She stared at the ring shining like a spotlight on her finger. It sparkled and glittered, demanding attention.
“It fits perfectly,” Willa said.
Tessa just nodded, a little blinded by the diamond’s brilliance.
Sebastian grunted, which apparently was a big part of his vocal repertoire. “I’ll have it back day after tomorrow.”
“No rush.” Willa’s voice held a smile. “I know where you live.”
“Indeed. Shall we?”
It took Tessa a moment to realize he was speaking to her. “Oh, yes. Of course. Thank you so much, Willa. Nice to meet you.”
The fae smiled back. “You too. Good luck with everything.”
Tessa left with Sebastian. It was impossible to ignore the ring. First of all, it was heavier than she’d imagined an engagement ring would be. Secondly, she felt like everyone was staring at it. Or maybe it was just her. She couldn’t help but glance down at it. It glittered like a disco ball and was about as out of place on her hand.
“Don’t fall in love with it. Keeping it isn’t part of the deal.”
She jerked her head up. “I know that. Trust me, I have no designs on you or your money. All I want is the job.”
He snorted softly like he didn’t totally buy that.
The noise and the sense of disbelief radiating off him raised her valkyrie ire, a rare occurrence. Mostly because she did everything to avoid it. Alarms started going off inside her. She clenched her right hand until the scar on her knuckles stood out white. She needed to fix this and now.
She stopped cold, forcing him to do the same, then backtrack to her. “What’s the matter?”
She kept her voice low but her tone clear. “This was your idea. If you’re going to disparage my character or imply that I am somehow out to get something beyond the job that was promised to me, then perhaps you should find yourself another fool.”
Her ire still rising, she pulled the ring off, shoved it into his hand and spun to walk away from him. Cooling off and calming down was paramount.
She’d seen his mouth come open, but had no idea if he was following after her or not. It was bad enough that he thought she wasn’t up to the task of convincing his ex that she was worthy of his affections, but for him to even slightly imply that she was somehow in this for financial gain was ludicrous.
Just like this insane scheme.
She wanted the job desperately. Actually, she needed it desperately. But if it meant spending time with a man who was going to rile her up and test her temper, she was done.
Nothing was worth risking another life over.
Sebastian stared after Tessa, mouth open, head full of disbelief, the ring still warm in his hand. The little mouse had roared and it was oddly stimulating. He found himself again and took off after her, nearly needing to jog to catch her. “Tessa. Tessa.”
She refused to slow. “I don’t want to do this anymore. Find someone else.”
“I apologize.”
She stopped, but the unhappy curve of her pretty mouth said she wasn’t going to be still long. Pedestrians streamed past them. She wrapped her left hand over her right, her thumb rubbing at her knuckles. At a scar there. “You’re not a nice man. And I say that knowing full well this could cost me the job of dean, but this is a mutually beneficial situation. You’re getting as much out of this as I am. Maybe more. So you making me feel like I’m trying to…to…grift you is—”
“You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry. My people skills are not what they should be. Which is no excuse for my behavior.” He held out the ring. “Please. Give me another chance. I need you.” That was something he hadn’t said—or needed to say—to anyone in many, many years. To be saying those words to this particular woman was a rather surreal experience.
The passersby slowed and from the smiles and glances at the ring, it was obvious they thought they were witnessing a proposal.
He took her elbow and led her out of the path of traffic and prying eyes. “What do you say? Another chance? I have been told I am a difficult man. Most recently by Evangeline. Perhaps I am, but I have no desire to change, especially not for her. The most I can do is attempt to temper my natural tendencies. Which I will. But you must accept that dealing with who I am is part of this arrangement.”
She made a face. “Well, when you put it that way, how can a girl resist?” Resignation filled her gaze. “I said I would help and I’m a woman of my word.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
She stuck her hand out, palm up. “The ring?”
He gave it to her, letting her put it on herself this time since that seemed to be her desire. It was fine with him. He knew very well the softness of her skin. He didn’t need the temptation of it again. This was a business arrangement, nothing more. “Coffee, then?”
“I suppose.”
“You don’t seem very enthused by the idea. We do still need to get to know each other.”
She let out a soft breath. “I think I’m getting to know you just fine.” She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Coffee is good, but I might need something stronger.”
He raised his brows. “Alcohol?” He hadn’t pictured her as the drinking type.
“Chocolate.”
“I can manage that.” He took off walking, a new destination in mind.
From behind him, he heard the sound of throat clearing. He glanced over his shoulder. She was still standing there, a look of expectation on her face. He returned to her side. “Did I forget something?”
“We’re supposed to be engaged. Not only didn’t you wait for me, but couples in love hold hands.”
He blinked. “You want to hold my hand?”
She glared at him. “Not particularly, no. But you could at least offer me your arm.”
“You’re right. I’m not thinking like an engaged man.” He stuck his elbow out.
She looped her arm through it. “If you want this to work, you’d better try.”
“Again, you’re right. Shall we?”
She nodded and he started toward the coffee shop again. A few locals glanced at him with curious expressions. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was out in public or because he was with a woman. Either way, it would cause the town gossips to wag their tongues. Good. Let them talk.
