The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)(29)

What they hadn’t known was that Sebastian, being young and stupid, had gone on a week-long drinking and gambling binge with Rawlings, his best friend at the time. Nicholas, of course, had come along, but at the time wasn’t near the hellion the other two were.

On his way to the latest gambling spot, Sebastian had happened upon a small girl playing on the bridge. Her bonnet had fallen into the river. She had reached out to grab it and slipped, falling into the icy cold water.

Sebastian had been just deep enough in his cups that he hadn’t felt the cold water shock his body as he jumped in after her. Within seconds he had not only grabbed the girl from certain death but had swam to the shore to see at least ten different onlookers all clapping. Stupidly he had taken a bow, kissed the girl on the head as he heard whispers of “That’s the future Duke of Tempest…”

He had celebrated his good luck the rest of the night.

The next day he had awakened smelling and feeling like he had spent hours getting beat at Jacksons. Only it was about to get worse. He had been informed that his parents had not been able to locate him, and worried that he had misunderstood their letter, they had gone back to the country estate, only to get stuck in a terrible thunderstorm. Their carriage had crashed into another just a ways from his home at around the same time he had been pulling the girl out of the water.

So in his mind, even though for years Nicholas and his grandmother had told him differently, he could have prevented his parents’ death. And now it was up to him to make them proud. Never to be that boy again, but instead to be a man.

It was why he never drank excessively and why gambling was for the worst type of sinners. No, his reputation was everything. It had to be. Because the last time his reputation was anything but spotless, the two most important people in his life had been taken from him.

It was his constant reminder that the fates never promised to play fair. That people’s choices always had consequences. Angel duke was a good name, because it bitterly reminded him of who he was and who he had to be to make retribution for the lives that had been stolen from him.

“We’re ready!”

Emma’s cheerful voice penetrated his solemn mood. He snapped his head to the door of the study and managed a bright smile. The room was dimly lit, making it near impossible for him to see her dress clearly. A cloak covered her creamy shoulders. He closed his eyes, sending a quick thanks up to heaven. He wasn’t in the right state of mind to see her shoulders. Not now, and probably not for the rest of the night.

How was one to act when the girl he was affianced to was the girl he was attracted to but not the one he’d marry? The very woman who was to choose his future bride. The irony was too much. As if his body needed reminding, his pulse jumped wildly again when she moved to stand directly in front of him.

Perplexed he simply stared at Emma. Both thinking of an answer to his own thought provoking question and waiting for her to say something. Instead, she stared right back.

“As amusing as it is to watch the two of you stare with your mouths gaping open, I think it’s time we go to the ball and announce your betrothal, hmm?” Nicholas stepped around Sebastian, hitting him on the back in passing. It jolted Sebastian and he closed his mouth.

Emma lifted an eyebrow.

“Let’s go,” he said a little too gruffly.

“Either you’ve had a little too much whiskey or not enough. What were you two discussing in there?” Emma pointed back to the study. Her measly attempt at conversation made Sebastian’s mood darker.

Ignoring her question for a good five seconds, he grabbed his hat and offered his arm. “Nothing at all, my dear. Shall we?”





Chapter Twelve


The ball was magnificent. Animated people were talking and drinking in every corner of the room. Candles lit the would-be dark corridors, most likely trying to deter young couples from the path of ruination. Gowns of silk and lace. Ladies in scandalous clothing with low cut dresses fanned themselves as men teased and flirted. Everyone seemed to sparkle in the night. In fact, everything seemed more alive. She felt more alive, then again, she mustn’t let her thoughts or her heart get ahead of matters. She was here to announce a fake engagement, and then the real work would begin.

She didn’t even see Sebastian approach. “Are you ready to start some rumors?”

Laughing, she turned slowly. Sebastian was dressed impeccably in white and black. His wavy blond hair fell perfectly over his left eye. If she hadn’t known his identity, she would think him rather rakish tonight. He licked his lips and leaned in.

Her heart nearly stopped. Eyes blue and piercing bore into her.

“We might have a little fun before the announcement, let the tongues wag so to speak. What do you think, dear?” His gloved hand was outstretched.

It felt like the story in the Bible in which the serpent told Eve it was only one bite.

But this was the Duke of Tempest. He was known for his manners, his impeccable reputation. So why did his touch, his challenge, make her feel wicked all the way down to her toes?

Well, might as well go down with him.

Every delicious piece of him.

Emma! she scolded herself.

She took his hand and allowed him to lead her into the middle of the dance floor.

“A waltz.” His breath teased the side of her face.

Oh, she was in trouble. Why did everything have to do with dancing? Her past seemed to haunt her with every step she took. In Sebastian’s arms she felt stronger, more capable of facing the monsters that threatened to destroy her at such a young age. What should be a fairy tale felt like a nightmare. Conflicting emotions pounded in her. One minute she was scandalized by the way her body responded to his, the next she was weak with fear.