by Dawn Brower
Probably cost a pretty penny too. “What charity does this event support?”
She liked the idea of helping people—Something she’d tossed aside as not worth her time. Now she wanted to do something good for the world. Leave her mark on it and not have everyone remember the selfish vain girl she’d been in the past.
“It changes every year. It’s part of the surprise. At the ball they announce how much was raised and what charity will benefit from the efforts.” His fingers stroked the steering wheel. Regina bit her lip as she watched his nimble fingers tap it almost lovingly. “They take suggestions all year long and narrow it down to a few, and then the attendees vote on which one they think they should support.”
“That’s a very democratic approach.” She rather liked the idea, and her mind spun on how she could do something similar in New York when she returned. Her mother would love it, and she couldn’t wait to tell her about it. “When do the attendees vote?”
He studied the road and didn’t answer her question right away. She waited patiently, as she had no other choice. Bradford would tell her when he was ready. Why he held that back she didn’t know. It irritated her slightly, but where he was concerned she’d learned to bite her tongue. He didn’t do anything until he was ready.
“Packets on the charities were sent out to those who purchased tickets.”
That didn’t answer her question. Yes, it was good to know what charities were involved, but when did they vote. “So voting is?” She raised an eyebrow.
He chuckled lightly. “You can cast your vote anytime before the ball. There is a website set up and with the results hidden until the end of the event.”
She scrunched her eyebrows together and considered what he said. “But then anyone can vote. How does that even work?” It couldn’t be as simple as that. If so, she could log in on her phone and vote as they drove.
“You are given a code to vote with.”
Regina gritted her teeth together. Why was it so damned difficult to get him to talk to her? Information was not something he gave out willingly. She glared at him and considered punching him, but dismissed it as foolish. She didn’t want to die if he lost control of his vehicle. Maybe once they stopped though. Yeah, that idea had merit.
“Am I going to be able to vote?” She really wanted to have a hand in picking a charity. She was curious which ones were contenders. Maybe she’d donate to one of the losers. No doubt they were all worthy charities if they were being considered. “Do you have your packet of information on them for me to look at?”
He sighed. “Why are you so curious? Since when do you care about charities?”
His words stung. Would she ever live down her past mistakes? “It matters to me now.” She stared at him mulishly. “Do you have them?”
“I do.”
Good. Then she could look them over and decide. Wait, he never said if she’d be able to vote. “Am I able to participate?”
“I’ll give you the information so you can.” His voice had an edge of steal to it. “Now can you please be quiet? I want to concentrate on driving.”
She revisited the idea of punching him. He was being an ass again. It was his go-to mood. Regina didn’t know what was bothering him and wasn’t sure if she cared. She sighed. Yeah, she did unfortunately. Being tuned into his mercurial moods didn’t help her own peace of mind. He ran hot and cold more than anyone she knew and gave her constant whiplash.
They sat in silence for another thirty minutes. It drove her insane. Finally, she couldn’t stand it anymore. “Why do you always feel it necessary to be a total ass?”
He turned his head slightly and glared at her. “Why do you feel the need to be a bitch?”
She opened her mouth and closed it several times. How dare he? She’d been nice, mostly. So she’d bitten him once. That didn’t count. He’d deserved it because, well, he’d been a jerk at the time. He thought he could use her and toss her aside. Maybe he hadn’t said so out loud, but she could tell. It unnerved her, these different sides of him. In the library he’d been gentle, and now... Well, now he was a total dick.
“Have you ever considered people react to the way you treat them?” She decided to take the higher ground and not call him an ass to his face. Again. Oh hell, she was being bitchy. “I’m sorry. I should take my own words to heart.”
He pulled into a long driveway and maneuvered his vehicle around until it was in front of the Seabrook Manor. There was an ornate fountain on one side of the circular driveway, and on the other laid the estate in all its glory. The fountain was a nice touch, but the inlaid brick and marble of the entrance was breathtaking.
Once he had the car in park he turned to her and said, “Regina dear, you constantly surprise me.” His lips quirked upward into an amused smirk. “I apologize for being an ass. Why don’t we go in and meet our host?”
Her, surprise him? She stared at him, startled. He was running hot again. He’d give Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde a run for their money at this rate. She didn’t know what version of Bradford she’d get at any given moment. “You drive me crazy.” She shook her head. “But, by all means, lead the way, Your Grace.”
“I could say the same about you.” He exited the vehicle and was opening her door before she’d had time to react. He bowed before her and held out his hand. “May I be of assistance, my lady?”
She didn’t trust this helpful side of him. He was up to something. “What are you trying to accomplish?” She narrowed her eyes at him, but held her hand out to him anyway. He helped her out of the car. She gazed up at him and said, “You don’t have to act the gentleman for me.”
“Oh, he does.” An amused laugh filled Regina’s ears. She turned to see one of the most gorgeous men she’d ever laid eyes on. He had golden blond hair and steel gray eyes. He was breathtaking. “It’s all part of the festivities. Everyone must be on their best behavior.”
“Zane Rossington, the Marquess of Seabrook,” Bradford turned to the man and said stiffly, “May I introduce Mrs. Regina Dewitt-Quinn.”
