Victor's Vow [Lords of Hawksfell Manor 6] (Siren Publishing Menage Amour) (4 page)

“Yes, Mrs. Holmes,” the footman said.

There was a touch of resignation in his voice. Was the footman put upon to see to the earl’s visitor? He’d seemed to welcome the added duty as his valet out on the drive. Victor shook his head and followed the man toward the back of the manor.

As they walked down the corridor, Victor couldn’t help but admire the earl’s home. It was quite grand and impressive and decorated much like Ralston House. It was far larger, however. The earl was blessed with money as all Hawks were, then. Was he cursed with the dark lusts as well?

“Baron Ralston, my lord,” the footman announced.

Cabot turned and met his gaze for a moment and Victor felt a rush of heat travel up his cheeks. The footman passed him and he shook his head again. He must still be befuddled from his ride here with Violet. He couldn’t be attracted to a man he’d seen for only a moment.

He stepped into the room and faced a tall, imposing gentleman standing behind a large carved wood desk.

“Welcome to Hawksfell,” the earl said with a smile.

Victor stared at this Hawk man he’d never met. It was much like looking in a mirror. The same cleft chin and chiseled cheeks, dark hair and eyes as well. “Hello, Lord Hawksfell.”

“Please, call me Gabriel.”

Victor inclined his head. “Gabriel. Call me Victor, then.”

“Sit, Victor.” The earl settled behind the desk and Victor sat in the chair opposite. “I’m glad you accepted my invitation. You and your, third cousin is it?”

Victor nodded. “Forgive me for the presumptuousness, but I couldn’t in good conscience leave her at home alone.”

“Nothing to forgive. I know how close family can be.”

There was something in the earl’s tone that niggled at the back of his mind. He was married, that much he’d gleaned from the letter. But what was this about family?

“No, you misunderstand,” Victor began. “Violet, Miss Ralston, had been caring for my mother.”

“And she’s recently passed,” Gabriel said. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you. The house is just so…”

“Sad?”

“It is depressing,” Victor admitted. “I didn’t want her there alone.”

“As you’ve said.” Gabriel’s dark eyes danced for a moment before his expression sobered. “You and Miss Ralston are welcome here as long as you wish to stay.”

“Again, thank you for the invitation. But I must know why you sent for me.”

The earl leaned back in his chair. “It seems I’ve taken on the habit of seeking out wayward Hawks, Victor.” He smiled. It was a very nice smile and Victor found himself returning the expression. “You are the most recent to come to the roost, as it were.”

“The Hawk’s roost,” Victor said. “Yet, you’re recently married.”

“Indeed. I wed this past summer.” He glanced out the window at the snow-covered landscape beyond. “God, has it been five months already? Well, my brother and a few Hawk cousins have stepped into the parson’s trap over the past months so forgive me if I lost track of the passage of time.”

The earl barked out a laugh and Victor couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, don’t expect to attend a wedding on my account.”

Gabriel arched a brow. “No? Ah, well. It’s still good to have family about.”

“You mentioned a brother. Does he live nearby?”

“Matthew is my half brother, actually. And yes, he lives in the dower house on the property. Several Hawks have settled not too far away, however. The countess is thinking about having a few of them here for a celebration of Christmas. What do you think? Will you stay here for the holiday?”

Christmas was two weeks away but the thought of returning to Ralston House for the holiday held little appeal.

“I believe Violet would enjoy it,” he said.

“But not you?”

Victor bristled under the earl’s close scrutiny. “I would very much enjoy it, Gabriel. Thank you for the invitation.”

Gabriel blinked. “Good God, you’re prickly.”

“I don’t know what you’re—”

“Please don’t take offense,” Gabriel cut in, holding up his hand. “It’s not my place to pry, but you seem wound a bit tight.”

Victor gave a slight nod. “I admit I’ve had a hard time of it.”

“The curse, you mean?”

Victor’s head snapped up and he met the earl’s gaze. Knowledge and kinship was there in their dark depths. “Yes,” he choked out.

Gabriel looked thoughtful for a moment, then spoke. “I used to fuck my staff, too.”

Victor stiffened. “How did you know?”

“We’re Hawks, Victor. You can’t be much different than any of the rest of us. The beast demands satisfaction, and you don’t seem the kind to ride about the county fucking the peasantry.”

