“Home is where she is, don’t you think?” Ivan’s lips stretched over his teeth.
Raising his brows, Sebastian nodded once in answer, and started for the private entry on the east side of the Hall.
“Will you marry me, Daisy?” he asked, but he knew she wouldn’t answer. She was still sleeping.
However, the real question remained—would he have the courage to ask her while she was awake?
Chapter Twenty-Four
The next day, Sebastian asked her to attend a swanky charity event with him. Though he hadn’t said the word ‘swanky,’ she knew it would be.
So, she’d put on her sexiest dress and highest heels. He’d worn a tux and a charming smile.
Neither one of them had been able to keep their hands off each other while they were getting ready, while they rode in the back of the limo, or even when they first arrived.
But no one seemed to care. Some looked downright shocked, but not because they were humping each other in public.
No, it was the open affection he showed her. The way he brushed her hair away from her face or took her hand and kissed it. Apparently to the people who knew Sebastian, that was the same thing as a preacher deciding to streak down the aisle in the middle of a church service.
Music swelled in the background, and she turned her attention to him once more.
“Feeling all right?” Sebastian placed a hand at the small of her back and brushed her stomach with his free one. “Need to sit?” Without waiting for her answer, he propelled her to their table at the front and pulled out her chair.
He looked anxious. He looked a little lost. She inwardly smiled. “May I have a glass of ice water?” she asked.
Relief broke over his face. He had needed something to do. “Anything else?”
“Not until dinner is served.”
After pressing a fleeting kiss to the back of her hand, he took off like a shot. She glanced around the magnificent ballroom. It dripped with elegance and money—lots and lots of money.
There was a sea of tuxes and designer ball gowns. A three-piece band played soothing music while servers in black pants and white shirts buzzed around the tables like bees. She couldn’t help but notice how efficient they were, and how smoothly everything ran.
Someday she’d like to cater an event like this, but most likely, she’d never get the chance. Holland Springs might have more billionaires and millionaires than the average town, but this cosmopolitan gathering for charity was something straight out of a book.
“I see you finally wore the Valentino. You look smashing.”
Daisy blinked at Kate, and then stammered out a thank you.
“I didn’t follow the two of you here.” Kate waved a cream-colored piece of paper at Daisy, before slipping it into her purse. “I was invited long before that.”
“I didn’t think you were following us.” Daisy craned her neck, wishing for Sebastian to show up with her water. “Where are you sitting?”
“Here.”
Daisy jerked her attention back to Kate. “Here here?”
Kate laughed, throwing her head back as she did, her ebony hair all caught up in a diamond tiara. She looked like a princess. “Have you bothered to read the name cards?”
“No.” Daisy picked up a card in the shape of a house. Sebastian Romanov, Earl of Spenserfield, was written in silver ink. She set it back down and read the one beside her. Kate Von Lichtenstein. A quick glance to her left let her know that her name wasn’t on that house either. A hot flush stole up her neck and down her chest. Where the heck was she supposed to sit? “Sebastian and I just arrived.”
Kate’s jade eyes were assessing as she raked Daisy with a snooty gaze. “I didn’t think he’d bring you to this.”
“Why not?”
“Because…” Kate exhaled. “I coming off as a real witch, aren’t I?”
“My momma said that if you can’t say something nice, then you shouldn’t say anything at all. So, I’m going to keep real quiet while you dig yourself out of this one.”
“It’s hard to see you with him. It’s even harder to see him so happy, yet so anxious over you.” Kate gazed out into the ballroom, and Daisy followed her line of vision.
In the center of it all stood Sebastian, holding a goblet of water while talking with a rather imposing looking gentleman.
“That’s my father, the Baron,” Kate said. “He and Sebastian have much in common.”
Sebastian turned his head slightly, and she felt an electric surge go through her. It heated her, down to her very toes. Before they’d left this evening, he’d informed her what he planned on doing to her on the ride back home.
His sexy mouth lifted at one corner and he winked, like he knew she was thinking of that very conversation.
“And it appears you and I have much in common as well,” Kate murmured. “He is extraordinarily attentive in—”
“Excuse me?”
Kate’s eyes widened. “He and I were very young the first and only time we ah—”
“I get the picture.”
“It’s very hard to get over the man who’s your first love.”
Daisy pictured Glen’s face and made a soft noise. “Sometimes it’s easier than you think.”
“I’m not sure why I’m even here.” Kate placed her purse on the table. “This is torture.”
“The music’s not that bad,” Daisy said, hoping Kate would take the hint. “A drummer would be nice.”
Kate leaned forward in her chair, studying her. “If you were anyone but his, I would stay here beside you and spend an enjoyable evening. But I can’t. I thought I could, but it’s too damn hard.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” Daisy said, grateful that she could face Sebastian’s ex with the truth on her side. “But I do love him, and I am his. All that said, I do hope you find someone who makes you happier than he ever could.”
“You’re very sweet. I don’t know if I could be so kind,” Kate said. A tear escaped the corner of one eye, and she brushed it away with a knuckle. “Maybe I should follow the Romanov example and find someone who’s not what people would expect.”
