Wild Angels
By Amiboshi-chan
Chapter six
For the next few days Tasuki frequented all his old, familiar haunts- including the theater and his favorite café- but soon found that no matter where he went, he was plagued by the memory of Missy's dark green eyes.
And then there was Violet Ashland, who kept turning up and clinging to his arm. It didn't take long to realize that he was a changed man . . . one who found the simpering blond beauty of Violet more annoying than intoxicating. Whenever she appeared, it was all he could do to bite his tongue and remind himself that he had been given a gentleman's upbringing. It also reminded him that trying to deal with females was enough to make a man want to become a hermit.
On one particularly gloomy morning, Tasuki found himself staring into the dark brew at the bottom of his china coffee cup, and largely ignoring the conversation of Nakago and his mother, who were enjoying a hearty breakfast.
The doorbell rang, and the downstairs maid went to answer it. When she returned, she was carrying a small white envelope. Nakago quickly drained his coffee cup, intending to make a hasty exit before the maid reached them. He had been expecting a long overdue summons from his elder sister Clair-an invitation to a tiresome family function that would be impossible for him to decline. However, as Patricia opened the envelope, the odd look on her face stopped him in his tracks. "What is it, Mother?" He asked, curiosity getting the best of him. "Not bad news, I hope?"
"No, not at all. It is merely an invitation to a garden party." Her voice was soft and slightly bemused.
"Just as I thought." Nakago grumbled. He took the invitation as his mother handed it to him, and read it, a broad smile creasing his cheeks as he did so.
Tasuki leaned back in his chair, and eyed the older man with a speculative _expression. "Rod, I haven't seen you grin like that since the last stock report. What has you so happy?"
Nakago held out the card . "Read it for yourself." He said slyly. "It would be nice to see a smile on your face as well. You've had a permanent scowl etched on it since the night of Miss Brooks's debut party."
"Your imagination is getting the best of you!" Tasuki retorted, snatching the card. Recognizing Yui's flowing script, he felt his heart start to race. "A garden party. . . at Tokaki O'Bannion's house. " He read, with poorly feigned nonchalance. "I suppose it would be nice to attend." "Nice? Is that the best you can do?" Tasuki looked up to find Nakago studying him with undisguised amusement. "What do you mean?" Nakago grinned at him as he rose from the chair and pulled on his coat. "How about...nice, as well as an extremely happy coincidence that you'll finally get to see Miss Brooks again?"
Tasuki cleared his throat uncomfortably, feeling his pulse still racing like a runaway mustang. It was true that the image of Missy's dark eyes as she had turned and left him standing with Violet had kept him awake more than one night, but that meant nothing. He did not intend to settle down with anyone. He just felt bad for Missy. That was all. Wasn't it?
"Now why in blue blazes would I be happy to see Missy?" He responded, in a deliberate drawl. "I've rather enjoyed not having my hide flayed by her sharp tongue!"
Nakago shrugged. "It was only a joke, Tasuki. There's no need to defend yourself." Walking over to his mother's chair, he placed a kiss on top of her silvery blond curls. "See you later."
"Where are you going?" Patricia looked up at him with a bright smile, brought on by the excitement of attending another party.
"It's my morning at the gentleman's club."
"Oh, yes." Patricia's smile vanished as she looked at Tasuki. "Why don't you go with him, Tasuki? You have been acting out of sorts lately."
"Have I?" Tasuki echoed, trying his best to look cheerful. "I assure you that it wasn't intentional."
"Nevertheless, you have been grumpy, dear- and I can't for the life of me figure out why, especially when things seem to be working out so well for you and Violet Ashland."
Tasuki heaved a sigh of exasperation. "Patricia, there is nothing between me and Violet Ashland. I've told you this before."
Patricia her hands up in a placating gesture. "All right, dear. If you want everything to be a surprise, I'll act like I haven't heard a word." She winked. "Just as you say- there is nothing between you and Violet."
"But-" Tasuki started to protest, but Nakago snagged his arm. "Come on, you. It will do you good to work up a sweat rather than just getting hot under the collar." He laughed, unfazed by the dark glare Tasuki flashed him as he tugged the younger man towards the door and outside to the transport that awaited them. Minutes later, their carriage lurched through a light drizzle of rain. Tasuki had been silent during of the ride to the club, as he tried to figure out why on earth Patricia O'Bannion was so convinced that he and Violet were still romantically involved. Before he could think of an explanation that fit, Nakago was opening the carriage door.
