Page 63 of A Wanton Adventure
He put it out, leaving it on a glass dish on the stone wall and turned towards her. She was breathtaking but he felt that way every time he saw her. Her dress was a pale, icy-blue mixture of silk and lace, and her brown hair swirled around her shoulders in large curls. Her sapphire eyes were filled with concern.
“Good evening,” he said.
She stepped further out onto the terrace, and he turned back to look out at the greenery even though it was pitch black. She joined him. They were silent, studying the night. He shouldn’t desire this woman. She was the mother of a soon-to-be duke. He needed to end this now.
“About this afternoon—”
He cut her off. “It can’t happen again. It was a mistake.”
“You have kissed me twice now.”
He smirked. “I did more than kiss you this last time, love.”
A flush ran over her, turning her lovely golden skin a strawberry shade. “Let me say this and then whatever happens, happens.”
He tore his gaze away from the pitch black and turned to her. She shifted nervously under his stare. Sebastian lifted a brow, waiting for her to continue.
“You’ve mentioned anything between us would be far too complicated. I think you are wrong. We are compatible. Why should we not enjoy each other’s company while on this trip?”
He didn’t know what to say. Sebastian couldn’t reveal to Diana that he already wanted her more than any other woman in his life. Crazily, even Lilah. For Diana, this would be a last hurrah before she joined her proper peers back in London society, but it terrified him that it may be more for him. The whole farce was fucking tragic. His mother fell in love with an unavailable lord and now he was in danger of doing the same thing with Diana.
He needed to end this now. “Diana, I’m not interested in anything with you. We do not suit.”
Her eyes widened in shock. She looked away as if trying to take a moment to gain control of her emotions. Finally, she said, “I won’t beg you for your companionship. Nor will I approach you about this again.”
She took a step closer to him, and he sucked in a breath. “But you are lying to yourself that we don’t suit. I wasn’t the only one at the cove overwhelmed with desire.”
“We are better off as friends,” he insisted.
She made her way to the door but turned back. “I think you are a fool, Devons.”
Without another word, Diana left him alone with his thoughts. What the fuck was he doing? He’d bedded countless ladies. Why was he complicating matters? Was he really denying himself the pleasure of being with her? Sebastian was terrified.
He took a deep breath and returned inside. He spotted Diana talking with her aunt and was tempted to go to her. As if sensing his presence, she rose and left the room.
Sebastian sighed and made his way over to Lady Clark who sat with Spoor and Haggerty. The men seemed to be heavily involved in a conversation on bird watching while Lady Clark appeared content to sip her champagne. He joined her, and the woman smirked at him. “What have you done to my niece?”
Sebastian looked around but no one was paying them any attention. “I don’t know what you mean.”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe that.”
He didn’t say anything, but she leaned forward. “Can I ask you a question?”
A disgruntled sigh escaped him. She laughed. “You like her. It’s evident. What is the harm in having this time to enjoy each other?”
“Your niece is a highly respected member of London society.”
“So, who cares while we are away? So am I. Do you think I’m not enjoying myself?”
She studied him, making Sebastian squirm. “Ahh…you are afraid you will fall for her. That is a problem because she is expected to make an exceptional match upon her return.”
He glared at her. She shrugged. “Diana’s future is marriage to a distinguished lord. Proper matches have been ingrained in her since birth. Still, I find it foolish that you would deny yourself and her time together. Do you think it will prevent you from getting hurt? It won’t. Trust me. Not only will you not have her, but you will be filled with regret for not enjoying the time you had.”
He didn’t say anything. It was as if Lady Clark was reading all his hidden concerns and doubts. He understood what she was saying. What was worse, never having this time with Diana or it being only temporary? He didn’t know.
“My niece left early. She said she was feeling unwell.”
Why did he feel like he was making a decision that would change his entire world? Yet he stood. “I think I will bid you goodnight.”
