My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(9)

A revealing grimace crossed her pale features. "I believe that my father would prefer such a scoundrel. As it is, he feels that William is ..."

Her words trailed away and Sebastian instinctively covered the fingers upon his arm with a comforting hand.

"An embarrassment?"

"Yes," she whispered softly.

"But not you?"

Her head rose abruptly, the dark eyes glittering. "Of course not. William may not be like other gentlemen, but that should be rejoiced in, not feared. He does not harm others, nor lie or cheat.

And certainly such a sweet man should not be locked away as if he were a dangerous animal."

Sebastian narrowed his gaze at her fierce words. He might admire her determined love for her brother, but that did not make him indifferent to the danger that he posed. William was a weakness that Drake would be swift to use to his advantage.

"No, but neither should he be allowed to lead you into reckless folly. Last night was a near thing, my dear. Too near."

He could feel her stiffen at his side. "William does not make a habit of slipping off in the night.

Besides which, I have spoken very sharply with him."

Sebastian arched a knowing brow. "And you believe that he will heed your warning?"

Her eyes revealed the truth of her unease. She clearly was no more confident than himself that William would halt his excursions through the dark streets of London.

"It is all I can do," she admitted reluctantly. "I will not have him locked in his rooms nor tied to his bed."

"So instead you will allow yourself to be put at risk?"

"If I must."

That stubborn expression had returned to her countenance and Sebastian heaved an inward sigh. He was once again in danger of pushing her away.

"Then I hope you will call upon me if you are ever in any need," he said gently. "I should be happy to lend my assistance."

Without warning, she came to a halt and turned to face him. "Why?"

He gave a blink of surprise at her sudden question. "I beg your pardon?"

"You offer your assistance to a mere stranger. I wonder why you would do such a thing."

"You are a young maiden on her own."

The hint of wary suspicion remained simmering deep in the ebony eyes. "There are any number of young maidens on their own in London, most without the security of a home and regular allowance. Why choose me?"

Sebastian paused before deliberately curving his lips into a small smile. "Do you seek compliments, my dear? Do you wish me to tell you that I thought of you long into the night? And that I was anxious for an opportunity to speak with you again?"

Just for a moment, her breath seemed to catch at his flattering words. There was even a hint of color upon her cheeks. Then her shoulders squared sternly and she angled her chin to a stubborn tilt.

"I do not believe you."

Sebastian gave a choked laugh. "No?"

"I am not entirely ignorant. You are not a gentleman who indulges in light flirtations."

He grimaced at the truth in her accusation. Unlike Gideon and Lucien, who had joined him to battle the traitorous vampires, he had never found pleasure in pursuing mortal females. Even before the Veil, he had held himself aloof.

"No, I fear I do not possess the skill for such adventures," he confessed, his gaze lingering upon the tempting curve of her lip. "That does not mean, however, that I do not find you fascinating."

Her lips thinned in disbelief. "Perhaps as a scientist finds a bit of mold fascinating."

This time his laugh echoed through the empty lane. She was certainly a maiden who preferred to speak what was on her mind. She was also far too perceptive.

"I would hardly compare you to mold, my dear. You are far too beautiful and intelligent. A rare combination."

She waved aside his words of flattery. "What is it that you want from me, sir?"

Sebastian stepped closer, realizing that his attempts to distract her with sweet words would not satisfy her suspicion. She did not desire to wrap her world in a rosy glow that dimmed any unpleasantness, as many young maidens preferred. She would face it with a bold, fearless manner.

"For the moment I only ask for your trust," he said slowly.

The dark eyes narrowed. "Why?"

His hand was reaching out to move softly over her raven curls before he could halt the movement.

"Because I fear that danger is stalking the streets of London," he murmured. "And you are alone."

She searched his countenance, as if seeking answers. Or perhaps she was simply attempting to determine if he were friend or foe.

At last she gave a slow shake of her head.

"But you will not tell me why I am in danger? Nor why you are willing to protect me?"

"You would not believe me if I did tell you the truth."

Annoyance tightened her features as she heaved a deep sigh. She raised slender fingers to press to her temple as if to still a sudden pain.

"I weary of these riddles," she said in dark tones.

Sebastian allowed his hand to briefly cup her pale face before he ruefully stepped backward.

She did, indeed, appear tired and far too fragile. His heart gave a squeeze of sympathy.

"You are very pale," he said gently. "We will speak of this again later."