As he alighted from the vehicle, Tasuki's eyes traveled up the craggy facade of the club. Vermont granite soared upward for seven stories. "It never changes, does it?"
Nakago turned to look at him. "You've been here before?" Tasuki nodded. "Well then, you should know that there has been a few minor changes inside the walls."
"Oh really? Have they installed new leather sofas?" Nakago smiled. "Not exactly."
"I know- they brought in new humidors to hold more of those foul smelling cigars." Tasuki joked, suddenly glad that Nakago had insisted he come along.
Nakago's smile broadened at his friend's attempt at humor. "No, it's that we allowed a group of forward- thinking young women to attend one of the weekly sparring matches." He explained, smiling at Tasuki's astonishment.
"If that's true, the older members will need three fingers of brandy and a short rest afterwards."
Nakago laughed. "You would think- but it didn't turn out that way. It seems that after all the hoopla settled down, everyone noticed that the pugilists actually seemed to be putting forth a little more effort." He said. "Because of the record amount of wagers won and lost that day, a new tradition was started. Now, once a week, ladies are invited to observe the exercises. It has caused some raising of eyebrows from the other gentleman's associations, but we are standing firm."
"Remarkable." Tasuki found himself chuckling along with Nakago.
"You should understand, a man will endure all kinds of pain to impress a woman." Nakago now kept a straight face, but his eyes were twinkling.
Once again, an image of Miaka Brooks rose in Tasuki's mind. "Perhaps, if it is the right woman." The two men entered the building. Tasuki's thoughts were focused on Missy, and he barely heard Nakago excuse himself to go to the changing rooms. So intent was he on his contemplations, it seemed like only seconds had passed before his companion returned.
"Last chance to come take a shot at your ole buddy." Nakago said tauntingly, as he feigned punches and rotated broad shoulders.
"No need to break a sweat to see who the winner is. I concede defeat from right here." Tasuki sat down, and then leaned back in the overly padded leather sofa provided for spectators. " I have no desire to have my face pummeled to hash."
"Suit yourself." Nakago turned to a young man climbing into the ring. They met in the center, shook hands, and proceeded to exchange a flurry of punches. Tasuki unconsciously grimaced every time Nakago took a hit. He had eaten enough dirt and tasted his own blood enough out west that the sport of bare-knuckle pugilism no longer interested him.
Sweat covered Nakago's exposed upper body, but he danced on his toes, obviously still ready to go. Outside the ring, a young man rang a small bell and the match ended. Both men stepped away, going to opposite corners.
"The man's got a nice right cross." Tasuki observed, handing his friend a glass of water as Nakago joined him. The older man took a long swallow before answering. "'The man' is Hotohori Dover. Do you remember him?"
Amber eyes widened. "Yeah, I do. What of it?"
Nakago gave a half smile. "Well, rumor has it that he has been squiring Missy Brooks around town." Tasuki tensed as something hot and liquid shot through his veins. Was it jealousy? No, it couldn't be. All the same, he found himself standing and starting to unbutton his shirt. "I think I'd like to have a go at him."
Surprisingly, Nakago's smile faded. He studied the younger man for a long moment, and then said, "Suit yourself. Go change, and I'll ask him if he's up for a fresh comer." ~ ~ ~*~ ~ ~
Tasuki planted his fist squarely beneath the handsome young man's chin. Blood spurted, smearing his knuckles. Hotohori Dover staggered a bit, and then righted himself, surprise glimmering in his bright golden eyes. Drawing blood marked the end of the match, and the two men immediately went to their respective corners.
Nakago climbed into the ring. "I must say that I'm impressed, my friend." He told Tasuki, who was still breathing heavily. "You really took it to him." "Thanks." Hotohori joined them then, not looking nearly as vanquished as his opponent would have liked. "That was enjoyable." He said cheerfully. "Anytime either of you want a go, just be here before seven. I am always looking for a man to give me a good workout."
Nakago handed a towel to Tasuki, who dabbed at his face with it. "How's the business going, Dover?" He asked.
Hotohori shrugged. "My father makes the money, I consider it my sacred duty to spend it." Straight white teeth flashed as he smiled. "By the way, McCarty, I have been wanting to thank you."
Tasuki looked up. "For what?"
"Why, for bringing such a fair flower home with you from New Mexico." Hotohori's smile widened, and Tasuki found himself counting those white teeth, thinking of how he would like to forcefully remove a quantity of them.
