Chapter 49: Pink Verbena, Part 2

Heaving a sigh, Aubrey went obediently along as Ruthven led them along the streets. He stayed well away from William, who trailed them like some sort of odd stray dog.

Shuddering, Aubrey unconsciously moved closer to Ruthven. He yawned widely, exhaustion hitting him now that the strange matter of hunting down William seemed to be over. "Can he ride home like that?"

"No, not unless I exert myself more, and I am too tired now to do so," Ruthven said. "We are taking a carriage back, and you can sleep on the way."

Aubrey drew to an abrupt halt in the street. "No," he said flatly. "I do not ride in carriages, and not even you can make me."

"You can handle it, Master," Ruthven said patiently.

"No."

Ruthven took his hand and dragged him close, lowering his head to give Aubrey a kiss - and then nipped down hard on his lip, drawing blood, sucking and lapping and kissing until Aubrey moaned. "Come along."

Aubrey went, but only because protesting suddenly seemed too difficult.