Page 24 of Hold On

Damn.“Does your brother? Could you borrow it?”

Myriad expressions crossed Dominic’s face making Ren wonder what box he’d just opened because he could tell that Dominic was frantically trying to close it.

“I don’t have a licence,” Dominic mumbled.

“Right. Well, want to snag a couple of drinks from your brother and we could go for a walk? I’d offer to go back and get something from mine, but since I’m here…”

Dominic didn’t answer. Was itthatdifficult a question?

“Forget it.” Ren shrugged, trying to hide his irritation. “It was just a thought.”

“What would you like to drink?”

“Surprise me. I’ll go check on my horse. See if it needs more hay. If you change your mind…”Or your mind is changed for you. “…and don’t want to come down again, then don’t. It’s fine.”

“Okay.”

Ren walked away unsure what thatokaymeant. But a few minutes later, Dominic walked into the garage holding two bottles of beer. He handed one to Ren.

“Cheers.” Ren clinked his against Dominic’s.

“Cheers.”

Ren took a big slug. The beer was icy cold and delicious. Dominic took a sip so small that it didn’t look as if he’d drunk any.

“Want to show me round Asquith?” Ren asked.

“I only arrived yesterday.”

“Then we can explore together.”

Dominic walked beside him as they headed across the courtyard.

Start with something simple.“How did your brother meet the son of the marquess?”

“Col was working here as a stonemason. Well, he still is, but he was employed as part of a team then. A piece of masonry fell from the roof and Col pushed Theo out of the way.”

Ren raised his eyebrows. “He saved his life?”

“Yes.”

“Is it just you and your brother?”

Dominic nodded.

“I just have the one brother too.”

They’d moved onto a path and were heading against the flow of people. Ren assumed the place was closing for the day. Dominic side-stepped onto the grass so Ren did the same.

“How come you don’t have a driving licence?” Ren wondered if it was because of speeding or drinking.

“I’ve never needed to drive. Now I do. I ought to apply for a provisional licence.”

“A car’s a hindrance in London.”Is that where you lived—usually live?

“Theo’s offered to give me lessons. He has an automatic and says it’s easier than a manual.”

“How long are you staying here?”

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