Free A Lover of Men by Julia Talbot

off to investigate Ned’s family by himself. She pondered dressing, but her wrapper was quite warm and she had no idea what she could do to help anyway—
    The heavy clang of the knocker against the front door started her, and she put her hand to her chest. Before she could answer the door, Jack leaped out of nowhere, skidding to a halt between Lelia and the door.
    “Miss!”
    She flushed, her cheeks hot. “I’m overset, Jack. I’ll just duck into the drawing room.”
    “Very good, Miss.” Jack waited until she disappeared before opening the door, and she was impatient to see who had arrived.
    A scuffle sounded, and Rafe appeared at the door, coatless and hatless, a bit worse for wear.
    “Rafe! What on earth has happened?”
    “Shall I answer in order of occurrence or importance?”
    “Er. Importance.” Might as well go straight to the heart of things.
    “I was attacked in my club, and I believe I know by whom.”
    Her eyes widened so quickly that the edges pulled. “What? Who would do such a thing? In a gentleman’s club!”
    “Is Phineas still about?”
    “Upstairs.”
    Rafe laughed, the sound delighted. “Sly dog! Come on!” He grabbed her hand and they made a mad rush upstairs, Lelia working to keep from tripping over her flapping dressing gown.
    Rafe burst into her bedroom, which brought Phineas straight up in the bed, the sheets sliding down his chest. “Lelia? What’s wrong?”
    “Rafe has been attacked again.”
    Phineas blinked at Rafe before running his hands through his hair. “Sit, please. Tell me about it.”
    “I need tea.” Lelia rang for a servant, unsurprised when her footman jumped into the room as if he was going to save her from ravening wolves.
    “Tea, Jack. For three.”
    “I—” He swallowed hard when Rafe and Phineas glared at him. “Of course.”
    Rafe plopped down on the corner of her bed as if he belonged there. “I was at my club, Phineas. The bastard threw a brick through the window, then shot at me.”
    Phineas scowled. “Are you serious?”
    “Yes.” Rafe glanced at Lelia. “Do join us, my dear.”
    She paused only a moment before she climbed up on the bed, settling near Phineas’ hip. Her skin felt hot, overly sensitive, the proximity of two beautiful men almost more than she could accept.
    “Then what?” Phineas asked.
    “He set the club on fire.”
    Phineas sat forward even more. “You cannot be serious.”
    “I am. I happened to be dining with a colleague. He took my coat and hat and diverted the assailant. I came to warn you.”
    “You said you think you know who it is,” Lelia reminded Rafe, who shot her an admiring glance.
    “I did. My colleague is a font of knowledge about your Ned’s family.” Rafe shook his head. “The next in line after the old man died was a bastard son.”
    “But—” Lelia flapped her hand. There it was again, that ridiculous hand. “Wouldn’t that improve his circumstances?”
    “One would think so,” Phineas murmured.
    “Nic says the man is in Town, though. Has been for a few weeks.”
    “Then I need to go and find him,” Phineas snarled. “We need to end this.” He rose, giving Lelia a magnificent eyeful.
    Rafe stared as well, licking his lips.
    “Rafe! He cannot just go looking for Ned’s bastard brother alone.”
    “You’re right.” Rafe bounced up. “I shall accompany you.”
    “No, you will not.” Phineas tugged on his trousers, which gave Lelia a pang of regret. “You will stay here and protect her. If he’s after you both because of me, he’ll come after Lelia next.”
    “We’re not even sure Rafe is right,” Lelia said, ignoring the arch look Rafe sent her.
    “We have no other ideas.” Phineas assumed his shirt. “Do you know his name?”“Richard, I believe. He frequents White’s,” Rafe murmured.
    “I’ll start there.”
    “You’re hardly dressed for it!” Lelia slapped the bed with one hand. “Phineas, please.”
    “I should be the one to go,” Rafe said, sliding off