Page 85 of His Sinful Touch

“Oh, yes, I can tell from your scowl that you really want her to do that.”

“It’s not a question of what I want. I must do the right thing for Sabrina.”

“Have you told the young lady herself that you’re going to cut her loose?”

“That isn’t the way it is at all.” Alex’s eyes flashed. “Blast it, Con, you know better than that.”

“I do. I know that you’ll eat your heart out because you want to be honorable and fair. I know that you will always err on the side of generosity, not selfishness. But if you’re so concerned with doing the right thing for Miss Blair, why did you sleep with her?”

“I shouldn’t have.” Alex thrust his hands into his hair. “I know that. I just...could not help myself.”

“And why do you think you’ll be able to ‘help yourself’ in the future?”

Alex shot his brother an anguished look. “I don’t know. But I must.”

Con rolled his eyes. “For pity’s sake, Alex. You’re going to be the death of me.” He stood up and set down his glass. “Do one thing for me, would you? Before you go killing yourself on the altar of duty and honor, you might consider asking Miss Blair if she really wants you to sacrifice her, as well.”

He strolled out of the room, leaving Alex staring after him in dismay.

* * *

A FEW DAYS LATER, Sabrina was sitting in the library, reading, when Phipps announced the arrival of Miss Holcutt. “Lilah!” Sabrina laid her book aside and went to greet her friend. “Come in. Sit down. Or would you rather go into the sultan room?”

“No, this is a lovely library—and the sultan room is a bit...red.”

Sabrina chuckled. “It is that. But I like it. It suits the duchess, don’t you think?”

“Indeed.”

“Excuse me, ladies.” They turned toward the sound of a voice and saw Con rising from a chair across the room.

“Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t see you,” Lilah said.

“Of course you didn’t.” Con nodded politely toward Sabrina’s visitor. “Good day, Miss Holcutt. I have some business to attend to. Sabrina.”

The two women watched him leave. Lilah swung back to Sabrina. “Well, he certainly sped off as soon as I showed up.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t because of you,” Sabrina assured her.

“No?” Lilah raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Constantine avoided me assiduously those three days I was a guest here, as well. He finds me quite prudish, I believe.”

“I’m sure it was no dislike of you that sent him off just now. He was here only because Alex had to go to his office to finish some plans for a client, and he doesn’t like to leave me alone—though I don’t know what he thinks is going to happen. I doubt the Dearborns will burst through the front door.”

“He just doesn’t want to take any chances. I think it’s rather charming.”

“Not so charming after three days of being stuck inside the house.”

Lilah laughed. “Are you terribly bored? As I recall, you were fond of sitting in the library reading, anyway.”

Sabrina smiled a little sheepishly. “Yes, I was. And no, it really has not been bad. It’s just that time seems to be crawling by.”

“Will you be safe after your birthday? I don’t want to alarm you, but even though Mr. Dearborn will no longer have control over your property, he could still try to abduct you and force you to marry Peter.”

“I think it’s far less likely. He must know that he wouldn’t be able to persuade me. I certainly would not take any food or drink from him. Besides, people know about it now—you and the Morelands. They’re a formidable group.”

“Yes, I’ve seen.” Lilah smiled. “I’d put the duchess up against anyone, and I have little doubt that Alex and the others would quickly come to your rescue.”

“Alex thinks that he can use that confession the actor signed to keep the Dearborns in line. He’s looking into the things Mr. Dearborn did with my property.”