Page 34 of A Kiss Of Lies

“Believes? This is getting interesting.”

“Have you ever visited, for any length of time, with the Duke of Hastings?”

“No. Only a ball here and there.”

“Sarah grew up in his household. Her father is the Duke’s gardener, and she was educated with the Duke’s daughter,” he said with a touch of derision.

Sebastian stopped undressing. “You think she’s the Duke’s by-blow?”

“She certainly has the bone structure, speech, breeding, and intelligence of our class. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d think she was gentry.”

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed and his mouth opened, then closed. “Hmmm . . . I wonder . . .”

“What?”

Sebastian, lost in thought, ignored his question. Finally he leaped to his feet. “Sarah is all yours. I hope you’ll remember my noble sacrifice. Besides, the minute I saw her on your ship, saw how territorial you were about her, I knew there was more to the relationship. I’ve never seen you so possessive over a woman.”

“People change; things occur that alter your life irrevocably. I’m not the same man I was.”

“That’s where you are wrong. You may have changed on the outside. We all do. Age changes us all. We cannot escape the ravages of time. You’ve changed slightly earlier and differently.” Sebastian’s face sobered. “But you are still the man I’ve known most of my life—honorable, kind, loyal and proud. No burns can take away who you are inside, unless you let them. If you slink around ashamed of the injuries you have received fighting for king and country, then others will perceive you that way too.” Sebastian’s gaze ran over Christian’s bared torso. “I can see what Sarah saw in you when she came to your room that night. You’re still a man in his prime, muscled and healthy. Walk tall, defy all the stares, and if you forget the burns, others will too. They will only see them if you focus on them.” He smiled and patted Christian on the back. “Give them something else to focus on and they will do so. Be the Christian of old. No woman could resist you then, and I bet with a new attitude, they won’t once again.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

“It is. There is nothing wrong with your mind or your cock—two very effective weapons when dealing with the fairer yet more vicious sex.” Sebastian shrugged. “You may just have to work harder than you’re used to. So women no longer fall at your feet. But honestly, sometimes the hunt can be more invigorating than an easy conquest.” He grinned. “If you want Sarah Cooper, go and get her. That’s what the Christian of old would have done. Nothing would have stopped him.”

“Iwaspretty skilled at seduction, and very successful too.”

“Not as successful as me.” With that Sebastian turned and ran into the sea, calling over his shoulder, “The swim will do your damaged shoulder some good. I noticed you favored your right arm on the ride home.”

Christian stood naked on the beautiful beach and contemplated Sebastian’s sound advice. He looked down at his body and surveyed himself unbiasedly. Sebastian was right. He was a man still in his prime—fit, muscular, and well endowed enough to have received no complaints.

Hehadbeen living like a victim, feeling sorry for all he had lost, when he still had so much that was appealing. He looked around him at this paradise on earth. What a fool he’d been.

He was alive! He could still feel the sun on his face, see the wonder of nature—and experience passion and love, if he worked for it.

He’d struggled through torturous pain, and for what? Only to live half a life? How had he let himself forget how good being a part of this world could be?

He raced for the inviting, vivid blue sea, his spirits lifting. He was alive, and God damn it, he was determined to never forget that fact ever again. Once he’d finished his swim, he would begin his campaign for Sarah Cooper.

She too had been hurt. She was intending to hide herself at his estate, giving up on a life of happiness. She had forgotten what joy there was in family, friends . . . He would give the joy of being a part of this world back to her. He’d make her understand her life wasn’t over, and that she couldn’t hide from passion, pleasure, and happiness.

She deserved to be happy.

As he dived under a wave and struck out to swim along the shoreline, the world, all of a sudden, became a more inviting place.

ChapterNine

Christian was disappointed and angry that Sarah chose not to join them for dinner, but it did give him the opportunity to ask for Sebastian’s help.

They’d retired to the library for a glass or two of whiskey and a cheroot. The doors out onto the tropical garden were open, and the humid, humming darkness was alive with lit lanterns.

“How long do you intend to stay in Jamaica, Christian? I have a favor to ask of you before you sail home,” Sebastian said as he sauntered over to the decanter to refill their glasses.

Christian frowned. “I was wondering why you’d sent for me.”

“I want you to take two letters to London for me, one to Doogie’s mother and the other to my bank. I’d like them hand-delivered. I don’t trust anyone but a friend with this task. I’ve made some financial arrangements for Doogie’s family. I know they were expecting him to make a good match.”

“Doogie has two younger brothers. The family won’t be left destitute.”

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