Nakago cast a sideways glance at his glowering friend. "You're speaking of Miss Brooks, Cyril's new sister- in- law?"
"Of course." Hotohori confirmed. "I find her delightful- as fresh and warm as a summer's morning, and twice as lovely. " Nakago's expression was unreadable. "You have conversed with her?"
"Yes, on several occasions." Hotohori's tone was rife with satisfaction. "In fact, I have made an engagement with Miss Brooks this morning. Would you both like a ride? I have a carriage waiting."
"Thank you for asking, but Tasuki and I are making a morning of it. He has been a little gloomy since his return from the West." Nakago replied smoothly, ignoring the redhead's infuriated glare.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Hotohori replied sympathetically. "I had better go and change, then. Please excuse me." With a nod, he slipped under the ropes to the floor and departed the room. Nakago watched him go, and then turned to Tasuki. "According to the gossip, Dover has been spending quite a bit of time with Missy."
Tasuki said nothing, but his expression spoke volumes.
"In fact, I heard from the Mulligan's cook, who heard it from the Bentons' upstairs maid, that Dover has seen her every day since her debut." Nakago added, with a meaningful look.
"Then it is practically gospel, isn't it?" Tasuki snapped. "He's also been asking a lot of questions about the Brooks family."
Tasuki looked away, refusing to encourage more gossip. Nakago shrugged and continued anyway. "Missy really is a lovely young woman . . .a novelty, new to town-"
"I thought Dover had an understanding with Houki McLain!" Tasuki finally burst out. "After two scandals, I'm amazed he would dare to show more than a passing interest in any woman besides her."
"Ah, but I have it on good authority that his father has laid down the law. The rumor is that he must find a suitable bride or be cut off from his inheritance."
Tasuki's brows rose. "Isn't Houki suitable?"
"I had thought so, but now I don't know. If Dover is seeing Missy every day, then I would think it safe to assume that his attentions have turned a new direction." Nakago slapped the younger man on the shoulder. "It would seem he has set his sights on your Miss Brooks."
Tasuki's eyes flashed. "She's not my Miss Brooks!"
"My mistake," Nakago replied silkily. "Though, if Hotohori Dover's intentions are what I think they might be, it's my guess that Miaka won't be anyone's Miss Brooks for much longer."
~ ~ ~*~ ~ ~
By Amiboshi-chan
Chapter six
For the next few days Tasuki frequented all his old, familiar haunts- including the theater and his favorite café- but soon found that no matter where he went, he was plagued by the memory of Missy's dark green eyes.
And then there was Violet Ashland, who kept turning up and clinging to his arm. It didn't take long to realize that he was a changed man . . . one who found the simpering blond beauty of Violet more annoying than intoxicating. Whenever she appeared, it was all he could do to bite his tongue and remind himself that he had been given a gentleman's upbringing. It also reminded him that trying to deal with females was enough to make a man want to become a hermit.
On one particularly gloomy morning, Tasuki found himself staring into the dark brew at the bottom of his china coffee cup, and largely ignoring the conversation of Nakago and his mother, who were enjoying a hearty breakfast.
The doorbell rang, and the downstairs maid went to answer it. When she returned, she was carrying a small white envelope. Nakago quickly drained his coffee cup, intending to make a hasty exit before the maid reached them. He had been expecting a long overdue summons from his elder sister Clair-an invitation to a tiresome family function that would be impossible for him to decline. However, as Patricia opened the envelope, the odd look on her face stopped him in his tracks. "What is it, Mother?" He asked, curiosity getting the best of him. "Not bad news, I hope?"
"No, not at all. It is merely an invitation to a garden party." Her voice was soft and slightly bemused.
"Just as I thought." Nakago grumbled. He took the invitation as his mother handed it to him, and read it, a broad smile creasing his cheeks as he did so.
Tasuki leaned back in his chair, and eyed the older man with a speculative _expression. "Rod, I haven't seen you grin like that since the last stock report. What has you so happy?"
Nakago held out the card . "Read it for yourself." He said slyly. "It would be nice to see a smile on your face as well. You've had a permanent scowl etched on it since the night of Miss Brooks's debut party."
"Your imagination is getting the best of you!" Tasuki retorted, snatching the card. Recognizing Yui's flowing script, he felt his heart start to race. "A garden party. . . at Tokaki O'Bannion's house. " He read, with poorly feigned nonchalance. "I suppose it would be nice to attend." "Nice? Is that the best you can do?" Tasuki looked up to find Nakago studying him with undisguised amusement. "What do you mean?" Nakago grinned at him as he rose from the chair and pulled on his coat. "How about...nice, as well as an extremely happy coincidence that you'll finally get to see Miss Brooks again?"
