The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée

“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.

“Nothing.”

He went back in, returning a second later without the scooper. “Litter box is all set up. Little Bit must be hungry, don’t you think?”

“I’m sure. He can always eat.”

Greaves clasped his hands in front of him. “I could take him downstairs and feed him. There were a few cans left in the supplies we picked up from your sister’s, I believe.”

“There were. I put that bag on the counter in the mudroom.” She held Duncan out to the rook, suspecting that what he really wanted was to hold the kitten. “Here you go.”

Greaves took Duncan very carefully. The rook’s face broke out in an enormous smile. “He’s so soft. And little. I’m afraid to hold him too tightly.”

“He’s pretty durable.” She started unpacking her bags, which sat on the bench at the foot of the bed. “Not saying you don’t have to be careful with him, but you’re not going to hurt him if you’re gentle.”

Greaves lifted Duncan to see him eye to eye. “Hello there, little man. Welcome to the house. We’re going to take good care of you.”

Duncan swatted at Greaves’ nose.

The rook laughed. “You want to play, do you? We’ll play. I promise.” He looked at Tessa. “We’ve never had any animals. Hunting dogs, years ago, but nothing like this.” Greaves cradled Duncan against him. “I’ll play with him a bit, get him fed, then make that run to the store. Have to make sure he’s got everything he needs.”

Tessa smiled as she shook out her clothes and laid them on the bed to be hung up. Greaves was clearly smitten. “Thank you so much.”

With a nod Greaves headed for the door. He passed Sebastian on the way in.

“Was that my rook holding that animal?”

“That animal’s name is Duncan. And yes.” She shook her head. “You’re like a dog with a bone. Duncan’s not going to ruin anything or steal your breath while you sleep or—”

“Fortunately, breathing is an option for me.”

Tessa narrowed her eyes. “Aren’t you lucky?” She stared at the rest of her things. They were a tepid mix of navy, black and ivory. Nice. Serviceable. But Jenna was right. Boring. “I’ll need a little closet space. Very little, really. And a drawer. One should do.”