The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)(51)

Sebastian closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable ending of the story.

“The screams were coming from the hunting cabin that bordered both our and the Gates’ estate. We came upon the cabin around the same time her father did. Yelling, we tried to break down the door, but it was too late.

“He had escaped. My father and I recognized his face as well as his clothing as he jumped out the window. Her father had no idea, and neither did she. It was a secret I planned on taking to my grave.”

Sebastian swallowed the knot in his throat. “Did he…”

“No, we were in time, but that does not mean she bears no scars.”

Fighting the urge to take a swing at Rawlings despite the wisdom of his words, Sebastian raised his hand to his aching temples. “And her reputation?”

“Ah yes, another sad ending to our tale. Nobody believed her.”

“I don’t understand?”

Rawlings’ bitter laugh sent a chill down Sebastian’s back. “Her own family thought she invited him, that she encouraged his intentions. My father and I, we knew the truth, but I guess loyalty won out. So we let them believe it and sent John back home. My father took the secret to the grave. Not only did it give me a way out of our engagement contract, but I was free to live life on my own terms. The only sacrifice I made was the heart of one of my dearest childhood friends. Too selfish to care, I left and never looked back.”

“Until the ball.”

Rawlings looked him straight in the eyes. “Yes, until the ball. Guilt came back full force, that and my desire to make things right. Especially after finding out you were just using her for your own personal gain.”

“She agreed!” Sebastian yelled. “And would it not be to your personal benefit that her dowry would restore your family wealth?”

Rawlings rolled his eyes. “Does it honestly matter anymore, Seb?”

An aching remorse and guilt gnawed at Sebastian until he felt he would explode. No, she didn’t deserve it. Yes she had agreed and it was all in good fun, but then things had started to shift between them. He knew, of course he knew, he wasn’t an idiot. He should have called things off before either of them got hurt, instead he continued to play with her heart as well as his own, assuming she was a wild child in need of adventure and a good set down. Never once did it cross his mind that he would do such irreparable damage.

“What if we’re too late,” Sebastian asked, stealing another glance at his old friend.

“I’ll kill him,” Rawlings answered nonchalantly.

His admission surprised Sebastian. “Do you not recall asking me minutes ago to spare his life?”

“Only because I claim his death for myself. I refuse to let him ruin Emma’s life or anyone else’s any longer. I refuse to keep protecting him. You have no idea what I’ve lived with.” Rawlings eyes turned fierce. “Emma isn’t the first person he’s hurt, but she will be his last.”

There was more to Rawlings’ confession. More family history and deeper wounds than he cared to ask about. What mattered now was finding Emma and making sure she was safe.

The thought occurred to him that her reputation was in tatters by now. It was impossible to keep a secret in the ton.

He would make it right. He had to.

****

Emma coughed until she thought she would be sick. Although the carriage was covered, the dirt from the road had somehow managed to creep into her lungs. They had been traveling for twelve hours, and John had refused to give her anything to drink, lest he have to stop.

Starving and desperate, she shot a prayer up to heaven that someone would save her, that if someone got her out of this dreadful situation she would try to be a better person.

Struggling against her fear and the feeling of rejection when Sebastian had placed the necklace across her chest, she let out a little whimper. A single tear rushed down her cheek. Quickly she wiped it away, and then the carriage stopped.

“Ah, we’ve arrived!” John’s enthusiasm caused Emma’s stomach to clench.

Emma followed him out of the carriage, her eyes quickly looked around for someone of authority she could yell at. Anyone who would believe she was being kidnapped.

“Don’t even think about it,” John whispered in her ear. It was then she felt the knifepoint behind her back. “Scream and I scar that beautiful body of yours.”

Keeping silent, Emma walked in with John, biting her lip to keep from crying as he ordered the innkeeper to ready a room. “We are to be married as soon as possible,” he said.

The innkeeper took a look at Emma then back at John. “I see. Well the first ceremony cannot take place until the morning. I’m sorry. That is the best I can do.”

Johns nostrils flared, his eyes blazed.

“But, darling,” Emma said through ragged breaths. “Why not stay up and have some ale before the morning. I know I would love something to quench my parched lips.” Even though it nearly killed her, she leaned in to him and placed a kiss across his cheek, desperately praying that the idea of getting drunk was enough to prolong their stay. She needed all the time she could get, that is if anyone was coming after her.

John’s eyes flickered to the men drinking around him. “Well, maybe just a few then.”

“Splendid.” The innkeeper smiled. “Allow me to direct you to your rooms then?”