Free The Two Lords of Wealdhant Manor by Katherine Marlowe

rights will work to get you off the land, you may be damned sure I’ll make use of it.”
    “Do you understand what it means that the Coxholt-on-Hugh railway company has an Act of Parliament?” Algernon asked.
    Jasper’s eyes narrowed.
    Algernon folded his arms. “It means that Parliament has already approved the development, and the landowners are compelled by law to sell the necessary land. Change is inevitable, Mr. Waltham. The railway will have its course, and Wealdhant will have an owner. If not me, then the railway or the crown will perfectly well find some other occupant. You must make your peace with it.”
    Jasper turned his glare upon the floor. Algernon felt a moment’s sympathy for the innocent floor.
    “It’s a pity,” Algernon said, laughing humourlessly. “I can’t help but think that in different circumstances the two of us should get along famously.”
    Jasper’s head snapped up, an entirely new intensity in his eyes.
    Blinking in confusion, Algernon’s hands slid down to his sides, curling around the edge of the desk that he was sitting on. He didn’t recognise the expression in Jasper’s eyes as anything he’d seen previously, and had no idea how to interpret it. It looked like some odd combination of resolution, lust, and fury.
    “Mr. Waltham,” Algernon said, striving to compose his thoughts in order to regain control of the situation, which had taken a very sudden turn.
    Jasper didn’t give him the chance before he crossed to Algernon’s desk and kissed him with all the heat and fury of the quarrels and conflict they’d had thus far.
    It felt like a claim and a challenge, and Algernon was absolutely not about to back down from either one. Grabbing a fistful of Jasper’s hair, Algernon held him close and returned the kiss with equal ferocity. It was heated and savage, teeth clacking as they kissed.
    Jasper broke the kiss first, studying Algernon’s face with tense nervousness. He looked like a feral animal preparing to bolt.
    “Have you done this before?” Algernon asked.
    Jasper nodded. “Yes. Have you?”
    “Yes.”
    Algernon pulled him in for another kiss. Seated as he was on the edge of the desk, Algernon had to tilt his head up for it, which was a new experience. Jasper crowded in close to him and settled his hands tightly on Algernon’s hips.
    Parting his lips, Algernon traced his tongue over Jasper’s lips. This kiss was more tentative than their first clash of tongues. Jasper returned the foray by pushing his tongue fully into Algernon’s mouth to claim him. Algernon pushed back, playfully trying to keep him out, and was rewarded with a growl.
    The kiss broke again. They gazed at each other, both unsure of where this was going and how it would complicate the ownership of Wealdhant.
    Algernon laughed breathlessly. “See? Getting along famously.”
    Jasper’s mouth curved in what hinted at—much to Algernon’s surprise—a sliver of a sense of humour.
    They drew together magnetically for another kiss. This time, as Algernon’s tongue quested forward, Jasper’s retreated, lips breaking contact and then returning. He repeated this twice more until Algernon bit at Jasper’s lower lip, which made Jasper grumble and then surge forward to kiss him passionately.
    A tap on the door made them both release. Jasper took a step back.
    Mr. Cullen let himself in without waiting to be summoned, and looked them over with a slight raise in his eyebrow.
    Jasper looked rumpled, dark blond hair mussed and cheeks reddened. Algernon licked his lips.
    Straightening up and clearing his throat, Algernon smoothed down his waistcoat. “Yes, Cullen?”
    “Forgive the interruption, sir,” Mr. Cullen said. “The foreman needs to speak with you about some of your options before he begins the renovations in your bedroom.”
    Algernon sighed. “Yes, Cullen. I suppose I ought to see to that at once.”
    Mr. Cullen’s gaze flicked briefly toward Jasper. “Yes, sir.”
    “Very well.”