All Is Bright - K. Sterling Page 0,13

tensed then swore as Casper tossed his empty wine glass at the fireplace and waved at Alon for another. Very serious, Lavender noted, if Cyril was willing to tolerate that with a pained grin.

“Everyone’s as happy as can be expected,” Lavender replied and Cyril’s smile became more strained when Reginald swanned in. His eyes were bloodshot and drowsy as he made a beeline for Alon and the bar.

“Your usual, my lord?”

“Please,” Reginald said. He winked at Paul then scanned the room. He flinched at the hard glares from Aiden, Toly and Ezra. “Thank you,” Reginald murmured when Alon handed him his gin and tonic. Alon nodded at Blink then tilted his head toward the dining room.

“Thank God,” Blink sighed as he pushed off the desk and stood. “If we could adjourn to the dining room,” he said loudly and gestured for everyone to follow Alon.

Dinner was tense but the menu went a long way to warming spirits. Sage, Toly and Lane were particularly impressed with the hearty fall-themed seven-course meal featuring seared pork belly and spiced fried apples, filet mignon with potatoes dauphinoise, and sticky toffee pudding with pumpkin seed brittle. Aiden enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches, apple slices, French fries and fresh sugar cookies while Lavender dined on a raw ratatouille and a delightful vegan cashew and caramel mousse. The conversation was mostly vague and limited to the weather, the various rooms and activities available within the house and Cyril’s distillery. Which suited Lavender immensely as he mentally arranged chess pieces on a shrouded, distorted board.

Chapter 8

“See? It’s not so bad here,” Lane said cheerfully. He hooked his arm around Aiden’s neck as they left the gym and cut through the swimming pool. Lane did some wandering while Aiden was running on the treadmill and enjoyed the view of the midnight garden on the other side of the long, wide glass windows. The gym and the pool house were mostly glass and wrought iron and Lane learned from Alon that all the downstairs glass was tinted and one-way for safety and to keep the heating and cooling costs down.

“It’s not bad but I prefer to run at home,” Aiden said for the tenth time.

“I know,” Lane sighed. “Let’s cut through the library. I have a feeling you’re going to rack out right after our shower.”

“Yeah. I just want to get off real fast and go to bed. I’m exhausted,” Aiden said and Lane hummed.

“I think we can manage that,” he said as he eased the massive door open. Blackhurst’s library was huge and the elegant furnishings reminded Lane of a gentlemen’s club. He would have spent hours exploring it if he had time and was visiting under more pleasant circumstances. He couldn’t think of what those circumstances could possibly be but his ears perked and he grabbed Aiden when he heard a long, ragged groan.

“God, Ezra... Don’t stop,” Denver begged and Aiden turned to run but they heard footsteps in the hallway.

“I was sure Sharp would be in the gym,” Reginald said and Aiden plastered himself against the wall and squeezed his eyes shut. There was another door at the other end of the library and Lane could see it but he wasn’t sure where Denver and Ezra were hiding yet. He really wanted to avoid disturbing them and the resulting awkwardness.

“Marston!” Blink called from somewhere around the stairs and Aiden’s eyes flared and he shook his head so Lane decided they’d take their chances with Denver and Ezra. He grabbed Aiden’s sleeve and gave it a tug to get him moving. They slowly tiptoed past the tables and the seating area and Lane carefully peeked around shelves as they clung to the shadows. They passed a statue of Avalokiteśvara and Lane grabbed Aiden before Denver could see him.

“Fuck. That’s it!” Denver whispered weakly. He had his hand braced on a bookshelf and Ezra had his back to Denver and was grinding against him. Their pants were down and it was obvious that Ezra was riding Denver like a stolen bike. Lane glanced at Aiden and he was on his toes and his neck stretched as he watched them. His eyes and his lips were tight, as if he was assessing and comparing. Lane gave him a shove and a hard stare and Aiden held up his hands. They both looked as Denver groaned loudly and locked his arm around Ezra’s chest as he rolled his hips hard.

“I think I’ll check the library,” Reginald said. Lane’s and Aiden’s eyes widened