Page 145 of He's the One

“I’ll say the word…penguin.”

Col frowned. “How are you going to fit that into a conversation?”

“I’ll pretend I’ve seen one fly past.”

That made Col laugh.

When they reached a set of double doors on the first floor, Theo gestured for Col to wait at the side. He gave him a quick kiss, then knocked and went in. Theo didn’t quite shut the door so Col was able to hear.

“You took your time,” the marchioness snapped.

“Good morning, Mother, Grandmother.”

“It’s not,” his mother retorted. “You’re a reckless fool.”

“Just like your father,” snapped a different woman.

Col tensed.

“What have I done now?” Theo asked.

Col looked up to see the marquess approaching. Before he thought too hard about it, he put his finger to his lips, then held up his hand. Theo’s father frowned but slowed. Maybe this was a chance for him to see how horrible his wife was to their son.

“You’re reckless and stupid,” said that same woman, and Col assumed it was Theo’s grandmother. “But then you always have been. Look at the result.”

Col clenched his teeth.

“You have no idea who this Col Hammond is,” said Theo’s mother.

The marquess shot Col a look and Col felt his world start to unravel. Had Robert said something?Who else could it be?

“His brother is in prison for murder.”

Col made himself look at Theo’s father who had his head tipped as if asking if that was true. Col gave a small nod. To give the guy credit, he didn’t even wince.

“I know all that,” Theo said.

“What?” his mother shrieked.

“Col told me. I took him to see his brother. I applied for a visitor’s pass so I can see him too.”

“Absolutely not. Don’t be ridiculous. You cannot be associated with him. Are you aware of what his brother did?”

“Killed his parents because they’d been sexually abusing him and were about to start doing the same to Col.”

Col felt as if he were shrinking, everything inside him becoming as small as it could possibly get. No way could he look at Theo’s father.

“That’s no excuse,” Theo’s mother barked.

“Col was ten years old. His brother was fifteen. They were children. Their parents were monsters.”

“His brother is a monster too,” said Theo’s mother. “How can you allow yourself to be linked to that family? We said you needed to be discreet. Quiet affairs with young men of a similar background to you are acceptable—within reason. This is the opposite of discreet and is totally unacceptable. The newspapers will be all over this.”

“Is that how you know? Did a reporter call you?” Theo asked.

“Not a reporter. He said his name was Robert Murray. He used to go out with your… He threatened to tell the press.”

“Unless what?” Theo demanded. “What did he want?”

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