Secret Of The Manor Read Online Free PDF Page B

Warren, along with his sharpness of mind. “And I don’t talk about everybody’s business unless it’s already common knowledge. So, if you’re worried about it getting out, don’t be—although I’ve got to tell you, there’s already speculation.”
    Warren buried his head in his hands. “Oh, Christ.”
    “Christ ain’t got nothin’ to do with it. It’s more like the combination of you and Argo out there making a good-lookin’ pair that got their attention. If you believe the women, you’ve got a good arse they wouldn’t mind seeing in the flesh. They’ve spied you swinging your hips to the music in the tack room, too. Personally, I don’t want to see your arse. But it’s got the women wondering whether you’ve got someone stashed away, and they ain’t fussed if it’s a bloke or a bird—but they’s curious.” Carl’s face screwed up a little. “My missus reckons some of them would prefer it if you did have a bloke here.”
    Warren felt the colour drain from his face, and his teeth chattered. As he held his mug of tea, the remains of his brew quivered.
    Carl’s hand wrapped around Warren’s wrist. “Bloody hell, man. How far in the closet are you?”
    Warren took a few deep breaths while he organised the thoughts that had been raging since Carl broached his sexuality. He didn’t see the point in hiding from Carl, not that he ever had, intentionally. All the same, he trembled. “It depends on the circles you move in, my friend.”
    As if purging his soul, Warren told Carl of the differences between his work and private life. He also divulged the incident that made him separate the two.
    YEARS AGO, when promoted to his first management post, Warren fell afoul—due to his social inexperience—of a colleague, Tim, whom he thought to be a friend. The two had joined the company at the same time, but Warren climbed the ladder first owing to his accuracy, speed, and focus on the job. The men continued to socialise, but everything changed after one particular night out.
    They were propping up the bar, and Tim was on his third beer. Warren was halfway down his second when two women walked in. Tim immediately homed in on their belt-length skirts and bulging breasts.
    Gulping down his mouthful, Tim spluttered, “Warren,” and hit his arm. “We’ve gotta get us some of that.”
    Confused, Warren swallowed before asking, “Some of what?”
    Tim turned Warren towards the barely-out-of-their-teens women. Warren took one look at the over-shiny pink lipstick that made them look like they’d just slurped oil-laden pasta and shuddered. “No, thanks.”
    Tim whispered, “You have got to be kidding me,” and disappeared towards the women. Having turned on the charm, he returned with the girls. “This is my friend Warren.” Then he leaned in to the brunette. “He’s a little socially awkward, but a good man. Give him a chance. Warren, this is Tanya and Suzie.”
    Warren gave a polite smile while Tim bought a round of drinks. After an hour of plying the ladies with more alcohol and doing most of the talking, Tim had his arm around Tanya. Suzie hovered close to Warren. Tim whispered into Tanya’s ear, and soon after she took Suzie by the arm and headed for the powder room. Like a gorilla about to beat his chest in victory, Tim announced, “I hope you got condoms, Warren, cos we’re getting laid tonight.”
    “What?” Warren’s pitch raised several notches. “I don’t think so.”
    “Are you kidding me? They’re a sure thing.”
    Warren, albeit socially awkward, was sure of his sexuality—he’d experimented enough at university to know women did nothing for him. He’d never advertised it due to his family’s reaction when he came out to them, which was not good. “Tim, I’m not interested in either of them.”
    “But it’s pussy, man. What’s not to be interested in? You don’t have to look at the mantel while you’re stoking the fire.”
    “Tim,” Warren said more forcefully,