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John and Selene had had busy social nights these past weeks. Tonight, though, they’d decided to stay in and have a quiet dinner. They usually dined the both of them, as the devil took his dinner at his club.
So, when Selene entered the drawing room for her usual drink with John, she froze. The devil stood by the window with a glass of brandy in hand.
The sight of him, tall, muscled, piercing eyes perusing her, made h
er heart thunder. She thought it positively unfair a man look so hellishly attractive. Their stolen moment in the servant’s stairs flashed in her mind and coloured her cheeks. He didn’t miss it, an avid expression in his clove eyes.
“Lady Crompton.” He bowed. They had to treat each other formally in public, of course.
“Major Rockfield.” She curtsied.
“My uncle says I’ve been too distant from the family, so I’m dining with you tonight.”
“Oh,” she concealed her discomfort. “I’ll tell Jenkins to put one more place at the table then.” She turned to go, relieved to have an excuse for that.
“No need,” he interrupted her. “I’ve already done it.” Needless to say he could do it, since he’d been living in that house from tender age.
He handed her a glass of sherry. Surprising that he knew it to be her favourite “Thank you.” She blurted and the conversation died.
She sipped the sweet drink, restless eyes, as she didn’t know where to look. Anywhere but him.
He, on the other hand never took his piercing eyes from her, following her every move. It made her even more awkward.
“Oh, you’re already at your drinks!” John came cheerfully in. “Good.” Philip handed him a brandy. He raised the glass. “Sorry, I’m late. There were some matters from the estate to sort out.”
Jenkins came to announce dinner. Philip quickly offered her his arm to accompany her to the dining room. She preferred not to have any physical contact with him. He seemed to disagree.
She saw that three places had been settled at one end of the long table. Philip’s idea, no doubt. Selene and John used to have places settled near each other, but with the devil present, she preferred distance.
The first course served, a soup fortunately. She wasn’t going to be able to eat much, she feared.
“Don’t you have contact with your family, Lady Crompton?” The devil’s question startled her. “I haven’t met them yet.”
No. She kept away from her father and stepbrother as much as she could. The first for forcing her to this life the second for having bad habits, so to say.
“She’s not in good terms with them.” John informed and she felt awkward for being so exposed. The piece of information seemed harmless enough, though.
“And why is that?” The devil insisted.
“I prefer not to talk about it.” She devolved dryly.
“I apologise for intruding then.”
“It’s a long story, my boy. Better left alone.” John smoothed it out.
But he wouldn’t leave it alone, Philip thought. What type of family she had, that they didn’t show love or warmth? He’d inquire around and see what he obtained. If there was some kind of wrong done to her, he’d put it right. With his fists, if necessary.
“Come with me to the study, my boy.” John asked Philip after dinner. “I’d like to discuss some things concerning the manor.”
Philip could see she felt relieved. His presence unsettled her, he saw. Well, she made him restless just as much. Restless, frustrated, aroused, all at once.
“I hope you don’t mind being left to your own devices, my dear.” John asked tenderly.
“Not at all, John. I’ve got some reading to do.”
“Oh, she’s a bookworm; did you know that, Philip?” He smiled fondly. “She’s capable of spending days in a row in the library and won’t even remember eating!”
So that’s the place she’d hid from him all those days! Well, another unexpected trait she revealed. He’d never think a title and fortune hunter to be this interested in books. Thinking of it, he’d never known her to frolic around shops for dresses, ribbons or bonnets. She seemed very detached from these frivolities. Bloody hell! Who was this woman?
