Grace sighed softly as she looked up at her tired reflection. It had been harder to sleep last night than she thought it would-and she hadn’t been optimistic to begin with. Her personal maid-Lisa, was gently brushing out her hair and pinning it up for the day. She was a quiet girl, but seemed properly trained as a lady’s maid. Grace decided that now may be a good opportunity to find out what she could through this woman.

“Lisa…”

“Yes miss?” Lisa instantly responded, not even stopping in her work, but her brown eyes met Grace’s through the mirror.

“How long have you worked for the Earl?” Grace asked and Lisa smiled softly.

“For the new master, not long, maybe four months. I was employed here along with several of the other maids when Master Alexander-rest his soul, resided here. When Lord Sebastian came, he also brought a few...intriguing members of staff…” Lisa’s voice dropped to a whisper as she continued.

“The dark aura that surrounded the new master and the men accompanying him scared many into finding new employment...I will admit that some of the new staff are rather intimidating, but they don’t cause trouble so I see no reason in leaving.” Lisa said placing the final pin in Grace’s hair. What the girl had said was nothing that Grace hadn’t assumed herself so she was left feeling a little frustrated. She couldn’t blame the maid for her lack of information. If she truly wanted to know more then there were only two people in the house that could answer her...She decided her next course of action as she left her room and headed down for breakfast.

“Good morning Grace. I trust you found the room to your liking.”

Grace turned, schooling her features so that he wouldn’t see how he had startled her. Sebastian strode towards her with even steps, his grey eye gliding over her features and her light blue morning gown. She clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head slightly towards him.

“Good morning my lord.” She said, putting emphasis on the title and felt a sliver of satisfaction when he frowned briefly. Quickly thought his face returned to the relaxed expression it had held before. He drew closer, his hand reaching out to take one of hers, cupping it softly as he lifted it up to his lips. She wished that she had worn gloves, but those were normally only for when she went out into society. His lips were warm and soft as they pressed to the top of her hand, causing her heart to jump in her chest.

His gaze lifted over her hand and their eyes locked. Whatever was in hers must have amused him because he grinned against her skin before kissing it softly again. She felt her cheeks warming and tried to free herself, attempting to tug her hand away, but his grip tightened as he leaned closer. She narrowed her eyes in warning, but it didn’t stop him from invading her person.

“Would my lovely bride give me a good morning kiss?” He invited and she shot him her sharpest glare, refusing to move. He raised a brow and she knew the provocation behind the look. She let out a long breath through her nose and lifted her head up to kiss him. It was just like in the dining room, brushing her lips against his before pulling back. Only this time when she tried to pull away he chased after her. She gasped as his lips locked onto hers and his free hand wrapped around the back of her head, holding her in place.

Grace made a noise of resistance and pushed against his chest, surprised when he actually pulled back from her lips. She gasped and shook in her anger as she glared up at him, but he spoke before she could.

“I’m not going to be satisfied with that short a kiss this time Grace. So since you don’t seem to understand what I want, I’ll show you.” He whispered before pulling her flush against him as his lips sought hers. She shut her eyes tightly, feeling tears threaten as she resisted him...Or tried to. He wasn’t taking it easy on her this time, kissing her properly and pulling a reaction from her. His arm was wrapped around her waist and the other had slid down to between her shoulders, pressing her up against his strong body.

As it had been before, she found herself responding fiercely to him and soon stopped fighting as her body came alive with an unknown desire. When he felt her relax against him, Sebastian pushed further, sliding his tongue between her pliant lips. Feeling it tangle with hers as it explored every inch of her mouth made Grace let out an involuntary moan. The sound must have pleased him because he let out a soft growl and put more passion behind his attentions. Her head felt like it was filled with a thick fog as every nerve in her body became twice as sensitive. After she had lost all strength in her legs and was openly kissing him back, Sebastian finally pulled away, releasing her from the spell he had cast.

“That Grace...is a proper kiss.” He whispered and the obvious desire dancing in his gaze made her body shiver in anticipation. As the fog slowly receded, she began to realize how far she had given in to him. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly as she attempted to draw in air to her deprived lungs. Her face felt hot and she knew she was flushed a deep shade of red that ran down to the top of her chest. Her eyes dropped to where her fingers were digging into his tunic and she felt the hard muscles underneath flex as he chuckled. Her eyes lifted at his laughter and she was angered to see the amusement in his eye as he leaned towards her.

