My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(35)

His glance instinctively lowered to where the amulet glowed against her pale skin. Pale skin that was all too temptingly revealed by her thin nightrail.

"I note that you did not give it to him."

Her expression hardened abruptly. "I wish I had."

The fierce words sent a chill down Sebastian's spine. That was the one thing he could not allow. He swiftly lifted his gaze to study her glittering eyes.

"What did he do to you, Amelia?"

"He heard the Watch approaching and before I could stop him, he had pulled out a scarf and left it upon the dead body."

"What manner of scarf?"

The dark eyes glistened with tears. "One that I had given to William for his birthday. It has his name embroidered upon it."

Sebastian sat back on his heels. Blessed Nefri. Drake had clearly known precisely where to strike. This maiden would give up everything, including her own soul, if it would save her brother from the gallows.

"I see," he muttered.

Her shoulders trembled as she battled to control her chaotic emotions. "I dared not attempt to retrieve the scarf. If they had spotted me, it would only have made them certain William was guilty."

Gently he reached for the forgotten glass of brandy and set it aside, and then, careful not to startle her, he grasped her cold hands in the warmth of his own.

"You did right, Amelia."

A lone tear slid down her pale cheek. "Did I? Once the Watch discovers that scarf they will come for my brother. I knew that I could not stop them this time. They would take him away and there was nothing I could do."

Sebastian squeezed her fingers, fiercely regretting the fearful misery etched upon her countenance. At the moment he would have gladly thrashed Drake Ramone. And Nefri as well, for ever having forced Amelia into such danger.

"But you did do something," he said softly. "You came to me."

She glanced briefly about the shadowy library, as if not quite certain what had prompted her to flee so hastily to his home. Silently he willed his own strength to bolster her flagging courage.

"I did not know where else to turn. I simply packed a few belongings and told Mrs. Benson to inform anyone who might call that William and I left London yesterday to visit my parents."

"Quite clever of you, my dear," he assured her.

"But now what?" With an effort she attempted to gather her badly shattered nerves. "We cannot simply remain here forever."

Quickly rising to his feet, Sebastian firmly tugged her hands until she was standing before him.

With great care he wrapped his arms about her and rested his cheek upon the top of her hair.

He deeply disliked seeing her so weary and frightened. He preferred his brave, proud Amelia with the flashing dimples and stubborn determination.

"That will not be necessary, I assure you, my dear," he soothed in low tones. "For tonight just know that you are safe."

A shudder raced through her as she laid her head against his chest. "Yes."

He breathed in deeply of her fresh, tantalizing scent. She felt small and dangerously fragile pressed next to his much larger frame, but it was somehow... right. As if he had just been made complete in a manner he had never before comprehended.

For long moments he simply held her close, marveling at the golden warmth swirling through his body. A warmth that had nothing to do with lust, or the thrill of a hunter who had captured his prey. This tender heat was far more powerful. And far more dangerous.

He thrust aside the disturbing notion.

"I will protect you, Amelia," he swore, his arms instinctively tightening. "That I promise you."

She tilted her head back to look into his darkened eyes. "Sebastian?"

"Just relax," he urged. "You do not have to be strong now. Do you want more brandy?"

"No." She regarded him for a long moment before uneasily wetting her lips. "Sebastian, I want.. . no, I need the truth. I cannot bear the horrible uncertainty any longer."

Sebastian regarded her warily. He had known from the moment that she had revealed her

knowledge of Drake that soon enough she would question his own purpose in London. She was too intelligent not to realize there had to be some connection.

And yet, he still found himself hesitating.

He told himself it was because he feared that she would no longer trust him. That perhaps she might flee from him and expose herself to even more danger.

But he knew that was not the entire truth.

The fear ran much deeper. And perilously close to his heart.

"What truth?" he at last managed to inquire in husky tones.

"Who are you?"

Chapter Nine

Sebastian discovered himself floundering beneath her serious gaze. How the blazes did he answer such a question?

That he was a scholar? A student of philosophy who until the past few weeks had preferred to observe life from a distance rather than tossing himself in the messy business? That he was an immortal vampire? A dark, passionate monster who could destroy her with ridiculous ease?

Or that he was a gentleman who was growing increasingly enchanted with her sweetness?

In the end he made a cowardly attempt to prolong the inevitable.

"I have not lied to you, Amelia," he said in careful tones. "I am truly Sebastian St. Ives."

A faint frown tugged at her brows. "But you have revealed nothing else."