A Lover of Men (3 page)

This man, one Rafael Gaudi by name, was the son of a Spanish merchant with more money than reputation. Gaudi was said to be a spy, and a good one at that, whose English mother afforded him the life he lived in London. That sort of shadow man was just what Phineas needed.

“Good evening, my friend,” a man said, sliding to sit on the bench opposite him.

He blinked over, his body tightening almost immediately at the sight of a man that seemed to scream perversity. Swarthy and tall with a shock of black curls and glinting eyes, he stood like a waving flag in a sea of pale faces.

“I hope you don’t mind sharing with a stranger,” the man said. “The crowd here can be unfriendly.”

“I imagine so,” Phineas said, smiling slightly. “Feel free. I am looking for company, in fact.”

“I thought you might be.” The wicked grin and sparkling eyes he observed told Phineas a great deal. This must be Rafael Gaudi.

“Indeed? I have rented a room above stairs if you care to join me.” His cheeks heated when he asked, even though this was purely a business matter. His body still thought it an adventure.

“Lead the way,
mi amigo
.”

The lilting Spanish words did not help ease the fire in Phineas’ lower body. At all. Really, his reactions to both Lelia and this man were beyond the pale. He needed to offer himself more release, clearly.

Phineas climbed the stairs, acutely aware of the man behind him, close enough that they shared body heat on the way. Phineas breathed deeply, the scent of the tavern fading into something spicier, something deep and male.

He opened the door, knowing the room was small but serviceable. The bedding was clean enough, and there were no bugs. That was more than most fine inns could boast.

Gaudi slipped into the room behind him, then closed the door. “So. Sir Phineas Moore. War hero. Recently engaged to Lelia August, an unknown until her titled cousin gave her a fortune. What may I do for you?”

“Someone is trying to harm my fiancée.” Gaudi had come prepared. Why waste time on pleasantries. “I need someone to discover who and why.”

“I see.” Gaudi walked over to the bed and sprawled on it, looking like nothing so much as a large cat. “You are not without experience in these things.”

“Mmm. My reason for wishing to employ you is twofold. You move easily in the shadows, which I do not. However, I also wish to protect my bride. I have a reputation, which she intends to use to her advantage, but I have not reinforced it of late.”

Now Gaudi raised one dark brow. “A reputation. As a lover of men, you mean.”

“What a lovely euphemism for sodomite.”

Gaudi laughed out loud, the sound joyful, sliding like velvet over his senses.

Where his fiancée was all restrained, sensible beauty, this man was exuberantly sexual.

“Indeed. Well, then, I am to be your spy and pose as your male lover?” Gaudi sat up, arms on his knees. “I suppose you must call me Rafe, then. I think I shall refer to you as Phin. Appropriately familiar, no?”

“Very.” His cock pressed against the tight breeches fashionable society required, and Phineas cursed them in his head. They left nothing to the imagination.

“Tell me why you believe someone is trying to harm your affianced,” Rafe demanded, his smile widening. What a lovely man; so evil.

“Well, we were out in the park for a ride today and a brigand shot at us. He had two fully loaded and cocked pistols and he was no coward footpad.”

“Really. Has anyone made an attempt on her life before now?”

“No.” Phineas blew out a breath. “No, just now. So it was not her inheritance that caused it. It must be her engagement to me.”

“Well, then. This has to do with the idea of losing your lady’s fortune to someone else. That narrows the field.” Rafe chuckled. “You hope that by taking an alleged lover you will shift the target to your back.”

“I do.” Phineas nodded easily. “If the assailants feel this is not a love match, they might decide that by getting me out of the way they still have a chance at Lelia’s hand.”

“When do you and I make our first appearance as a pair, then?”

“Tomorrow night?” Phineas tugged at his too tight collar, the heat in the room almost unbearable thanks to Rafe’s dark eyes taking in every detail of Phineas’ form.

“Very well. That will give me time to begin my inquiries.” Rafe chewed his lower lip. “I might need to meet the lady in question.”

Phineas crossed his arms over his chest. “Why?”

“How else can I attain all of the information I require?”

“You may ask me and I will relay the questions.”

“Now, how am I to amuse myself that way?”

