The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée

Lonely was the first word that popped into her head, but she kept that to herself. She smiled. “We can eat in the dining room tomorrow if you like. Unless you prefer not to.”

He forked up a morsel of cake. “I prefer not to when I’m alone. As long as you’re here, the dining room will be perfect.”

Greaves cleared his throat. “About breakfast…”

Sebastian put his fork down. “Ah, yes. That will be a problem.”

“What?” Tessa asked.

Sebastian cocked a brow. “We order most things in. Greaves is a wretched cook.”

Greaves shook his head. “I burn water.”

Tessa laughed. “I can cook.”

“You’re a guest,” Sebastian said.

She laid her hand on his arm. “Technically, I’m the lady of the house. If I want to cook, I will.”

Greaves chuckled.

Sebastian leaned back, his amused expression rather charming. “As you wish.”

The kitchen door swung open and Evangeline swanned in. “As who wishes what?”

Tessa stuffed a bite of cake into her mouth. It was the perfect excuse to be quiet.

Sebastian sighed. “I take it you’re settled in?”

“Yes.” She put her hands on her hips and surveyed the room. She’d changed out of her snug blue dress and into a long satin nightgown with a matching robe and feathered slippers.

Tessa wanted to roll her eyes at the choice of outfit, but didn’t. At least the cake was delicious. Delaney knew what she was doing with flour and sugar, that was for sure.

Evangeline took a few steps toward the counter, then backtracked and sat beside Sebastian. She waved her hand in Greaves’ direction. “I’ll have coffee and cake too.”

Greaves arrowed a look at Sebastian.

Tessa stood, ready to diffuse the situation. As much as she appreciated Sebastian’s willingness to stand up to Evangeline, they were going to be living in the same house for the next seven days. Battles had to be chosen carefully. “I’ll get it.”

Greaves looked mortified. “No, miss, I’ve got it. You sit and enjoy your cake.”

Evangeline’s brows rose and she leaned back in her chair. “Really? You would have waited on me?”

Tessa took her seat. “You’re a guest in our house, no matter how that came about.”

Evangeline looked at Sebastian. “Your fiancée has a better attitude than you do.”

Tessa lifted her cup. “Most people have a better attitude than Sebastian.” She smiled at him, trying to play the perfect fiancée. “But I love him anyway.”

Saying those words caused an uncomfortable feeling to ripple through her. Like she’d just signed some sort of irreversible pact that left her vulnerable. She knew the words were just for show, but they weren’t the kind of words that should be played with. Love was…bigger than that.

He smiled at her. “And how lucky I am that you do.”

Evangeline rolled her eyes. “Oh, spare me.”

Greaves put Evangeline’s plate and cup in front of her without saying a word, somehow managing to look down his nose at her the entire time.

Tessa was developing a soft spot for the gray-haired gentleman. “Evangeline, you must remember what it was like to be so madly in love that you thought your partner could do no wrong.”

Sebastian’s mouth puckered like he might be trying to suppress a snort.

Evangeline stirred a heaping teaspoon of sugar into her cup. “We weren’t in love. Our marriage was arranged. For the good of the country and the peerage and all that.”

“I see.” Tessa put her fork across her plate, her cake gone in an embarrassingly short number of bites. “That’s sad. For both of you. I hope you find your own happiness someday too.”

Evangeline started to say something, but Tessa wasn’t interested in anything more the woman might have to add. It had been a long day and her patience was wearing thin. She squeezed Sebastian’s hand and smiled at him. “I’m going up to bed, sweetheart. I hope you don’t mind.”

His eyes glowed softly. “Of course not. I’ll see you soon.”

“Rather early, isn’t it?” Evangeline asked.

Tessa stood and Sebastian got up along with her. “No,” he said. “She’s not a vampire. She keeps human hours and so do I.”

Evangeline’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t used to.”

“Times change.” He ignored her to pull Tessa close and kiss her cheek. “I’ll be up shortly.”

“Miss?”

Tessa turned. “Yes?”

“Do you mind if I walk with you?” Greaves asked. “We still need to go over that shopping list.”

She hoped that was Greaves’ way of helping her find Sebastian’s room. She had no idea where it was. She was sure it had been on the tour, but she’d been a little distracted today and knowing the location of Sebastian’s bedroom wasn’t information she’d thought she’d need again. “That would be perfect.”

They walked out of the kitchen and toward the great room in silence. When they approached the stairs, Greaves spoke.

“I wasn’t sure you’d know your way.”

“I don’t.” She vaguely remembered something about it being on the second floor, but as they approached the landing, she realized she had no clue if she should go left or right. “Thank you. I owe you one.”