Their tense, rigidly hard frames heaved from exertion, chest to chest, hip to hip, as they stared at each other, locked in some sort of emotionally charged eye contact. Priest lay on his back, restraining Ashley by the hair, wrenching his head back, and holding their mouths a hairsbreadth apart. They were so close they would’ve tasted the mingling of their labored breaths.

Ashley glared down his nose at Priest, maintaining his imperious demeanor, despite the awkward angle of his neck.

The nonverbal battle lasted longer than was comfortable. I couldn’t breathe. I was afraid to make a sound.

Gradually, Ashley released the vise of his hand from Priest’s throat. But he didn’t push away. Neither did Priest. All at once, they both seemed to relax.

Then, before my very eyes, Ashley sagged, letting the full weight and length of his body sink onto Priest in a confusingly beautiful gesture of trust and familiarity.

My jaw hung open, my thoughts fraying. What the devil were they doing?

The fist Priest held in Ashley’s hair loosened, sliding to the back of Ashley’s head to draw their foreheads together.

“I love her.” Ashley closed his eyes, his jaw tight. “It can’t be helped.”

“I know.” He sighed against Ashley’s mouth. Not a kiss. But it wanted to be…something…

I was so enthralled, the bucket slipped from my fingers, splashing water over my feet as it hit the floor.

Their heads turned in my direction, the spell broken.

Ashley stood and removed his cravat, using it to wipe the blood away from his lip. Then he straightened his garments and met my eyes, his expression empty. Chillingly composed. “Good evening, Bennett.”

Since he believed I was still deaf, he pronounced his fine-mannered greeting carefully and slowly. As if I cared a whit about formalities.

Had I remained in the bed, the angle would’ve prevented me from witnessing…whatever that was. They’d assumed I’d slept through it since I couldn’t hear. Or perhaps they hadn’t assumed anything because they’d been so caught up in each other.

“What were you doing?” I motioned at Priest on the floor. “Just now. What was that?”

Priest’s gaze shot to mine, his eyes narrowing, searching, then glimmering with realization. Ah. So my voice sounded normal now that I could hear it?

I arched my brow at him, smirking. Yes, I can hear again.

His face broke out in a wide, joyful grin. “She asked a question, Lord Cutler.” He rose to his feet, all grace and confidence, his accent taunting. “What were we doing just now?”

“It’s late. We’re not doing this tonight.” Ashley looked at Priest behind him, hiding the movement of his lips. “She doesn’t need this right now. I’ll tell her when she’s recovered and—”