Page 29 of A Duchess to Reclaim

Dominic reached into his inner breast pocket and pulled out a folded stack of papers.

“You now own your favorite whiskey brewery in Dublin. I’ve already spoken to the owner of White’s, to Ezra, and a few other places in town. You’ll be their new distributor from now on,” he explained, handing Everett the deed.

“Bloody hell you are good,” Everett praised, his eyes wide with wonder as he accepted the paperwork.

“Yes I know,” Dominic arrogantly agreed, grinning, “Which is why a percentage of your sales will go to me.”

“Right, right,” Everett said hastily, clearly not caring about the cut.

Dominic loved this part of his work. Making the dots connect; cutting the strings of other connections that got in his way. It was ruthless and questionably moral, but he reveled in it.

He finished his drink, then got up.

“You’re not leaving!” Everett exclaimed. “You just got here!”

“Indeed I am,” Dominic replied, smirking.

He’d came to be spotted by the others. Now that Everett’s loud welcome had got him noticed and he’d handed his friends their information, it was time to go. He knew that the real gossip began after a person left, and that his little spies would fast at work gathering up the rumors.

“I should go too, honestly,” Hugo said, rising with him.

“Indeed,” Tristan agreed. “Theo has had enough time with her friends today, it is time I gather her up and take her home.”

“I believe they are with my wife,” Dominic stated, “You can come with me to collect them.”

“You’re all leaving me?” Everett asked, looking up at them with disdain.

“Surely there’s a wench’s bed mourning your absence,” Dominic scoffed.

“True,” Everett muttered, rising as well. “Will I see you before your party on Saturday?”

“Doubtful,” Dominic replied, “Now that I am back I have several things to put into motion.”

“Busy, busy, busy,” Everett tsked.

“Don’t worry, old chap,” Hugo teased, clapping him on the back. “One day you’ll grow up too.”

“Heaven forbid,” Everett muttered, and they all chuckled as they left.

* * *

“I hear you breathing,” Amelia called out, smiling wide.

A hiccup sounded to her left, followed by a cacophony of giggles. Blindfolded and arms outstretched, Amelia followed the sound. Without her sight the world blurred more than usual, and she stumbled, nearly falling over.

“Careful, darling!” One of her friends laughed.

The wine was good. But the punch, Amelia thought, might have been a mistake. Though it was delicious going down, the effects of it were slamming into her.Hard.

She rose to her feet, swaying a little, and took another step forward.

Something brushed against her fingertips and she jumped at it, but found purchase on nothing but a curtain.

More giggles erupted, followed by nearby gasp.

“Am I close?” Amelia called out, stretching her hands out again.

“Ummm…” Someone said.

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