Page 54 of Seduction Under the Southern Stars

“That’s probably sensible. The Internet can be a negative place sometimes.”

We arrive back at the conservation room. “I might do some more work,” she says. “I find it calming.”

I tip my head to the side as I study her. “Are you feeling okay?”

She blows out a breath. “Yes… just a little overwhelmed. Being out and about, seeing people. I know it’s stupid.” She flushes.

Maybe that’s why she didn’t want to go to a restaurant? With their complicated menus and snooty staff, I can see how she might feel intimidated. “It’s not stupid, Lora. Lots of people are introverts and prefer their own company, and need to recharge after going out.”

“I know. It’s a bit embarrassing, though.” She studies her shoes. “You’re so confident, and I bet you don’t have any trouble coping with people.”

“I’m an ambivert, apparently. A mixture of an introvert and an extrovert. I cope okay in social situations, but I’m also happy on my own, so I understand how it feels to be overstimulated. Look, would you rather I go? Please, just say.”

Her eyes widen as she looks up hastily. “No! I mean… it’s nothing to do with you. I don’t want you to go.” She blushes. “Unless you want to. Um…”

I move a bit closer to her, surprised that I feel no compulsion to leave. I reach out a hand and smooth back a strand of her hair that’s sprung loose. “Even though ten years have gone by, you’re still the same girl who shared her Twix with me and made me feel better.”

“Aw,” she says. Then she slides her arms around me and gives me a hug.

I chuckle and rest my lips on the top of her head, touched that she likes having a cuddle.

Unfortunately, though, at that moment Fraser appears through the doorway, and he stops dead at the sight of us hugging. Elora can’t see him because she’s facing the other way.

My eyes meet his over the top of her head. My lips are still resting on her hair. I don’t release her immediately. I know he’s her brother, and he’s only concerned for her safety, but we’re not doing anything wrong.

Unperturbed, he leans a hip against the table and folds his arms. I chuckle and kiss her hair. “I’d better let you go,” I murmur. “Fraser’s about to blow a gasket.”

She steps back and looks over at her brother. “I was just having a grope,” she says. “He’s got a nice arse.”

I laugh. Fraser snorts and pushes off the table. “Are you off soon?”

“Just going to do an hour here,” she says.

“I wondered if you wanted to come over tonight,” he says. “I’ll cook you dinner.” He glances at me; he’s trying to stop us meeting again.

“Actually,” I say smoothly, “I was hoping Elora might go out to dinner with me.”

“She doesn’t like going to restaurants,” he says.

“Then she can come to my hotel room, and we’ll order takeout and amuse ourselves,” I reply.

He glowers at me. I return his gaze steadily.

“Wow,” Elora says, “the testosterone in this room is overpowering.” She glares at us both. “I can make my own decisions about who I spend time with and where, thank you very much. I’m not completely helpless.”

Fraser studies his shoes. I wink at her. Her lips twitch.

“Thank you for the offer, Fraser,” she says, “but I have other plans for tonight.” She doesn’t elaborate, but I send him a smug look anyway.

He gives her one last glance, then leaves the room without another word.

“You shouldn’t tease him,” she scolds. “He’s only looking out for me, and let’s face it, if Blackbeard was taking out your sister, you’d also be a bit wary.”

“I don’t have a sister.”

“Are you sure?”

I realize she’s talking about the fact that Edmund said he has two daughters. “Oh shit. I didn’t think about that.” If he is my father, I have two half-sisters.

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