06

« Well, I’m not paying his debt, » I replied evenly, holding his intense green gaze. « I’m not here to spread my legs open for you. I’m not—« 

« How old are you ? »

I blinked at his question. « Seventeen. »

He frowned. « Don’t lie. It’s enough for you to be advertised as a virgin. I don’t need more embellishments. »

« I’m not lying ! » I snapped.

He studied me for a moment before closing his eyes and sighing wearily. « Bloody hell. What a nightmare. »

Then he opened his eyes again and perused me in the most perturbing manner, as if his eyes could peel off all my protective layers, one after another.

« You surely don’t behave like someone that young. Yet you are. »

And in that pregnant pause between us, we understood the unspoken implications.

I was considered underaged here in California and I was just handed to him for sex.

« How old are you ? » I asked, actually curious.

He arched a brow at me. « Too old for you, that’s for certain. »

I studied him.

He was definitely older. The light in his eyes was ancient but he was probably in his late twenties.

Yes, definitely too old.

But there was that tendril of sensation that pooled in the pit of my stomach—an excitement for wicked possibilities.

Control yourself, Cassandra, a warning voice in my head said. He could definitely be the beast that would ravish you.

And of course, I didn’t want that.

Did I ?

For a virgin, I didn’t expect to recognize it but the ache spreading around my body couldn’t be anything else but lust.

When Kyle touched me intimately, the sensations hinted at it and might have progressed had I let him continue further but what I was feeling right now, standing in front of this dark prince of a man whose eyes observed me with unconcealed interest, was full-blown desire.

I shivered.

« Are you married ? »

He laughed harshly. « No. Never. »

« So what are you going to do now ? »

« Send you home. What else can I do ? » he answered in a dry, ironic tone. « Your cousin may be a moron to think this a brilliant idea but I have more important things to do than babysit you, and other uncomplicated women who can easily provide what you were sent here to offer. »

« I don’t doubt it but there’s no need to sound so disinterested, » I grumbled, glowering at him. « I’m aware I don’t have much to offer but don’t forget that I didn’t come here volunteering to charm you. »

He swiftly got up and reached me in two easy, long strides and I tensed up but didn’t take a step back.

I’m five three on my best posture but with him so close, I had to look all the way up to meet his gaze.

His green eyes burned with startling heat but I didn’t back up an inch.

His gaze lowered to the rest of my face and I fought every urge to close my eyes and let my senses take over.

« You look tired. Mrs. Simmons will prepare you a room for the night. Tomorrow, you’ll be on a flight back to Bluefield. »

Then he backed away abruptly and I instantly felt the loss of his body heat.

I stared at his back as he started to walk away.

I should leap and twirl and clap my hands to realize that he was releasing me but I stopped cold.

He was sending me back to Bluefield to live with Timothy who would most likely rape me and then kill me, not necessarily in that order.

After all, I’d just ruined his plans.

I didn’t know much about Sebastian Vice until today but I knew enough to agree with Timothy that he wasn’t a man to cross.

Timothy was going to pay and not just for duping him about the painting.

He would pay too for sending Sebastian Vice a sacrificial lamb that was too young and rebellious to feast on.

He mostly seemed disinterested but I didn’t miss the heated darkening of his expression before he learned my age.

He didn’t like being enticed with a meal he couldn’t enjoy especially since he seemed like the man who got everything he wanted.

May Timothy rot in hell for what I’m about to do.

« Sebastian. »

He froze at my use of his name but he said nothing to correct it.

I would probably use Mr. Vice under different circumstances but with the conversation we’ve just had, I couldn’t help the familiarity.

« Can I stay ? » I asked, the slight tremor in my voice betraying some of my nervousness.

Slowly, he turned around, his eyes unreadable as he raised his brows in question.

« I mean, can I stay in a different capacity ? » I rushed out before I could change his mind and before he could interpret my meaning differently. « I’m a good worker. I can stay and help with the house. I won’t be in your way. Maybe you can consider it my alternative way of fulfilling what has been promised to you. »

His eyes narrowed. « I doubt that I would get the same level of satisfaction from that bargain. »

No doubt my face turned crimson at that not-so-subtle double meaning but I refused to be cowed.

« I’m afraid that’s all I can offer, » I replied indignantly. « I have no money, no inclination to play the virgin sacrifice and nowhere to go. Going home will only guarantee my punishment for foiling Timothy’s plans and although we’re related by blood, I wouldn’t put anything past him. Believe it or not, I think I’ll be safer here. »

« You couldn’t be more wrong, » he said softly, his eyes traveling up and down on me.

I stiffened but kept hold on my calm resolve. « Familiarity is more dangerous if you ask me. There’s nothing like being caught off guard by someone you ought to trust. At least with you, I know to watch my back. »

« It’s not an option, » he firmly said. « I refuse to be saddled with a teenager who clearly doesn’t know what’s good for her. Don’t confuse me for a charitable relative. »

« I’m not. I’m treating you like the businessman that you are, » I retorted, issuing him a challenge with my glare. « You don’t just give free passes, do you ? I’m here, your painting isn’t. You might as well get something out of me. Why lose it all ? »

His eyes hardened and he turned to fully face me. « Don’t think I’m giving Pendley a free pass by sending you back. I intend to acquire my payment by any means possible. Meanwhile, I’m not foolish enough to grant his cousin free food and lodging. I am a businessman. I know how to prevent further losses. »

I didn’t back down.

« Oh, come on. You don’t look like you’re pinching pennies. Just look at this place. » I swept an arm around dramatically to highlight his expensively decorated living room. « I don’t think that’s the real reason you don’t want me around. Maybe you just can’t stand being constantly tempted to take what you were offered as payment. »

This time, his green eyes flared with heat and I fought not to swallow at my sudden nervousness.

I was never a natural flirt but I’ll be damned if I’ve ever heard a more blatant invitation.