Just a Little Heartache (The Brotherhood #5) - Merry Farmer Page 0,39

union instead of denying it. Let all the kingdom celebrate with us.”

Before Niall or anyone else could react, he grabbed Niall by his upper arms and crashed into him with a kiss that was a thousand times too bold for the audience they had. Niall made a sound deep in his throat that sounded very much like a whimper, but it was drowned out by the laughter of the audience. They thought the kiss was comedic, and a few people even applauded.

When Blake stepped away as the orchestra launched into the finale, Niall felt as though he were drowning. He shook his head and put on a wide smile, falling back into character. This couldn’t be the end. He was simply being maudlin because so much was at stake for him with the play. Of course he and Blake would find a way to be together. Hadn’t they spent the last several weeks telling each other how much they loved one another, how nothing could come between them? Hadn’t they shared their bodies and their hearts in the most intimate way? Everything would be all right, he was certain of it.

The curtain closed to a flurry of applause and cheers. It opened again, allowing them to take their bows and receive a standing ovation. Blake received an extra round of applause, then pulled Niall forward as the entire cast applauded him. The cheers from the audience should have bolstered his spirits. That should have been the happiest moment of his life. He knew his career was made, knew it without having to talk to a single one of the London theater crowd who had come for the show.

“I don’t think I’ve seen such a fantastic debut in all my days,” the owner of one of London’s most prominent theaters said, proving Niall right, once the performance was done and the cast had dispersed into the lobby to greet their guests and friends. Niall hadn’t even changed out of his feminine costume, though he’d dispensed with the wig. John and David had joined him the moment he’d stepped into the hall and whisked him toward the men from London.

“It was a brilliant piece,” another man, a critic, if Niall remembered correctly, agreed. “Do you have any thoughts of expanding it into a full-length play for next season?”

“Or of writing something else that I could stage?” a third man asked.

“I have several ideas in progress,” Niall answered, flattered and beaming.

“This man is going to make you all wealthy,” John said, slapping a hand on Niall’s back.

Niall tried to smile at his friend’s comment, but his attention was shattered by a cry of delight from the group standing only a few feet from him—a group that contained Blake and his family, the Archibalds, and the Cannons. Niall’s heart dropped to his feet when an older man, who bore a strong resemblance to Blake, shifted Blake to stand next to Annamarie Cannon. That group applauded. Blake smiled and nodded modestly, but then he sent a look of shock and horror to Niall.

“Excuse me,” Niall said to his theatrical admirers, his voice so hoarse the words came out as a croak. “I have to see about something.”

He stepped away from the London crowd. David’s face fell in an instant, as though he could see what was coming, though John continued to chat with the theater people. Niall’s hands shook as he moved closer to the circle forming around Blake and Miss Cannon. He had only a fraction of a second to notice that Ian looked livid before Mr. Archibald said, “I’m sure you’ll want to tell your friend the happy news.” He eyed Niall’s gown with a smirk.

Niall swallowed hard, his throat going dry. “Happy news?”

“Yes,” Mr. Archibald said, beaming at Blake and Miss Cannon.

Niall’s head swam and his vision blurred at the edges as Blake glanced to him, looking as though he might scream.

“Congratulations are in order,” Blake said, his voice rough and jagged. “I’m engaged to Miss Cannon.”

Chapter 9

Niall waited, gaping. He stared hard at Blake, mouth dropping open slightly. Any moment now, Blake would laugh and lower his head bashfully, explaining that there had been some sort of mistake. He barely knew Annamarie Cannon and couldn’t possibly be expected to marry her. Especially when his heart, soul, and body belonged to someone else.

Blake’s smile remained in place, as brittle as it was. He met Niall’s eyes with a shattering look of apology and pain. Niall continued to wait for Blake to deny