Page 32 of A Kiss Of Lies

“Why?”

Sebastian looked at him, his face a mask of sorrow. Christian knew that whatever was coming wasn’t good.

Sebastian slugged back more alcohol as if it would wash his past actions clean. “A duel . . . a duel that went horribly wrong,” Sebastian said, each word biting and clipped, as though forced between clenched teeth.

Christian looked at his friend. Just about every Libertine Scholar had been involved in a duel at one time or another, usually over women. But among most gentlemen duels were fought to draw first blood only, and were fought not to kill the opponent but to gain satisfaction.

“I don’t understand. You would never shoot to kill.”

Sebastian shrugged. “I didn’t.” He ran a hand over his eyes. “It all happened so fast. It was Baron Larkwell. I thought I’d aimed over his right shoulder, but he went down like a shot stag. The doctor informed me he was dead, and Hadley, as my second, told me to run. So I slipped out of England quietly, and I’m waiting on Hadley’s note to let me know when it may be safe, if ever, to return.”

“Christ.” Christian was left speechless. He signaled to the barmaid they both needed another drink. Finally he uttered, “I don’t believe this. What a pair we make.”

Sebastian thumped his refilled tumbler on the table. “I did not mean to kill Doogie Hennessy. You know me; I’m the best shot in England. How could I havenotmissed?” Sebastian’s voice, low and strained, spoke of his inner pain at such an act, for it was illegal to duel to the death in England, and certainly frowned upon within society. Christian knew exactly what a man’s death did to your soul, especially over something as foolish as a woman whom Sebastian would have already forgotten by now.

“This may be paradise, with the glorious weather and abundant willing females, but I can’t end my days in Jamaica. I’ve responsibilities in England. Responsibilities that include my estate and the Coldhurst riches, both of which my odious cousin is itching to get his hands on.” He gave a wan smile. “Hadley’s trying to get Prinny to issue a pardon. He’s positioning that I would never have shot to kill, and that perhaps Doogie may have deliberately stepped into the line of fire. But in my absence, I’m worried about my sisters. They are now defenseless. I can’t stay away too much longer.”

“Hadley will take care of them.” Lord Hadley Fullerton, was the Duke of Claymore’s younger brother, and the youngest member of the Libertine Scholars.

Sebastian gave a grim smile. “That’s what worries me. If it weren’t for my promise to Hadley to wait until he sends for me, I’d be tempted to sail back with you.”

Christian sat motionless, keeping his features blank. He was a selfish bastard. The last thing he wanted on board ship with himself and Sarah was the handsome Sebastian Hawkestone, the Marquis of Coldhurst. Carefully he said, “Sisters are off-limits. Even the Libertine Scholars have some standards and decency. My advice would be to wait for Hadley.”

His words were cut off by an ear-piercing squeal.

“Sebastian, my gorgeous man, where have you been?” A petite serving wench threw herself onto Sebastian’s lap, smothering him with kisses.

She was small in height and stature except for her ample bosom. How she didn’t topple forward when standing, Christian didn’t know.

The greeting was lavish and long. Sebastian took her lips in a kiss that stirred every man watching, including himself.

When they finally came up for air, Sebastian huskily said, “Susie, my sweet, I’m happy to see you.”

She wiggled in Sebastian’s lap. “I can feel that, my lusty lord.” She shoved her barely concealed breasts into Sebastian’s eager face. “I’ve got a break coming up.” She nodded her head toward the stairs and the bedroom waiting to be romped in.

Christian’s body gave a twinge at the idea of a pleasant hour of unbridled relief. He envied Sebastian the opportunity. Given Sarah’s reluctance to become his lover, and the long voyage ahead, the temptation to indulge in some bed sport stirred within him.

“How accommodating, my dear, but do you have a friend for Lord Markham? It would be rude of me to desert him. Christian has only just arrived in Kingston.”

Susie turned toward Christian, and her mouth began to widen into a saucy smile—that is, until he turned his head and his full profile came into view. Suddenly her smile wavered and she murmured embarrassedly, “I’m—I’m not sure if Kitty’s free.”

Sebastian hadn’t seen her expression. He reached around from behind her and cupped each of her breasts, rolling her hardened nipples between his fingers. “Then I’ll simply have to share. Don’t worry my sweet, Christian and I have shared before, and the woman concerned was most appreciative.”

Susie’s face flooded with alarm. She made to rise from Sebastian’s lap.

Christian cleared his throat, trying to ignore the humiliating heat sweeping his face. “It’s quite all right, Sebastian. I’m happy to stretch my sea legs for a while. Don’t let me stop you.”

The relief on Susie’s face nailed the humiliation into his skin like a hammer on a coffin lid. Any and all desire died completely.

He watched Sebastian begin to frown as he looked quizzically at Christian and then toward Susie. It took all of a few seconds for Sebastian to ascertain her reluctance and the reason for it. Shock replaced his puzzled stare, and then embarrassment, embarrassment for Christian.

With a sweep of his arms, he removed Susie from his lap and placed her on her feet. With sangfroid, Sebastian quietly said, “Well then, perhaps another day, when I no longer have guests. Come, Christian, let’s hire a couple of steeds and explore the coast on our way back to my villa. My carriage will collect your luggage later.”

They didn’t speak again until they reached the villa.

Roaring Pavilions stood on a small clifftop that jutted out into the sea, fifteen miles from Kingston. It was strategically positioned so that it had two private coves, one either side of the main house.

The homestead was two stories high, and the gleaming white painted wood reflected the glare of the baking sun. It looked like a jewel, its setting the lush gardens containing plants in every color of the rainbow. Beyond the lawn was the deep cerulean blue of the sea, its waters glittering like topaz in the sunshine.

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