Page 16 of Reflections of Silence

“Did he?” The corner of Sebastion’s mouth twitched, but I couldn't tell if he was amused or irritated.

Will I ever get to know you?

“Yes,” I whispered. My mind blanked, leaving me in that odd void I had experienced in the ballroom with him before.

Sebastian looked down at me, his eyes tinged with amusement, the hidden smile still present at the corners of his mouth. I wondered if he would kiss me, what his mouth pressed over mine would feel like. Lost in his dark gaze, I leaned forward. He paused mid step, pulling me around to his front.

The movement broke my spell, and I gasped, giving my head a small shake to try to clear it. A flush rose in my cheeks, heating my entire face. I was sure I matched the color of my dress.

I’m acting like a virgin on her first outing.

I was, but that was beside the point. I didn’t have to act like it.

“Would you like to eat downstairs, or in the library?” His eyes never left mine, but his hand dropped to my waist, slim fingers curving half around it. He seemed so large, his presence so intimidating.

Who the hell had my father sold me to? Who had theKing of Francesold me to?

I smiled, perhaps a little too bright as his eyes narrowed. “The library sounds wonderful.” Ahh. My voice returned. That was nice.

“Good,” he murmured, turning me in his arms to face a doorway on the opposite side of the hall. His hand shifted to my back as he opened the door, pressing gently.

A shiver rode along my spine at his touch. I was glad of the coat, certain my skin would be covered inla chair de poule,should he touch my bare flesh.

I want his touch.

I craved it.

Always so fanciful.

I shook my head and would have bitten back a laugh had that been what tempted my tongue, but it wasn’t a laugh that sat behind my closed lips, but a sigh.

Sebastian’s firm hand nudged me deeper into the room. I stepped into an intimate library, muffling our steps with carpet as heavy as was fitted out in the rest of the house. A large desk sat at one end of the room. Two winged chairs framed each end of the desk, facing one another across its short length. A bottle of champagne rested between a pair of fine, engraved crystal saucers.

I turned on my heel to face him.

“You knew I would choose the library?” I frowned. Had he been expecting someone else? My God, did he have a mistress?

Not that a husband taking an extra interest was unusual. France was full of jilted wives and pampered playthings. Evenin my innocence I knew of such things. But still…an established mistress provided an ill-fated beginning. Ignoring the spreading jealousy that seeped through my chest—I’d known him for all of a day. No,knownwasn’t the right word. I let my imagination run away for a full second. Then I pulled myself together, looking at my husband for a precious glimpse of clarity.

“I had hoped.” That was all he said, guiding me to one of the wingback chairs.

Long, manicured fingers curled around the high back as I seated myself, wishing they were around me, instead.

His proximity alone left my body trembling with overexcited nerves. I took a deep breath, focusing on his slim hand as he poured the effervescent fluid into the glasses where the champagne bubbled and danced within its new confines.

“Merci,” I murmured, forgetting to speak English for a moment.

“Je vous en prie.”

You’re welcome.

I started at hearing my native tongue. The words he used were formal, respectful.He is French.I knew that, but hearing the words made the familiarity more…real. True conversation had been lacking in my life since I’d landed in this unknown place.

Sebastian grinned, the simple motion lighting his entire face. It changed him; the formal man fell away, despite his regal way of speaking, blinding me with a look into his real self behind the lord-like facade.

“I forgot you were French.” I couldn't escape those eyes, still dark and fathomless, though his smile put me at ease.

“It’s good to know I can surprise you.” His hand shot out at a blurring speed, cool fingers wrapping around my own in a possessive grip.

---