Page 34 of Pretending to Love a Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

G raham paused outside Alston’s room, taking a deep breath to calm his pounding heart. Before he’d left this afternoon, Alston had been looking better. He was more awake, talking, and had started to eat small amounts. Though he hadn’t moved much other than bending and straightening his legs. He hated eating while on his back.

Graham opened the door and nearly tripped over his feet. Alston was sitting up, a newspaper in his hands.

He charged in. “Alston!”

“Petrov would like me to explain that he did not approve of or help me in sitting up.”

Petrov sat by his side, polishing a boot and glaring at it.

“That I believe. But he could have overpowered you.” Graham spoke as he strode to his friend’s side, searching for any signs of distress.

“He wasn’t here when I did it. Look at me, though. I’m fine. I look better, don’t I?”

He did. Another sign that it was indeed time for Graham to leave. He took the chair opposite Petrov, and Alston studied him.

“You look contemplative.”

Graham sighed. “I’ve just had a... disagreement with your sister.”

“I’m glad not much has changed.”

“I think it’s time I return to my own lodgings.”

Alston frowned. “Truly? You want to leave?”

No. “It’s the proper thing to do.” Between Alston and Amelia, he might not have the will to walk out that door. Fencing words with one Clark was enough trouble; two ensured defeat.

“She’s driven you away, has she?”

Graham rubbed the back of his neck. “No, actually. Amelia wanted me to stay. It is my opinion that I should leave. You’re awake and getting better. We don’t need to court scandal by having me here. The worst has passed.”

Alston scrutinized him with narrowed eyes. “You don’t have that usually stony edge to your voice. You don’t want to leave.”

Graham folded his arms. “I like your cook.”

Alston snorted and grimaced, touching his bruised ribs. “Bloody hell.”

“I’ll leave tonight.”

“No, you won’t. I forbid it. You’re going to eat cake with me, and we’ll play games.”

“Alston.”

“If you must go, I expect you to return as frequently as possible to entertain me. It will be abominably inconvenient going back and forth. You may as well just keep your room. In fact, why don’t you move in here permanently?”

Graham rolled his eyes. “I don’t think Dr. Bradley considered the effects of your injury on your mental state.”

Alston smiled. “I want all of the people who care for me to be close. Is that so wrong? If I’ve learned anything from this experience, it’s not to take the people we love for granted. None of us are owed time. We have to make the most of it with what we have, even if we must beg, borrow, or steal.”

“I don’t think most of society will agree with those sentiments, sincere though they are. Amelia’s reputation will take the brunt of it.”

Alston rolled his eyes. “She doesn’t care for it anyway.”

“Oh, I am aware. But she ought to, and you ought to.”

“She’s been saying she won’t marry at all, unless it’s for love. I can’t think of a single man who could sway her heart. She’s fiercely independent now. The older she gets, the more she wants to make good on her promise to Aunt Ruth to die a spinster. But—don’t tell her I said this—I think one day she’ll meet her match, and marriage won’t feel like a trap, but a journey. And I...” He stroked his chin in thought.

“ You will marry a woman of your choosing who will bring you happiness,” Graham said. “Not a marriage of convenience orchestrated by the Widow because you have no other options,” he added pointedly.

“Oh, yes, that .”

Graham smiled. “Forgotten already?”

“I had. I’m too young to marry. Look at me—a right hellion. Too wicked to settle down. What could she be thinking?”

“One never knows.”

“I’ll send a missive and inform her I appreciate the thought, but I respectfully decline. That might stave her off for a little while.”

Graham glanced down at his hands. The hands that had recently pinned Amelia’s to the wall. He was a dishonorable rake—and right under Alston’s nose. If his friend knew what he’d done—what they’d done—he’d never forgive Graham. Alston would want to force them to wed on principle, and their friendship would be blemished forever. And Amelia would hate them both for trying to force the issue. It would splinter them apart. Graham didn’t want that.

“Do you want to marry?” Graham asked quietly.

Alston twisted his mouth in thought. “Eventually, but not now. You? You’re getting on in years. I dare say it is time for you.” Alston narrowed his eyes at him again. “Is that what you’re afraid of? If word gets around that you’ve been here all along, it threatens your chances at a respectable match. Is there someone in particular you like?”

Amelia came to mind, and Graham pushed the thought away. “No.”

“But are you ready?”

Graham’s heart thumped painfully. He rubbed at his chest. “I think I am.”

Alston whistled. “Well, don’t bring me down with you.”

Graham half-smiled. “You’re in no shape to please a woman.”

Alston grinned. “My hands and tongue are enough.”

“For what?” Amelia entered carrying a tray of tea and cake.

Petrov jumped to his feet and took it from her. Graham stood reflexively and rubbed the back of his neck. He could see she’d been crying, her nose red and her lashes sticking together. The sight pierced his heart. The blood drained from his heart, and his hands turned cold. Would her effect on him ever lessen? Or was he doomed to live his life half living, half dead?

“Take my chair, my lady,” Petrov said. As Petrov set up the tea and cake, Alston smiled at his sister.

“Now, what were you saying about your hands and tongue? Are they numb? Should I call Dr. Bradley?”

Alston groaned while Graham chuckled uncomfortably.

“No, I was referring to food.”

Amelia looked between them, her gaze lingering on Graham as Petrov handed her a teacup. “Very well. I’ve got your favorite cake, lemon and poppy seed.”

“Fantastic. And I’m pleased you’re both here. Now we can have one more evening together before Graham leaves in the morning.”

“You told him?” she asked Graham without looking at him and took a sip of her tea.

“He wants to marry,” Alston said.

Amelia spit her tea back into her cup. “What?”

“Amelia, what a mess you are.” Alston tossed her his handkerchief from his lap, and Petrov brought a towel.

“Sorry, I—what do you mean?” She looked between the two of them.

Graham’s face flushed with heat. “He means nothing.”

“I think he wants to quit the house to maintain his respectability so he can begin searching for a wife.” Alston continued to slaughter Graham’s pride.

She set her cup and saucer down. “Oh.”

“I said no such thing,” Graham said.

“It’s not my business who you marry,” she said.

“But it is,” Alston argued.

She blinked. “It is?”

“We’ll have to spend some time with her. She can’t be someone who is insufferable. I will have to interview these potential brides.”

Graham groaned. “I didn’t say I was looking for a wife, Alston.”

“You’ll be going gray soon,” Alston teased. “Better to get it over with while everything is in working order.” Alston winked at him.

Graham caught sight of Amelia shrinking into her chair with pink cheeks. Not very long ago, she might not have known what her brother was alluding to, but now she did. She knew intimately how Graham’s body worked. He ground his teeth as unwanted visions infiltrated his mind.

“How about we talk about something more pleasant?” Graham suggested. “You wanted to play games.”

“Let’s have some cake first,” Alston said. “Maybe a bit of whisky?”

“Absolutely not.” Graham and Amelia said it in unison.

Alston looked between them. “Spooky. I’m used to Amelia and me speaking as one, but you two? Maybe you have been spending too much time together. I don’t want you influencing each other.”

Amelia hid behind her teacup and Graham cleared his throat.

“Games?” Graham prompted.

“Right. I want to play games right here and celebrate our last night together. I’m already succumbing to boredom, and both of you must entertain me.”

“Wonderful,” Amelia muttered.

Alston frowned. “I thought you’d like this idea.”

“I do, but...” Her gaze flicked to Graham.

“Tired of his company? You can stomach him for one more night for me.”

Amelia nodded, throwing Graham a quick glance. “For you.”

Alston picked up a deck of cards from his bedside table and began to shuffle.