Maybe Evangeline would get wind of it. He hoped. That was sort of the point.
He walked Tessa straight to Delaney’s. She’d be closing up soon, but they still had a few minutes. He held the door for Tessa, then went in after her.
“It smells like heaven in here.” Her eyes closed and she took a deep inhale. A look of sheer pleasure washed over her face, highlighting its symmetry.
He watched her intently. Not only had he been wrong about her being plain, but he was starting to realize she was rather pretty.
“Sebastian, is that you?” Delaney walked out from the back, carrying a stack of flattened boxes. “Is the world coming to an end? What are you doing in here?”
He straightened and approached his sister-in-law while Tessa was still marveling at one of Delaney’s show cakes in the front window. “I trust Hugh filled you in on my recent circumstances?”
“He did.” Her gaze shifted to Tessa. “That must be the selfless saint who’s agreed to martyr herself for your cause.”
He frowned. “I hardly think it’s that dire a situation.”
“She’s got to spend time with you, doesn’t she?”
He felt a growl building in his throat. “Now see here—”
Tessa walked up before he could say anything more and smiled at Delaney. “Is this your shop?”
Delaney tucked the boxes under the counter. “It sure is. I bet you could use one of everything.”
Tessa laughed and Sebastian blinked at the sound. He hadn’t heard it from her before and it was lovely. Light and sweet and musical. Not at all what he’d expected.
Delaney pulled one of the boxes off the stack and folded it together, then lined it with wax paper. “What
do you like?”
Tessa suddenly grew more serious. “Oh, maybe just a cookie.”
Sebastian had a feeling he knew what had dampened her mood. “Give my…fiancée whatever she’d like and put it on my account.”
Delaney snorted. “Like I wasn’t already going to.”
Sebastian sighed and turned to Tessa. “Tessa, this is Delaney, my brother Hugh’s wife.”
Delaney stuck her hand out. “Which makes me your pretend sister-in-law-to-be. How are you holding up?”
Tessa shook her hand and suddenly seemed to relax. “I’m…all right.”
“Sebastian’s bark is much worse than his bite.” Delaney made a face. “Or maybe that doesn’t really apply to vampires, but you know what I mean. I hear you’re Deputy Jenna’s sister.”
Tessa nodded.
“That is so cool. You’re a valkyrie too, right?”
“Yes.”
The more Delaney engaged Tessa, the more the woman seemed to come alive. That gave Sebastian an idea. “Delaney, you and Hugh must come to dinner tomorrow night. The two of you can help steer the conversation in case Evangeline gets too inquisitive.”
Delaney’s eyes rounded. “Done. And that will save me the trouble of getting Hugh to wrangle us an invite. I can’t wait to meet this woman you’ve been tormenting yourself over.”
He scowled. “I have not been tormenting myself over her.”
“Sure, sure.” She waved him off and looked at Tessa again. “Okay, seriously, what’s your poison? What’s your favorite flavor combo?”
Tessa swept her gaze across the cases again. “I love chocolate and orange together.”
“I have just the thing.” Delaney moved a few steps down the display. “Dark chocolate blood orange truffles dusted with fennel pollen.” She reached in with a sheet of waxed paper and plucked one out, then handed it to Tessa.
She took it and nibbled a little bite. Her eyes closed and a moan of pleasure rumbled out of her. And straight through Sebastian. The sound was even better than her laugh. He straightened as she swallowed and opened her eyes. “Wow. You made that?”
“I sure did.” Delaney preened. “How about you let me make up a box of goodies for you?”
Tessa’s mouth was full of chocolate, so she just nodded and murmured, “Mm-hmm.”
She walked back to Sebastian, licking her lips.
It was highly distracting for reasons he didn’t care to think about. “Enjoying yourself?”
“Yes.” She licked the tip of one finger. “Aren’t you getting anything?”
“I don’t eat sweets.”
“You’re a vampire, not a robot. Who doesn’t eat sweets?”
“I don’t.” They were an indulgence and indulgences led to weaknesses. “You can add that to the list of things you’ve learned about me.”
She nodded, but there was a little sadness in her eyes. “You’re kind of a mess, aren’t you? I’m sure most people see your proper uprightness as part of who you are, but to me it seems like a defense mechanism. Valkyries once judged the souls of men on the battlefield, you know. Who deserved to live, who deserved to die and who deserved Valhalla. We’re still exceptional judges of character. It’s why my sister is such an outstanding deputy. She can tell when someone’s really innocent. Or truly guilty.”
His skin itched at her assessment. “Your job is to pretend to be my betrothed. That is all. I do not need your analysis or sympathy or judgment. Understood?”
She stared at him for a long second. “More than you know.”
For the first time since this whole charade had started, Tessa saw Sebastian in a very different light. He was broken by betrayal. It practically radiated out of him. It also explained why he was gruff and defensive and not particularly open to new things. On some level, she understood that reaction.
This Evangeline had done a number on him. Tessa couldn’t help but feel for the man. To her, it was clear he was damaged and yet, she doubted that anyone outside of his family really grasped that.
