My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(41)

Sebastian smiled wryly. He knew quite well that it was a command rather than a request, no matter how cleverly worded.

"Of course."

"First, I fear I must tell you that there has been another murder in the neighborhood."

Sebastian grimaced. He did not need to feign his regret.

"How unfortunate," he murmured. "Did it occur last evening?"

"Yes, not far from here," Mr. Ryan confirmed. "Could you tell me if you noticed anything was amiss?"

As was his usual custom, Sebastian carefully pondered his answer. His first thought when Mr.

Ryan had so inopportunely arrived had been to send him on his way with all swiftness. He was far too aware that one unfortunate noise from his hidden guests could ruin everything. A risk that was becoming ever greater as he sensed the presence of Amelia, who was even now hovering just outside the door.

With an effort, however, he quelled his anxiety. What was needed now was cool logic. He would wring Miss Hadwell's lovely neck later.

He searched for some means of using Mr. Ryan's presence to his own advantage.

"Unfortunately, no. I was home most of the evening."

"You did not leave the house at all?" Mr. Ryan persisted.

"Only once, though that was quite late." Sebastian tilted his head as if attempting to recall the events of the previous evening. "Indeed, it must have been well past three. I awoke and was unable to return to sleep so I stepped out to have a smoke. My housekeeper is rather a tartar when it comes to a gentleman enjoying a cheroot, even in his own home."

Although the broad face did not react to the offhand words, there was no missing the sudden tension that tightened about the runner.

"Yes, sir. Quite understandable." He rubbed his chin absently. "Did you happen to notice anyone about?"

"No, I..." Sebastian paused deliberately. "Well, I did happen to see Mr. Ramone pass by. He must have been in a hurry since he did not appear to hear me when I called out a greeting."

It was clumsily obvious, but thankfully Mr. Ryan did not appear suspicious. Instead, his eyes abruptly narrowed in concentration.

"Mr. Ramone? You are certain he was the gentleman you saw?"

Sebastian lifted his brows. "Of course. Even at a distance, his well -pampered curls are unmistakable."

The runner struggled to repress a wry smile. "Quite right."

"I fear I did not notice anyone else about."

"Very good, sir." Mr. Ryan subjected Sebastian to one last searching glance before offering an awkward bow. "I will trouble you no further."

Sebastian graciously escorted the man back into the foyer and opened the door. He was uncertain if he had managed to fool the runner completely, but he could at least be assured that the man's entire attention would not be focused on William.

Stepping onto the front porch, Mr. Ryan paused abruptly and glanced over his shoulder.

"Oh, Mr. St. Ives."

"Yes?"

"If you do come across young William, would you please send word to me at Bow Street?"

He smiled easily. "You may be assured I will not forget."

The runner smiled thinly, perhaps well aware that Sebastian was not being nearly as forthcoming as he would desire. Still, there was little he could do without direct proof.

"Good day, sir."

Turning, the man continued down the stairs and Sebastian firmly closed and locked the heavy door. Only then did he step toward the center of the foyer and cross his arms over his chest.

"All right, Amelia. You may come out," he commanded in exasperated tones. There was a long pause before she stepped slowly from behind a large urn. He heaved a long-suffering sigh. "I thought I told you to wait in the kitchen."

She had the grace to blush, although her eyes flashed with a stubborn fire.

"I had to hear."

"And William?" he prompted.

"He is busily washing the dishes. It is a chore he enjoys."

Sebastian was not at all reassured. The devil take her. What if William had dropped a plate?

Or come in search of company?

"It was a risk you should not have taken."

She could not have missed his stern expression and the hint of censure in his words, but astonishingly she moved brashly toward him, the enchanting dimples making a sudden appearance.

"Thank you," she said softly, not halting until she was standing far too close for his peace of mind.

Sebastian struggled to contain his annoyance. Amelia might have ruined all with her impetuous behavior. But even as the thought went through his mind, he already knew it was a lost battle.

How could he possibly remain immune to those dark eyes that shimmered with open admiration, or the sweet smile that made so much pleasure swirl through his body?

He was a vampire, not a bloody saint.

"Thank you for what?" he demanded absently, his mind far more consumed with the sheer muslin that revealed a great deal too much.

"For confusing Mr. Ryan, of course." Seemingly unaware of the sudden prickles of heat in the air, she placed her hands trustingly upon his chest. "You were ... marvelous."

He did not intend to move, but somehow his hands found their way to her shoulders. Once there, it was only natural that they would sweep toward the plunging bodice of her nightrail. The warm satin of her skin was like a magnet.