“Are you going to pretend that you didn’t feel anything this time either?” He teased and her anger flared brighter as a wave of mortification crashed over her. She knew that it was obvious how much she had surrendered during their exchange, but this bastard wanted her to admit it! Well he could keep waiting! Even if it was an obvious lie, a lie was still what rolled off her tongue.

“Absolutely nothing my lord.” She hissed stubbornly and watched as something flashed in the grey iris before he abruptly released her. She stumbled back, not prepared to have to support her weight on such unsteady legs. Grace was just thankful that she recovered quickly and shot the man another deadly glare. Sebastian was still smiling, but it had turned cold as he bent towards her in a small bow.

“If you say so my dear. There is no rush after all.” He said and she wanted to slap the arrogant look off his face. She resisted the urge, but just barely. It seemed he was not only good at drawing out her secret desires, but also her violent nature. Then he straightened and moved until he was standing beside her.

“I will not see you again until this evening when I will escort you and Annabelle to Lady Westlock’s ball. Good day my darling.” He said and briskly walked away, leaving her still reeling from their heated exchange. She let out a large sigh and covered her eyes in shame. What was it about this man that made her lose all reason? It couldn’t just be that she was unused to a man’s touch because she had easily been able to refute the others. So what made Sebastian Blackwood different? If only she could figure out the answer soon, then she could fortify a plan to steele her body against the new sensations he swept over her with every contact.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that afternoon, Grace and Annabelle were sitting in the salon enjoying some tea and sandwiches when the question was brought up again. She had known that her sister’s curiosity wouldn’t stay quiet for long, but she had hoped not to have to answer so soon after the encounter between her and the Earl.

“Please explain everything to me. I am just a bit confused after what I saw yesterday.” Anna pressed and Grace sighed as she met her sister’s green eyes.

“It’s rather difficult to explain...and very embarrassing.” Grace said, dancing around the subject,

“Has he bedded you already?”

“Anna!” Grace sputtered, choking on her tea as she tried to chase away the blush staining her cheeks.

“Well what else but that would you be unable to discuss with me?” Annabelle asked, irritation laced in her words. Grace sighed and closed her eyes, praying for strength.

“Many things dear sister...But no...he has not.”

“Well then what-” Anna started to ask again, frustrated at the secretive attitude she was receiving. Grace cut her off, deciding it was best to just explain everything. And she did, only leaving out this morning’s kiss. When she was finished, Annabelle’s cheeks matched hers and the girl had grown silent. Grace couldn’t meet her eyes and instead stared down at the amber liquid in her tea cup. After several more beats of silence Anna finally responded to the situation.

“Let me try to understand...As long as you accept his kisses then he will push no further?” Anna asked and Grace nodded, looking out the window at the quiet garden below.

“That is what he said…” She whispered.

“So...this means that you are safe then?” Annabelle asked, tilting her head and Grace gave a dry laugh.

“As safe as I can be with a stranger for a husband who keeps such dangerous company.” She snorted and heard a deep laugh come from the doorway. She froze, fearing that she would turn and see Sebastian there, but the man entering wasn’t as intimidating. Aiden smiled at the two of them and bowed formally as he came to the center of the room.

“Forgive me ladies, I couldn’t contain my humor...” He straightened and winked at Grace.

“I am only dangerous to beautiful women whose hearts I desire.” He teased and both women blushed brighter, making him chuckle again.

“Normally servants wait for permission to enter.” Grace tried to scold the man, but he didn’t even blink, just continued to flash that smile.

“Of course. I will remember for the future.” He said, bowing low to her again before shining those blue eyes at her once more.

“I told you that you would need to educate me in many things milady.” He teased, laying on the charm in thick folds, but Grace actually found herself laughing.

“Don’t let the Cap’ ‘ear you speak to his lady like that Aiden. He’ll take yer ‘ead.”

The three turned at the new voice to see someone new entering. This one was rather young and scrawny, no more than a boy of thirteen. His sandy, blonde hair fell in layered waves, sweeping to the left side of his face making his eyes look larger. His hazel eyes flashed brightly as he caught her watching him and his smile widened. Grace watched as he carried in a small silver tray with an assortment of cookies and scones.