Then she reminded herself that it wasn’t her job to fix him. Just pretend to be his fiancée. If he wanted his ex-wife back, then maybe she could help him with that. If that’s what he wanted.
Delaney returned with a small paper shopping bag and held it out. “Let me know what you think of them.” She winked. “I can always send more if your new boyfriend wears you down.”
Tessa made herself smile. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Thank you so much. I guess I’ll see you at dinner.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
Sebastian nodded. “Thank you, Delaney. You’ll let Hugh know about tomorrow night, then?”
“Yes, but you should still call him.”
“I suppose I should,” Sebastian said. “Very well. We’re off for coffee.”
“The Hallowed Bean?” Delaney asked.
“Yes.”
“Good choice.” She looked at Tessa. “If you’re still in the mood for something sweet, try the drinking chocolate. It’s phenomenal.”
“Thanks, I will.” Tessa lifted the bag. “And thanks again for the treats.”
She and Sebastian went across the street to the coffee shop. A good number of customers filled the spot, leading her to believe the cute little shop had to be a local favorite. She stood with him at the counter and ordered the drinking chocolate Delaney had suggested, along with a slice of vanilla pound cake.
Sebastian got black coffee. “Why don’t you find us a seat? I’ll bring everything over.”
“Okay.” She chose a table near the window. If they were going to be seen, that was a prime location. She put the bag of sweets from Delaney on the seat next to her.
Sebastian joined her a few minutes later, tray in hand. He put her drink and her cake in front of her, then sat. He took his coffee off the tray, then handed the tray to a passing worker. He sipped the dark brew, then nodded at her selections. “I suppose you have a rather high metabolism, given your true nature. Or you do something else to stay fit.”
That almost sounded like a compliment on her figure. She cut a bit of cake with her fork. “High metabolism like most of…us.” She wasn’t sure if using the word supernatural in public was okay. “And I suppose your first choice of sustenance isn’t cake.”
He gave a little laugh. “No, not quite. But that’s not to say I don’t partake on occasion. Although those occasions are rare. I prefer moderation in all things.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.”
“Why? Because I seem like someone who doesn’t know how to enjoy himself?”
She sipped her chocolate, watching him. “You said that, not me. I was going to say because you seem like a person who favors control above all else. I respect that.”
His brows lifted slightly. “You do?”
She nodded. “Did you think I was going to give you grief about it?”
A moment passed before he answered. “Yes. My brothers both do. Delaney does. Even my grandmother now and then.” He sighed and looked out the window. “I sometimes feel as though I spend more time defending the way I’ve chosen to live my life than actually living it.”
She snorted softly. “I understand that more than you know.”
“And how is that?”
She cut another bite of cake, but didn’t eat it. “I’m a valkyrie who’s become a librarian. Most of my kind take very different career paths.”
“Like your sister.”
“Exactly like Jenna.” Tessa ate the cake. It was good. Not as good as the drinking chocolate, which was extraordinary, but nice enough. She swallowed. “What is it about your life that your family doesn’t agree with?”
He shrugged and twisted his ceramic mug until the handle was at a right angle to his spoon. “I tend to avoid gatherings and social events as often as I can. I prefer to stay at home. With my books and my work and the pursuits that I enjoy. I live a simple life and that’s the way I like it. But I have often been told that I am boring.”
“I’ve heard th
at a few times myself.”
He lifted his mug. “Here’s to boring, then. Perhaps Evangeline will believe we are a couple after all.”
She clinked her cup of chocolate to his. “Maybe she will.”
He sipped his coffee. “Let’s hope.”
“What’s your goal for this dinner with her? I know you want her to see that another woman finds you desirable, but what else? You must want something more than that.”
He stared into his mug, going silent.
She stabbed another little square of cake she’d cut with her fork. “You don’t have to tell me, but it would be helpful if I had some idea of what the end game is.”
“I want…” He sighed. “You will think me ridiculous.”
“You don’t know that. And why do you care what I think anyway?”
He lifted his head. “Because I’m going to be your boss.”
“That hasn’t happened yet. And if you don’t tell me, I won’t know how to help you.”
His mouth bent with frustration. “I guess I want her back. As much as I wish that weren’t true, it would be the simplest solution to everything.”
Tessa narrowed her eyes. “You really want your ex back? Just being honest here, but I don’t understand how that would be the simplest solution to anything unless you’re trying to drive yourself crazy.”
He smiled briefly. “It’s complicated.”
“She is your ex, isn’t she?”
“Not technically, no. There was never any formal divorce. She just…left.”
“How many years ago?”
He frowned. “Nearly three hundred.”
She failed to hide her surprise. Talk about carrying a torch. “There has to be a statute of limitations on that sort of thing.”
“I’m sure there is. But the marriage isn’t really the issue. I am Evangeline’s sire, something the vampire council takes very seriously. When you cause another to become immortal, things change. A sire must protect those they turn to the best of their ability. And so, I am responsible for her. And I will be until the day one of us ceases to exist. Unless she signs dissolution papers. Which I doubt she will ever do.”
The Vampire's Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls Book 5) Page 5