{ Kissy Starters } 

“Not with that attitude,” Thomas assured flatly, barely even deigning to look over – and with his tone what it was, he doubted he needed to click disapprovingly to underscore the point any – but that didn’t stop him from doing so. 

Stepping further away from the man to further illustrate his displeasure, Thomas made his way to the drawing room door – which he then locked, albeit almost silently but for the snap of the latch as it settled into its housing. Turning, he approached James again and laid a soothing hand upon his arm, “Tell me – does that approach work for you, with women? Or are you just that out of practice my dear lieutenant?”