The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée

Evangeline snorted. “There’s no such thing as a vampire who’s immune to the sun.”

“Well, he is.”

“He’s not. None of us are.”

“Oh.” Evangeline wasn’t lying, Tessa could tell. So how was Sebastian able to brave the daylight then? “Maybe he’s…staying in the shadows.”

“I suppose.” Evangeline smiled. “That’s a pretty cardigan you’ve got on.” She reached out to touch the sweater, moving her hand into the sunbeam surrounding Tessa. Smoke curled off her finger and her skin started to bubble. With a soft cry, she yanked her hand back and pressed it to her chest. “Damn sun. Do you see what I mean about sunlight and vampires?”

Tessa recoiled. “Yes. Are you all right?”

“I’ll heal.” Evangeline hugged her hand against her body, pain and fear blocking Tessa’s abilities to read anything else off her. “But Sebastian had better be careful or there will be nothing left of him. Nothing ruins a wedding like having your fiancé turned into a pile of ash.”

Tessa shook her head. “Why would he go out in the sun if it’s that deadly?”

Evangeline glared at her. “Do you think that was some trick I just pulled? Did you see my hand? Do you want me to show you again?”

“No. Please don’t. I’m just saying Sebastian is a careful, cautious man. He wouldn’t take that kind of risk.”

“Well, maybe you should talk to him about it.”

Tessa nodded, trying to appease Evangeline’s anger. “Maybe I should. I’d hate for anything to happen to him.”

Evangeline sighed and seemed to relax. “So would I. I know you two are in love. I see that now. But you must understand that I will never stop caring for Sebastian in my own way. We’ve been a part of each other’s lives too long for me to just forget him.”

“Of course.”

Evangeline’s gaze softened. “Please make sure he’s not taking any sort of unnecessary chances.”

“I will.” Tessa doubted Evangeline’s concern but maybe that was petty. It was possible the woman genuinely didn’t want harm to come to Sebastian.

Evangeline smiled. “I know he’s in good hands with you. I see the way you look at him. You love him, don’t you?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t have agreed to marry him otherwise.” Good thing vampires couldn’t read people the way valkyries could or Evangeline would know what a lie that was. Tessa cared for Sebastian, but love? That wasn’t something she was ready to commit to. Yet.

Evangeline’s smile dissipated and real concern filled her eyes. “If you could talk to him and let me know that everything is okay, that he’s not risking death every time he steps outside of this house, I promise I will leave before the week is out so that you two can get back to your life. Dissolution papers signed.”

“I can’t promise he’ll tell me—”

“Surely he doesn’t keep secrets from you, the woman he’s committed to spend the rest of his life with.”

“No, of course not. I’ll see what I can find out.” Tessa knew as she spoke the words that she wasn’t about to do anything for Evangeline. She would talk to Sebastian about him going out in the sun, but it would strictly be because Tessa wanted to be sure he was all right. If Evangeline really wanted to know that as well, she could talk to Sebastian on her own.

“Thank you. That’s all I want. To know that he’s protecting himself. You should want to know that too.”

“I do.” Especially because Evangeline was reading very truthfully. She was genuinely concerned about Sebastian. Probably because if anything happened to him, her constant flow of cash would dry up.

Evangeline leaned in conspiratorially, as though they’d just become friends. Which they had not. “Make sure he’s not relying on cheap magic to protect him. I lost a good friend in Paris that way. Went up like a bonfire.” She shook her head and sniffed. “Terrible way to go. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

Tessa grimaced, an image of Sebastian on fire flashing through her mind. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Just like she’d continue to ponder Evangeline’s curiousness about Sebastian’s well-being.

“Miss? I’m home.” Greaves voice rang out from the other side of the house.

Tessa swallowed, thankful for the interruption. “My lunch is here. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Of course. I’ll be in the theater for the rest of the day. Greaves told me about it last night and I can’t resist. It’s not often you get a theater to yourself so I’m going to indulge and catch up on some movies. That’ll keep me out of your hair for a while, too. I’m sure it must be a huge bother having me here.”

“It’s no bother, really.”

“All the same, I have movies to watch.” With a little nod of her head, Evangeline left.

Tessa stared after her, the fiery image she’d conjured up still lingering. Why would Sebastian go into the sun if it could kill him? The answer was, he wouldn’t. Sebastian wasn’t the type to take chances like that, which meant he must have a way to protect himself when he was outside. Curiosity burned within her. She had to know. After all, she cared about him and whatever happened between them after this, she knew they’d remain friends.

Unless he wasn’t around to be friends with.