Tasuki cleared his throat uncomfortably, feeling his pulse still racing like a runaway mustang. It was true that the image of Missy's dark eyes as she had turned and left him standing with Violet had kept him awake more than one night, but that meant nothing. He did not intend to settle down with anyone. He just felt bad for Missy. That was all. Wasn't it?
"Now why in blue blazes would I be happy to see Missy?" He responded, in a deliberate drawl. "I've rather enjoyed not having my hide flayed by her sharp tongue!"
Nakago shrugged. "It was only a joke, Tasuki. There's no need to defend yourself." Walking over to his mother's chair, he placed a kiss on top of her silvery blond curls. "See you later."
"Where are you going?" Patricia looked up at him with a bright smile, brought on by the excitement of attending another party.
"It's my morning at the gentleman's club."
"Oh, yes." Patricia's smile vanished as she looked at Tasuki. "Why don't you go with him, Tasuki? You have been acting out of sorts lately."
"Have I?" Tasuki echoed, trying his best to look cheerful. "I assure you that it wasn't intentional."
"Nevertheless, you have been grumpy, dear- and I can't for the life of me figure out why, especially when things seem to be working out so well for you and Violet Ashland."
Tasuki heaved a sigh of exasperation. "Patricia, there is nothing between me and Violet Ashland. I've told you this before."
Patricia her hands up in a placating gesture. "All right, dear. If you want everything to be a surprise, I'll act like I haven't heard a word." She winked. "Just as you say- there is nothing between you and Violet."
"But-" Tasuki started to protest, but Nakago snagged his arm. "Come on, you. It will do you good to work up a sweat rather than just getting hot under the collar." He laughed, unfazed by the dark glare Tasuki flashed him as he tugged the younger man towards the door and outside to the transport that awaited them. Minutes later, their carriage lurched through a light drizzle of rain. Tasuki had been silent during of the ride to the club, as he tried to figure out why on earth Patricia O'Bannion was so convinced that he and Violet were still romantically involved. Before he could think of an explanation that fit, Nakago was opening the carriage door.
As he alighted from the vehicle, Tasuki's eyes traveled up the craggy facade of the club. Vermont granite soared upward for seven stories. "It never changes, does it?"
Nakago turned to look at him. "You've been here before?" Tasuki nodded. "Well then, you should know that there has been a few minor changes inside the walls."
"Oh really? Have they installed new leather sofas?" Nakago smiled. "Not exactly."
"I know- they brought in new humidors to hold more of those foul smelling cigars." Tasuki joked, suddenly glad that Nakago had insisted he come along.
Nakago's smile broadened at his friend's attempt at humor. "No, it's that we allowed a group of forward- thinking young women to attend one of the weekly sparring matches." He explained, smiling at Tasuki's astonishment.
"If that's true, the older members will need three fingers of brandy and a short rest afterwards."
Nakago laughed. "You would think- but it didn't turn out that way. It seems that after all the hoopla settled down, everyone noticed that the pugilists actually seemed to be putting forth a little more effort." He said. "Because of the record amount of wagers won and lost that day, a new tradition was started. Now, once a week, ladies are invited to observe the exercises. It has caused some raising of eyebrows from the other gentleman's associations, but we are standing firm."
"Remarkable." Tasuki found himself chuckling along with Nakago.
"You should understand, a man will endure all kinds of pain to impress a woman." Nakago now kept a straight face, but his eyes were twinkling.
Once again, an image of Miaka Brooks rose in Tasuki's mind. "Perhaps, if it is the right woman." The two men entered the building. Tasuki's thoughts were focused on Missy, and he barely heard Nakago excuse himself to go to the changing rooms. So intent was he on his contemplations, it seemed like only seconds had passed before his companion returned.
"Last chance to come take a shot at your ole buddy." Nakago said tauntingly, as he feigned punches and rotated broad shoulders.
"No need to break a sweat to see who the winner is. I concede defeat from right here." Tasuki sat down, and then leaned back in the overly padded leather sofa provided for spectators. " I have no desire to have my face pummeled to hash."
"Suit yourself." Nakago turned to a young man climbing into the ring. They met in the center, shook hands, and proceeded to exchange a flurry of punches. Tasuki unconsciously grimaced every time Nakago took a hit. He had eaten enough dirt and tasted his own blood enough out west that the sport of bare-knuckle pugilism no longer interested him.