Then she rose, in a cloud of sweet-smelling perfume and designer silk, and left before Sebastian arrived at Daisy’s side with her water.
“Was she rude?”
Daisy took the water and drank greedily. “She was sad.”
He sat down beside her. “I’d forgotten she was to be my date for this.”
“Your date!” Daisy sat her drink down.
“The event was planned last year. It was her choice to attend this event anyway. She had to know I’d bring you.”
“Still … no wonder she was so upset.”
“But you’re not,” he said. “You’re glowing, in fact.” He slid his gaze to her stomach, and then back at her face.
She blushed. “Now I am.”
He eased his hand inside the split in the side of her dress. It stopped mid-thigh but his hand did not. “You’re very warm, too.” She gasped as the tips of his fingers brushed her most intimate parts. “Very, very warm.”
“You’re making me hot.”
“I’ve placed my bid. Shall we leave before dinner is served?” He slowly slid his hand from where she was wet and slid a finger over his lower lip, then licked it. Her entire body throbbed in response, like one enormous beat of her heart. “My car is waiting.”
They stood as one, racing past everyone and not caring who turned up their nose or smiled fondly. Once the car door closed behind them, Daisy launched herself at Sebastian, kissing him hungrily. He laughed into her mouth, and she drank in the sound.
A large hand eased up her dress once more and she moaned. He parted her, entering her with one long finger. Her inner muscles clutched at him. Working at the bodice, he managed to free one of her breasts and wrapped his hot mouth around it. She arched, back bowing off the seat.
“Take your hair down,” he murmured against her wet flesh.
With hand
s trembling, she removed the diamond barrette he’d given her to wear tonight from her hair.
“Gorgeous.” He stroked her, easing another finger inside of her and curling them.
She grabbed his wide shoulders and held on for a moment.
The car began to move and she fell back against the seat again.
He stayed with her, his fingers teasing and the thumb he’d pressed against her swollen clitoris torturing her.
“Do you always get to third base in the back of a limo?”
Lifting his head from her breast, he gave her a puzzled look. “Third base?”
She glanced down. Her dress was around her waist and his fingers were sunk deep inside of her. “That’s third base.”
Comprehension dawned and he grinned wickedly. “Shall I tell you the truth or—”
“The truth,” she said. “Always tell me the truth.”
“Yes.” He slid out his fingers and plunged in again. “Third base, second … first … are there any others?”
She giggled, and then moaned when he nipped at her shoulder. “Home, you forgot home.”
“You are my home,” Sebastian said, gazing into her beautiful face. Her cheeks were stained pink, and her eyes were smoky with desire. He wasn’t a glib man, not like his brother or cousin. He wasn’t given to quoting poetry. Occasionally quoting pop culture references wasn’t by any means romantic, but he could use his hands, his lips, and tongue to worship her. He would use every part of his body to bring her pleasure.
So he did just that, until she trembled and cried out his name. Watching her come undone in his arms was the most powerful thing he’d ever done in his life.
“I love you,” he said softly.
Her lashes fluttered, eyes refocusing as she came down to Earth. “What did you say?”
“I—” He couldn’t say it again, not even knowing she felt the same way. Something held him back. “I love the way you look when you orgasm.”
“Oh.” She sounded disappointed, but he wasn’t sure, because she gave him a blinding smile and kissed him softly. “Thank you for a very nice time.”
Thank you, he wanted to reply, for saving me from my bleak existence, but he didn’t. “You’re welcome.
* * *
Four days later, after dining on an amazing lunch prepared by Daisy, Sebastian took her by the hand and led her away from the kitchen. “We’ll wash them up later.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“You’ll see,” he said and opened the door at the end of the hallway with a flourish. “This is one thing you don’t know about me. No one does, in fact.”
Her eyes grew wide, taking in the paintings and sketches. Some were priceless works by artists long dead, while their names lived on, and others were his, humble and framed on the opposite wall. Maybe one day.
“Did you paint all these?” She gestured to the wall with his work.
“Yes.” He wrapped his arms around her, settling his hands around her waist and clasping them in the front. “Does that impress you?”
She turned in his arms. “A lot.” Rising on her tiptoes, she kissed him and said, “Maybe our baby will have your talent.”
Something sweet washed over him. “Would it be so bad if he or she were entirely like you instead?”
Sympathy clouded her eyes. “I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.”
He had. He’d seen himself at his worst, cruelly mocking her. “Hmm,” he said and guided her to the fainting couch by a set of French doors.
“What are you up to?” Sympathy gave way to sparkling anticipation.
“Lie there and don’t move,” he ordered, taking great delight as she did as he asked. He unbuttoned her shirt, spreading it outward and revealing the curves of her breasts and creamy skin.
For days, he had wanted to share his studio, where he painted and sketched. It was his favorite room in the house, aside from the bedroom, to be in. And now she was here, lying on an antique fainting couch made of silk and velvet.
She raised her hands over her head and stretched. His mouth ran dry. “Like this?” Her full lips curved, and he sucked in a breath.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to do you justice, but I shall endeavor.” He kneeled beside her and dipped his head, dropping a kiss in the deep V of her cleavage. “The bra will have to go.”
