Sexy As Hell

CHAPTER 15

FAMILIAR WITH OZ’S early rising habits, Isolde wasn’t surprised to find her husband bathed and dressed when she opened her eyes. “How do you do it?” she murmured.

“I get hungry,” he said with a grin.

“Then go by all means. I think I’ll loll in the tub this morning.”

“Would you like to ride after breakfast?”

“I’d love to. I’ll show you Oak Knoll.”

“Sam will have messages for me from Davey. I’ll speak with him over breakfast and meet you later. I might be out in the stables. Sukha likes reassurance when she’s in a new home. Send someone for me when you’re ready to ride.”

Oz’s use of the word home was gratifying, even though she knew it was casually uttered, and she was careful to keep her voice as neutral as his. “The weather looks as though it’s cooperating,” she said, glancing out the window. “The rain has stopped.”

“A rarity this time of year. Perhaps the gods are looking on us with favor.”

“I ordered it for you.”

“In that case, order me a few hours in bed with you this afternoon as well,” Oz said with a grin.

“It would be my distinct pleasure. Now go, before I have you undress again.”

Sam was waiting, so Oz said, “I’m gone.” With a wave, he walked from the room.

But one look at Sam’s face when he met him in the doorway of the breakfast room and Oz knew he had more for him than Davey’s messages. “What’s on your mind?”

Sam frowned. “Grover came to me early this morning. Compton’s in the village. One of the tenants saw him at the inn.”

Oz lifted his brows. “I’m surprised at his speed. I assume he didn’t come alone.”

“No. Grover says a few bully boys and-”

“His solicitor.”

Sam nodded.

Oz sighed. “How many men did you bring?”

“A few. Enough.”

“Come then,” Oz said, Sam’s competence never in question. “We’ll talk to Grover. He knows the neighborhood better than we.”

Grover rose from behind his desk the moment Oz walked into his office. “Thank you, sir. I’ve been waiting for you to come downstairs.”

“Sit.” Oz waved him into his chair, and he and Sam took chairs on the other side of the desk. “Tell us what you know. Start at the beginning.”

“The grooms were riding through the village to the downs for the horses’ morning gallop and saw Frederick big as life walking from the inn.”

“With others, Sam said,” Oz prompted.

“Three thugs and a man in a suit.”

“Where were they going?”

“To the livery stable it appears. Naturally, the grooms turned back to warn me.”

“Has he entered the property?”

“Not as far as we can tell.”

“You have men who can handle a weapon, I presume,” Oz said.

“Every man jack hunts, sir. Miss Izzy allows shooting and snaring on her land-for the cook pot. It keeps the rabbits in check.”

“I’m going to have Sam organize your men and send them out with mine to patrol the property. I would prefer Compton be on his way back to London before the end of the day.” He glanced at Sam. “Is that possible?”

Sam nodded. “We’ll find him.”

“Compton’s been listening to his mother’s praise too long. He actually thinks he deserves more than he does.” Oz softly exhaled. “My little chat with him in London apparently wasn’t sufficient, so we’ll move on to other options. Here’s what I’m thinking.” Briskly sketching out his plan, Oz added at the last, “There’s no point in waiting to see what Compton’s planning. Whatever it is will prove unpleasant for Isolde. At base, he seems unwilling to accept our marriage.” Oz didn’t mention Compton’s possible eavesdropping at the reception. It was irrelevant. He wanted Compton well away from Isolde, and to that purpose he was willfully disposed. “If the knave behaves, he can come back to England later.” Once Isolde was remarried. “Now, for the solicitor. Is he going to be a problem?”

Sam shook his head. “I expect he can be bought off for very little. Or so our sources tell me. The man lives on the fringes of the legal world.”

“Then do it,” Oz crisply said. “See that the man understands he’s not to so much as whisper a word about Compton. Take the two men back to London separately so they won’t plan something nefarious. Pay off the hired ruffians as well. I expect they don’t care who pays their fee. Then see that Compton ships out tonight. Hatch is ready to sail. There’s no reason for you to go into London, Sam. Send Jimmy and his crew. As for Isolde, I’ll find a way to tell her”-his brows lifted-“some reasonable story when Compton’s disappearance becomes known.”

“His flight won’t surprise anyone,” Grover pointed out, flat and direct. “Not with the state of his finances.”

“It might surprise his mother. Although a note from her son should mitigate any alarm. Have Davey arrange it, Sam.” Oz suddenly smiled. “The way I see it, we’ve done a service to the community… and more specifically to Isolde-which is the point. Thank you, Grover,” Oz said, “for your attentive staff. Give your men a bonus; Sam has funds.” Oz came to his feet. “Are we all agreed?”

“I know I speak for the entire household when I offer you our thanks, sir,” Grover said with a soldierly straightness to his shoulders and a lift of his chin. “The blackguard should have been struck down long ago.”

“Nevertheless, he’ll have money enough to live abroad, Grover. I don’t want him on my conscience for Isolde’s sake. Having said that, you’re more than welcome for my help in seeing him off on a lengthy journey beyond England’s shores. If everyone could remain silent, though, until I find the appropriate time to tell Miss Izzy, I’d appreciate it.”

Grover was smiling broadly at Miss Izzy’s new husband, who’d calmly contrived to see to his wife’s comfort. “Rest assured, sir, no one will say a word.”

“Excellent. Now, if you want to gather your men and meet Sam at the stables, our plans will be translated into action.”

A few moments later, Oz and Sam watched Grover hurrying down the hall.

“I want Compton alive,” Oz quietly said. “Because Isolde would wish it. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir. Although it goes against my better judgment.”

“Alive, Sam,” Oz gruffly said. “No excuses. Swear on whatever god you honor.”

Sam met his gaze and nodded. “I swear.”

Oz’s smile was instant. “As for yourself,” he said with a friendly slap on Sam’s shoulder, “what would you like for seeing this mess through for me? A house? One of my race-horses? A new commission in the Queen’s army? I am as you can see, extremely grateful that Compton will be going on holiday. Any possible stress on my wife will disappear and-”

“She won’t be distracted-”

“From my hot-blooded pursuits,” Oz softly finished.

Sam met Oz’s sardonic gaze; this was not a man in love. “A house for Betsy, then. Nothing grand.”

“Buy whatever you wish. Let Simms know.” Oz reached out and gripped Sam’s hand. “I’m indebted to you as usual. Might we be hearing wedding bells for you soon as well?”

Sam shrugged. “Who knows.”

“At the moment I highly recommend it.”

“Talk to me in a month,” Sam said, humorless and knowing. “As I recall you quickly grow weary of sameness.”

“True. Perhaps it’s the fresh country air,” Oz replied, his voice mild.

“Until the weather turns,” Sam remarked, his gaze mildly ironic. “You’ve spent days with various lady loves, testing the limits of your cock more times than I can remember, and never had any problem leaving.”

Oz grinned. “Go. You’re ruining my mood.”