Rather than calming her, this seemed to enrage her further. She began to buck and writhe against him. His ears rang with her fluid curses as she struggled to free herself.
She was so frail beneath him that he easily held her wrists in one large palm. Her feminine strength was no match for his masculine bulk and he pinned her against the squabs far too easily. He was impressed that she cursed so fluidly, using language that caused Sebastian to grin widely. His mirth only seemed to fuel her temper.
He should be angry with her for abusing him in such a way. No woman had ever been so audaciously brazen as to call into question his parentage so boldly before. He should be offended. Instead found her language, and wrestling with her, more of a turn-on than a turn-off. God, he loved her for her free spirit. The feel of a feminine curves writhing and twisting against him made him so hard, he was certain he was going to burst out of his breeches.
“Amelia, stop,” he pleaded, as her hip came into close contact with his rigid shaft. She was still muttering dire imprecations when he cursed loudly, and slammed his lips down upon hers. It seemed the only effective way he could shut her up.
Her lips quivered under his and she fought to resist his sensual onslaught. She didn’t want the sensations he was creating inside her. Seducing her into submission wasn’t the answer. If she had any hope of returning to her little cottage, she had to stand firm against him.
After several moments, she wrenched her lips out from under his and turned her head towards the squabs.
He leant on his elbows to study her through the gloom.
“I won’t be your whore,” Amelia grumbled defiantly, refusing to look at him.
Carefully easing off her, he sat up with a frown as she immediately moved away to the far corner of the carriage, putting as much distance between them as possible in the confined space.
“Is that what you think this is ultimately all about, Amelia? I want to take you home to service me?” Sebastian tried to keep his voice soft, but couldn’t keep the bite of temper from his voice.
“You need to understand one thing, darling.” His voice bit through the darkness of the carriage. “I do not want you as my mistress. I do not expect you to be my whore. Making love with you is – well - great.” Sebastian’s tone was matter of fact, while he discussed one of the most important issues of his life.
“I know there is much we have to learn about each other before we decide on a future together. But set that aside for now. You saved my life, and I owe it to you to keep you safe in return. I cannot, and will not, leave you to be at risk of the brutality of Ballantyne. A risk I brought to your door, by the way.” Sebastian’s voice was harsh in the silence of the rocking carriage.
Great? Great! Amelia was shocked and more than a little hurt as she latched on to his description of one of the most stunning nights of her life. The feelings he created in her when they made love were amazing. Wonderfully mind-numbing. But to him, they were great? Had he not enjoyed it as much as she? He had certainly seemed to. But what they had shared didn’t rate any higher than simply ‘great’?
She hadn’t expected any declarations of undying love and devotion. Even though she knew her heart belonged to him, she was wise enough to know that men like Sebastian didn’t fall in love with mousy women like her. Even if he did ignore her lowly status. But to have the physical love between them reduced in such a casual manner hurt considerably.
Amelia felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Maybe he didn’t want her as his whore, or mistress, if she wasn’t that good. His words highlighted the differences between them.
He felt a need to protect her because he felt he owed her for saving his life. She loved him desperately.
To him, Amelia was the only female around and he had made use of her.
To Amelia, she had taken the man she loved into her body, and embraced their closeness with joy.
She realised just how uncertain her future had become. Not only was she being dragged back into the Ton; the very last place she wanted to be. But she had to rely upon the man opposite to house her until she could secure future employment.
“You owe me nothing,” Amelia muttered quietly, feeling emotionally battered and bruised from the events of the evening. “I did nothing I wouldn’t have done for someone else.”
She turned her watery gaze towards him, staring across the dimness of the carriage as she fought the overwhelming urge to sob uncontrollably. The rose-tinted glasses she had been wearing had just been cruelly ripped off, and she had been made to face the stark reality of what her life had become. She needed a few moments to herself to regain her composure and decide what she was going to do.
During their conversation, one thing had become apparent. Her future could never be with Sebastian.
