The Vampire's Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls Book 5)

by Kristen Painter

  Tessa cleared her throat.

  He picked his head up to meet her gaze, hoping he hadn’t inadvertently drooled on himself. Her hair was bound in a messy knot atop her head and her face was scrubbed clean, leaving her cheeks pink. She looked like a wild creature. A forest nymph. He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen a woman more beautiful.

  “Hello,” he whispered.

  Only as the word left his mouth did he realize how inane he must sound.

  She smiled. “Hi,” she whispered back. She tugged at the shirt’s hem, trying to lengthen it and failing. “It’s a little short, but it will do.”

  “It looks good on you. I’ve never seen a woman in my clothes before.” It was infinitely more arousing than he’d imagined.

  “Really? Is that why your eyes are glowing? I know it’s a vampire thing, and I can sense that it’s strong emotion, but I can’t quite pinpoint what emotion it is specifically. It’s almost like your vampire reaction fogs up my ability to read you a little.”

  It was overwhelming desire, but he wasn’t interested in sharing that. But then, he didn’t have to share what he was feeling for her to know, did he? She had to been sensing some of what he was feeling. He turned away, using the prepping of his makeshift bed as an excuse to hide his chagrin. “It’s not always voluntary, but one can learn to control it.”

  He heard rustling and glanced over his shoulder to see her climbing into his bed. It was a traditional tall bed with a heavy wood frame, and as she maneuvered under the thick down comforter, he caught a glimpse of the white cotton underwear that covered her firm backside. White cotton. Of course that’s what she would wear. It was practical and unadorned and perfect. His throat went dry.

  If his eyes had been glowing before, they must be positively on fire now. He forced his head around. How was he going to spend the entire night in the same room with her? Already her soapy-clean fragrance permeated the space and in such quiet, listening to the rhythm of her beating heart was its own kind of seduction.

  He closed his eyes. The image of her cotton-clad backside peeking out from under his pajama shirt appeared. He opened them back up again.

  She sighed. “I wish I had my book.”

  He risked a look at her again. Thankfully, this time she was under the covers. “I could run down to the library and get you something. Or there’s a copy of Forbes on the nightstand, but I don’t imagine that would hold much interest for you.” Or he could crawl in bed next to her and give her something else to do besides read.

  She squinted at him. “Your eyes glow a lot.”

  He forced himself to get control. “It’s all the…stress.” That was the best he could do.

  “I’ll skip the magazine. I’m plenty tired and have to be up early, so it’s just as well.”

  He nodded. “I’ll get the lights then.”

  He strode across to the switch and turned them off, but enough moonlight snuck through the curtains for his vampire eyes to see the room as though nothing had changed. She watched him from bed, probably unaware just how well he could see her. “Good night, Tessa.”

  “Good night, Sebastian.”

  He slid beneath the blanket and settled in, throwing one arm behind his head. From the way he was positioned, he could see her perfectly. In his bed. He couldn’t stop watching.

  She closed her eyes and turned onto her side, her face away from him. If he lay behind her, she would mold to his body seamlessly. Spooning, they called that now. He barely remembered what it felt like to hold a woman that close.

  His body ached with need to the point that physical pain bloomed in his chest. Finally, he twisted away, made himself close his eyes, and prayed for sleep.

  It was the only way he was going to stay out of that bed.

  Tessa stared at the wall, or what she could see of it. Valkyrie sight was good, but not as sharp as a vampire’s eyes. Close, though, and the moonlight trickling in helped. She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly, trying to cleanse the emotions of the evening so that sleep was a possibility.

  But sleeping when there was a half-naked vampire just steps away was not going to be easy.

  Especially when that vampire was giving off waves of desire. She’d asked him about his eyes hoping he’d confess to it, but he hadn’t and she’d realized a second later that he was trying very hard to control himself.

  So she’d let it be. Because she was trying very hard to do the same thing.