“You are bold, sir,” Phineas said, deciding not to take offense. Instead, he chose to amuse himself a moment, striding across the room to rest one hand on the mattress next to Rafe’s hip and lean down so their faces were only inches apart. “You will have to content yourself with my company.”

Rafe’s dark eyes widened, the color almost black now. “And are you a lover of men, Phineas Moore?”

Phineas chuckled, his lips only a breath away from Rafe’s. “You’ll have to add that to your investigation, my friend. I expect you’ll find out soon enough.”

Rafe nodded slowly, which rubbed their noses together. “Yes. I expect I will.”

Rafael Gaudi rarely took on jobs recommended to him by old acquaintances. They were generally messy, disorganized family affairs, just like the matter between Phineas Moore and his new fiancée, Lelia August.

Those types of inquiries generally led to someone trying to shoot, stab, or poison him. Rafe had taken on Sir Phineas Moore because he had the most intriguing reputation, and because the fellow had an even more interesting form and aspect. Those broad shoulders carried a heavy burden, one Rafe itched to explore.

Then there was Miss Lelia August.

Rafe had spent the day observing the lady in question, much to his amusement. She had a firm but kind hand with servants and shop girls, a practical attitude, and a surprisingly Amazonian form.

Lush breasts, strong hips and legs combined with a direct expression, and bright blue eyes made her irresistible. Rafe could see why Phineas had agreed to marry Lelia. An unusual female, to be sure.

Rafe had followed her about on a shopping excursion, clearly to procure new gloves and shoes. Then she’d stopped by a bookshop, where she’d stayed far longer than Raul expected. Long enough, in fact, that he lost track of time himself, perusing a volume of poetry while standing just to the right of the doorway so he would see Lelia if she left.

He became absorbed in the book, turning pages with undue haste, and was quite distracted, which was why Rafe failed to see her coming.

“Why are you following me, sirrah?” Lelia asked, barging right up to him brandishing a heavy volume of religious treatise.

Rafe jumped, but worked to keep his expression pleasant and neutral. “I wanted to meet the lady who had captured the heart of Sir Phineas Moore.”

Her eyes widened, the pupils going dark, her lips parting. “Well, now you have met me. Lelia August, at your service. Who are you?”

“Rafael Gaudi. An acquaintance of your soon to be husband.”

“Oh? Were you in the army together?”

“No.”

She frowned slightly, a crease appearing on her brow. “The same club then?”

“Mmm. No. I’m quite afraid many clubs would never accept me. I’m half Spaniard, you see.”

“Are you really?” Her face lit up, interest winning over caution. “Have you been to Spain?”

“I have.” Rafe plucked the book from her hand and placed it on a shelf before taking her hand and tucking it the crook of his arm. “In fact, I lived there until I was nearly an adult.”

“Oh, I’ve always wanted to travel. I should like to see Greece. Rome! France is not as high on my list, but needs must and all…” Lelia gripped his arm, chattering away as Rafe led her out into the rather gloomy day.

“I adore Greece,” he told her. “I am quite the collector of all things classical.”

“Are you indeed? What do you collect?”

“Anything that depicts athletes.”

“Like the discobolus?”

“Precisely. I appreciate the classical male form.”

Lelia glanced at him from under her lashes. “How is it you know Phineas?”

“He recently invited me to be his lover.” Rafe needed to test Lelia, to see if her interest in Phineas was, as she had decreed, purely practical, or if she was developing a tendre for the man. Such distinctions would make a difference in his investigations.

She started as if he’d hit her smack on the buttocks. “Did he? How droll.” Her tone remained light, but her mouth had tightened with displeasure, and she removed her hand from his arm. “I confess, I expected Phineas to be more discreet.”

“He is, my dear. I am not, which he will learn. I rather believe he thinks this is for your protection.” He lowered his brows then wiggled them, trying to make her understand his inference.

“Men always do such things for someone else’s protection.” She pulled away from him completely. “I fear I must leave you here, Señor Gaudi. A good day to you.”

“And to you, Miss August.” He wondered if she knew the store she ducked into was a gentleman’s hat shop. He took pity on her, walking away so she might get on with her day.

He had learned a great deal from her time with her, not least of which was that, while she might be using Phineas as a means to an end, Lelia did not approve of his lover contacting her. Not at all.

In fact, Rafe rather thought she was jealous.