“Really, son, in the middle of the day?”
Sebastian jumped up and away from the lounger, heat creeping up his neck as he turned to face their intruder. “Hello, Mother.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Now she shows up?” Daisy muttered. She scrambled off the lounger and onto her feet, buttoning her shirt. She slipped her hand in his and gave it a supportive squeeze.
“Don’t bloody stand there like a plank, Sebastian. Mind your manners and properly greet your mother,” Lady Francesca ordered, sweeping into the room.
“Why are you here?” Sebastian asked as he stood in front of Daisy, giving her privacy to adjust her clothes.
Francesca swept off her hat. “No maid or butler?” She held out the hat to Daisy. “Take this and put—”
Sebastian stepped in front of Daisy, obscuring her view of his mother. “She’s not your servant.”
“However, I’m sure she is serving you. You’ve certainly brought her to the right place.”
The right place? Daisy frowned. A preacher and his family had lived here.
“I’ll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself.”
“Fact number one: Your father used this house to keep his English mistresses here. Fact number two: I’ve come to warn your fiancée.”
Daisy stuck her head out from behind Sebastian’s wide shoulders and let go of his hand. “About what?”
“Oh, she speaks, and you allow it.” Francesca smirked. “How charming.”
“Mother,” Sebastian growled.
“Leave him. Immediately.”
Stepping around Sebastian, she faced his mother head on. “I don’t want to leave him.”
“Not now you don’t. Not while he’s so like his father at the beginning of things: charming, lovable, vulnerable … sharing the bits about his oh-so-very tragic childhood. Poor, misunderstood man that can only be changed for the better with the love of a good woman. How could anyone resist that? I certainly didn’t. But when reality sinks in and you realize that you’ll always be second and sometimes third best, you’ll wish you had listened to me.” Francesca extended her hand. “Come, let’s go for a drive and I’ll give you the real story.”
Daisy glanced up at Sebastian. There was a tic in jaw and his hands had clenched into fists. “Bastian?”
“Go if you like,” he bit out. “I’ll not make the choice for you.”
“You don’t have to.”
He slid his gaze to her, his eyes flashing.
“I choose you,” she said simply, taking his hand and gently prying it open. She pressed a kiss to the center of his palm. “I choose your facts. Your memories over a woman who couldn’t be bothered to stay or even fight for her children.”
“Be bothered?” Francesca screeched. “I discovered Vladimir banging my sister on that very lounger, in this very room. And you knew about the affair the entire time.”
Sebastian shook his head. “Christian knew, not me. He was our father’s lookout.”
“Stop maligning him! That poor lad has been through enough because of you. You stole everything from him.”
“He’s a grown man. And you’ve got your knickers in a wad because he didn’t invite you to the wedding.”
“An oversight, I’m sure. Besides, my sources tell me Christian was spotted at Heathrow this morning.”
“Better get new sources, because Christian is already back home. He didn’t come here to see you.”
“That’s not true,” Francesca whined. “Zoe said she would talk to him.”
“Only because my sister-in-law is too damned nice to say no.”
This was not a conversation she need
ed to continue to hear or witness. “I think I’ll go bake something.” Daisy tried to leave. She inched toward the door and wiggled her fingers, but Sebastian tightened his grip. So, she took a deep breath and stayed by his side.
“Get it through your head, Francesca. We. Don’t. Want. You,” he said.
Francesca took a step closer, her hand darting out and slapping Sebastian across the face. “You’re him all over again. She’ll never be enough for you. Kate wasn’t enough for you. No woman ever will be.”
Daisy stared in horror at the red handprint that stood out in vivid contrast to his pale face. “Please Sebastian, if you let go, I can get some ice.” This time he let go of her. She rushed to the kitchen, grabbing a towel and filling it with crushed ice. Her hands shook as she dashed into the room, bits of ice falling to the floor.
“Do you know why I married that bastard?” Francesca asked, and Daisy skidded to a stop just at the entrance to the room.
Sebastian’s gaze met hers, over his mother’s head, but there was nothing behind his blue eyes. “Should I?”
“Because of you and your bother. Your father seduced me, on purpose. I had to get married because I ended up pregnant and thought I loved him,” Francesca said, her voice shaking. “Vladimir said the first time he saw me, he had to have me. He wanted me like he’d never wanted another woman. Who could resist that? Only I didn’t know the truth until a few years later. Romanovs conquered. They took, without asking, using any means available. He didn’t want me—he wanted what I could give him—respectability and a son who would inherit a Dukedom someday.”
Daisy swallowed a scream, of denial or outrage, she wasn’t sure. Sebastian had said almost the very same thing to her. I saw you. I came. I conquered. I wanted you. I needed you. I’d lie, steal, and cheat … and I’d do it again.
Doubt seized hold of her, razor-sharp claws digging into her heart.
Was their entire engagement a front for his real purpose? Had he engineered the entire thing: from his firing to his public bad behavior, because he really was obsessed with her?
The first time I saw you…
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