“Amelia.” Sebastian went to move towards her, only to freeze when she shook her head and curled up into a tight ball against the squabs.
“Talk to me?” he pleaded softly. He hated to see her so upset, and it disturbed him greatly to see her physically withdraw from him. It would have been better if she screamed and shouted at him again, Sebastian thought. Her anger he could deal with. This wounded silence left him feeling helpless, and he hated it.
“I’m tired, Sebastian,” Amelia choked out, drawing her thin cloak around her tightly and burying her face in her knees.
Stilted silence settled between them as the carriage tumbled through the night.
Sunlight was breaking through the clouds when the carriage jerked to a stop in front of Tingdale House. The sudden jolting movement snapped Sebastian out of his doze. With a yawn, he eyed the vast stone edifice of the house he called home with an enormous sense of relief.
“Thank God,” he murmured, briefly glanced at Amelia who was still curled against the opposite door.
At least she hadn’t jumped out while he had been asleep, Sebastian thought ruefully, opening the door and jumping down. He almost cried with the sheer relief of being home again. Even the air tasted better here, he mused, as he took a deep breath of the crisp October morning. He was just turning to drop the step to call softly for Amelia, when the banging of the front door made him turn.
Moments later, chaos ensued. Men piled out of the front door and ran down the steps towards him.
“Good God, man, where the hell have you been?” Dominic demanded. He tore down the stairs with his hair wildly tousled, and breeches half-fastened. Sebastian barely had time to say ‘hello’, when he was swept into a bear hug by his elder brother.
“We thought you were dead!”
Moments later, Edward joined them. After much back-thumping, Sebastian was finally released, feeling somewhat stunned by the sheer jubilation on his brothers’ faces.
“I damned well nearly was,” Sebastian muttered with an abrupt shake of his head. “Let’s go inside and I’ll explain.”
He eyed Dominic’s broad, naked chest ruefully. “You must be getting cold.”
The men watched curiously when Sebastian turned towards the door of the coach, beckoning with his hand until Amelia emerged from the dark recesses of the carriage. Despite her wariness, her instinctive movements showed an elegant grace that contradicted the cheap, threadbare clothing she wore.
“Let me introduce Amelia,” Sebastian murmured, loving pride ringing clearly in his voice. “Amelia is the lady who saved my life.” He handed a hesitant Amelia forward as if she were a princess.
Amelia shot him a wary glance, and was about to curtsey when she was immediately swept into a hug by the man beside her.
“On behalf of all of us, thank you, Amelia. My name is Edward. You’ll have to excuse the lack of formality in the family. When there are just us around, we don’t bother with the bowing and scraping. Most of the time, we do wear clothing though.” His blue eyes twinkled ruefully down at her.
Amelia’s senses reeled. Although rumpled and clearly fresh out of bed, he had partially laced his loose shirt which hung over his low riding breeches. The man looked so much l
ike Sebastian, it was startling.
“Sorry.” Amelia turned at the mumbled apology, and found herself facing the half-naked male who had greeted Sebastian so enthusiastically. “Edward is quite right, my dear. We do usually wear clothing. Please accept my apologies.”
“This is Dominic, my elder brother.” Sebastian was unable to prevent a teasing smile at Amelia’s shock. She had yet to say anything, but her usually pale cheeks were stained a tantalising shade of pink with embarrassment.
“Let’s go inside, Amelia is getting cold.”
Without further hesitation, Amelia was swept into the vast hallway of Sebastian’s home.
A butler held the door open for them, beaming with joy as the small party swept through. Despite her appearance, he bowed deeply at Amelia before practically bursting with happiness at the sight of Sebastian.
“Sir, it is so very good to have you back.” Emotion laced the butler’s voice as he practically bounced from one foot to another with enthusiasm.
“Thank you, Hodgkiss,” Sebastian replied with a grin, as he clapped the older man on the shoulder. “It is indeed good to be home.”
Amelia’s senses whirled. She had expected Sebastian’s house to be large. He was, after all, Ton. The size was everything she had expected. Larger than most houses, there must be over thirty rooms within.
