quickly shut it when a maid appeared.

Her footsteps receded, and he opened the door, glancing out to make sure she was gone. The empty hall stared back at him, and he made his escape from the library.

Almost to his room, he encountered his father coming from his room at the top of the stairs. Heath stepped deftly behind a plant to hide his arousal from him.

“Heath,” his father said, his brow arching high.

Heath’s erection had softened slightly, but it was still very noticeable.

“What are you doing behind that plant, son?” the Duke asked.

“I enjoy looking at plants,” Heath replied, feigning interest in the unknown specimen in front of him.

“Suddenly developed a fondness for horticulture? Don’t let your mother know; she’ll never give you peace about plants.”

“I’ll be sure to keep my interest a secret, Father.”

Silence stretched between them.

“So,” the Duke asked, “Are you excited for tonight’s dinner?”

The Duke stepped closer to Heath, and he shifted as naturally as he could to one side. A loud twang sounded as he hit his hip on the railing.

“Heath, are you all right?” he asked, craning his neck to look at him.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

His eyes narrowed, but he said no more.

The Duke went to step away, but his mouth opened, then closed.

“Father? Is there something else on your mind?”

He stared at Heath for a moment, then shoved his hands into his pockets.

“How is Victoria doing? I know this Bastion nonsense has quite upset her.”

“She’s doing well. Not so fond of her mother’s tactics to try to get her entangled with someone again, especially so soon after “the Bastion nonsense,” as you so aptly put it.”

“I understand. Willie told me that her mother has been shoving every eligible man at her that she could, even though Willie advised her against it. Hopefully,” he said, his eyes softening with warmth, “Being here will hinder her extravagant attempts to ensnare her a husband. I’ll have your mother keep her busy so Victoria can have a moment of peace.”

Heath pursed his lips to keep his chuckle in.

“Can I ask you one more question?”

“Of course, Father.”

“Have you never thought of Victoria for yourself?”

Victoria? For himself?

“Our relationship is friendship only,” he replied, discomfort settling in his stomach.