The Bachelor Bargain (Secrets, Scandals, and Spies) by Michaels, Maddison (short books to read TXT) 📕

first consulting me,” he whispered abruptly as he picked up her cane and handed it to her.

“You are not my husband, Sebastian. You have no say in what I do or don’t do.”

“I might not be your husband, but I will do all in my power to keep you safe.” His gaze stayed upon hers for a moment longer before he turned to Lance. “Escort Lady Olivia to my office and authorize a bank note for two thousand pounds to be given to her.”

Lance’s jaw dropped open at the figure, but quickly he nodded his assent. Livie still couldn’t believe he’d offered such a sum.

“Thank you again for your generosity,” she said to him.

With lightning speed, he pressed his index finger against her lips. “You’ll learn I’m a generous partner when it comes to my business endeavors.” He then leaned down and whispered in her ear, “And an even more generous lover.”

Her breath caught in her throat and every part of her body froze. Lover? He couldn’t be serious, could he?

He pulled away from her, and the burning intensity in his eyes as he watched her like a hawk suggested that perhaps he was. But such a thing was scandalous and simply not possible. Or was it? Goodness, she’d never contemplated having an illicit affair before, always assuming she’d end up an old and unassuming spinster.

But Sebastian was suggesting an entirely different course…

“I’ll send an unmarked carriage to the back of your residence tomorrow at ten in the morning to collect you,” he whispered again to her.

“To collect me?” Good Lord, was he talking about making her his lover? She was flustered with the thought.

“Yes,” he confirmed. “I shall instruct the carriage to take you to Cheapside where I shall introduce you to Charlotte before you have to take her to your godmother’s for their visit on Monday. You do remember about the visit your godmother requested, yes?”

“Of course I do,” she replied, annoyance plain in her tone. The man didn’t have to remind her of her appointments, even if she’d been flustered with the thought of what he’d been alluding to.

Without another word, he inclined his head toward her, then turned and strode across the space, passing Lance in the doorway before descending the stairs and out of sight.

It took Livie a moment to calm herself after his pronouncement, and an even longer time for her to muster up the courage to face the watchful eyes of Lance Trantor. What must the man think of her? Her face was flaming at the thought.

“Come, my lady,” Lance said, his voice thankfully without too much mockery. “Let’s go and get you your fortune.”

And in a slight daze, she followed him down the stairs and through the sporting arena, paying little attention to the people they passed, who were all staring at her with barely contained curiosity. Her mind couldn’t quite comprehend Sebastian’s talk of her becoming his lover. She couldn’t do that. She was the spinster daughter of a duke. She couldn’t be the Bastard of Baker Street’s lover. Could she?

What was more shocking to her, though, was that he actually wanted her to be his lover. No one had ever dared to suggest such a blatant proposal to her before. Was this what Alice felt when she succumbed to the scoundrel who seduced her, this undeniable thrill of excitement and anticipation? But at least in Livie’s case she was under no illusion that having anything to do with the Bastard of Baker Street would lead to a happy ever after. Such a thought was laughable.

As Lance handed her up into her carriage, she belatedly realized she hadn’t actually told Sebastian where she was to meet Alice’s maid tonight. He’d greatly distracted her with his kiss. Because go she must.

Though she’d send him a note, which was consulting him of a sort. Then hopefully he may be able to be there with her, from the shadows at least.

And if he couldn’t, she’d simply have to attend the cemetery alone.

The idea was especially unpleasant, but surely the maid meant no harm. The girl needed money, after all, so she wouldn’t try to harm the golden goose, so to speak. Livie should be safe enough, and she did have her cane and would take her pistol too.

It was the best lead she’d had by far and she wasn’t going to let it slip through her fingers all because Sebastian Colver wanted her to consult with him first.

Regardless of whether he could meet her there or not, she’d simply have to attend to the blackmail herself tonight.

Chapter Eighteen

“Where have you been?” A deep voice boomed across the marble floor entrance as Livie returned home after seeing Sebastian. “And why do you care so little for your reputation by traipsing about London alone?”

Livie halted in her stride, glancing up to the sitting room doorway where Alexander was standing, a scowl etched across his face. Darn! What is he doing home at this hour? Normally, he would be at his club. “Brother, you really have no need to worry over such things. Besides, no one pays me any notice, and you know I am well past the age of needing a chaperone through the day. Thankfully, Father allows me a measure of independence you clearly don’t agree with.”

“You have Father wrapped around your little finger, sister.” He sighed and strode over to her before bending down to give her a kiss on the cheek. “He would let you get away with murder if you had a mind to.”

“True,” she happily confirmed, linking her arm through his as they wandered into the sitting room. “What are you doing home this early in the evening anyhow? Is your club closed?”

“Very funny,” he murmured, escorting her to the lounge. “I’m home as it’s my turn to escort you to the Wernham ball later tonight—did you forget?”

“I had actually.” She sank down upon the cushions, sighing in bliss as she took the weight off her leg