Helena clambered out ahead of Sebastian without waiting for assistance. Fergus helped his sister sit on a barrel and hovered over her like a mother bear while Helena stood by as Ismay’s shaky inhales and exhales began to even out. When the maid’s color returned to normal, she smiled weakly.
“Would you like to come inside for refreshment?” Helena asked.
Ismay shook her head. “If it’s all the same to you, milady, I would prefer to sit outside.”
Sebastian held his arm out to Helena. “Come with me.”
Her fingers curled around his forearm, and she allowed him to draw her toward the coaching inn. “C-come where?”
“Inside, of course.” He slanted a glance at her and lowered his voice. “Unless you would like to come someplace else.”
Just as he had intended, his comment elicited a brilliant blush and her hand sought out a strand of hair to thrust behind her ear. He loved that she retained a bit of bashfulness, and yet she could be uninhibited and sensual when the time called for it.
Light spilled into the dark interior of the coaching inn when Sebastian held the door open for her. She preceded him, but stopped only a few steps inside. As his eyes adjusted to the dimness, he could see the room was filled with fellow travelers.
“I will see to a private room.” He approached the innkeeper and was pleased to learn a private dining room was available.
Helena followed the man but tossed a look over her shoulder. Sebastian winked. She hesitantly turned back and nearly collided with the doorjamb. She cried out in surprise, then lowered her head and hurried inside the dining room.
Sebastian paid the man. “See that we are not disturbed.”
“Yes, sir.”
When the door clicked, he raised a brow. “Alone at last.”
Her tongue dashed across her bottom lip, leaving it shiny and irresistible. He slowly stalked her as she backed away. “Are you running from me, angel?”
“No.” She shook her head as she continued to retreat. Her backside banged into the table and she startled. Sebastian took advantage of her momentary distraction and pounced. His hands spanned her narrow waist and lifted her to the table.
Her eyes flared as a breathy laugh escaped her. “Is this where you wanted me?” She sounded both appalled and intrigued.
He flashed a grin. “This table looks sturdy enough.” He stood between her knees, his arms slipping around her back. Her hands landed on his chest as if to push him away, but perhaps she thought better of it because they just rested lightly against his jacket. His pulse sped as her index finger drew a small circle over his heart.
She angled her head and peeked at him from beneath her thick lashes. “Sebastian, I don’t think this is wise.”
“Because someone might discover us? That is part of the excitement, love. Remember the theatre?”
She laughed, her blush returning. “I liked the theatre.”
His grin widened. “Did you now? I had no idea.”
“Stop teasing.” She lightly whacked his shoulder. “I’m certain your prowess has been complimented once or twice in the past.”
He didn’t care what other women before her thought. She was the only one who mattered. He placed a kiss on the tip of her pert nose. “I am more than tempted to prove myself worthy of any compliment, madam, but Fergus will come searching for us soon. And I value my life.”
“Besides, I am sitting on a table.”
He leaned toward her, hovering close enough to capture her mouth but delaying their kiss. “And who says the bed gets to have all the fun?”
“I—I don’t know.” She wiggled to create space between them, but she couldn’t go far with his arms still encircling her. Her gaze became fixed on something beyond his shoulder.
He checked to be certain Fergus hadn’t come in behind him. They were alone. Only they weren’t really. She had that faraway look she sometimes had when she became lost in her memories. Fergus’s words echoed in Sebastian’s head. She was afforded the same kindness he extended to his breeding mares.
Hatred rampaged through his veins. Helena deserved better than she had ever received in her life. She deserved someone to love her, to take pleasure in her companionship and appreciate her body.