Extraits

Even though he was dead and it had been several years, Edward still recognized the man who’d come to his family’s estate.

Miguel Ramirez.

While not as atrocious as some of the other boys who’d frequented his home over the years, he’d still been awful enough that Edward remembered Miguel’s horrid behavior. His looks hadn’t improved much since then either.

In jeans and a T-shirt—items Edward would never be caught wearing—Miguel looked frumpy and far too casual, even if his beard was well trimmed. His dark, slightly wavy hair was mussed, and the shoes he wore would never have stood up to anything resembling proper back in Edward’s day.

But Edward’s day had long gone, and now he was stuck here, on his family’s property, watching as new owner after new owner tried to make heads or tails of the situation. Not keep people out with the padlock that now hung limply from the door handles.

It had worked to a degree. At least fewer people actually made it inside now.

Edward took the measure of the man who’d aged by several years since the last time he’d defaced Blackwell property. Miguel was handsome, sure, but Edward had learned long ago not to be fooled by good looks or smooth talk. After all, that was what had done him in all those years ago. Well, not the good looks and charm, but thinking a man was attractive and allowing himself to be seduced by intense, honey-colored eyes.

Miguel’s eyes were brown, like the dirt-covered barn floor, so Edward figured he was safe from any temptation there. But still, Miguel had broad shoulders and a lean torso, like he took care of himself and his body. If he dressed more suitably for a man of his age, Edward thought he’d look more sophisticated. The jeans and T-shirt did nothing to express his status as a gentleman. A nice top hat and waistcoat paired with some properly fitted trousers would be much more fitting.

Stepping closer, a bird who’d not yet taken off startled, and Miguel practically jumped in fright, making Edward stifle a laugh. He knew his laughter wouldn’t be heard, but years of conditioning to have perfect posture, proper decorum, and a haughty air of superiority made him suppress the impulse nonetheless. The birds knew he was there even if they couldn’t see him.

“I’m guessing I’m not alone if the raised hair on my arms is anything to go by,” Miguel said into the empty space, making Edward raise his eyebrows. “I’m Miguel, the new owner of your estate. I used to come here when I was younger.” Miguel rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously. “I apologize for my stupid behavior and any trouble I might have caused. My teen years were less than stellar. I’ve moved back home to help out my mom and sister, and I’m planning on fixing the place up.”

Miguel looked around one more time, his gaze passing right through Edward. “I just wanted to say hello. I hope we can find common ground where we’re all happy. Anyway…nice to meet you. Have a good night.” Then he turned on his heels and left the barn, locking the padlock behind him.