The Desire for Dearborne

Chapter 2-2

“It’s Parr’s understudy, isn’t it? That treacherous little slut!” The Angel Gabriel was definitely not living up to his appellation at the moment. “You’d best take care that he doesn’t give you a dose. And be sure you don’t leave any valuables lying about when you’re with him.”

Gabriel Hartley had been christened “Angel” by his admirers for his golden-blond curls, silvery blue eyes, and beautiful face and form, Julien reminded himself; not for his temperament, which ranged from self-centered to vicious, or his faulty tenor, which was barely good enough for him to qualify as a singer at all.

Gabriel did not display his bad temper to Julien often, because Julien had made it clear early on that he would not put up with it. At this point, however, Gabriel probably felt there was little to lose.

“I have not taken up with Parr’s understudy,” Julien assured him. “Or with anyone else.”

“Are you becoming a monk?” Gabriel jeered. “Or perhaps you’ve found yourself some whey-faced miss and are going to make an attempt at being a husband.”

“Or perhaps,” Julien said coldly, “I’ve grown tired of second-rate theatrics.”

Although not particularly clever, Gabriel was cunning and quickly realized his mistake. “Forgive me, Julien,” he said in a much different tone. “I don’t know what came over me. The thought of losing you brought on such madness. Julien, my love, what am I to do if you turn from me?”

It was fortunate indeed that Gabriel didn’t have to make his living on the stage, Julien reflected. His style was only suited to the most overwrought of melodramas. Had he once found Gabriel’s tempers entertaining? Perhaps he had, at first, but that had been nearly two years ago. “Do not make yourself foolish. We both know you’re more concerned with losing your comfortable quarters than my attentions.”

Gabriel quickly dropped the pretense of love and became coaxing. “Come now, Julien. What have I done that makes you want to end our association? It has been very pleasurable, don’t you think?”

“It has,” Julien agreed, watching as Gabriel shrugged off his coat, then began untying his cravat.

“Am I not here and waiting whenever you wish for me?”

“You are.” Julien didn’t add that Gabriel was paid very well to be so.

“If you’ve grown bored, I can assure you there are many other things I can do.” Gabriel shed his waistcoat next. “Is there anything in particular that intrigues you? There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to please you.”

No doubt. Julien knew that compared to some of Gabriel’s previous patrons, he wasn’t terribly demanding. Add to that the fine house and generous allowance and it was little wonder the Angel was desperate to keep him on the hook.

Gabriel was removing his shirt with slow, deliberate movements, watching Julien’s response the entire time, as he revealed a chest and shoulders Apollo would envy.

Julien wanted to tell him that his well-practiced arts were a large part of the problem, but he wasn’t certain Gabriel would truly understand his meaning. Gabriel was by far the most beautiful lover Julien had ever had and initially part of the thrill had been in knowing he was envied by many other men. Just knowing he was envied had been enough for Julien, who had never felt the need to flaunt Gabriel at Madame Rimbaude’s as so many other gentlemen did their companions. He much preferred the comforts of home, whether it was his own or the one he rented for Gabriel. Indeed, Gabriel sometimes had to pester Julien to go out, not because Julien felt the need to hide what he was, but because Julien found most entertainments boring. Perhaps that was the key to ending this matter painlessly. “It’s been nearly two years, Gabriel. I would think you would be growing bored with me by now,” he said, knowing Gabriel would vehemently deny it.

“Never! There is no greater pleasure for me than spending time in your presence. What will my life be without you?”

There was the ring of truth to Gabriel’s last protest. Julien hoped that if he settled that matter, Gabriel would cease his histrionics. “I certainly don’t intend to throw you into the street. I will pay any outstanding bills you currently have and you may remain in this house until the end of the Season. That should give you plenty of time to find a new patron.”

As he’d predicted, that put an end to Gabriel’s declarations of love and heartbreak. There was a flash of calculation in the pale blue eyes before Gabriel lowered his gaze. “You’re very generous, my lord,” he murmured, moving closer. “How shall I ever thank you?” He looked up at Julien through his lashes.

How could one blame Gabriel for constantly employing the same tactics when they always succeeded? Julien was already growing hard before Gabriel brushed a knowing hand across the front of his breeches. Predictable and calculating Gabriel might be, but he was also very talented, and it wasn’t as though Julien had plans to begin looking for a new paramour this very night.