Chapter 10

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“What were you doing in there?” asked a deep voice.

Joseph swallowed a gasp and turned casually around.

“Sir, you startled me. I was just asking Master Dale if he wanted any breakfast.”

Tomas looked rough. His hair was dishevelled, his mouth was turned down and his brow heavy. He reeked of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot and dark. He looked paler than usual. He looked as though he’d died.

“Is that all?” Tom growled. “Are you sure you weren’t sneaking around hoping to catch a glimpse of his cock?”

Joseph swallowed his objections and steeled himself for whatever was to come. This was just a mood. It would pass. God knew he was used to them by now.

“Listen. You’ve worked for me for…” He couldn’t remember the number of years. “For a long time. You’re a good man but if I catch you sniffing around that bedroom again, I’ll fire you on the spot. He belongs to me, all right? Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” Joseph replied, barely able to look his employer in the eye.