Page 34 of Taming Ivy
She frowned. “What, pray tell, is tempting about archery? I had no wish to embarrass Lord Kessler with my level of expertise.”
He snorted. “Why should you give a shilling about that?”
Jerking her arm from his grasp, Ivy’s pace increased until he gripped her elbow again. He pulled her to a stop while Ivy folded her arms to stare straight ahead. She would not look at him…not while he was being so damnably unkind.
“I asked you a question. Why should you care? About embarrassing him? He means nothing to you.”
It is obviously beyond your comprehension.” Ivy bit out.
“Try me. Although I find I am more curious why Kessler thought he could touch you. His hands were all over you…”
“Why do you care where he places his hands?” She hurled the words at him. “I mean nothing to you.”
“Do not play games with me, Ivy.”
Ivy wanted to throw her hands in the air in exasperation but she stood her ground. A strange spark flickered in Sebastian’s gaze as he stared down at her. He was turning her words over to find a chink in the armor he obviously did not expect. Did all his female conquests welcome him with open arms when he disappeared from their lives for weeks on end, without a word of explanation? If they so, they were weak, foolish chits with jelly for backbones. She felt sorry for the faceless women, suddenly afraid to be counted among their numbers.
“Some of the guests were discussing Lord Kessler’s lack of attributes when it came to outdoor pursuits. Lord Bentley mentioned the archery range, and I noted Kessler’s enthusiasm. I requested his assistance to bolster his confidence. And it worked, before you so rudely yanked me away. Three of those same ladies begged his assistance.” Her tone was acid sweet. “Whatever is the matter, Ravenswood? Jealous if you are not the center of all female attention? Are you that cruel to begrudge poor Kessler just a tiny bit of adoration from the fairer sex? You’ve more than a fair share of it, you pompous ass.”
Ivy’s explanation of things seemed reasonable, even admirable. Bloody hell, Sebastian felt a shade guilty, being so heavy handed. Did she tell the truth or was she simply a good liar when put on the spot? Her contempt for his display of jealousy stung more than he cared to admit.
Allowing her to ease away, Sebastian retained the hold of her elbow as they resumed walking. His head tilted to the couple ahead of them on the path. “They seem to deal well together.” When Ivy failed to respond, his shoulder nudged hers. “My temper, butterfly. Watching Kessler handle you disturbed me greatly, I’m afraid.”
“Your temper?” Ivy’s brow arched. “The one you never lose?”
“The same.”
“I don’t understand you, Lord Ravenswood,” she confessed.
“You are hardly alone in that, my dear, and are we back to formal titles? Although I confess, ‘Lord Ravenswood’ has a much nicer ring than ‘pompous ass.'” He grinned. “Come now. Let us find more pleasant matters to discuss. Tell me your opinion of Bentley and Lady Morgan’s budding romance.”
Again, Sebastian knew Ivy’s innermost thoughts from the expressive light in her eyes. She did not trust his motives and was still angry, but she would permit the argument to die.
“Sara enjoys the earl’s company a great deal.” Her reply was cautious.
“You adore her, don’t you?”
“She’s been my dearest friend since we met at finishing school. Have you and Lord Bentley been friends for long?”
“Since childhood. Fortunately, Alan has always believed in me or should I say, thegoodin me,” Sebastian said with a dry laugh, linking their arms together. Ivy briefly resisted before surrendering like a lamb led to slaughter. “Would you be happy if they married?”
“It is what Sara desires. The earl is quite handsome, and he would provide well. Most importantly, he’s very kind and seems to worship her.”
Watching the couple duck out of sight and behind a tree, Sebastian chuckled. “I imagine Alan is stealing a kiss right now.”
A reluctant smile broke across Ivy’s face. “Lord Bentley has managed to sneak more than one past my surveillance. I’m afraid I’m a dreadful chaperone.”
“It would be awful for us to impede the course of true love.” Sebastian led Ivy off the path, disregarding her gasp of shock. “It suffers terribly without the numerous obstacles constantly tossed in its way.” Leaning against the rough bark of a sheltering elm, he dragged her against him, one arm wrapped tight around her waist, holding her immobile. “I missed you.”
Ivy’s chin tilted at the pressure of his forefinger tracing the curve of her jaw. “Did you?” She tried sounding cool and detached, but her breath hitched the slightest bit.
“Yes.” His dark eyes delved into her soul. “I did. Ido.Far more than what is rational, unfortunately.”
Ivy was silent before blurting out, “You forgot about me.”
“Never.” Sebastian’s finger drifted down the arch of her neck. “How can I ever forget you? Or how you moaned my name when I touched you?”
Ivy shivered, her aqua blue eyes clashing with his. “Where were you, Sebastian?” The question was a whisper. “Where-”