****

“Honestly, Amelie. It’s not as though I’m jealous.” Lelia paced, her skirts tripping her up every time she turned around. Blast the gauzy fabric that was all the rage, clinging to her, making her fear she might fall.

Her cousin’s wife sat in the men’s parlor, bare feet tucked under her, her bonnet and wrap flung willy nilly on the library table. Amelie had come immediately when Lelia sent her message, driving her own dogcart and scandalizing the neighborhood.

Amelie sipped her tea, appearing thoughtful more than sympathetic. “No, of course not. You chose him for just that reason.”

“Exactly. Still, how dare he accost me in public and flaunt his liaison with my fiancé?” She waved her hands. “So rude.”

“Terribly,” Amelie murmured into her cup. Was that a smile playing about her lips?

“This is not amusing, Amelie!”

She had not told Eustace’s wife about her intentions ere now for fear she would tell Eustace and he would foul her plan. Now Lelia wondered if she had made a mistake asking her over.

“No, no. Naturally not. He’s a scoundrel. Is he handsome?”

“Phineas?” Her belly ached when she thought how stunning he was. “He’s quite pleasing.”

“No, no. The Spaniard.” Amelie’s gray eyes twinkled. “How exciting! A triangle.”

“You are not helping,” Lelia said repressively, but her lips twitched.

“Am I not? I cannot help it. I adore Eustace, as you know, but I occasionally long for a dash of bounder to keep things interesting.”

“You’re awful.” Lelia moved to the other end of the divan and sat, her hands in her lap. “I should have a brandy to calm my nerves.”

“I’ll join you.” Setting aside her tea, Amelie leaped to her feet so she could find the decanter. “How big a glass?”

“Lush,” Lelia accused.

“Any chance I get. I love to drink spirits, but Eustace doesn’t like me to indulge.”

“Well, I suppose it’s not considered ladylike.” Lelia shared a smile with Amelie.

“Not a bit.” Amelie sipped her brandy after pouring a generous glass.

“As to your question, yes, the Spaniard is quite handsome. I can see why Phineas chose him.” A pang of envy stabbed her, and Lelia reminded herself that she did not want the pressure of the marriage bed. That she had chosen Phineas precisely because he had a fondness for the male of the species.

“And you’re quite sure that Phineas is not, er, affected by your charms as well? Perhaps he chose to take a lover after all this time because of your plot. To lend your tale verisimilitude.”

“Oh.” Lelia blinked. “Do you think so?”

“Anything is possible, love. Honestly, I can tell you the marriage bed is not at all a chore with the right man.” Amelie’s cheeks heated, and Lelia thought it had little to do with the brandy.

“Perhaps I should ask Phineas for a meeting. Tell him what his new association did today.”

“I think that’s a fine idea. Can I stay and meet him?”

“Certainly not.” Lelia laughed, though. “I assure you, we’ll go on an outing soon, all four of us.”

“Oh, well. At least let me finish my drink while you dash off your summons.”

“Absolutely.” Lelia hugged her cousin’s wife impulsively. “Thank you for coming, Amelie. I think we could be friends.”

Amelie blinked at her for a moment before throwing both arms around her and hugging her back. “Yes. Yes, I think we can.”

****

Phineas received Lelia’s summons just after he finished dressing for his evening out with Rafe. His footman handed him the folded, sealed quarto sheet, and he knew right away whose seal pressed down the wax.

He waved off his footman and opened the missive, smiling at the handwriting he found. Well-formed, but rather straight and lacking the flourishes so many letter writers employed to make their point. Practical, like the lady herself.

Sir,

I beg a moment of your time this evening between seven and nine. I have much to discuss, not least of which is your new friend, Rafael Gaudi. Please attend me at my home.

LA

Oh, damnation. How had she found out about Rafael so quickly? Phineas had hoped to meet with the man a few times in public first. Really, Lelia was a most resourceful woman.

He straightened his collar and smoothed his simply-tied cravat. Should he go to her? It would mean leaving Rafe behind or arranging to meet him later…

Unless he took Rafe with him and introduced him to Lelia. Phineas grinned as the idea took hold in his mind. Yes, that was just the thing. He would take Rafe with him to meet Lelia, and she could tell the man about anyone she might know who would want to hurt her. Then Rafe would have the information first hand.