Despite her expectations, she was still stunned by the luxurious splendour that greeted her. The entrance hall was huge, and the study she had been led into was furnished quite elegantly. Oak panelling appeared to be practically everywhere. The darkness of the wood contrasted with the lush fabrics of the brightly upholstered furniture and thick curtains. Glittering crystal chandeliers and porcelain ornaments finished the tasteful decor to perfection.
It was a clear statement to anyone who visited, that they were in the house of a lord of the realm, and a wealthy one at that.
“Amelia?”
She jerked out of her daze to find Sebastian holding a delicate cup of tea in front of her nose. Woodenly she took it from him, shaking her head slowly when she was offered milk. Instead she sat perfectly still, and held the fine china in her hand as though it was about to grow horns and run off.
Memories she had spent years burying, were suddenly bursting to life once again. Memories Amelia wanted – needed - to remain buried.
She hadn’t been to Tingdale House before, but its luxury was so similar to the house she had grown up in, it was unnerving.
“You must be exhausted.” A soft murmur in her ear snapped her out of her reverie.
“I’m sorry,” Amelia replied with a sad smile to Dominic who, now fully clothed, had moved to sit beside her. “It must be all of the travelling. Please accept my apologies for my rudeness.”
“Nonsense, my dear, we understand,” Edward replied. He was intrigued by the dishevelled beauty his brother had returned home with.
“Should I prepare the green suite, sir?” Hodgkiss appeared so silently that Amelia jerked at the sudden question, spilling some of her tea with a frown.
“No, the Countess suite please, Hodgkiss. Could you also draw a bath for my lady and I’ll have one too,” Sebastian replied, fully aware of the status he had elevated Amelia to by his simple instructions. A status that at the moment was lost on Amelia. Everyone else knew the truth of their relationship. He shot them a warning glare to remain quiet.
“We will catch up with what happened later,” Sebastian added, in a voice laden with hidden meaning. “For now, let Amelia and me have a drink, and something to eat. Once we are cleaned up, we will update you on what has been happening.”
“You had better,” Dominic warned, with a frown at his younger brother. If he wasn’t mistaken, there was much more to the relationship between Sebastian and the beautiful woman by his side than saviour and victim.
“Sebastian!” The delighted squeal was accompanied by a flurry of movement as a stunning auburn-haired woman launched herself across the room at Sebastian, landing in his arms with a thud.
Amelia’s heart twisted in her chest at the sheer delight that lit Sebastian’s face as he lunged to his feet, barely catching her in his arms before swinging her around.
“We thought you were dead, you oaf,” the woman scolded, smacking his upper arm lightly when she was set back on her feet. “Don’t you ever do that to us again, Sebastian, we have been frantic.”
“Let him up, Izzy, the man needs air.” Dominic’s scolding was accompanied by a rueful smile as he met his wife’s haughty look.
“He’s back, are you not happy too?” Izzy knew the answer already. She had spent many nights trying to comfort her distressed husband over the past few weeks.
“Of course, but you might want to say hello to Amelia.” Dominic nudged Amelia. “Please excuse my wife’s enthusiasm. This is Isobel.” He winked at his wife. “This is Amelia. The woman we have to thank for bringing Sebastian back to us.”
“Oh, I didn’t really,” Amelia mumbled, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She could feel the curiosity shimmering in the air.
“Yes she did,” Sebastian interrupted. “If it wasn’t for Amelia, I would be dead by now. She saved my life. Unfortunately, she has had to leave her home to reside here while we get to grips with Ballantyne.”
“Ballantyne?” Dominic leant forward, all traces of softness gone.
Sebastian puffed out a deep put-upon sigh and reluctantly admitted, “I think Ballantyne was behind my disappearance. Because of the risks, I made Amelia come with me. She didn’t have time to pack.” He rubbed an uncomfortable hand through his hair. He didn’t want to admit he had kidnapped her. Even to save her life. “She needs to borrow a wardrobe until we can get a modiste here.”
