Addicted to the Duke (Imperfect Lords #1)(17)

“If he wants to enter the gilded doors then he’d best stop his trade.”

During Alex’s first years home, before his father died, Stephen had on several occasions found Alex in a sorry state in London’s East End and pulled Alex’s arse home from the den of iniquity he’d stumbled into. Fredrick was usually there too, if not partaking, then supplying the brothel with the finest opium.

“That is what I’m worried about. He has the title; what else is he up to? Lady Hestia has a large dowry and is now unprotected. He’s a clever bastard. The body was too badly decomposed to know who it was, but there was no signet ring or locket.”

“What are you going to do? If the earl’s not dead yet, he soon will be. Fredrick can’t let him return.”

“I intend to sail to the Mediterranean to warn his lordship before Fredrick has him killed for real.”

“And you want me to come along?” Stephen finished on a smile before he had to even ask.

“I need someone I can trust. Someone who has a large fleet of well-armed ships.”

“When Fredrick learns you’re gone he’ll send men after you.”

“Agreed. Jacob will ensure we have the right crew.” Jacob was his sergeant at arms from his military days. The war with the Turks had forged a strong bond between the men. Now he worked as Alex’s captain on the Angelica.

“We also have a plan to persuade Fredrick neither of us have left England. It should take him a while to work out we have left, giving us the precious time we need to find the earl before his men do.”

Stephen thought for a moment. “Getting them back into England alive will take a great deal of skill and luck.”

“I didn’t have the heart to tell Hestia and her aunt that finding her father wasn’t the end of the matter. That’s all they think I have to do.”

Stephen for once wasn’t even interested in the ladies on the bed, who were putting on quite the show.

Alex added, “Although my ship, the Angelica, is well armed, I’m worried about being outgunned by whomever Fredrick sends after us should we find her father first. I’m sure he knows many of the pirates operating in the Mediterranean, or else his trade wouldn’t be so regular.”

“Ah, you want me to send my fleet with you. It’s in harbor at Portsmouth.”

That’s where he would rendezvous with the Angelica.

“We would not need nor want you to set sail for a few weeks at least. Unfortunately we have to find her father first. I shall pay you, of course.”

“Of course you’ll pay. You can start by paying for tonight.” He winked and nodded toward the ladies on the bed.

Alex glanced at them and for a moment got lost in the beautiful bodies entwined on the bed. He was not averse to bedding several women simultaneously, but after his ordeal in Turkey he could not abide another male being in the room at the same time.

“Thank you, Stephen. I understand what an imposition this is. No one must learn of our plans. I want to be ready to leave London in the morning. Shall we use the next hour to organize where we should meet? I’m sorry if I’m keeping you from your pleasures.”

“You know I’ve never liked Fredrick or the trade he indulges in. Exposing his dishonorable behavior is all the thanks I need.”

Alex nodded, not willing to discuss Fredrick’s trade. He knew the damage opium could do, but he also knew the release it could offer. His use was prescribed by Foxhall and only involved a dash of laudanum every now and then. He was always in control now; never again would he come under its thrall. He had weeks where he did not need any laudanum, but when the darkness came, it was the only thing to keep the nightmares at bay. Foxhall prescribed it to help him sleep, and it worked.

He shook his head to clear it. “I suggest you meet me in Mallorca around the end of September. If I’m not there within three weeks I’m likely not coming and Fredrick has won.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll ensure he doesn’t live to enjoy his title.”

“Don’t do anything that could ruin you,” Alex warned.

“There are many ways to kill a man like Fredrick that do not involve me directly. He has many enemies in his line of business.”

That was the one thing Alex had never done—trade in opium. He had never been the perfect son his father wanted, but at least his father died without knowing the depths he’d sunk to.

He might like to use laudanum every now and then, but he knew what becoming enthralled in the sweet release could do. A man would do anything to get his hands on opium—anything! He knew what he’d once sold to get more of the drug and it had cost him his soul.

“I will wait for you. Even come looking for you if I have to.” Stephen looked longingly at the bed. “Come, let’s enjoy what may be your last night in London. It’s hard to remain unmoved by the beauties cavorting so.”

“You stay and enjoy the ladies. I’m not really in the mood if I’m honest. I’m worried about Hestia and all I have to organize to get us safely out of England.”

“Us. You’re taking her with you?”

The shock in Stephen’s voice grated. “What else am I to do? Fredrick can kill her at any time. Did I not mention that she inherits the money? Fredrick gets a title and the estate.”

“Christ. If you are worried, let me guess. If she dies he gets the money too?”