Read Online The Claiming by Tara Sue Me - Free Book Online

costume?”
    â€œThat’s entirely up to you. You should go get dressed, though. I purposely didn’t give a lot of time before we started.”
    She stepped away to get dressed, but turned back before leaving the room. “One request, Sir?”
    â€œAnything.”
    â€œWill you wear your three-piece suit? It does crazy wild things to my libido.”
    He laughed, but followed up with, “Yes, of course.”
    Ten minutes later, Sasha stood in the hallway while Nathaniel, Abby, and Cole sat in the dining room. Abby had pulled her hair up in an elaborate-looking style. As she passed Sasha on the way in, she whispered, “It’s really easy and I love it when Master pulls the pins out one by one.”
    Nathaniel coughed. “I have to thank you for inviting us to your estate, Earl Johnson. We’ve had a delightful time.”
    â€œYes, my lord,” Abby said. “Such a nice change from being in the city. I detest London this time of year.”
    â€œYou are both most certainly welcome to visit anytime you’d like to get away. Consider it a standing invitation.” Cole raised his glass.
    â€œLot of trouble brewing with the king, wouldn’t you say?” Nathaniel asked.
    â€œI try not to say.” Cole shook his head. “I fear I’m in enough trouble as it is over what I’ve already said.”
    â€œIs that so?”
    â€œYes. Why, just the other day I was telling someone that Henry—”
    â€œMy lord! My lord!” Julie dashed into the dining room.
    Cole stood up. “Ms. Masterson, what is the meaning of this ruckus?”
    Julie had found a white apron somewhere and she was twisting it as she answered. “It’s awful, Lord Johnson. Just awful.”
    Abby rose to her feet and put her arms around Julie. “There, there. It’s quiet all right, child. Come have a seat and tell us what troubles you so.”
    â€œProbably knowing she’s going to have to pick up all those hair pins in the morning,” Nathaniel said, which earned him a nasty look from his wife.
    Julie took several deep breaths and faced Cole. “I was in your mother’s chamber, cleaning it up since she’s coming next week.”
    Cole nodded. “Go on.”
    â€œAnd I went into the chest to make sure everything was there, just the way she likes it. You know, my lord, how peculiar she is about everything being just so. There was that one time, the—”
    â€œYes, yes, I know exactly how the countess is. What happened?” Cole asked.
    â€œIt’s missing, my lord. All of it.”
    â€œAll of what?”
    â€œAll the jewelry.”
    â€œThe jewelry is missing? Impossible.” Cole slammed his fist on the table. “Jewelry does not vanish. Someone took it.”
    â€œHave you had any visitors from the king?” Nathaniel asked. “Maybe someone who would try to steal it?”
    â€œI can’t imagine anyone being so bold as to steal from me after I welcomed them into my home.”
    â€œPerhaps one of the servants?” Abby asked.
    â€œSurely not one of my servants. Why, my servants have been with me for years. Not a one of them would stoop so low as to steal from me.”
    Daniel appeared beside Sasha and winked.
    â€œI think Julie missed her calling,” Sasha replied, nodding toward her friend. Daniel’s submissive sat in a chair with her arm dramatically thrown over her eyes, murmuring, “Gone. All gone,” while Abby tried to calm her down.
    â€œThat’s my girl.” Daniel laughed and after listening to the group in the other room said, “Looks like we’re up.”
    Sasha nodded and he took her by the wrist, dragging her into the dining room.
    â€œLook what I found out in the stables, trying to get away.” Daniel pushed her toward Cole.
    â€œWho are you?” Cole asked.
    â€œI was just looking for somewhere to spend the night, my lord,” Sasha