Page 56 of The Mistletoe Dare

“Still abed, sir.”

“I would like a word,” Nic said, watching the valet’s face tense. “That bad, eh?”

“I would rather not wake him, sir,” the valet admitted sheepishly.

Nic snorted and clapped Elton on the shoulder. “Go on then, make yourself scarce. I shall beard the lion in his den.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. There is a fresh pot of coffee on the table, just in case, sir,” Elton said, making a dash for the door whilst the going was good.

Nic watched the valet go and then picked up the tray with the coffee on and went to his brother’s room. It was dark and silent, the embers of the fire burning low. Setting down the tray, he tended the fire and then pulled back the curtains with a decisive tug. Bright daylight flooded the room, and a muffled groan came from the vicinity of the bed.

“Putain de merde!” Louis cursed, dragging a pillow over his head. “Elton, you bloody swine. Close the curtains.”

“Elton has decided discretion is the better part of valour,” Nic replied in French. His English was as good as Louis’, but it was still a relief to use his mother tongue.

Louis’ blue eyes glinted from beneath the pillow as he glared at Nic. “What do you want?”

“Is that any way to greet your dearest sibling? I come bearing coffee.”

“You’re my only sibling, and I don’t want coffee. I want to sleep. Va-t’en!”

Nic sighed, understanding Louis was determined to be difficult. He poured out a cup of coffee. “I will not go away. I wish to talk to you.”

Louis turned his back on Nic and pulled the covers over his head. “Va te faire foutre.”

“My, we are vulgar this morning. You can curse me nine ways till Sunday, but I’m not going anywhere. You can try to throw me out if you like.” Nic sat on the edge of the mattress and held the cup of coffee under Louis’ nose. Louis sent him a look that would have shrivelled a lesser man, but sat up, muttering profanities all the while. He took the cup of coffee, sipping with his eyes shut.

“At least close the damned curtains.”

Nic got up and obliged. He poured himself a cup of coffee before sitting down on the bed again.

“Well, and what was so damned urgent that you needed disturb my sleep?”

“You’re drinking too much,” Nic said, cradling the coffee cup in his hands.

“Me and most of the ton. Go wake them up.”

Nic smirked, shaking his head. “I don’t give a damn about them. I care about you.”

“How touching,” Louis groused irritably. “Do you mind caring during hours when I’m awake?”

Nic stared at him, and Louis subsided with a huff.

“What’s wrong, Louis?”

Louis frowned down into his coffee cup.

Nic sighed. “I know you’re unhappy, but—”

He bit back the words at a murderous flash of blue eyes. Well, perhaps another tack.

“You’re avoiding me.”

Louis waved an impatient hand, dismissing the words. “I’m not. You’re just busy with your beloved—and no, that wasn’t a criticism,” he added hastily. “I’m happy for you. You know that.”

Nic said nothing, watching as his brother finished his coffee.

“I’m fine,” Louis insisted, turning the empty cup in his hands.