My Lord Immortality Read Online Free PDF Page B

face him. “Why?”
    He gave a blink of surprise at her sudden question. “I beg your pardon?”
    â€œYou offer your assistance to a mere stranger. I wonder why you would do such a thing.”
    â€œYou are a young maiden on her own.”
    The hint of wary suspicion remained simmering deep in the ebony eyes. “There are any number of young maidens on their own in London, most without the security of a home and regular allowance. Why choose me?”
    Sebastian paused before deliberately curving his lips into a small smile. “Do you seek compliments, my dear? Do you wish me to tell you that I thought of you long into the night? And that I was anxious for an opportunity to speak with you again?”
    Just for a moment, her breath seemed to catch at his flattering words. There was even a hint of color upon her cheeks. Then her shoulders squared sternly and she angled her chin to a stubborn tilt.
    â€œI do not believe you.”
    Sebastian gave a choked laugh. “No?”
    â€œI am not entirely ignorant. You are not a gentleman who indulges in light flirtations.”
    He grimaced at the truth in her accusation. Unlike Gideon and Lucien, who had joined him to battle the traitorous vampires, he had never found pleasure in pursuing mortal females. Even before the Veil, he had held himself aloof.
    â€œNo, I fear I do not possess the skill for such adventures,” he confessed, his gaze lingering upon the tempting curve of her lip. “That does not mean, however, that I do not find you fascinating.”
    Her lips thinned in disbelief. “Perhaps as a scientist finds a bit of mold fascinating.”
    This time his laugh echoed through the empty lane. She was certainly a maiden who preferred to speak what was on her mind. She was also far too perceptive.
    â€œI would hardly compare you to mold, my dear. You are far too beautiful and intelligent. A rare combination.”
    She waved aside his words of flattery. “What is it that you want from me, sir?”
    Sebastian stepped closer, realizing that his attempts to distract her with sweet words would not satisfy her suspicion. She did not desire to wrap her world in a rosy glow that dimmed any unpleasantness, as many young maidens preferred. She would face it with a bold, fearless manner.
    â€œFor the moment I only ask for your trust,” he said slowly.
    The dark eyes narrowed. “Why?”
    His hand was reaching out to move softly over her raven curls before he could halt the movement.
    â€œBecause I fear that danger is stalking the streets of London,” he murmured. “And you are alone.”
    She searched his countenance, as if seeking answers. Or perhaps she was simply attempting to determine if he were friend or foe.
    At last she gave a slow shake of her head.
    â€œBut you will not tell me why I am in danger? Nor why you are willing to protect me?”
    â€œYou would not believe me if I did tell you the truth.”
    Annoyance tightened her features as she heaved a deep sigh. She raised slender fingers to press to her temple as if to still a sudden pain.
    â€œI weary of these riddles,” she said in dark tones.
    Sebastian allowed his hand to briefly cup her pale face before he ruefully stepped backward. She did, indeed, appear tired and far too fragile. His heart gave a squeeze of sympathy.
    â€œYou are very pale,” he said gently. “We will speak of this again later.”
    â€œYes, perhaps that would be for the best,” she readily agreed. “Good day, sir.”
    He dipped his head. “Good day.”
    Resisting the ridiculous urge to reach out and keep her from leaving his side, Sebastian watched in silence as she slowly made her way the short distance down the alley and turned into the corner of her garden. Even from a distance he could feel the lingering anxiety that he had been unable to appease. He could feel it as sharply as if it were a part of himself.
    A part of him