relax and a strained chuckle to slip through his lips. “Jethro. Hello.”
Pushing me to his side and wrapping his arm around me, Sully ran a hand over his jaw as if doing his best to shed our unsatisfied desire. “You don’t have the best timing, but it’s nice to see you.” He held out his hand. “Thanks for the invite.”
Jethro stood stoic, his head with its black mask tilting to the side. He studied us for a few seconds before a smirk lifted his lips. “If you’re contemplating where the nearest empty room is, I can assist you.” He shook Sully’s hand. “I must warn you, though, Hawksridge has a habit of getting you lost if you don’t know your way around. And I fear you might not return if you leave. Besides.” He laughed under his breath. “They do say anticipation is the best kind of foreplay.”
Sully chuckled. “Not hiding your tricks these days, I see.”
“Hard to ignore when you’re broadcasting your wants so loudly. You have a one track mind, my friend. Sex instead of enjoying my exclusive masquerade. I’d be offended if I wasn’t so amused.”
“Jethro.” A woman appeared by his side, swatting his arm. “What’s gotten into you? You know you shouldn’t pry into—”
“Relax, Nila.” Jethro released Sully’s hand. “He knows what I’m capable of. He knows most things about me.”
“And it seems you know me. I’ll have to remember to protect my thoughts around you. What did we agree on in our second drug trial? Something about humming a nonsense song to prevent you from—”
“I’m afraid I’ve evolved since then.” Jethro laughed again, his tone dark but friendly. “You’re at my mercy while in my hall.”
“Or you’re at mine.” Sully grinned. “Seeing as you just complained my thoughts are rather loud. I could make your life a living hell.”
“They’re so loud, you’re giving me the urge to vanish with my wife and find a dark corner.”
“Kite!” The woman next to Jethro swatted him again.
Sully chuckled louder before bowing. “Hello, Mrs Hawk. Stunning as always.” Before Nila could respond, Sully turned his attention back to his friend. “You were wrong, by the way.” He bared his teeth. “We weren’t thinking about finding an empty room, more like a dungeon. I’m sure you have a few of those beneath this castle.”
Jethro paled slightly before mirroring Sully’s grin. “Of course. Complete with manacles and a rack. However, I wouldn’t recommend either. Not nearly as fun as advertised.”
“I give up.” Nila threw her hands in the air. “Honestly.”
Sully let out a bark of laughter. “If I care to believe the rumours, old friend, I’d wager you know many methods of torture.”
Jethro once again stilled before he shed his tension with a smile. “Rumours exist for both of us, don’t they, Sullivan?”
“They do indeed.” The two men studied each other before they conceded whatever competition they’d shared. “Good to see you. It’s been too long.”
“I agree.” Jethro smiled at me. “And that’s why I’m pissed you were thinking of leaving the masquerade so soon.”
“I blame your wife for that.” Sully chuckled. “The dress is very...enticing, Mrs Hawk.”
“Call me Nila, please.” Jethro’s wife smiled.
“He’s right, Needle. His appreciation of your work is...loud.” Jethro laughed as the woman beside him pinched his waist.
“Behave, Jet. I swear to God.”
“It’s fine, Nila,” Sully said. “He’s only trying to embarrass me and my wife.”
“I’m trying to aid you and your wife in a situation you are both in the midst of. But I’m going to be selfish and ask that you restrain yourselves so we can enjoy your company before you disappear.”
What the hell is going on?
I couldn’t make sense of this.
Who was this man?
And why did Sully act as if speaking to a clairvoyant wasn’t a big deal. “It seems being drug-free has enabled an even greater sensory ability.” Sully narrowed his eyes behind his mask. “It would be intriguing to test you again, Jethro. See where your skills lie, now that you’re a happily married family man.”
“Perhaps.” With another smirk, Jethro turned his focus on me, changing the subject as if he had no intention of being Sully’s test subject. “I’m sorry for my behaviour, Ms. Grace. It’s rare for me to be able to share my true self, and I apologise if I upset you.”
Before I had time to speak, Sully muttered, “It’s Eleanor Sinclair. Not Grace. Not anymore.”
“Of course. How clumsy of me.” Jethro waited until I put my gloved hand in his, then he kissed my knuckles. His thumb ran