“No. The notion is abhorrent.”

The earl shrugged. “Then who else would you fuck?”

His cheeks felt hot again.

“Not your lovely third cousin?” Gabriel asked in a low voice.

“Not if I can help it,” Victor vowed.

Gabriel was silent for a moment. “Well, if any of my staff is willing, you may take your pleasure where you find it.”

“Will that help, do you think? My own staff surely hasn’t.”

“With the curse?” At Victor’s nod Gabriel shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I’ve found only one cure, though it seems to work for more than just myself.”

Victor could guess his meaning. “Marriage? Forgive me, but Hawks don’t marry.”

“Oh we do, Victor. But it’s not marriage precisely that does the trick.”

“What, then?”

Gabriel shook his head again. “I don’t think you’re ready to hear the answer, quite frankly. I suppose I’ll see you at dinner?”

It was as close to a dismissal as Victor had ever heard but he didn’t take any offense. If the earl’s holdings were a tenth as vast as Victor supposed, the man must be very busy.

He stood then, bowing his head. “I thank you again, Gabriel, and look forward to getting to know your family during this visit.”

Gabriel smiled and Victor doubted he himself had ever looked that happy in his life. He left the study, bound for a maid or footman to show him to his guest room.

Victor couldn’t fault his host for not divulging what had broken the bonds of his Hawk beast. Not really. Who was Victor to him, besides a newly met relative who shared his looks and his curse?

He thought about Violet then, settling into her guest room no doubt quite far from his. At least he would have Cabot the footman for company at some point. Again, that surge of desire struck him. How could he be attracted to two people? One, a girl he’d known far too long and the other a man he’d only just set eyes on?

And he was to spend Christmas here at Hawksfell. He had to admit a thread of excitement wound through his resignation. His mother always made Christmas something special for her only child. He’d missed that, first as she’d fallen sick and then as he’d anticipated a sad holiday this year.

He was glad he’d brought Violet to Hawksfell, if only for the holiday. She deserved to have some happiness. He never should have touched her last night. Hell, he never should have let her touch him!

God, she’d been sweet in her release and so determined to please him. His cock hardened when he thought of her wrapping those delicate fingers around his shaft. She wasn’t meant for him, though. Neither were any of the earl’s able and willing staff, his attraction to Cabot notwithstanding.

Maybe he’d figure out how to break his curse himself. Because he was damned if he’d hurt Violet or anyone else with his dark Hawk desires.

“Christmas!” Violet exclaimed. “Oh, how lovely!”

Lady Hawksfell smiled at her from across the table. “Gabriel told me of what happened recently at Ralston House, Violet.”

Violet’s heart skipped a beat before she realized what the countess meant. She couldn’t know about the pleasures Violet and Victor had shared. She was clearly speaking about Victor’s poor mother.

“We were saddened by Victor’s mother’s passing,” Violet said.

“And that’s why we believe celebrating here with us and a flock of Hawks will be just the thing,” Michael Crowley put in.

Violet nodded to the handsome blond man seated to the countess’s right. He’d been introduced as her third cousin and the two of them were very alike in looks. He seemed friendly and warm and it was obvious both Lady and Lord Hawksfell were fond of him.

“I’m grateful for the inclusion,” Violet said.

“I daresay Victor wouldn’t want to be without you,” Michael said.

Her gaze shot to where Victor sat, the usual look of dour detachment on his handsome face. Were anyone to consider him at the moment, they would have more than a little trouble believing he would ever miss her.

“Isn’t that true, Victor?” Lady Hawksfell asked.

Victor blinked his long lashes and faced the countess. “Forgive me, Lady Hawksfell. Did you ask me something?”

She flashed a dazzling smile. “Millicent, please. And yes, we were speaking about the holiday.”

Victor smiled, a small expression that sent a shock through Violet nevertheless. She just couldn’t look at him another moment. A footman appeared at her side to take away her empty plate and she glanced up, grateful for the diversion. She was immediately seized by the gorgeous blue depths of his eyes.

“Are you finished, miss?” he asked.

She stared up at his beautiful face, intrigued when his sculpted lips parted. Her mind worked. What had he asked her? Oh, yes. Her plate.