  She was glad the sight of her naked legs had distracted him when she’d come out of the bathroom. That had saved her the embarrassment of being caught staring at him. No doubt her mouth had been open and eyes wide. She knew she’d blushed.

  Sebastian without his shirt was…wow. It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen a man’s chest before. She did go to the community pool during the summers. And there was television and social media and the covers of romance novels, which she devoured in between the literary stuff librarians were expected to keep up with. But being in the same room with a half-naked man? Who had also kissed her? To the point that she’d thought parts of her would catch on fire?

  That was a very different thing.

  And now she was in his bed. It smelled of him, dark and spicy and sort of woodsy. Like the pages of a much-loved, leather-bound book.

  He’d been in this bed. Right where she was now. Probably wearing this exact shirt.

  She swallowed as an uncontrollable shiver ran through her.

  Her lips parted and the urge to call him to her was so strong she pressed a hand over her mouth. No, no, no. Getting involved with him in a purely physical way would never end well. She wasn’t that kind of woman anyway.

  She sighed and wished Duncan were here. At least then she could snuggle his furry little butt. If he’d stay still. When he slept, he went out pretty hard. And since they’d been in Nocturne Falls, he’d taken to spending part of the night with her and part of the night with Jenna. He was probably curled up on her pillow making biscuits in her hair right now.

  Tessa’s eyes blinked open. She hadn’t cleared bringing Duncan here, but he was her cat. And kittens needed a lot of attention. It wouldn’t be fair to leave him at Jenna’s when she was gone so long on her shifts for the sheriff’s office.

  She already knew Sebastian wouldn’t like it. Look at his house. It was immaculate. But after what she was doing for him, he was just going to have to suck it up and deal with it. She wasn’t going to spend an entire week away from her baby.

  Not even for that ridiculously handsome man. There was only so much sacrifice she was willing to make.

  Maybe she’d bring Duncan and then tell Sebastian about him after he was firmly ensconced in Chez Ellingham. The whole ask for forgiveness rather than permission thing. It wasn’t her way. Her way was usually planning and by-the-book and all forms in triplicate. But what if he said no? They couldn’t have that argument in front of Evangeline.

  She huffed out a breath. Evangeline. The woman was under this same roof. Probably snooping around right now.

  “Sebastian?” She said his name quietly, not wanting to wake him if he’d already fallen asleep.

  The quickness of his reply indicated he had not. “Yes?”

  There was an eagerness in his voice that surprised her. Had he been expecting her to ask him something? If so, what? She’d think about that later. “Aren’t you worried that you-know-who might be riffling through your things while you’re asleep?”

  “She might be, but anything of importance is behind locked doors. My desk drawers and filing cabinets are locked as well.”

  Tessa rolled over to lay on her back. “Couldn’t she pick those locks?”

  “I suppose she could, if she’s learned to do that. But Greaves is probably keeping an eye on her. And even if she gets into my office, she’d have to pick the locks on my desk drawers as well.”

  She smiled. “You’re a smart man to have that double security even in your home.”

  He laughed softly. “You say smart, my brothers s
ay overly cautious.”

  “But you’re protecting them, too—and the town. I approve.”

  “Thank you.”

  They both went quiet again. Sebastian spoke a minute later. “Are you comfortable?”

  “Yes. Are you?”

  “Yes. This couch is surprisingly adequate as a bed. Considering what it cost, it should be.”

  Note to self, do not let Duncan claw the bedroom furniture. “Good. I’d feel bad if you were miserable.”

  “And if I was?”

  She smiled up at the ceiling. His words seemed very flirty. “We’d have to figure something else out for you.”

  “Something else?”

  “A different place for you to sleep.” Like next to her in this very large bed.

  Because that would lead to sleeping. Sure.

  He chuckled softly. “I’m not sure how well I would sleep in that situation either.”

