The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée

But knowing that did nothing to quell the desire in him. He was inexplicably drawn to her, against all his common sense and better judgment. Was it because she was the first woman he’d allowed into his life since Evangeline? Or was it because, with every passing moment, Tessa seemed more and more the complete opposite of Evangeline, and therefore, his perfect match? Tessa definitely made him feel alive in ways Evangeline never had. And never would. Or was it because Tessa seemed more and more perfect for him with every passing moment?

He had no idea the reason. All he knew was that dwelling on it only made him want to kiss her again to test his theories.

But she’d specifically said no more tests.

He sighed, frustrated with himself, with his life, with his pledge to the late Lord Heathcote, Evangeline’s father. The money the man had left Sebastian remained untouched in numerous accounts all over the world. He’d moved it periodically as time had demanded, but once settled into a new account, there it sat, collecting interest and serving as a reminder of what rash promises could cost.

That money was a millstone about his neck. He would never be rid of it or Evangeline. Never be free to attempt happiness with another. This was his life. His burden to bear.

And people wondered why his mood was always so dour. Who wouldn’t be dour in his shoes? Which were currently a pair of John Lobb oxfords in black to complement his charcoal gray suit. At least his outward appearance didn’t match his mood.

As far as he knew. He frowned at the reflection in the mirror, inspecting his attire. He’d dressed for dinner early, knowing that his brothers would arrive well ahead of seven p.m. so they could talk.

The sun set around six p.m. in Nocturne Falls in January, meaning Evangeline could arrive any time after that, but it had always been her fashion to arrive late so that she could make a grand entrance. He didn’t imagine tonight would be any different.

Satisfied with his appearance, he headed downstairs. He’d borrowed Frauke again to prepare dinner. The woman was a bit of a terror, but if Greaves had been left in charge of dinner they’d be eating tinned soup and crackers. He stuck his head into the kitchen.

Everything smelled wonderful. He picked out the scents of beef and wine and roasting potatoes. A good winter meal. Frauke’s back was to him as she stirred something on the stove. She had earbuds in. No doubt listening to one of her operas. He let her be, heading next to the dining room where Greaves was putting the finishing touches on the table.

The man looked up as Sebastian walked in. Greaves stood back from the table and gave it a nod. “I was never a butler or a footman, but I think it’ll do.”

“Well done, old man. It looks very nice.” Hard to set an ugly table with good crystal and china and the heirloom silver.

“Much appreciated. Can’t recall the last time you used this room.”

“Neither can I.” Dinner parties were not something he did. “Have you seen Tessa?”

“She’s in the guest suite getting ready.”

“Fine. I’ll be in the library. Having a stiff drink. Send my brothers in when they arrive, will you?”

“Very good, sir.”

Sebastian went into the library, closing the doors behind him. He tried to shake the tension from his muscles and failed. He’d been so sure about tonight’s outcome until the moment earlier in his office with Tessa. Now, that certainty was gone. What if he touched her and she reacted poorly? Or grabbed his hand again to keep him away?

Evangeline would see that for what it was in an instant.

He poured a generous drink. This whole thing was foolishness. He should just confess all to Evangeline and be done with it.

Except she would then continue to act toward him as she always had. Or worse, if that was possible. He needed some leverage with her, especially if she truly wanted to live as husband and wife again. It was the only way he’d get her under control enough to fulfill her father’s wishes that she be protected.

With every passing year, Sebastian was astonished that Evangeline remained alive. How she hadn’t yet been discovered as a vampire with all her reckless living, he had no idea. Daily he checked news sites around the world for reports of a woman suddenly going up in flames as the sun hit her. That would be just like Evangeline, to be caught outside at dawn.

Just like her to do something he couldn’t protect her from. Something that would make it impossible for him to keep the promise he’d made. He knew that her decision to leave him meant the only protection he could really offer was financial, and he’d done that, but it wasn’t what her father would have wanted.

Sebastian wonder what the man would think of his daughter now. He downed the whiskey in a single swallow and poured himself another one as the last one burned a pleasurable path down his throat. If Evangeline did accidentally incinerate herself, he would at least be free. He closed his eyes at such a horrible thought, but the truth remained. Evangeline was the reason he couldn’t even entertain the idea of a woman like Tessa.

Sweet, pretty, intelligent Tessa. He’d called her a mouse and yet, she’d stood up to him today. He’d been so wrong about her. She wasn’t plain or simple. She was a rare jewel of a woman with a keen mind, a sharp wit and the kind of beauty that went beyond her pretty face and blue eyes.

A soft knock at the library door turned him around. “Come in.”

The door opened and Tessa stepped through, shining brighter than any gem he’d ever seen. “I hope this dress is all right for dinner. I borrowed it from my sister. The shoes too. I was sort of surprised she owned anything this nice, but I’m glad she did.”