Perfect Obsession

By Lucien Grey

Lord Robert Beswick bought his commission and went to sea to escape the responsibilities of a noble title he never wanted. But now he has something, someone, he wants to stay home for, to protect, and he fears his lack of wealth and long absences at sea will drive his lover away.

Will Rohen, son of a cloth merchant, is driven by his obsession for perfection which manifests in his love for fashion. Seen as nothing more than a vain fop by society, he is a source of ridicule and envy, even catching the eye of the prince regent. But what plagues him most is the nightmare that the war will one day claim Robert’s life.

Will’s obsession makes Robert fear he cannot provide his lover with the life he deserves. Will fears more than anything that Robert will sail away one day and not return to him. Can their romance survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Sep 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685502782

Book preview

Perfect Obsession

By Lucien Grey

Published by JMS Books LLC

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2022 Lucien Grey

ISBN 9781685502782

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Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

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Perfect Obsession

By Lucien Grey

Burn it! Burn the whole damn lot. Will threw his coat to the floor as soon as we crossed the threshold of my town house.

Sir?

Take it out to the garden and set light to the abomination.

Beech, my elderly, but still capable and now confused butler, lifted the garment smartly and looked to me for sanction.

I offered the poor old man a grateful smile. Take it away, Beech. Donate it if you wish. To one of your sons perhaps?

But…something so fine… Beech caught himself from questioning his betters and gave a small bow. As you wish, sir. Thank you.

It’s not even worth that, Will snapped.

He was leaning over the half-moon table further down the hall, his knuckles white as he gripped the delicately carved edge. Fearing for the table’s safety, I moved and placed a reassuring hand on Will’s trembling shoulder. His back flinched like an irritated cat.

I have never been so humiliated. He moved away from my touch. "Twin, can you believe it. He called me his twin."

I heard.

Of course you did. Everyone at the party did. That God damn pet poodle Brummell, we couldn’t have been dressed any more alike than if we’d visited the same tailor. The prince regent only fawns over him to make his own lack of taste less evident.

Ignoring the possible treason, I said, At least the prince regent spoke to you.

I regretted my words instantly. Will’s handsome face turned sullen. An angry flush of blood darkened his ears and no doubt spread to his neck beneath his white, intricately knotted cravat. His light hazel eyes were alight with emotion. He opened his mouth and I waited for the venom, but was surprised when Will silently fumed, cheeks red, his back trembling. He would not allow himself to cry. I was grateful. The sight of Will in tears was endearing, especially when shed in ecstasy, but I did not like to see him upset.

I moved to his side once more and pulled him into a loose embrace. Real comfort would come once we were safely hidden within my chambers.

I’m sorry. Will’s voice broke and he sucked in a steadying breath. I know you think this…that I’m ridiculous.

I risked cupping Will’s cheek forcing him to meet my gaze. Of course I don’t. I may not understand as completely as I should, but I will always support and encourage your search for perfection.

Will’s pain and frustration broke. For a brief second, he allowed himself to lean into my touch. He looked at me with eyes full of longing. The golden flecks dispersed through the hazel of his irises glistened. My breath quickened.

Get me out of these damn clothes.

We retreated to our bedrooms as quickly as was permitted without raising suspicion among the staff. They were loyal and discreet, but it paid to always have a care and not test how far their loyalty extended. The click of the door adjoining mine and Will’s room announced Will’s arrival. Once alone behind the locked door, Will was in my arms and kissing me. It was clumsy and fierce.

The