  Her eyes widened. It was like he was in her head. Vampires couldn’t read minds, right? She’d never heard of that being a thing. The best she could do for a response was laugh nervously, but it came out a strangled noise that made her sound like she was choking on something. She quickly cleared her throat and changed the subject. “We should go out to dinner again tomorrow night.”

  “What about Evangeline?”

  “You agreed she could live here for a week. I can’t imagine that includes accompanying us on all the things that couples do. Like dinner, movies, walks in the park…”

  “You’re a brilliant woman, you know that?” She could hear the smile in his voice.

  She smiled right back. “Thanks. I take it that means yes to dinner?”

  “That means yes to anything you want.”

  Her smile widened. She’d be sure to remind him of that when she brought Duncan back to his house in the morning.

  Sebastian opened the day’s paper, a third cup of coffee on the table beside him. He should be in his office working, but he wasn’t in the mood to crack the books just yet. Tessa’s breakfast had been simple but very good. Cheese and mushroom omelets. A far greater accomplishment than Greaves could have pulled off.

  Sebastian smiled. The two of them should be back soon. They’d been gone forty-five minutes already.

  Evangeline still slept like the dead and would for at least four more hours. According to Greaves, she’d only just gone to bed as dawn approached.

  Greaves was a light sleeper, but also a terrible snoop. For once, Sebastian was glad of it. The man had stayed up to keep an eye on her just as Sebastian had guessed he might. Because of that, Sebastian was giving him the remainder of the day off so he could get some rest.

  Sebastian’s ears perked up at the sound of the mudroom door opening. It was at the far end of the house near the kitchen and led in from the garage. He set the paper aside and went to help Tessa with her things.

  He met them in the kitchen and came to a sudden stop. “What is that?”

  Tessa paused mid-sentence in her conversation with Greaves and turned to face Sebastian head on. “What is what?”

  “That…thing in your arms.”

  She frowned at him. “I know you don’t get out much, but do you really not know that this is a kitten?”

  She held the ball of claws and fluff up so he could see it better. “See? Whiskers, a tail, fur—all the usual kitten parts.”

  “I know what it is. What’s it doing in my house?”

  She hugged it to her chest again. It mewled, a rather pitiful sound that Sebastian refused to let sway him. “Duncan is my cat and since I’m living here for the next seven days, so is he.”

  “No.”

  Her brow wrinkled. “It sounded like you said no.”

  “I did. I don’t want that thing in here, tearing up my house, scratching on my antiques and generally treating the whole place like his…toilet. No. The cat goes back to your sister’s.”

  Greaves had the good sense to stay out of it. He lifted Tessa’s bags. “I’ll just go put these in your quarters, miss.”

  She shook her head. “Put them back in the car, Greaves. If Duncan goes, so do I.”

  Greaves stayed right where he was.

  Sebastian huffed out a breath. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Have fun explaining to Evangeline where I am.”

  “Tessa, please, you have to understand. Those animals are…”

  “Are what?”

  He grimaced and told the truth. “I don’t like them.”

  She tipped her head. “Why?”

  “Because they’re—”

  “You’re scared of cats.”

  “No, I am not.” Maybe a little. It was irrational, but one had chased him from the stables when he was a boy and he’d never quite gotten over it. Hugh had inherited one when he’d married Delaney, but thankfully that enormous beast seemed to sleep all day and was rarely around when Sebastian called.

  “You are. I can see it. I’m sorry, but Duncan is just a baby. He’s not going to hurt you. And this is a great chance for you to get over that fear.”

  Sebastian crossed his arms. “You’re forcing my hand. I have no choice but to agree. I find that very unfair.”

  She smiled. “I think that’s sort of how actual marriage works. Give and take and compromise. Isn’t this fun?”

  “No.” His good mood had fermented. “Keep it away from me.”

  “Duncan is a he, not an it, and he sleeps with me.”

  Sebastian scowled at the tiny, furry beast, instantly jealous. “On the bed? My bed?”

  “Yes.”

  “No.”

