Sebastian - Dark Bonds Read Online Free PDF Page A

in your investment, Sebastian?” asks Ruth, hopefully, as she strokes the length of her pen.
    “Most definitely, Ruth.  Protecting ones’ investments and working them hard, is the secret to success, don’t you think Elizabeth?”
    The Board Room door opens and my secretary notifies Ruth of a phone call.  She leaves us alone, closing the door behind her.  I turn to Sebastian and see the supercilious leer he’s wearing.
    “What the hell are you playing at?” I hiss.
    “Why, Mrs. Dove.  I do believe you’re jealous.”
    “You were flirting with my best friend!”  I’m furious now.
    “Nonsense.  You delegated me to Ruth because you … how did you put it? … ‘don’t deal with minority shareholders’.  I’m merely complying with your directive.”
    “You are insufferable, De Montfort.”
    “Is that so?” He sits back on his chair, playing the end of his pen across his lips, challenging me with his stare.
    “Insufferable and an ass.”
    “Careful what you say, Elizabeth.  One more word and I will spank your tetchy ass over this very table.” His hand once again glides over the veneer.
    Ruth re-enters the room, preventing me from firing back a suitably caustic retort to Sebastian.
    “While you’re here, Sebastian, Beth has something she wants to talk to you about, don’t you Beth?” I raise an eyebrow, questioningly but she nods encouragingly.
    “I do?”
    “Yes, about taking time away from the business.   If you’ll both excuse me, I’ve a mountain of work to get through.  Sebastian, great to see you.”  She kisses Sebastian goodbye and leaves us alone.
    “That’s right,” I confirm.  “We’ve been discussing the business, and agree that it’s a good time for me to take time away.”
    Sebastian sits forward, listening keenly.
    “Therefore,” I continue, “I will be taking a leave of absence of six months.  I’m going to get away and take some time to heal.”
    “You’re going away?” There is an edge of panic in his voice.
    “Yes that’s right.  To Penmorrow.  If you’ll have us?”
    He beams at me as though he’s happy enough to burst, relief, replacing panic.
    “What a marvelous idea, darling!” His eyes crinkle as he smiles warmly.  “You and Bella can stay as long as you both want.  It’ll be so therapeutic for you both.  Long walks, lazy baths and time to heal, as you say.”
    “Thank you, Sebastian.  This means so much to me.  To us both.”  Reaching across the table, I squeeze his hand.
    “We’ll take good care of you both,” he says quietly.
    “We?”  I ask warily. 
    “Scarlett and I.  She’s been moping around since the accident, worrying about you and wanting to come and visit you, but I told her to be patient and you would soon be here.”
    Scarlett ‘caring’ is both heart warming and unnerving, and I can’t entirely rationalize my jealousy toward her.  I remind myself that she’s less important to Sebastian than I.  It also occurs to me that she’ll be put firmly in her place as a hired domestic when I’m at the house and, as much as I do kind of like the girl, I intend to let her know that anything that may have gone on between them both in the past is now over. 
    “It will be good to see her but… I will want to look after the house and cook for you.  I need to make myself useful darling.  Perhaps Scarlett could take some time off while Bella and I are staying?” I suggest. 
    He’s silent for a few seconds and when he replies it is with a firm and decisive voice.
    “Nonsense.  It’s Scarlett’s home too.  Besides I have plans for you and they don’t involve you wearing rubber washing-up gloves, or slaving over the range… On second thoughts if you are only wearing rubber gloves and slaving over the range perhaps I may reconsider…”
    He makes me laugh for the first time in weeks.  I really do love Sebastian’s smutty side and familiar tingles ripple through my body.
    “Well then your Lordship, I will