“Only if he finds out and you won’t tell on me will you lil’ Bryan.” Aiden said while laughing and the boy rolled his eyes as he set the tray between the two ladies, smiling up at them.

“These are from Connor. I’ve never seen the man so giddy ‘fore.” The lad said and Aiden also chuckled as Grace tilted her head in confusion.

“Is Connor…”

“He’s the cook...although he prefers the title ‘chef’. He’s over the moon to have ladies such as yourself appreciating his ‘talents’.” Aiden explained and it opened up the opportunity she had been waiting for. As casually as she could manage she asked,

“It seems you all know each other rather well...Were you acquainted before beginning work here?” She waited and watched as the two exchanged a look before Aiden answered, but despite his easy smile, she could still see the wariness in his eyes.

“Something like that Lady Blackwood. Although it is not a tale two lovelies such as yourselves would find interesting.” He said, skimming over the question and Bryan nodded in agreement. She wanted to shout in irritation, but did the opposite. She gave them her best smile that seemed to startle the two momentarily.

“I am not as meek as most ladies of society. I would rather enjoy hearing about all the people I’ll be living with now.” She said and knew that Aiden was tempted to indulge her by the wavering in his eyes, but then he glanced over his shoulder at something unseen.

“My apologies milady...but I can’t speak out of turn.” He said with a bow, pushing Bryan’s head down too so that they were both formally apologizing. When he stood straight again he was smiling once more.

“However...If you really want answers to those questions. The one you need to ask is the one that silenced our tongues.” He said, quickly bowing again and leaving, dragging Bryan behind him. Grace snorted, not liking that idea in the least. What were the odds that Sebastian would even speak the truth if she did ask? She looked over to Anna who had remained quiet during the discussion. The girl was nibbling on one of the cookies as she eyed her sister curiously.

“Yes?” Grace inquired with a raised brow. Annabelle shrugged nonchalantly, but Grace knew something was running through her mind. Anna glanced between the now closed door and her sister as she munched away. Grace felt her brow twitch impatiently and she sighed,

“What Anna?”

“The cookies are quite good...You should try one.”

“Enough Annabelle! Just say it already.” Grace huffed, even as she picked up one of the sweets, taking an angry bite. She paused as the sugary treat filled her senses and she felt a small smile tug at her lips. Mr. Connor truly was underappreciated if the rest of the staff didn’t compliment skills like this. It had been awhile since she had eaten something so soft, with the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“See.” Anna laughed having watched her practically devour the small cookie. Grace looked up at her sister and then joined her in laughter. After the two had cleared away half the tray Grace looked at her sister expectantly and Annabelle sighed.

“I’m just curious as to why you seem so interested in the Earl’s past?” She asked and Grace frowned, not really knowing the answer herself. So she said the only thing she could think to say.

“The more information I have the easier it’ll be to maneuver around in this nightmare. And if it’ll give me the edge I’m looking for with that man, then I will continue to inquire with the staff.”

“Hmm...That’s going to be difficult considering what Mr. Aiden just said about being silenced. Seems like if you want answers there’s only one source you can check.” Anna said, lifting her cup back to her lips, leaving Grace to her own thoughts once more. It was true that if she wanted answers she would have to go to Sebastian, but she couldn’t trust that he would even tell her the truth-especially if he had taken the time to swear his staff to secrecy. His desire to keep something from her only piqued her interest even further.

‘What is he hiding from me? What secrets does Sebastian keep...and how can I use them against him?’

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ballroom was exactly as Grace expected it to be. Glittering from hours of polishing, filled to the brim with patrons hoping to be seen and acknowledged. She sighed once more as a wave of nerves crashed over her. The anxiety was unwanted and ridiculous, but she couldn’t help it. Not when the source of the fluttering in her stomach was at her side and her hand was safely tucked in the crook of his arm. She snuck a peek at him, unable to deny that Sebastian was a very handsome man. Even with the leather covering his face, he was still very impressive and carried himself with confidence. And his refusal to wear any color other than black only added to the already dark aura that he carried with him.

