The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)(31)

Nicolas glared at her again as she shakily lifted the flute to her lips. He deserved everything he received. After all, this was his fault. If he hadn’t thrown them to the wolves earlier that week, they wouldn’t have to go to such desperate lengths.

So, Emma threw back the contents of the glass and did a mock curtsy. She heard Nicholas swear before he grabbed her by the arm and led her away from Sebastian, who was already deep in conversation with the duchess. So actually, Nicholas was saving her from having to lie again to the woman who would inevitably be hunting her later in the Season.

“What?” she snapped, pulling her arm free.

“What in the—”

“Language,” Sara scolded, coming along side him.

“But I didn’t say any—”

“You were going to.” She patted him on the shoulder and rescued Emma.

Emma couldn’t stop herself from turning around and sticking out her tongue. Nicholas looked like he was ready to charge after her, but Lady Fenton stood in the way, grasping at the lapels of his coat and pulling him into a joyful hug, obviously pleased with the recent news.

Once Emma and Sara were safely out of harm’s way, or at least enough out of the way so people wouldn’t disturb their private conversation, Sara asked, “Did you know he was going to kiss you?”

Emma felt the need to lie.

“Of course. It was all part of our plan. Brilliant, wasn’t it?” She nervously licked her lips. But it was useless. The sensation of Sebastian’s lips on hers was something her treacherous body would never let her forget.

“If you say so.” Sara didn’t sound convinced.

“I do.” Emma flashed a brilliant smile, but felt anything but brilliant. Frazzled? Yes. Confused? Maybe. And dare she admit a little irritated that she had managed to get herself kissed three times by the one man she couldn’t keep. The sooner they were done with the ruse, the better. All she needed to do was survive the house party. How hard could that be?





Chapter Thirteen


Sebastian threw himself across his large bed and sighed. Things had gotten out of hand extremely fast. If Emma hadn’t continued to badger him, he would have most likely continued kissing her into oblivion not caring who watched.

He hadn’t actually ruined her. Had he?

No, it was just a kiss. Only a soft kiss.

You enjoyed it.

He threw a pillow against the wall.

No I didn’t.

And now he was arguing with himself. Trying to convince his body it wasn’t completely entranced, trying to cool the blood running like fire through his veins. He wanted her.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Sir?” His valet stepped inside the doors.

“What?” he snapped.

“A gentleman is here to see you. I put him in the study.”

“A gentleman? At midnight? Is here to see me? Has Nicholas shot someone I’m not aware of?” Sebastian pushed off the bed, noticing how the corners of his valet’s mouth lifted into an almost smile. Servants were told not to smile, but the angel duke liked to have his happy.

“Well, best go see what it’s about.”

The house was dark, all except the light that was still on in the study. He walked in and shut the door.

“Tempest.”

“Rawlings.” He sat opposite the man and waited for whatever news he felt the need to bring. “Is there a particular reason you felt the need to come to Renwicks’ home so late into the evening? What is it that could not wait until the normal calling hours?”

Rawlings grinned. “Oh, your grace, I doubt this news will be better in the day time.”

“Well?” Sebastian was irritated. “Let’s have it then.”

Rawlings grinned smugly. It never ceased to amaze Sebastian how much his old friend had changed. They had been best of friends back at Eton. Back before the incident. Rawlings had been the one person Sebastian could rely on, until Sebastian decided to reject all things sinful and selfish, driving a wedge between the two. Sebastian was forever to be known as the angel, leaving Rawlings the appropriate title of demon.

“It appears there has been some confusion regarding your announcement this night.” Rawlings inspected his perfectly manicured fingernails before adding, “Imagine my surprise when I heard the angel duke was using a young girl for his own advantage. Shocking, don’t you think?”

Sebastian fought the urge to choke the smug grin right off his face. “Are you threatening me? It's impossible you would be privy to any of that information.”

“Servants talk.”

Sebastian cursed aloud. Why hadn’t he thought of that? With the right amount of blunt, it would have been easy to bribe any one of the downstairs maids. Were they not cleaning up the morning meal when Sebastian had made his little announcement?

Rawlings sneered. “I would never openly threaten you, Tempest.” His tone was mocking. “Do you think me mad? No, I merely wanted to report the news since you plan on leaving first thing in the morning. I wasn’t sure if you would want to make other preparations considering the circumstances.”

The room darkened along with Sebastian’s mood. “I thank you for your forthrightness and concern.” He stood up and pushed off the leather chair. “Now, I shall escort you out.”