Sweat covered Nakago's exposed upper body, but he danced on his toes, obviously still ready to go. Outside the ring, a young man rang a small bell and the match ended. Both men stepped away, going to opposite corners.
"The man's got a nice right cross." Tasuki observed, handing his friend a glass of water as Nakago joined him. The older man took a long swallow before answering. "'The man' is Hotohori Dover. Do you remember him?"
Amber eyes widened. "Yeah, I do. What of it?"
Nakago gave a half smile. "Well, rumor has it that he has been squiring Missy Brooks around town." Tasuki tensed as something hot and liquid shot through his veins. Was it jealousy? No, it couldn't be. All the same, he found himself standing and starting to unbutton his shirt. "I think I'd like to have a go at him."
Surprisingly, Nakago's smile faded. He studied the younger man for a long moment, and then said, "Suit yourself. Go change, and I'll ask him if he's up for a fresh comer." ~ ~ ~*~ ~ ~
Tasuki planted his fist squarely beneath the handsome young man's chin. Blood spurted, smearing his knuckles. Hotohori Dover staggered a bit, and then righted himself, surprise glimmering in his bright golden eyes. Drawing blood marked the end of the match, and the two men immediately went to their respective corners.
Nakago climbed into the ring. "I must say that I'm impressed, my friend." He told Tasuki, who was still breathing heavily. "You really took it to him." "Thanks." Hotohori joined them then, not looking nearly as vanquished as his opponent would have liked. "That was enjoyable." He said cheerfully. "Anytime either of you want a go, just be here before seven. I am always looking for a man to give me a good workout."
Nakago handed a towel to Tasuki, who dabbed at his face with it. "How's the business going, Dover?" He asked.
Hotohori shrugged. "My father makes the money, I consider it my sacred duty to spend it." Straight white teeth flashed as he smiled. "By the way, McCarty, I have been wanting to thank you."
Tasuki looked up. "For what?"
"Why, for bringing such a fair flower home with you from New Mexico." Hotohori's smile widened, and Tasuki found himself counting those white teeth, thinking of how he would like to forcefully remove a quantity of them.
Nakago cast a sideways glance at his glowering friend. "You're speaking of Miss Brooks, Cyril's new sister- in- law?"
"Of course." Hotohori confirmed. "I find her delightful- as fresh and warm as a summer's morning, and twice as lovely. " Nakago's expression was unreadable. "You have conversed with her?"
"Yes, on several occasions." Hotohori's tone was rife with satisfaction. "In fact, I have made an engagement with Miss Brooks this morning. Would you both like a ride? I have a carriage waiting."
"Thank you for asking, but Tasuki and I are making a morning of it. He has been a little gloomy since his return from the West." Nakago replied smoothly, ignoring the redhead's infuriated glare.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Hotohori replied sympathetically. "I had better go and change, then. Please excuse me." With a nod, he slipped under the ropes to the floor and departed the room. Nakago watched him go, and then turned to Tasuki. "According to the gossip, Dover has been spending quite a bit of time with Missy."
Tasuki said nothing, but his expression spoke volumes.
"In fact, I heard from the Mulligan's cook, who heard it from the Bentons' upstairs maid, that Dover has seen her every day since her debut." Nakago added, with a meaningful look.
"Then it is practically gospel, isn't it?" Tasuki snapped. "He's also been asking a lot of questions about the Brooks family."
Tasuki looked away, refusing to encourage more gossip. Nakago shrugged and continued anyway. "Missy really is a lovely young woman . . .a novelty, new to town-"
"I thought Dover had an understanding with Houki McLain!" Tasuki finally burst out. "After two scandals, I'm amazed he would dare to show more than a passing interest in any woman besides her."
"Ah, but I have it on good authority that his father has laid down the law. The rumor is that he must find a suitable bride or be cut off from his inheritance."
Tasuki's brows rose. "Isn't Houki suitable?"
"I had thought so, but now I don't know. If Dover is seeing Missy every day, then I would think it safe to assume that his attentions have turned a new direction." Nakago slapped the younger man on the shoulder. "It would seem he has set his sights on your Miss Brooks."
Tasuki's eyes flashed. "She's not my Miss Brooks!"
"My mistake," Nakago replied silkily. "Though, if Hotohori Dover's intentions are what I think they might be, it's my guess that Miaka won't be anyone's Miss Brooks for much longer."
~ ~ ~*~ ~ ~