The room seemed to go silent and all eyes went toward the door as a young brunette walked in wearing white gloves and a white lace dress. She wore a look of disdain and disgust on her face as she looked around the room. Seeing Xavier, she smiled with a sigh of relief as she walked toward his table. “What a coincidence that you and I would run into each other here.”

Instead of standing Xavier pushed the chair out across from him with his boot. “Miss Claybourne strange seeing you on this side of town.”

Joanna Claybourne looked down at the chair and grimaced as she pulled out a handkerchief and laid it down before sitting. “Well it seems if I want to talk to you or see you, I have to come to you, and you seem to enjoy surrounding yourself with trash so here I am.”

Looking around at all the obviously deranged and foul-smelling low lives surrounding her and staring at her like she was their next meal she rolled her eyes and wrinkled her nose in disgust. Xavier laughed then looked around “What was it you needed to see and talk to me about?”

Joanna flipped a ringlet of hair back over her shoulder. “I had hoped you would be the one coming to me but since you have failed to take a hint, I had to come here to you.”

Xavier turned and watched as Brodey walked toward them, Joanna noticed and turned to see what he was so interested in. “Do you know that boy?” Xavier nodded “He’s just a boy that hangs out around here.”

Joanna glared at Brodey “By the way you two look at one another I’d say you know each other quite well.” the contempt in her voice made Xavier hot under the collar, “Well we are friends, what is it exactly that you need to talk to me about?”

Joanna sighed at Xavier’s impatience, “The Michael’s garden party is in two weeks and I think we should go together.”

Xavier almost rolled his eyes “Sorry but I don’t think I’ll be attending, thank you though.”

Brodey walked by and Xavier made a point to say hello pissing Joanna off. “Evening Brodey” Brodey was taken aback “Good evening Lord Greystone.”

Trying to piss her off, even more, Xavier called Brodey over to the table to introduce him to her. “Joanna this is Brodey.”

Joanna rolled her eyes and sighed as she held out a limp hand for Brodey to kiss but instead Brodey shook it “Mam” looking at Xavier Brodey winked at him before walking away. Xavier laughed having noticed him taking her gold and pearl bracelet; Joanna turned with a sour expression “Dirty Mutt shook my hand like I was a man.”

Xavier shrugged “I doubt manners really count when you’re living on the streets.”

Looking toward the door Xavier pulled out his time piece and frowned. “It’s getting late Joanna I think it’s about time you head home it’s not safe for you to be down here, where is your driver waiting?”

Joanna gave him a flirtatious smirk “I sent him away, I had hoped you would want to escort me home yourself.”

Xavier sighed as he looked over at Brodey watching them from the bar. Standing up he held out his hand and Joanna took it “Well then it’s about time I got you home.”

Joanna stood up and fluttered her eyes up at him “How sweet of you.”

Xavier frowned in annoyance then tipped his hat to Angie and Brodey on their way out. “Never been called sweet before.”

Joanna shrugged “Is being sweet so bad?”

Xavier shook his head “Yes, to me it is.”

When Silas saw them exit, he jumped down to open the coach door a look of confusion on his face. Xavier just shook his head “Head to the Claybourne residence we will be taking Joanna home.”

Joanna peaked her head out and held out her fan to get their attention “Yes but we would like to take a ride around the park first.”

Xavier growled then turned to Silas “It will be a short ride.”

Joanna groaned “No it will be a lengthy one we have business to discuss.”

Xavier looked to be in torment as he jumped in the coach to find Joanna had opened up all the windows. “Such a beautiful night we wouldn’t want to miss it all closed in and in the dark.”

Xavier shook his head in annoyance, “Yeah I wouldn’t want anybody to not see us together, so Joanna what exactly do we need to discuss?”

Seeing one of her friends Joanna leaned out and called out to her, “Julie, oh Julie so nice to see you maybe you and I can have tea together tomorrow.”

Xavier was ready to throw her out the window “Are you planning on telling me what it is you want to talk about?”

Joanna scooted closer to the window making sure they were seen by everyone. “I know you enjoy being a bachelor but your twenty-five Xavier, don’t you think it’s time you start thinking about your future and getting married and starting your own family?”

Xavier was getting more irritated by the second “And who pray tell do you think I should marry?” Joanna’s eyes widened “Oh I don’t know me; would that be so bad?”

Xavier sighed “I’m not interested in getting married right now, you’re a young beautiful woman but I just don’t see a future between us, I consider you a friend and that’s all.”