“Lose the Quinn,” Regina replied, “and it’s only Miss.”
Bradford’s head spun toward her. Shock was evident on his face as he stared at her dumbfounded. She’d suspected he hadn’t known about the dissolution of her marriage. His reaction confirmed it. He’d asked her before about Trenton when she’d mentioned Genevieve. She hadn’t wanted to explain then the reason for Trenton’s absence from her life. It had felt—hell, it was plain embarrassing. She’d accepted her ex-husband needed to find his former love, but she’d not wanted to have Bradford mocking her at every turn. He already looked at her unfavorably. He’d no doubt blame her for the end of the marriage. In his mind she was evil incarnate and of course she’d be the reason things failed. It couldn’t have had anything to do with his sainted brother. A part of her was bitter, and it bled through into her thoughts. She’d like for him to see her in a better light, but it was starting to become apparent he wouldn’t. This was going to be one more thing he would have to hold over her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Dewitt. I hope you will enjoy your stay in my home,” Seabrook said smoothly.
She smiled up at him. Her pleasure was hard to hide. “I’m sure I will, my lord.”
“Let me escort you inside.” Seabrook held out his arm to her. “I can show you to your room if you like.”
She laughed lightly. “Don’t you have servants for that?”
“Yes, he does.” Bradford’s voice held barely restrained fury. “Go see to your other guests. I can help Regina.”
Seabrook studied Bradford for a few moments. What he saw, Regina wasn’t certain, but he acquiesced quickly. “If you need anything let me know.” He nodded and left them alone.
“Now, please explain that nonsense you told Seabrook.” He glared down at her.
It took everything she had inside to not stick her tongue out at him. He was being such an ass. Hell, when isn’t he? Instead, she glanced up at him and said inn
ocently, “I don’t know what you mean.” The need to goad him was too hard to resist.
“Don’t act the fool. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” He folded his arms across his chest and waited for her to answer. When she didn’t, he added through gritted teeth, “Your marriage.”
“Oh, that.” she waved her hand. “It’s nothing. Trenton and I had our marriage annulled months ago. I’ve been plain ole’ Regina Dewitt for...” She tapped her chin as if thinking hard about the time line. “I think six months now.”
With that pronouncement, she shrugged and headed inside Seabrook Manor. She didn’t bother to check to see if he followed. Let him stew on that information for a while. Maybe it was her bitchy side coming out, but it felt damned good to put him in his place.
CHAPTER SIX
Bradford nursed a brandy and glared across the room. Regina flitted around, lightheartedly laughing at everything and anything. At the moment, she appeared enthralled with no doubt a bit of nonsense Zane was spouting. Cocky bastard probably thought he had her right where he wanted her. Something he didn’t want to admit could be possible.
Zane was not going to step into Regina’s life and take over. She was free. That meant Bradford could have her if he played things right. He couldn’t act on it without more information. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been able to pin her down long enough to obtain any. She’d been avoiding him ever since she dropped the news that she and Trenton were no longer married. Something he should have been aware of. Why hadn’t his step-brother mentioned it? Come to think of it, Trenton hadn’t called him in months.
The more he thought about it the more irritated he became. There was so much wasted time... He could have had Regina a lot sooner, and he’d have pursued her much sooner. She’d not have had to come to Weston Manor for him to seek her out. He was already doing business with her father, and wouldn’t need to search for an excuse to visit the States. But she had come to him, and it was time to ramp up the seduction. He’d already had ample time to seduce her that he’d not utilized because of his ignorance of the situation. He’d not wanted to compromise his relationship with Trenton, and where had that gotten him? Nothing but blue balls for over a week, well, no more. He’d not let her have control over him or the situation any longer.
He stole a glance across the room through hooded eyes. Regina licked her lips and leaned into Seabrook, her hand resting against his chest. A bubble of laughter filled the room again. Bradford sucked in a breath and tried to regain control, and lost. He swallowed the contents of his glass and set it down with a hard thud. He couldn’t take it anymore.
“Weston,” Zane acknowledged him. “I trust you’re enjoying your time here at Seabrook.”
Bradford reined in the urge to punch his pretty face. “It’s been wonderful. I love visiting.” He hated every minute of it. Seabrook had always been a rival of his. They always went after the same things. Now the bastard wanted the one woman he craved more than anything, and he’d be damned before he let Zane have her. “What activities do you have planned for us this weekend?”
Zane’s lipped twitched in amusement. “The same as usual. I didn’t see the point of messing with what works.”
Regina’s gaze bobbed between them. Bradford suspected she had no idea the rivalry she’d unwitting stepped in to. She’d find out soon enough. “So I have boring charades and card games to look forward to after dinner?” He raised an eyebrow mockingly.
“Cards sounds fun to me,” Regina piped in. “What games will we play?”
“How good are you at Whist?”
She chewed on her bottom lip, tilted her head, and frowned. “I’ve never had the pleasure of playing. To be honest, I’m not sure how.”
“I’d be happy to teach you,” Zane offered.
