Mitch remembered spending far more time with nannies than the woman who’d given birth to him.
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Kardamon,” Baltus stated, his smile turning calculating. “And I think we’ll be in town for a while. I’ll have Donothan look into finding us a nice condo or lodge to rent.”
“I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again, then,” Kardamon replied.
Nodding, Mitch couldn’t find his tongue. He turned to Nicholas, finding that his brother also looked pale. Making a mental note to call his sibling, Mitch returned his focus to his father, finding that he was already guiding his mother down the stairs.
Mitch looked to Nicholas again, who lifted his fingers to his face in a call me gesture. Nodding slightly in confirmation, he struggled to control the way his heart tripped in his chest. Only Kardamon’s arm around his waist, holding him tightly, kept Mitch on his feet.
Once the trio had rounded the house—Mitch guessed the bodyguard or two had stayed at the side of the house—he tipped his head back to look up at Kardamon.
His gargoyle met his gaze solemnly.
“Something just caused you to have a spike of unease. What was it?”
Appreciating Kardamon’s perceptiveness, Mitch told him, “My father mentioning Donothan. That’s the man my father calls in to clean up messes or get people to fall into line.” Seeing his gargoyle’s confusion, he explained, “If someone shows up with blackmail, Donothan is sent in to deal with them. Or if someone he works with steps out of line. Or—”
“Ah, I get it,” Kardamon cut in. His smile appeared understanding. “So, Donothan is his Fixer.” When Mitch nodded, his gargoyle turned him in his arms and rubbed one hand up and down his spine. “We’ll take all this to the chieftain. It’ll be his to deal with.” Kardamon’s smile turned slightly malicious. “And try not to worry, Mitch. Chieftain Maelgwn has dealt with many, many more powerful men than your father, no matter how inflated the guy’s ego.” He smirked. “No offense.”
Mitch scoffed, relaxing in Kardamon’s hold. His tension ebbed in the face of his gargoyle’s surety and calm. “None taken. And thank you... for being here with me.”
“It is truly my pleasure,” Kardamon assured, dipping his head and pressing a butterfly kiss to Mitch’s lips. Lifting his head, he grinned. “Now. Why don’t we do something normal, hmm? Let’s go on a date. Lunch at Goldy’s Burgers & Bites. I want hashbrown casserole.”
Loving that idea, Mitch nodded. “Yes, please.”
Everything else, all the troubles his father could cause, all that could wait.
About the Author
Charlie started writing fantasy when she was eight, and after stumbling onto her first erotic romance at age nineteen, she realized her true calling. She now focuses on writing gay erotic romance, normally of the paranormal variety, with heroes of all kinds. With the help and support of her husband, Charlie finally fulfilled one of her life-long goals... move to acreage with her horses. You can often find her curled up with her laptop and a cup of tea or glass of wine, creating her next adventure. Charlie enjoys exploring the mountains of her new Oregon home on horseback, 4-wheeler, or motorcycle.
She can be reached at [email protected]
Or visit her at www.charlie-richards.com
Channeling the Womanizer’s Lust Page 11