Joanna’s eyes swelled up for only a brief moment then she looked angry. “I’ll never be good enough for you, will I?”

Xavier hit the side of the coach signaling to Silas to head to the Claybourne residence. “This has nothing to do with you being or not being good enough for me, if anything you’re too good for me, you deserve someone lighthearted and well someone less dark and angry.”

After a long few minutes of uncomfortable silence on Xavier’s part and Johanna’s tearless blubbering in between what Xavier could only describe as irritating whining Silas came to a stop in front of the Claybourne town house and jumped down and opened the door. Xavier jumped out first and took Joanna’s hand “I didn’t intend to hurt your feelings, but it would be cruel to lead you on when there are so many men out there looking for the same things you want.”

Joanna still looked determined as she fluttered her eyelashes up at him. “Thank you for bringing me home, and I hope you still give me a chance when the time comes.”

After walking her to the door Xavier headed back toward the coach and a laughing Silas. “Not the woman of your dreams Sir?”

Xavier waved him off then jumped in and shut all the windows “I’ve had just about enough for one night take me to the townhouse.”

Silas smiled “Yes Sir” only a few seconds passed before Xavier called out “Stop by Stella’s on the way.”

Silas teased him “Haven’t had enough female companionship for the night?” Xavier laughed “Stop teasing me Silas you know good and well why I’m going there.”

When they reached Stella’s it was packed, the crowd was loud and rowdy, when Xavier walked in he was surrounded by women but pushed passed them and headed to Brodey’s room, when he got there he knocked after a moment with no answer he turned to leave only to walk right into Brodey who looked more than surprised to see him.

“Xavier, I mean Lord Greystone what are you doing here, are you here to get your dick wet?” Xavier laughed “No, I came to see you.”

Brodey looked even more confused “If you’re here to get back your lover’s bracelet you’re too late I took it to the pawn broker ten minutes ago.”

Xavier groaned in irritation as he leaned against the wall placing his arms across his chest. “Joanna and I are not lovers and I have no problem with you taking her bracelet.”

Brodey shrugged leaning against the opposite wall “She sure does like you that’s obvious, she came to this side of town to see you and there’s no doubt she thinks you and she are an item.”

Xavier smiled “I’d say so, she basically asked me to marry her tonight, she thinks we would be a good match, Greystone, and Claybourne.”

A large half-naked man and his whore walked by drunk and laughing. “So, what did you tell her?” Xavier laughed “No of course.”

Brodey tried not to look happy about it and failed miserably “So how did she take it?” Xavier shrugged “Not good at all, and the fool still seems determined to have me, why I don’t know.”

Brodey stared across the hallway at Xavier hoping he couldn’t see the longing in his eyes “What was it you wanted to say to me?”

Xavier shrugged “Just wanted to see you I guess, nothing more and nothing less, to tell you the truth I don’t know why I came here really.”

Brodey could smell his intoxicating scent and it made him feel giddy inside. All he wanted to do was kiss him, so he tried to keep his distance. “I was headed out to get a bite to eat with a few of my friends.” Xavier smiled “I’ll walk you out, I have my coach waiting.”

As they walked outside by side all Brodey wanted to do was hold his hand but resisted. When they reached the road Emmett and Davy were waiting. The only two men alive that knew Brodey’s secret due to Emmett’s big mouth of course. Seeing him with Xavier Emmett laughed then walked up and whispered. “If you like we can go on without you.”

Brodey shook his head no “I’m coming just give me a minute.”

Emmett smiled then slapped Brodey on the ass before walking away. Xavier watched unsure why he cared or why it just didn’t look right. Turning Brodey smiled up at him “Well good night will I see you next Friday?”

Xavier looked down into Brodey’s big green eyes and smiled “I don’t know why but yes you will see me next Friday.” Brodey watched him with desire as Xavier jump into his coach and left. Emmett and Davy walked up, Emmett watched Brodey for a moment then turned to Davy “Go on without us, I’ll catch up with you later.”

After Davy had walked away Emmett turned to Brodey and smiled “Damn Brodey even dressed like a boy you have that man confused and wondering why he’s so attracted to you. Poor man, I feel for him maybe you can show up next Friday as Scarlet. Pamela left a few dresses behind at my place when she left, and I know she won’t be back so if you want them, they’re yours.”

Brodey laughed “Oh and by the way, if I get my ass kicked one more time because of you I’ll kill you myself, hell Emmett why Meg you know her, and Georgie are together.”