He had insisted that she stay by his side as they entered together and she was sure it was to play on their pretending to be long-time lovers reunited. Grace wore the polite smile that she had perfected and was confident that no one would be able to read how uneasy she was internally. She looked over at Annabelle next, watching as the young girl scanned the crowd. There was an eagerness in her green eyes that didn’t sit well with Grace, wondering who her sister was looking for, although she could fathom a guess.

Sebastian steered them further into the ballroom and among the crowd. It was shocking how effectively he cut through people, mostly because they took one look at him and skirted out of the way. She was aware of the eyes following her, more than usual as she moved about with her husband. He barely acknowledged the people they passed, but the tension in his arm meant that he was just as aware of their stares.

“Grace, there is Emily. I am going to go say hello.” Annabelle said, not waiting for a response before she bounded off. Grace softly groaned as she watched her sister glancing around in search of Lord Huntington. A soft chuckle at her side made her take her eyes off the girl to see Sebastian smiling down at her. It was an easy smile as he looked in the direction Annabelle had skittered off to.

“Don’t worry darling. I will help you keep an eye on her. Lord Charles won’t try anything if he knows I’m here.” He reassured and she felt a small trace of gratitude that he knew where her thoughts had been. It was instantly replaced with irritation as she turned her head away and snorted.

“I don’t believe I asked for your help my lord. I will look after my sister alone, just as I always have.” She hissed and frowned when she heard him laugh softly again. He leaned closer until he could whisper in her ear,

“And how well did that work out for you the last time my dear? Would you care to dance Grace?” Her cheeks flushed and she turned to give him an angry retort, but his sudden question startled her so much she forgot what she had been about to say.

“W-What?” She stammered and his smile softened. He moved, letting her arm fall from his so he could stand in front of her. He bowed formally and held out his hand.

“May I have the honor of my beautiful wife’s first dance this night?” He purred and the look he gave her made her toes curl. She wanted to refuse just because of the excited heat that raced through her at the thought of being held close by him. But she knew that they were being watched so she put on her best smile and placed her hand in his, playing her part.

“Of course. I would love to dance with my husband.” She said and was satisfied when an annoyed tinge entered his grey orb as he straightened, leading her to the center of the dance floor. Grace was slightly pleased that she had managed to spoil his fun while maintaining their little act for society. Her momentary thrill was interrupted when his hand pressed to her lower back and pulled her against him as he started them moving. She wasn’t ready to begin and worried that she would stumble over the steps, but was surprised that Sebastian held her steady. He guided her through the quick turns and steps effortlessly, keeping them moving and away from the other couples.

She let her eyes drift to the side, stealing a glance at those watching intently. All eyes seemed to be on them, most prominently on Sebastian. He drew all attention like a flame drew a moth. The mystery about him wasn’t the only thing that seemed to catch people either. She noticed several women eyeing him with more than mild curiosity. She could almost see them lick their lips as they watched him move, showing off his natural grace and muscled body. Of course they could only imagine what he hid under those black clothes. Grace knew exactly how it felt when his arm tensed and the muscle shifted under her fingers.

She was more than aware of this man’s attractiveness, unfortunately. While they could only fantasize after the man, Grace got to experience his prowess firsthand. How she wished that her body didn’t hum as his fingers slid along her lower back, pressing a sensitive spot that made her bite back a moan. Her eyes lowered further to avoid letting him see how her thoughts were beginning to drift.

“She’s moving…” He whispered and it made her flinch as he had leaned closer to speak softly into her ear. She lifted her eyes to see his was cast to the side as hers had been moments ago. She tried to see what he was seeing, but the faces were passing too quickly for her to focus on any one for more than a second.

“Who?” She asked and he flicked his gaze to her before returning to the side once more.

“Annabelle. She’s left her group and is trying to move inconspicuously towards the back.” He explained while at the same time moving them off the dancefloor, following the troublesome girl. Sebastian guided them between the couples swiftly, but didn’t make it seem like they were in any sort of rush. When they were away from the crowd he stopped them and stepped in front of her.

“I’ll take care of it love…” He pressed a swift kiss to her cheek and grinned as he pulled back.

“Try not to miss me too much.” Then he was gone, disappearing into the sea of people. If she craned her neck long enough she could make out the back of his head, the long braid giving him away instantly. She sighed and forced her eyes away from the direction he walked in, otherwise people would think she truly was pining after him. Of course that’s what they were supposed to look like, but she didn’t feel like playing the part when it wasn’t necessary.

