Free His Mistress By Christmas by Victoria Alexander Page A

stared into his eyes. “I have always loved mornings.”
    His gaze locked with hers, his lips scarcely a breath away from hers. “I want to know how it sounds when you scream out my name. How it feels when you cling to me in the throes of passion.”
    “Oh . . . my . . .”
    “I want to know,”—his lips whispered against hers—”how you look when—”
    The door to the corridor swung open, and Sebastian jumped to his feet.
Bloody hell
. Veronica drew a deep breath.
    “Here you are.” Miss Bramhall swept into the box. “I feared I would miss the beginning. One should never miss the opening lines, you know, even if one has seen the play before. The opening lines set the premise for the entire production.”
    “Miss Bramhall.” Sebastian stepped to the older woman and took her hand. “How delightful to see you again.”
    “I must say I was surprised by your invitation, Sir Sebastian.” Miss Bramhall cast a speculative look at her niece. “Although I was pleased.”
    “I am delighted you could join me,” he said in his most gallant manner.
    “I thought you intended to stay with your friends, Aunt Lotte.” Veronica cast the older woman a serene smile. Admiration swept through him. He knew full well she had been as affected as he by his list, yet now she didn’t appear the least bit flustered. It had taken all he had just to keep his hands from shaking.
    Miss Bramhall took the chair he had vacated. “Now then, Sir Sebastian, tell me about this banquet at the Explorers Club. It’s not just for their male members?”
    “As I understand it, many of the gentlemen will be attending with their wives.” The moment the words were out of his mouth, he realized his mistake.
    “Humph,” Miss Bramhall huffed. “The only way women get into that sanctuary is to attend public lectures or to marry one of those old fools who run the place.”
    “You really shouldn’t refer to Sir Hugo as an old fool,” Veronica said firmly.
    “Why not?” Miss Bramhall’s brows pulled together. “He is.”
    “Nonetheless, it does your cause no good whatsoever to antagonize him.” Veronica looked up at Sebastian. “Don’t you agree?”
    “Yes and no.” He chose his words with care. Veronica’s aunt could well be an ally if he needed one at some point. “On one hand, I agree with Lady Smithson that never-ending provocation of Sir Hugo does not endear your case to him.”
    Miss Bramhall’s eyes narrowed.
    “However, there is also the question of whether or not Sir Hugo is indeed an old fool.” He chuckled. “I admit I have heard him called far worse.”
    Miss Bramhall’s expression eased.
    “Furthermore, as he is not present to hear himself being called an old fool, I see no reason why Miss Bramhall should keep her opinions to herself.” He smiled at the older lady. “And you have my word, he will not hear of your comments from my lips.”
    “It scarcely matters.” Miss Bramhall shrugged but was clearly placated by Sebastian’s words. “He knows exactly what I think of him.”
    “Well played, Sir Sebastian,” Veronica said with a smile. “Well played indeed.”
    Miss Bramhall glanced at her niece. “It was at that.” She turned her attention back to Sebastian. “You do realize that inviting us, specifically me, might not be especially wise.”
    “He needn’t have invited you at all. I have no need of a chaperone.”
    “I was told I could invite whomever I wished as I am among those being recognized at the event,” he said staunchly.
    “It may be somewhat awkward,” Miss Bramhall warned.
    “On the contrary.” Sebastian grinned. “I anticipate a most stimulating evening.”
    Veronica choked back a laugh.
    “Yes, well, we shall see.” Miss Bramhall chuckled. “Thank you, Sir Sebastian. I am quite looking forward to it.”
    “As are we all,” Veronica said.
    The lights in the theater dimmed.
    “This chair is entirely too far back.” The older lady stood. “Sir Sebastian, if you would be so