Emmett shrugged “Meg’s not the victim here give that woman rum and she’s unstoppable, hell Georgie should keep an eye on her cause I’m not the only lover she has, trust me.” Brodey walked into the dark alley and Emmett followed grabbing a hold of him and kissing him passionately.

“You’re so sexy when you’re mad forget Pamela’s dresses come home with me tonight, and no quickies I would like to see all of you like before, naked not just with your britches pulled down. Having you all to myself last week has had me craving Scarlet nonstop.”

More than horny after seeing Xavier Brodey smiled as he leaned up and kissed Emmett back, “Come to my place tonight and I’ll make sure Scarlet is waiting.”

That night as Brodey waited for Emmett he took off his clothes then removed his bindings it had been so long that he had been playing Brodey that he was in shock as he looked down at herself wishing it was Xavier that was coming over instead of Emmett. After washing up she sat on her bed in only a towel, she only had to wait a few minutes before there was a knock on the door when she answered Emmett’s eyes grew big.

“My God in heaven Brodey you are breathtaking.”

Scarlet smiled as she showed him in “You know that I like it when you call me Scarlet when I look like this.”

Emmett’s eyes widened with interest as he pulled away the towel “Scarlet hell more like Aphrodite in the flesh, damn woman, I want you so bad right now I don’t even know where to start.” Scarlet laughed then lied down on the bed “I have a few ideas.”

Pleasuring each other throughout the night few words were spoken between them they just used each other and that was just fine for both of them. In midst of an orgasm, Scarlet started to call out Xavier’s name but caught herself, after they had both climaxed, they lied in each other's arms in silence then Emmett turned and stared down at her.

“I heard you when you almost called out Xavier’s name instead of mine; I’d be jealous if you were mine, but I know you’re not and never will be. I think it’s time you show your true self, you’re not a child anymore, you’re a woman with needs and wants like any other woman.”

Scarlet laid there silent for a moment “Just go to sleep Emmett and let me deal with my identity.” Emmett paused then groaned “Damn it Scarlet I am jealous of your dark Lord and that pisses me off even more.” Emmett shrugged then laid back down. The next morning Emmett woke up to an empty bed knowing Scarlet was once again Brodey and back to his old ways, Brodey was an early riser leaving Emmett asleep as he silently snuck out. When Emmett woke up got dressed leaving looking well-rested and fully satisfied. Brodey's first stop was Ben’s news stand as usual; when Ben saw him, he tossed him a paper. “You’re looking rather spruce today.”

Brodey smiled as he sat on the curb “You’re not looking that bad yourself.” Brodey smiled as he read the front-page news about Owen Paul the warden at Newgate prison and future Mayor if he was going to get his way. “Damn Ben they write about this horse’s ass entirely too much.”

Ben walked over and looked at the drawing of him and laughed. “It’s rather strange you knowing how to read and all.”

Brodey shrugged “My parents were both taught to read and write by my grandmother she always said not knowing how to read is like constantly being in the dark and being too dumb to light a candle.” Ben smiled “So anything on the gossip pages about your friend Greystone?”

When Brodey read it, he laughed then read it out loud “Our dark Lord Greystone has been seen in the company of Joanna Claybourne on what looked like to this reporter a romantic interlude, when asked Miss Claybourne was closed-mouthed about the details but informed me that at this time they were just friends but she wasn’t very convincing.”

Ben laughed as he shook his head in disgust “Joanna Claybourne would do and say just about anything to get a hold of Greystone’s money and title, she’s probably the one who leaked the story in the first place.”

Brodey laughed as he stood up and folded the paper and stuck it in his back pocket. “I was introduced to Joanna Claybourne just last night, by Greystone himself, she’s quite the snob, a bitch actually, but Greystone seemed to find it very amusing to get her pissed off and make her uncomfortable. I was able to take her bracelet got a pretty penny for it too.” Ben shrugged “She doesn’t seem like his type not that I would know.”

Brodey started to walk away “Yeah well I wouldn’t know either.”

When Friday rolled around Brodey decided early on that he wasn’t going to show. He was depressed and his week was rotten but when seven o’clock came he rushed toward Angie’s scared that if he didn’t show up Xavier would forget him altogether. About to walk in Brodey heard his name being called when he turned, he found Greystone’s driver a large black man waving him over. “It is Brodey right?”

Brodey smiled warmly “Yeah I’m Brodey what is your name?”

