Page 40 of Infernal Vices

Sebastian rose from his seat then and stepped in front of me. To my surprise and private delight, he sat on my lap and threw his legs over the chair arm. My arms moved to hold him close, and his long fingers caressed my cheek.

“You are the sweetest, most romantic man I have ever known.” Sebastian kissed me then and coffee had never tasted so good. We embraced passionately with the curtains open and my servants busying themselves around the house. I should have recoiled with the fear of discovery, but the taste of him, the softness of his lips against mine, the delicious beard brushing my skin—my heart was so full of love for this man; I did not care if a platoon of the Queen’s guards decided to parade through my study.

Sebastian pulled away first and his tawnyeyes affixed on mine. “You are so very careful with my heart, Benedict, and I appreciate it. I am honoured to accept the key to your home. I will take good care of it!”

“I am glad. Now, up you get I cannot appraise you of the events that occurred during your absence if you remain so kissably close! Away with you, devil.” I gave his backside a firm slap, and Sebastian gasped with shock as I pushed him from my lap.

“I see I have unleashed a monster!” The lust in Sebastian’s eyes and bulge at his crotch were unmistakable. He found his feet and straightened his frock coat to give the impression of retaining a little dignity, and then he settled in the chair opposite, shaking his head at playful behaviour he had not expected of me. It pleased me that my lover seemed to enjoy rough handling from time to time. I filed that delicious snippet of information away to be utilized at a later date.

“Now then, what monkey business have I missed?”

“Rather a lot actually. In your absence Charles Ashe and I have become friends,” I revealed. The playful atmosphere evaporated in a blink of an eye.

“Is that so?” Sebastian observed me, his fingers steepled and pressed to his lips, hiding his expression.

“Not only is he an extremely talented artist, but he finally revealed how to use the mysterious red book that has confounded us both for weeks. It’s quite ingenious. I have my reanimated copy of it in my drawer,” I enthused.

“Reanimated?”

“Indeed. I shall show you what it’s all about later. But as for Charles, we discovered that we share common beliefs…greater than those of the cabal.”

“Such as?”

“A belief in human kindness, moral fortitude, and in honesty.”

“Please stop beating around the bush, dear heart, just tell me,” Sebastian grumbled impatiently, then held his hands up, “Sorry, sorry,” he said, ”It’s just, it’s clear from my observations that Ashe has quite the hunger for you. He is a hedonist at heart and does not care that you and I have an arrangement. Men like him seek pleasure and care little about consequence. You are a very handsome man, Benedict…”

Heat rose to pinken my cheeks. “I am aware he has formed somewhat of an attachment to me,” I said reluctantly, “but, rest assured I reject all advances. Trust goes both ways, my love.”

“Forgive me. It just vexes me that he is so clearly gaga for you. Please do be careful.”

I sighed in frustration, “My love, we are getting distracted. I have much to tell you, and would like to be in the office by ten o’clock. First things first, aye?”

“Very well,” Sebastian pouted. “I shall vanquish the green-eyed monster and button my lips! Tell me, what’s happened while I’ve was out of town?”

“My silver was returned to me.”

“Oh. Did Detective Inspector Dancer finger his man?” Sebastian wagged his brows in a comical manner.

“No. It was as you speculated. Euan sought out Blake and offered him the silver to earn his way back into the arms of the brotherhood. Blake saw the silver fish spice box and knew where Euan had pilfered the collection from. He then used his influence to have Euan sent to Colney Hatch Asylum for… treatment.”

Sebastian took in a pained inhale. “My God, the brute! He would have done Euan more of a kindness to slit his damn throat. I’ve visited several patients there in my days and I would not wish a stay there on my worst enemy. That asylum is hell on earth.” Sebastian said, mirroring my concerns.

“Agreed.”

“And what else,”

“Detective Inspector Dancer is a member of the brotherhood.”

“Is he now! Well, well, well, the hound is corrupt. That is the most interesting snippet of information,” Sebastian said flatly, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I then informed of Leo’s imminent return and his wish for a girl to pretend to be his fiancée.

“This is quite the quandary! With Leo poised to return I suppose Blake is pushing ahead with plans for his so called great work?”

“He is. A country house was chosen as the location for the final ritual. All that is required is Leopold and the Greek phallus. That brings me on to another subject.” I paused to gather my courage. “I attended the Temple of the Muses soirée, and Ashe senior had a surprise up his sleeve.”

“Consider me intrigued!”