Free Impossible Desires (novella) by Tamsin Baker Page B

rule the bedroom, and I will rule the world outside.”
    Eleanor smiled, knowing full well she would contribute to almost every decision they made in their life, but she would let him think he had control.
    “Until we switch?”
    Gareth laughed and leaned forward to kiss her.
    Their lips meshed and their tongues slid over each other in slow exploration.
    “Yes, my love. Until we switch.”

Chapter 10
    “Osborne.” Patrick’s voice filled the air around him just before Gareth felt a clap on his shoulder.
    “How have you been, Osborne? I haven’t seen you around the normal jaunts in weeks.” Patrick raised his eyebrows in question, and sat down opposite Gareth. He looked as handsome as ever yet Gareth saw nothing but the shadows behind his eyes.
    “I haven’t been visiting the normal jaunts.”
    He had clenched his teeth together without knowing it, so he carefully relaxed them again. Why was he getting upset? It was only Patrick.
    “I have been spending a lot of time with Lady Eleanor Rossette. In both London and at her country estate.” Gareth set his cards down and stared at his oldest friend as he saw shock and anger flit across his face. Why was that?
    “I didn’t realize you two were close.”
    Gareth knew the time had come to be honest, with himself and his friends. He had known her less than a month but he knew that he could never love anyone the way he loved her – no matter how unconventional their relationship.
    “I intend to marry her.”
    It felt good to say it out loud. He hadn’t mentioned anything to her yet, but considering their conversation about how they would handle their future, he assumed she knew how he felt.
    Gareth’s best friend stared at him in amazement.
    “You want to marry her? You have to be jesting. You’re tupping her, aren’t you?”
    Gareth jerked and had to squash the impulse to throw his whiskey at his friend. Was this what love felt like? All-consuming jealousy and territorialism?
    Gareth nodded, struggling to act calm when he was so angry. He didn’t lie particularly well and he couldn’t deny what he and Eleanor had been up to.
    “Then why marry her? She’s giving it for free.”
    Gareth inhaled sharply and rubbed his wrist in a jerky fashion.
    “I don’t want anyone else.”
    Patrick grunted, unimpressed.
    “If you have to marry, pick one of those little virgins that they parade around every night. At least you know she’ll be faithful – for the first year or two.” Patrick laughed at his own joke and Gareth gripped the table with both hands. How dare he insinuate that Eleanor wouldn’t be faithful. Just because she had made love to him before they married didn’t mean she would cuckold him.
    “I have very particular tastes, Patrick. You know that. Eleanor meets every one of them.”
    Patrick eyed him strangely, envy creeping into his flushed face. He had always wondered if Patrick had particular tastes too.
    “Are you telling me that Eleanor enjoys sex?”
    Gareth flushed with rage and embarrassment. Of course she enjoyed sex, but he wouldn’t tell Patrick that.
    “She gives me exactly what I need, Patrick. That’s all you need to know.”
    Patrick huffed arrogantly and leaned back in his chair, a malicious gleam lighting up his blue eyes. “So you want to marry someone who acts like a whore? Are you kidding me, Gareth?”
    He was out of his chair before he realized it. His hands reached out and hauled Patrick to his feet, pulling him close so that he could speak directly into his face.
    “Say that again and I’ll rip your goddamn throat out.”
    His friend’s face paled before he reached for Gareth’s hands.
    “Let go of me, Gareth.”
    “I’m serious, Patrick. Say that again about Eleanor and you will not live to see tomorrow.”
    He allowed the man to pull free, his breathing erratic. His hands were clenched into fists at his side and he was shaking. He had never been so angry. He wanted to actually hurt his friend.
    “What is wrong