“Finally! I was hoping you would be left alone for a moment!” A familiar voice called out before she was enveloped in a pair of arms. She turned as Teresa looked up at her, eyes shining with concern. The woman was searching Grace’s face for signs of unhappiness and although she would like to confess everything to her friend, they were in enemy territory. So instead she let out a laugh and returned her friend’s hug.

“Hello Teresa, it is good to see you. How are you?”

“Nevermind that!” Teresa whispered and practically dragged Grace off to the side where it would be harder for them to be overheard. Then her eyes locked with Grace’s once again and she continued to whisper,

“The real question is, how are you?” She asked and her tone left no room for false bravado. Grace sighed and glanced around to ensure that they were alone.

“As well as I can be…” She said slowly, choosing her words carefully.

“That brute hasn’t harmed you in any way?” Teresa persisted, concern evident in each word as her hands clung to Grace’s. She shook her head to reassure the other woman and gave a weak smile.

“No. In fact he has been rather patient and kind to both me and Annabelle.”

“So that rumor is true then? He really did allow Anna into his home?” Teresa asked, shock clear in her face. Grace nodded and looked out over the ballroom again, searching for her sister and the man that had gone off to fetch her.

“Yes...I was rather shocked myself...but I am grateful that he didn’t force me from her side at least.”

“But he did trap you in a loveless marriage.” She pointed out and Grace sighed again at the truth of that. When she didn’t respond right away Teresa sighed as well and looked in the same direction Grace was.

“Well, so long as you are unharmed I can’t call out against the man. But, if he does do something to you, please let me know. You are like the sister I never had.” Her friend said and Grace felt her eyes mist at the affection she felt coming from the other woman. She gave her another strong hug and whispered,

“I will be fine dear. You know how strong I am. He can’t hurt me.”

“Maybe not your body, but a man has more sway over a woman’s heart than even she’s aware of.” Teresa pointed out and Grace frowned as she pulled back to call out the absurdity of those words.

“That man holds no sway over my heart. Nor will he ever. This I promise you.” She said with conviction, but there was doubt clouding her friend’s expression. Her eyes shifted away from Grace’s face and when she followed her friend’s gaze her eyes fell upon Sebastian. He was striding towards them with Anna at his side, the girl looking irritated and embarrassed at the same time as she followed the man. His eye caught hers and his lips lifted instantly, causing a strange flurry in her chest.

“As I said Grace...More than you are aware of...Every man has the ability to hurt a woman without ever touching her.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sebastian followed a few paces behind Grace as she walked towards her chambers. They had already said goodnight to Annabelle-although he had also been given another irritated look by the young girl. She had been rather upset at the ball when he suddenly appeared and interrupted her conversation with Lord Charles. It didn’t bother him in the slightest as he knew it was what Grace wanted and he held a rather low opinion of the ‘gentleman’. He came back to the present when Grace stopped and turned on him suddenly.

“Is it necessary to follow me to my chambers my lord?” She asked and he chuckled softly, enjoying the way her lips pouted slightly at the sound. He stepped closer, watching as she stiffened, but held her ground. He grinned and pointed behind her.

“If I’m correct madam, that is my bedchamber...So I’m not following you on purpose.” His smile deepened when her cheeks flushed slightly and her violet eyes sharpened.

“Somehow I find that rather hard to believe, but very well...Goodnight my lord.” She huffed, turning away from him for her own room. He moved forward on instinct and caught her just as she was reaching for the door handle. His hands held her slender wrists captive as he hugged her from behind, pulling her back into his chest. He leaned forward slowly, drawing closer to her ear so he could whisper,

“Now Grace. Did you really think I would let you go that easily?” He felt her shiver in his hold and he slowly turned her so that she was facing him. He kept one arm around her waist, and his other hand lifted up to her chin. He tilted her head back, bringing her lips closer as he searched her eyes. There was a hidden heat behind her glare, something that couldn’t be fully concealed. No matter how much she resisted, Grace was very much affected by his touch and it pleased him greatly.