The dark stranger smiled “My name is Silas.”

Silas nodded toward Angie’s “We got here early, and I thought I’d introduce myself.” Brodey smiled “It’s nice to meet you face to face and to finally learn your name.” Silas nodded “Nice meeting you too, it’s about seven you better get in there.”

Brodey laughed then turned to go in when he walked in, he found Xavier waiting, as usual, when Xavier saw Brodey he removed his hat and gave him a sexy smile. Just the sight of him made Brodey feel hot all over. Xavier watched as Brodey worked his way to him, sharing long glances along the way, when Brodey reached Xavier he passed by him and whispered. "Leave your woman at home this Friday?”

Xavier laughed getting everyone’s attention “Joanna Claybourne is not my woman and I’m pretty sure you know that.” Brodey laughed “Not for lack of trying.” Xavier nodded “That’s for sure and for certain, having a good day?”

Brodey boldly grabbed a chair and turned it around sitting on it backward. “Do you care if I join you, hell if I’m bothering you just say so?” Xavier smiled “I don’t mind the company; I always enjoy talking with you.”

Brodey couldn’t help but be excited over Xavier’s words. “Well then where was I, my day has been rather depressing as was my week. I almost didn’t show up here at all, waiting all week for Friday to come is a tease.” Xavier looked confused “A tease?”

Brodey shrugged “Yep a tease, if you don’t see that then you and I have been playing a completely different game.” Xavier nodded “No I think you and I are on the same page, not that I’m not confused by the whole thing cause trust me I am.”

Brodey stood to go and Xavier stopped him. “Please sit.”

Brodey smiled and sat back down, “Why weren’t you going to come today?”

Brodey didn’t know how to answer him, “I guess I’m wondering what to do next, I’ve changed so much recently and I know I can’t keep living the way I am.” Xavier frowned “And now you don’t know if you still want to see me?”

Brodey felt like his heart was beating out of his chest, he could almost hear the hurt in Xavier’s voice. “Not to sound weird but you’re all I have to look forward to, I have nothing else.”

Xavier nodded “To tell you the truth and I’ve always been big on the truth. I’m alone myself except for a handful of servants other than that I have no one else and as strange as it might seem you’re all I have to look forward to myself.”

Brodey gave a broad smile “Well aren’t we a pair.”

Xavier laughed “A pair of weirdos’ maybe, I’m headed back to my town house can I drop you somewhere?”

Brodey stood to follow him out, walking into Emmett on the street. “Well, well haven’t seen you since last Friday, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you have been avoiding me, maybe I gave you too much to think about the last time we spoke.” Brodey sighed pushing Emmett out of his way “Not now Emmett.”

Emmett glared at Xavier “Yeah not in front of Lord Friday.”

Brodey sighed “Give me a break Emmett can’t you just yell at me later.”

Emmett stepped back with his hands in fists at his side his face red from fury “It’s you that has been avoiding me like the plague.”

Brodey turned to Xavier noticeably embarrassed “I have to go; I’ll see you next week.” Xavier looked concerned “Is everything all right?” Brodey gave a nervous laugh “It’s just been a long week.”

Brodey watched as Xavier walked away then turned and glared at Emmett “What the hell was that all about, I wasn’t avoiding you damn it I just had a rotten week.”

Emmett followed Brodey as he walked away, Brodey stopped and faced him “What has changed in you? A week ago, we were on the same page, lovers on occasion hell you plow your way through half the women in this town, and now your acting like a jealous prick why?”

Emmett shrugged as he removed his hat and ran his hand through his hair “Scarlet is all I can think about, I can’t help it and hearing you call out Xavier’s name in bed with me was awful and I can’t stop thinking about that either.”

Brodey laughed “I guess you and I just having casual sex isn’t going to work anymore. You’re my best friend Emmett I don’t want that to change.” Emmett felt foolish “I’m sorry, let this be the end of all the jealousy.”

Brodey walked off and Emmett walked over to Xavier coach and knocked when Xavier answered Emmett tried to smile. “If Brodey knew I was here he would kill me. I don’t do this often but sorry for all of that it was rude of me, it was only a misunderstanding and I was in the wrong, please don’t mention this to Brodey he’s mad at me enough already.”

Xavier nodded “Is everything alright now?”

Emmett shrugged “I’ll let him cool down a bit before I go talk with him.” Emmett left and Xavier headed home filled with even more unanswered questions.