Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal 7)

Logan’s brows went up. He shouldn’t ask. The man was laying a trap and Logan was about to step in it. “What sort of club?”

“The kind that would give you direct access to London’s most elite men.” Baxter wiggled his brows.

“Whites?” Logan asked.

“Mundane,” Baxter waved a hand. “I said exclusive, remember?”

More exclusive than White’s? “What’s it even called? Have I heard of it?”

“We’re secret,” Baxter lowered his voice. “It’s called, and you must promise to keep this to yourself, the Wicked Earls’ Club.”

Logan sucked in his breath.

It was everything he’d ever wanted. Baxter had just delivered his life’s dreams on a platter. And yet…

He looked at the door. Wicked Earls’ Club? “Sounds…tantalizing.”

Baxter chuckled. “It’s for unmarried earls only. I should mention that. But once a member, you will have access to all current and retired members for life. Honestly, that’s a policy I’ve implemented, and it’s been an excellent addition. I had a meeting of former earls and it was extremely well-attended.”

Logan continued to stare at the place where Penny had just stood.

He’d had a plan. A lady of excellent quality, an ‘in’ into society’s most elite. But with an invitation like this, he could be the elite and still marry whomever he chose. “Can engaged men be members?”

“Oh, most certainly.” Baxter chuckled. “You are exceptional at finding work arounds, aren’t you?”

“I do my best,” Logan answered. He wished to be done with this conversation. He wanted, quite frankly, to be near Penny.

“So do we have a deal? I donate to your orphanage, provide an address, and offer membership to one very exclusive club and you, in return, join us at the Den of Sins?”

Logan raised his brows. He meant the next words, but he’d be lying if he didn’t want to make Baxter squirm. Just a bit more. “Honestly, I shall have to talk to Penny.”

Baxter let out a deep sigh. “You can’t be serious.”

Logan allowed one shoulder to rise. “It’s her orphanage.”

“Just out of curiosity, though it’s none of my business, is she the woman you intend to marry?” Baxter looked toward the door, craning his neck as if he might catch another glimpse of her. “Because I could see why you’d be tempted.”

“You’re right,” he stood. “It’s none of your business.”

Then he gestured toward the door. “Return at noon tomorrow. I’ll have answers for you.”

Baxter nodded. “I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure, but I’ve just been dragged over the coals. Still. I hope you accept. It will all be worth it if you’re on my side.”

Logan shook his head. When had his life so drastically changed?

But he already knew.

The moment that Penny Walters had entered. A warm sensation washed through him.

After seeing Baxter out, he made his way up to his room. He set his candle on his dressing table and shrugged off his coat, flinging it across a chair. Then he sat and began removing his boots.

He heard a soft sigh emit from the bed. A sleepy sound that made him go absolutely still.

Getting up, he crossed the room, leaving the candle on the table.

Sure enough, a small lump was settled directly in the middle of his bed. Gently peeling back the covers, a blonde nest of hair met his gaze. Pulling them back further, he found Natty, sound asleep, in the dead center of his canopied mattress.

Logan chuckled to see the little girl with her thumb tucked in her mouth. Still, he couldn’t very well go to bed like this.