What a Duke Dares (Sons of Sin 3)

Eventually, because they were overdue for a conversation he didn’t want overheard, he and his closest friends had retreated to this quiet room. Pen was safe with Genevieve and Sidonie and her brothers.

“I vow these melees get worse,” Richard drawled. “I don’t know why we came. Genevieve took one look at the crowd and nearly turned tail.”

“It takes a lot for your wife to show scared,” Jonas said with a wry twist of his lips. He passed the glasses across. A fire and a couple of lamps illuminated the elegant room. The flickering light softened his scars. These days, Cam hardly noticed them.

“Speaking of wives,” Richard said, “Cam, we must raise a glass and wish you happy.”

“You did that last night,” he said.

Richard shrugged with characteristic nonchalance, although since his marriage, there was a substance to his presence that was new. He no longer tried to conceal his sharp brain, or the kind heart beneath his superlative tailoring. “When he forsakes bachelorhood, a man can’t have too many good wishes.”

Cam mustn’t have hidden his wince fast enough, because Jonas sent him a sharp look. “All not bliss in Eden, my friend?”

“Jonas, leave the poor devil alone,” Richard said. “A man’s comrades shouldn’t poke their noses in.”

“They should if they can help,” Jonas responded softly, watching Cam like a cat watched a mouse hole.

Cam shrugged and lied. Although after last night, it wasn’t quite as much a lie as it had been. “Everything is fine.”

“Didn’t look fine yesterday.” Jonas ignored Richard’s glare. “The duchess was afraid to say a word and you acted like you’d made an appointment with the hangman.”

“He’s exaggerating,” Richard said. “Don’t listen to the officious blockhead.”

“Officious?” Jonas raised his glass in Richard’s direction. “Convey my compliments to Genevieve. She’s doing wonders for y

our vocabulary.”

Richard didn’t smile. “If only Sidonie did wonders for your manners.”

Cam sighed. “Pen doesn’t deserve your criticism.”

Jonas’s gaze was unimpressed. “I’m sure she doesn’t.”

“You think I do,” Cam said grimly, wondering why the devil he’d missed his friends. Although he gave Richard credit for trying to divert Jonas’s awkward questions.

“You’re the only other candidate.” Jonas stood at the mantel’s opposite end.

Cam frowned. “I’m not here for an inquisition.”

“Yes, you are,” Jonas said shortly.

“To be fair, Cam, given you flounced off in a huff because we weren’t keen on Lady Marianne, then the next time we see you, it’s with a different bride in tow, you must expect a few questions.” Richard sipped his drink.

“Whose side are you on?” Cam snapped.

Richard took his time swallowing his brandy, then smiled. “Yours, although you probably don’t believe me.”

“I don’t.”

“Do you want some advice from an old married man?”

“No.”

“All right.” Richard drank some more brandy. “Damn fine drop, this. Must find out where Matlock buys it.”

A prickly silence extended, until Cam could bear it no longer. Jonas had the patience of Job, but Richard’s forbearance surprised and annoyed him.

Cam sighed and spoke less belligerently. “What’s your advice?”