Page 43 of A Kiss Of Lies

He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. He placed a sisterly kiss on her forehead. “Go up to the house. I’ll keep your secret. However, I feel it best that we convince Christian to set sail for England as soon as possible.”

She nodded in agreement. “But how? What are you going to do?”

Sebastian hesitated for a second. “Well, I’m not going to tell Christian. You will.” As she started to protest, he held up his hand. “When the time is right. You’ll know when that is. But you need to leave the island before anyone recognizes you. When I was in town today, seeking information, no one had heard of a Mr. Cooper with a beautiful bride, but some mentioned that the lady I described was similar to Lady Serena Castleton, Mr. Peter Dennett’s wife.”

She shrugged and looked down. “I kind of implied to Christian that Serena had died. If he hears differently . . .”

“It won’t take long before Christian hears and guesses who you are.” If Sebastian hadn’t been holding her arm, Sarah would have hit the sand when her legs buckled at what he had just said. “And believe me, Christian will demand to help you. Did he tell you how his mother died?”

She shook her head. “He told me she died when he was six.”

“She died at the hands of his father. Christian has spent his life fighting those who use their power to corrupt, bully, or abuse. He will stand by your side on this. It will become personal to him. He couldn’t save his mother, but he’ll want to ensure he can save you.”

She wanted to sink onto the sand and never get up. She couldn’t put Christian in that situation. He barely knew her. Besides, she could never tell Christian what Peter had made her do. If Christian knew about the things she’d done, he might think differently about her—about saving her. Could he understand why she’d had no choice but to comply? Would he forgive her? Respect her?

“I can’t ask that of him. It will ruin his life. You know the men of the nobility would never condone a wife raising her hand against her husband. It will be my husband’s overseer’s word against mine. No one will speak up on my behalf. Those who know what Peter did to me will be too scared of the repercussions to speak out. Who would believe the words of a slave? No one, not even my own father, will believe the tales I have to tell. If I even have the courage to tell them, that is. Either way I can’t win. Lord Markham would be ostracized for supporting a wicked woman such as me, and if the Duke of Barforte came forward and openly accused him of Harriet’s rape . . .”

Sebastian placed his finger under her chin and lifted her face to meet his steady gaze. “If Christian learns the truth, you’ll have no choice. Due to his past, he will see it as a just crusade. He will want to protect you.”

She stepped back out of his reach. “Then he can never know.” Her voice shook with passion. “You must give me your word as a gentleman that he will not learn the truth about who I am from you.”

Sebastian’s lips thinned and drew taut. Sarah could see his inner battle. He didn’t like the position she was putting him in. He would have to keep a confidence from his best friend, one Sebastian was aware Christian would wish to know. He ran a hand through his hair.

The harshness left Sebastian’s eyes, replaced now with pity. Sarah could not hold his gaze, shame making her feel as small as a grain of the white sand beneath her feet.

“No wonder Christian is drawn to you. The two of you have a lot in common,” he whispered under his breath. He shook his head. “I shall keep your secret. Marriage to a man like Peter Dennett has seen you suffer enough. But I ask something in return. If they find you, if you are ever arrested or in trouble, and if you won’t let Christian help you, then you must send word to me. I would be honored to speak in your defense and to help you in any way I can.”

A wave of warmth stronger than the sun above swept over her wet body. “So your reputation as a coldhearted rake bent only on his own pleasure is a cover for the compassionate man beneath.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “I will remember your kind offer and call on you if I have need of help.”

“Go before I show my true colors and throw you on the sand and ravish you. I only have so much honor in me.” He gave her a slight push toward the path up to Roaring Pavilions. “I’ll think of something to get Christian to sail as soon as is humanly possible. Go! He’ll be back soon. He stayed in town to see that a message to Viscount Blackwood caught the next ship.”

Sarah started for the path, then quickly turned back and said, “I won’t forget your kindness. You’re a good man. Thank you.”

Sebastian’s faced turned red. “Don’t thank me yet. I still have to get you off this island without being discovered.” He gave her a seductive grin. “Any man who has had the privilege of gazing upon your beauty would never forget who you are.” And just like that, the handsome rake was back. “I envy Christian.”

Sarah actually giggled as she raced up the path toward the house.

Standing off to the side of the track, Christian couldn’t take his eyes off the beauty racing toward him. Her feet were bare, her hair was flowing out behind her, and he could hear her giggling. God, how he wanted her.

He’d hide in the bushes, jump out, sweep her into his arms, carry her to her bedchamber, and worship her body with his mouth. It was more for him than her. His need to taste her was like a drug.

Christian was just about to jump in front of Sarah and catch her up in his arms when a movement on the beach below stopped him.

Sebastian.

Sebastian was walking toward the sea without a stitch of clothing on. If Sarah turned around she’d see him naked.

Wait. But Sarah had just been on that beach.

On the beach alone with Sebastian—in a state of undress!

As if he were a character in a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, his body turned to stone from the shock. The cold started at his feet, and icy tentacles swept up his body until he couldn’t move, crushing his chest under the weight of betrayal.

The sounds of the sea, the birds, and the wind caressing the trees evaporated. Christian became deaf to the world and blind to the beauty of the landscape around him. His world was now black and utterly desolate.

Then the air left Christian’s lungs in a whoosh.

Sarah didn’t see Christian hidden in the bushes as she ran happily past. He took in her wet hair, flimsy robe, and bare legs. The cold knife of duplicity slipped between his shoulder blades.

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