He kept her close as they walked. Blending in with hundreds of people, they may as well have been alone. It brought him a new sense of satisfaction to have her on his arm in broad daylight, to walk with her down a busy street after shopping together.
“Does Lady Jasmine know about…?” He allowed his voice to trail off.
“GoodLord, no,” Cassandra said too quickly. “No. No. Absolutely not.”
Seth noted the purse of her lips, how her eyes dodged straight ahead, eyebrow twitching infinitesimally.
The same tells as her brother.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re a terrible liar?”
“I’m not lying!” she protested. A blush warmed her cheeks. “She knows certain things, yes. But she doesn’t knoweverything.”She whispered, “Where would I even start?”
“I know of a few good places you could start,” he purred. She shothim a reproachful look.
Hats tipped to him as they walked. Cassandra acted as an effective shield against unwanted conversation, and many acquaintances offered a simple, ‘Mr. Reeves,’ in acknowledgment.
“Everyone seems to know you,” Cassandra commented. “You truly are famous.”
“Only in this town. The people here have been kind to me. I do what I can to pay back their hospitality whenever I can.” He smiled. “Would you believe that some even view me asrespectable?”
She smiled back at him. “As hard as you try to hide it, I’m starting to think youmightbe a good man, Seth Reeves.”
“What made you change your opinion?” he teased.
Her retort died as the man walking ahead of them stopped abruptly, causing her to hit him square on and stumble. Righting her with his arms, Seth opened his mouth to deliver a scathing remark, but froze when the grey-haired man turned to him, animosity etched jagged lines across his face.
“Agood man.” Sir Reginald scoffed.
Seth attempted to guide Cassandra behind him, but she wouldn’t budge.
She stood her ground and curtsied. “Good afternoon, Sir Reginald. My apologies for my clumsiness. If you’ll excuse us.”
As she moved to walk around him, he blocked their path.
“My nephew speaks highly of you, Miss Cooper. I can understand why.” He tipped his hat for a better view and analyzed Cassandra from head to toe. “He always did prefer women without scruples.”
“Excuse me?!”
“You’ll not speak to her that way!” Seth stood in front of Cassandra, blood rushing in his ears.
“Andyou.You dare show your face in society after what you’ve done.” Sir Reginald’s face contorted. “Enjoying some time in the sun?If only mysonwas afforded the same luxury.”
Seth’s heart raced, his voice caught in his throat, and he struggled tobreathe. No. Please, not now.
Cassandra tugged Seth’s arm and herded them into the street.
“We’ll be on our way,” she said. “My brother will be looking for us.”
With a sneer and another condescending once over, Sir Reginald marched in the opposite direction.
Thoughts raced, memories came unbidden. Smoke,heat “—don’t let me—”
“Seth,” Cassandra called out. She snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Look at me.”
He raised his head. Care shone through her amber eyes.
“He’s gone,” she said, looking him over. “Do you need a minute?”