He could have kissed Izzy when, after the briefest hesitation, she accepted the situation without question and turned to Amelia.
“Well then, while you have a bath, I’ll sort you out some dresses. We are about the same size. I am sure we can find you something that would fit.
“Oh please, don’t put yourself out. Really, I can manage,” Amelia replied hastily, only for her protests to be firmly quashed as she was led from the room.
The door had no sooner closed behind them, than Sebastian found himself the object of close scrutiny by the others in the room. Instinctively he knew he wouldn’t get out of the room without explaining everything.
With a deep sigh, he poured everyone a brandy and sat down to explain the events that had happened to date.
Upstairs, Amelia slipped down into the luxuriously warm water with a deep sigh. As she relaxed, the significance of the changes the past day had brought finally hit her.
The Countess suite was simply divine. Decorated in pinks and creams, it had a bright and airy feel to it that was very feminine. Despite the pleasant surroundings, Amelia still felt she didn’t belong.
She wondered if she should ask Sebastian to move her to the servants’ quarters. Would the servants understand? She didn’t want to encroach on their space and make them uncomfortable. It was after all their living accommodation, but she didn’t belong in such luxurious splendour of the Countess suite either. Whatever Sebastian wanted, it all came down to one thing. Amelia had spent the last two years of her life living and working as a servant. Her upbringing was a long-buried memory, and had no bearing on her current situation, or future. That left her with a predicament. She didn’t belong upstairs with the Lord and his family, and she didn’t fit in below stairs either.
“You look worried.”
Amelia squeaked and sank lower in the water. She turned toward the door next to the bed she hadn’t noticed before, and Sebastian now standing in the doorway.
“What are you doing? Get out!” Amelia snapped, very much aware of his casual scrutiny, and his own fully clothed state.
Sebastian leant nonchalantly against the doorjamb. He ached to sweep her out of the bath tub and enjoy the delights of the large, soft bed beside him. Instead, the worry and sadness he had just seen on her face k
ept him still. Despite the hardness of his manhood at the delicious sight of her wet and naked body surrounded by steaming water, he kept his distance and defiantly remained where he was.
“Is Izzy not here?” He casually scanned the room, knowing that Izzy was discussing dresses with her maid, in the room he had just passed.
“She is sorting through her wardrobe,” Amelia replied, looking around for a towel or something larger to cover herself with. Sinking down to her chin, she glared across the room at Sebastian, standing so arrogantly aloof that she wanted to throw something at him.
“I see you have already bathed,” she mumbled, taking in his pristine appearance. He was so elegantly handsome. The rumpled shirt and stained breeches had undoubtedly been relegated to the fire. In their place was a neatly starched shirt and cravat, tucked elegantly into clean breeches, topped by a waistcoat that, unless she was much mistaken, appeared to be silk. He screamed Ton, from the very top of his neatly combed and fashionably cut hair, to the tip of his highly polished hessians. So unlike the Sebastian she had come to know and love that it was heartbreaking.
“Just finished,” Sebastian replied briskly, smiling cheekily at her. “Want me to scrub your back?” He wanted, no needed, to erase the sadness that lurked in the shadows of her eyes. Pushing away from the doorjamb he ignored her protests and casually sauntered over to her, plucking a towel off the end of the bed as he passed.
“Don’t come any closer,” Amelia ordered with a glare, sinking further down into the tub until the water almost touched her ears.
“You have nothing I haven’t already seen, Amelia.” Sebastian’s voice was soft, his gaze chiding as it met hers.
“When?” she rapped out. Most of the time they had shared a bed, she had been fully clothed. She scowled at him.
“When we were arguing that last morning at the cottage. You were so angry with me, you left the bed. Naked. Splendidly naked. Also, when we were making love and I tugged the sheets off us,” Sebastian teased, taking a seat on the ottoman at the end of the bed to hide the evidence of his eagerness for her. Casually he dangled the towel between his feet, tempting her to come and fetch it.
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