Bradford clenched his fists at his side and reminded himself it wouldn’t do to punch the marquess. They were friends of a sort. “You won’t have time,” he reminded him. “Someone is always demanding your attention at this event. I’d hate for you have to leave in the middle of instructing her the proper way to play. I can handle her tutelage.”
Zane narrowed his eyes and studied Bradford. What was going through his mind? “I have a better idea. We can both teach her.”
“That won’t do. We can’t play Whist with three players.” Bradford shook his head. “It isn’t done.”
“Two isn’t enough either.” Zane glared mulishly.
He reminded himself again it was most definitely not a good idea to punch Zane, although he could use a little imperfection on his face. No, it would probably aid him more. Ladies seemed drawn to him no matter what he did. Bradford had hated him a little for that in school. Bradford was tired of it all, not that he had trouble with women. He’d had his fair share, but Zane didn’t even have to try and they were his. Regina wouldn’t be added to the marquess’s conquests.
“Now boys,” Regina placed a hand on each of their arms, “I’m willing to let you both teach me. No reason to fight over it.”
“Who’s fighting?” Bradford raised an eyebrow. “And, darling, there are no boys in this room.”
“Indeed,” Zane agreed. “We British are civilized. You can’t fault us for our impeccable manners.”
Bradford almost winced at Zane’s words. He had been itching to pummel him. Best not mention that part.
“I give up. I’ll leave you two to duke it out with words.” Regina threw up her hands. “I didn’t really want to learn anyway.” She stormed across the room and grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter. Bradford watched her down the glass and set it on the tray before grabbing another glass. At least she was no longer fawning over Zane.
“What are you after, Bradford?”
He turned to Zane and shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Bradford didn’t owe Zane any explanations. He wasn’t about to start giving him any either. What was between him and Regina wasn’t for public consumption.
“Do you want to know what I’ve always liked about you?” Zane asked.
“No,” Bradford replied, “and frankly I don’t care.”
Zane shook his head and laughed. “Too bad. I’m going to tell you anyway.” He gestured toward a waiter and grabbed a glass of champagne. “You’re unflappable. Nothing ever gets to you, and I’ve always admired that.”
Bradford narrowed his eyes and remained silent. When Zane got on a roll he was hard to stop. It was best to ride it out until the end and walk away with his body intact.
“How long have we known each other?”
Why was he asking questions he already knew the answer to? Bradford glared at him and pursed his lips into a thin line. He wasn’t going to bother responding to such nonsense.
“Twenty years?” Turned out Zane didn’t require a response; he kept going without even bothering to give Bradford a chance to speak. “A long time, anyway. So I know you. Perhaps better than anyone, save Trenton. I know how close the two of you became after his father married your mother.”
“What the fuck is your point?” Bradford asked frustrated.
Zane laughed. “My point is I’ve never seen you like this, and don’t bother to pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. You’re gone for that woman. She has you tied up in knots, and she’s not even trying.” He shook his head. “What I would like to know is how long you’ve been carrying a torch for the woman your brother used to be married to. More importantly is he aware of it?” He glanced up, amusement flashing through his eyes. “I happened to notice your surprise at her newly minted single status. Figurative fireworks were going off over your head as you gawked with amazement.”
Bradford didn’t have a clue how to respond to him. He never believed he was an easy person to read, but Zane was right. He did know him better than anyone else. They’d grown up together and went to the same schools. They used to go everywhere together. Yes, they were rivals, but they’d always been friends first.
He was more than aware how he reacted
to Regina. His whole body radiated with need whenever she was near. All he had to do was think about her and his desire became evident. He was a walking, talking disaster where she was concerned. “I was unaware, as I’m sure you know, that Trenton and Regina had ended things.”
Zane took a long drink of his champagne. He didn’t say a word. After a few moments he shook his head and said, “Nice way of side-stepping my question. You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to. Although I can guess the answer, and I’m probably right. You’d have hidden your feelings from Trenton because he means so much to you. Now that she’s free, what are you going to do with those pent-up emotions you’re carrying around?”
“I have no idea.” Bradford was lost in a way he’d never been before. With no direction and no plan, he was walking around reacting instead of acting. It was time to change that and figure out what his next step should be.
“I gathered that at your introduction.” Zane studied him. “Why is she here with you if you’re not privy to the details in her life?”
A good question. “She claims she is seeking information on her sister’s disappearance.” He had to wonder if that was the only reason she was in England. Was she trying to use him to make Trenton jealous? She was playing some game. Bradford was certain of that much. It was a matter of time until he figured out what it was. She had to know that.
“You don’t believe her?” Zane raised an eyebrow. “You think she’s too vain to care about her sister?”
He shook his head. “No. I don’t doubt she wonders what happened to Alys. It’s why I brought her here. She’d got some notion that the fifth Duchess of Weston will give her a clue.”
Although he failed to understand Regina’s logic, he was willing to humor her. He was curious for a different reason. He had started to research his family history and hit a snag with the duchess. He’d wanted to know who she was after he’d mentioned the portrait to Alys, but it remained a niggling curiosity left satisfied. So, he could find out who she was and then give Regina something in return. It was a total win-win in his estimation.