Sebastian’s ears went hot, but he would be damned if he told his brother anything. He would turn over a new leaf. He needed to, especially with Diana. He took another gulp of his drink. “I think you and Miller are right. I have already decided to take a break from all the amusements I’ve been enjoying, which is not as much as you think.”
Malcolm snorted. “Perfect. Until tomorrow evening, then. I’m off to meet Sophia.”
After his brother left, Sebastian stood and made his way to the balcony overlooking the great hall of the Den. Customers were starting to arrive. As he perused the crowd, his mind wandered to Diana. He’d acted like an ass and taken too many liberties with her because of Lilah’s tricks. He owed her an apology. Sebastian would be on his best behavior for their trip.
Chapter Eight
Diana glanced aroundAddie’s massive drawing room before her eyes landed on her travel companion. He laughed with her sister and Sam. She took a sip of her champagne as her gaze roamed over Devons. His broad frame overpowered the space he stood in. His dark hair curled at the base of his head, tempting someone to run their fingers through it. He ran his hand along his jaw, drawing her eyes there. He was scruffier than she remembered. It intensified the air of wickedness around him. She sighed. There was no denying the appeal he had.
“He looks like sin but the best kind,” Aunt Winifred whispered next to her.
A rosy blush appeared on Diana’s cheeks, horrified that her aunt suspected where her mind was. Could others also read her so well?
“I can’t believe we are traveling with him for the next two months. I would have so much fun if I were twenty years younger.”
“Aunt!”
She laughed. “Oh, an old lady can dream. You are still young, though.”
Diana’s redness deepened. “Mr. Devons and I would not suit.”
Her aunt studied the man and then turned back to her. “Why not?”
“Well, because he is him, and I am me.”
Her aunt lifted a brow at her. “Yes, two attractive people. I will enjoy watching what happens between the two of you.”
“What will you enjoy?” Arthur asked, appearing in front of them.
Aunt Winifred’s smile dimmed a little. She disliked Arthur and loved to tell Diana he was boring. Diana, horrified she would say something about Devons, quickly said, “Arthur, would you escort me outside to get some fresh air?”
He beamed. “I was just about to suggest the same thing, my lady.”
Diana placed her champagne glass on a table and smiled at her aunt. “We shall return shortly.
Her aunt winked at her, likely knowing why she was fleeing. Diana and Arthur walked to the terrace doors, and she instinctively glanced back to where Devons stood but only saw Sam and Clara.
They made their way down the steps into the garden, joining other lords and ladies. What Addie called a small dinner was attended by far more people than Diana expected. Interest in their club and leisure cruise was already evident.
“I can’t believe I will not see you for two months,” Arthur lamented.
“It will go by quickly.”
He frowned. “And that you are traveling with Sebastian Devons.”
She sighed. Of everyone who knew of her adventure, Arthur took her leaving the hardest and was horrified to discover that Devons would be joining her. He’d told her ladies like her did not partner with such men.
He’d then questioned the characters of those in the club, making a snide comment about Addie. Diana had admonished him. The discussion was the only time they’d come close to being cross with each other. He’d eventually apologized.
She’d not wanted to leave with him so upset, so she reassured him that she would have her aunt as a companion and that she and Devons would be two of hundreds of people on the ship.
“I have already explained that we will see each other in a limited capacity. There is nothing to be worried about.”
He sighed. “Thank you for trying to put my mind at ease, and I’m sorry I brought it up again. It only worries me because of his reputation. The man owns a scandalous club, after all. With a potential union in our future, I want nothing to tarnish your character.”
Diana ignored his comment about marriage, instead focusing on his attitude towards Devons. “The Den is very successful, and as our primary investor, there is much we can learn from him related to business processes.”
He nodded reluctantly, and they continued to stroll along the candle-illuminated paved pathways of the gardens. They walked silently for a while, smiling and nodding at other guests they passed. Unexpectedly, Arthur pulled her down a more private pathway, and Diana looked at him startled.