“It’s time to see if you learned anything this morning my dear.” He teased and her eyes flashed brighter as her anger flared. Sebastian thought their purple hue became even more alluring when they darkened with anger or desire. He hoped soon he would be able to stare into them in the throes of the latter. After a small hesitation, she finally closed the distance between them and pressed her soft lips to his. He let her take control, wondering if she would try to pull back again.

However she didn’t retreat instantly, instead surprising him by pushing further. Her lips played over his timidly, but due more to her innocence than resistance. He closed his eye and took over when he felt her begin to pull away, not yet ready to lose her heat. She let out a soft moan as his tongue slid past her teeth, tangling with hers. There was no longer any hesitation in her response as the hot muscle moved in sync with his. Her slim fingers resting on his chest began to creep up and the sensation tested his restraint.

He let out a small groan and stepped forward, gently pressing her against the wood of her chamber’s door. The hand at the side of her face moved back into her thick locks, dislodging a few pins in the process. His leg shifted between hers, fitting their bodies together. He tasted every inch of her sweet mouth, but still unsatisfied, he nipped her lower lip as he released her from his hot kiss. Before she could react his head lowered again as the hand tangled in her hair arched her neck for him.

Grace let out a sharp gasp that melted into an alluring moan as his lips nibbled at her neck. Her soft skin was intoxicating and he growled as he sucked at the sensitive spot near the base. The response was instant as she arched closer, her body completely surrendering to his administrations. He left her neck, pulling back so he could reclaim her mouth once more. She opened for him the instant their lips connected and his arms tightened around her, pulling her up against him. Her heat was seeping through their clothing, rolling off of her in waves, calling to him like a siren’s song. As much as he wanted to continue further, he knew that he should take this small victory as it was. Swallowing a sigh he pulled back, staring down at her flushed face as her eyes opened to meet his gaze.

“We should leave it there for now. The rest can wait for another time.” He whispered, his voice low and husky from the desire still raging through him. As his words snaked through the haze clouding her judgement, her eyes began to clear. Grace opened her mouth, no doubt to give another sharp retort, but he pressed a finger to her lips before she could. He smiled as her eyes widened and he felt her draw in a quick breath.

“I won’t let you deny it this time Grace...” He ran his thumb over her full bottom lip, swollen from his kisses. He felt her shiver under his touch and it made his smile soften. He pierced her with a heated look and lifted her chin up so her eyes couldn’t leave his.

“Even though I’m sure I could convince that body to surrender to me...that’s not what the goal of our little game is.” He whispered and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before withdrawing completely.

“Goodnight Grace.” He said as he turned back towards his own chambers, hearing the slamming sound of her door as she retreated to safety. He sighed aloud this time and shook his head, but the smile was still on his face as he felt one step closer to his goal. He opened his door to retire for the night, feeling too drained to get any work done.

“Captain.”

He paused and turned towards the voice calling to him. It was Aiden, wearing a troubled expression that put Sebastian on guard immediately. When he reached Sebastian’s side he silently held out a scrap of paper. Curious, Sebastian took the note and flipped it over to read. As soon as he did his eye widened and he felt a stab of anger fill his chest.

‘That’s one lovely trinket you had at your side tonight. I suggest that if you wish to keep it there you stop being stubborn and give me what I want.’

He crushed the paper in his hand and looked up at Aiden who had been waiting patiently.

“Did you get a look at who dropped this off?”

“No. It was given to one of the scullery maids and they left right after, but it could only be one man.” Aiden said, a trace of irritation in his low voice. He must have read the note before delivering it and the threat as well. Sebastian glanced over his shoulder at the closed door and whispered his orders,

“She is not to be left alone...Annabelle either. I want constant guard on both of them-discreetly. Whoever is assigned as their protectors can not let it be known that there is a hint of danger. There is no need to frighten them unnecessarily, when we can handle things in the shadows.” He said and Aiden nodded, acknowledging the orders. Sebastian looked at his clenched fist and his eye narrowed. He was no stranger to threats and acts of intimidation, it came with living on the sea. This man was especially ruthless when it came to obtaining what he desired. Sebastian normally wouldn’t blink an eye at the brute’s threats, as this wasn’t the first, but when it came to Grace…

“I had thought he had given up his pursuit.” Aiden whispered and Sebastian sighed again, turning back to his chambers. He muttered under his breath as he closed the door behind him,

“That bastard will not stop until he gets what he thinks I stole from him.”