“Y–yes, thank you,” she managed to say.

He took her plate and stood. My, he was tall. And broad-shouldered. Conversation continued around the table, mostly dominated by the countess and her cousin, but she couldn’t help but compare Victor to this blond god. They were very different in looks. Victor was so strong and dark and this footman was lean and light. She’d given Victor pleasure. Seen his handsome face intense as his climax took him. What would this pretty man look like in his release?

Her body flushed and she dipped her head so no one would notice her blush. Why was she thinking about this stranger in such a manner? It was enough that she was often consumed with thoughts of Victor and his passions. Now she was lusting after this poor footman?

When the group rose from the table and went into the main hall to retire to the parlor she begged off.

“I’m afraid I feel a bit of a headache coming on,” she said to Lady Hawksfell.

“Oh, dear.” The countess put a hand on Violet’s arm. “Go rest, Violet. I daresay we have plenty of time ahead of us to enjoy the coming holiday.”

Violet nodded, grateful for the ease of her escape.

“Will you be able to find your way to your room, Miss Ralston?” the earl asked her.

She blinked at him. Would she? The manor was enormous. “I…”

“Cabot, please show Miss Ralston to her guest room,” he said.

“Of course,” the handsome footman she’d fantasized about answered with a bow. His voice was smooth and melodious, a perfect fit for his good looks.

Her cheeks heated as she followed him up the stairs to her room. A glance over her shoulder showed her that Victor watched her, his dark eyes intent. Was he thinking about last night as well? Did he want to discover if more could be between them than pleasure from their hands? She’d discovered that the servants’ gossip had been correct regarding the size of his manhood. Were they right about his intensity as well?

As Cabot led her down the hallway to her room a disturbing thought struck her. Would Victor avail himself on the servants here at Hawksfell? There were certainly plenty of them, handsome men and pretty maids to tempt him. The girl, Ivy, sent to help her was very pretty indeed. She sniffed as tears threatened. Cabot stilled outside of her door.

“Are you all right, miss?” he asked.

She lifted her chin, gathering up her tangled emotions as she tried to present an expression of quiet dignity. “Yes, Cabot. Thank you.”

He didn’t look convinced. His brows were draw together as he regarded her with solemn eyes. “You seem upset.”

She waved a hand and walked into the guest room. “I suppose I’m just lamenting the loss of something I never had.”

He followed and tilted his head to the side, a slight smile curving one corner of his lovely mouth. “Forgive me, but that sounds a bit maudlin.”

She smiled in return. “Yes. I have been known to be that.”

Staring up into Cabot’s eyes, she felt the floor shift. Her body swayed toward him, pulled by his remarkable looks and incredible scent. Where Victor smelled and tasted dark and spiced this man’s scent was hot and fresh. Would he taste that way as well?

“I’m all right, Cabot,” she said, giving him a small smile. “I’m afraid I’ve kept you from your duties.”

To her astonishment, he glanced out into the hallway, then closed the door. He faced her again and his smile widened as he tipped his head toward hers. Oh, he was all smooth charm and beauty, but she couldn’t form the words to send him from her room.

“My duties sometimes involve helping a damsel in distress, miss.” His voice caressed her every nerve, making her flush hot and cold.

Her breath caught. “Cabot…”

His mouth came close to hers, his full lips so near she could smell his minty breath. She parted her lips and rose up on her tiptoes to press her mouth to his. Electricity shot through her, the sensation so like her reaction to Victor’s kiss her eyes drifted closed. As she opened her mouth she felt his tongue probe inside. He was delicious.

A soft moan escaped her and he echoed the sound. Then he jerked away from her. “Forgive me, miss,” he rushed out, his voice low.

She opened her eyes to see his cheeks had gone pink. Taken with his dilated pupils, the effect on her was remarkable despite the space he put between them. He looked good enough to eat and, despite the delectable meal served by the manor to its guests, she was suddenly ravenous.

“There is nothing to forgive,” she breathed, pressing so close to him he backed up against the door.

He placed his hands on her shoulders and held her from him. “I could lose my position.”

She felt a rush of power course through her. Not the power to make this man lose his job but the power to tempt him to put everything at risk to kiss her. She had to taste him again.