  She pointed a finger at the ceiling. “Greaves, back to the car.”

  Sebastian threw his hands in the air. “Greaves, take her things up to my room. She and I will work this out but apparently, the animal is staying.”

  “Very good, sir. I’ll return for the rest of Duncan’s things in the car, then, miss.” Greaves departed for the upstairs.

  “Thank you, Greaves.” Tessa looked at Sebastian and her grin widened in blatant satisfaction. “And thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. This is going to cost you.”

  Her smile faltered. “How so?”

  His mood meant his social graces mattered less. That sense of recklessness made his body thrum with energy. “I demand a goodnight kiss every evening and good morning kiss upon waking.”

  She swallowed, but took a step toward him. “That hardly seems equal to having this innocent little kitten living here for the rest of the week.”

  “You’re the one who brought up give and take. Am I the only one who should compromise then?”

  “No.” She gave him a skeptical look. “Fine. Two kisses a day.”

  “As many kisses as are required, but one will be mandatory at the beginning and end of each day.”

  She hugged the beast closer. “Then Duncan gets the full run of the house. And you can’t complain about it.”

  “I absolutely can complain about it. But I shall also try to remember that as you are my fiancée, I do things to make you happy. The creature is one of those.”

  “His name is Duncan. Say it.”

  Sebastian sighed. “Duncan. Happy?”

  She kissed the beast on the head. “Want to hold him?”

  “Not even remotely. Put him down.”

  She twisted slowly back and forth, like she was rocking the beast to sleep. “His litter box isn’t set up yet. He might pee on one of your fancy antiques.”

  Sebastian’s lip curled. “That’s exactly what I was—”

  “I’m teasing you. Lighten up.”

  Greaves came back in. “I’ll get Duncan’s things now. Where shall I set up his box, miss?”

  “In the laundry,” Sebastian said.

  “In the upstairs bathroom,” Tessa replied. “He’ll be in that bedroom most of the time. Although we should have a second box on this floor too. That one can go in the laundry room. His food and water can go here in the kitchen.”

  “
I’ll run to the Shop-n-Save and get another box this afternoon and buy some more food for him. Dry or canned?”

  “Both and it has to be for kittens. He’s still growing.”

  “Good to know. I may have to visit the pet shop in town to make sure I get the right kind. But I’m happy to do it.”

  “Thank you, Greaves.”

  “My pleasure.” Greaves went out to the garage and came back a short while later with Duncan’s bag of toys, his carrier, and his covered litter box.

  Sebastian frowned. The rook was entirely too accommodating toward this furry nightmare. “I’d better not smell that animal’s business.”

  Greaves raised a brow. “I imagine he feels the same way about you, sir.”

  Tessa snorted in laughter and gave the cat another kiss on the head.

  Sebastian stared at her as Greaves left. “I cannot believe I ever thought you were a mouse.”

  She shrugged one shoulder. The cat swatted at a strand of her hair. “I’ve been underestimated many times.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take Duncan up and get him settled.”

  “You owe me a kiss.”

  “I’m taking Duncan upstairs, not going to bed.”

  Sebastian wanted her more than he cared about what time it was. “This morning’s kiss. You’re one short.”

  She shot him a look he couldn’t quite read, but her pulse increased ever so slightly. “Fine. But I’m not putting Duncan down.”

  “I’m not kissing you with that animal sandwiched between us.”

  Her brows lifted with a very whatever sort of expression. “I guess you’ll have to wait until tonight then.”

  Before he could respond, she walked out of the kitchen, the cat cradled over one shoulder like a baby.

  Sebastian shook his head in disbelief as she left. Thwarted by a wretched feline. Who was now going to be sharing his bedroom. What exactly had Tessa done to him to make him this addled?

  Tessa held her laughter until she reached the bedroom, then let it out in one unladylike snort.

  “Sorry, miss?” Greaves popped out of the bathroom, a litter scooper in one hand.