Page 50 of A Wanton Adventure
Diana’s eyes flicked over him. She desired him. That was why. She could deny it, but no one intrigued her as much as he did. What was she thinking? He was the one man she shouldn’t have a tryst with. He was her neighbor and friend andwould be somewhat involved in the Historical Society for Female Curators.
One of the reasons she considered having a liaison on this journey was because she would never have to see the man again. It was simple. What she felt for Devons was already complicated. Not that it mattered. Whatever feelings or attraction she suspected Devons had for her seemingly diminished the longer they were on their trip.
“Now that I have taught you all about port, enjoy your remaining time here. If you walk past that tree line, you will find Roman ruins,” Dom Alido said while pointing over Diana’s shoulder.
Most of their group headed in the direction Dom Alido pointed. Diana frowned at Devons. He remained behind, lying on his blanket with his hat over his face. Was he sleeping? Diana rose and nudged his foot with hers. “Don’t you think you should see the ruins?”
“No,” he said in a muffled voice from underneath his hat.
“We won’t write about the same things then.”
He grunted and lifted the hat from his handsome face that right now Diana found rather annoying. “It will be fine.”
She frowned at him until he sighed and sat up, readjusting his hat on his head. “Would you really like me to accompany you?”
“Of course.”
He stood, grumbling about wanting to enjoy a sunny nap. He held out his arm. “As you wish.”
Diana glared at him, tired of his moodiness. “Stay. I don’t need you to join me. I suddenly find that my own company may be better.”
She wouldn’t cajole the man to spend time with her. She didn’t need him, nor his disinterest. Ignoring his arm, she walked off, heading towards the ruins. She heard Devons utter aword unsuitable for any lady. Diana didn’t stop, weaving her way through people. Once through the crowd, she paused to catch her breath.
A firm wall slammed into the back of her. Devons had been on her heels. He grabbed her waist to steady them both. She didn’t turn around but bit out, “You can go back to your nap. I don’t need your presence.”
He released her and leaned against a stone wall. “Diana, I’m sorry. I’m a little weary of sightseeing today. I should have asked to return to theSS Larkearly.”
Diana didn’t believe him. He’d been different since arriving in Porto, and she didn’t understand why. She wondered if his mind was on the lady who hurt him. A pain pierced her heart.
“Are you thinking about Lady Wesley?”
His eyes flew to her face, and he laughed as if she said the most absurd thing. She flushed, embarrassed. Devons’s laughter subsided, and his gaze turned intent. Finally, he said, “Are you enjoying yourself with the count?”
The question startled her. She shrugged. “He is charming.”
His lips twisted into a smirk. “Perhaps a contender for an affair.”
She felt herself go red again. Unhappy with his harshness and a tone she suspected conveyed judgment, Diana replied, “I don’t know. Are you about to lecture me if I were?”
“That would be hypocritical of me. I just thought I would offer some advice.”
Diana lifted a brow. “Continue.”
Sebastian pushed himself away from the wall and leaned forward so his mouth was a breath away from her ear. “Remember that regardless of the partner, the dalliance you are seeking should be about your pleasure. Too often, lovers can be selfish. If you sense Messina may be that way, let him go. You want a man who wants to fulfill your desires. Don’t waste yourtime on someone who doesn’t do that. There are plenty of men who would be more than willing.”
His words made Diana gasp. She stepped back, and they stared at one another. What was Devons up to? He disconcerted her, and Diana thought it was intentional for some reason. “I see no reason to suspect Messina would be selfish.”
He pressed his mouth together, annoyed. Was the man jealous? He couldn’t be. “Devons—”
“I think Messina is exactly who you are looking for. Then you can go back to London life with no one being the wiser. The proper marchioness with an impending courtship on the horizon,” he said, interrupting her.
Her eyes flashed with anger. She was tired of his surliness. “Hopefully, once on the ship, you will return to your normal charming self. I’m not sure I like this moody Devons.”
A smirk filled his handsome face, and Diana had the urge to snap at him but was prevented from doing so by the arrival of her aunt, Spoor, and Costa. Her aunt and Spoor continued on, not even acknowledging them. The two were whispering and giggling. Diana had seen Spoor in the area of their hotel rooms early this morning. He’d bashfully smiled and hurried away. It seemed her aunt had already accomplished what she was failing at.
“I hope you have enjoyed your visit, Lady Hensley and Mr. Devons,” Costa said, interrupting her thoughts.
She forced a smile. “I have loved it.”
