That smile was starting to annoy Diana. Addie, oblivious, nodded. “Perfect. I think we will have each of you describe your favorite ports, and then we will open it up to the audience. The interest in the leisure cruise is at an all-time high. The first cruisedates should be announced towards the end of the season. The talk will only make ladies want to sign up more. Can we be ready by next Tuesday?”
“I think so,” Diana said.
Sebastian nodded and stood. “Really, whatever you think, Addie. Just send me a missive, and I will be there.”
“Where are you going? You’ve only just arrived. I want to hear about Thomas Easton,” Addie complained.
He held his hands up as if it was out of his control. “I’m late for another meeting.”
Diana wanted to throw something at him. Where was the Sebastian Devons she spent two months with?
*
Sebastian sat inhis theater box as his brother glowered at him from his own box. He suspected Malcolm was unhappy with his choice of companion. It wasn’t as if Lilah were the only one with him. There were others in his box, including Celeste. Still, he knew they were causing a scene because Lilah was practically in his lap.
She giggled and rubbed her breasts against his arm. He felt nothing for her. It was a void of emptiness. Crazily, he wanted to feel something, anything. It was as if Diana had somehow broken him. Lilah whispered in his ear that she couldn’t wait for later tonight. Celeste, behind them, sighed dramatically as if trying to warn him how bad of a choice the lady was.
Apparently, while he was away, Lord Wesley had been caught with an innocent young lady in his bed. She hadn’t even had her first season. To avoid the scandal, he’d fled to America. Since then, Lady Wesley had been openly enjoying a plethora of lovers. She ran her hand over the top of his thigh. He sipped his drink, not engaging but not stopping her either.
His gaze moved back to Malcolm and Sophia. His brother’s expression was murderous. Sophia whispered in his ear frantically. Sebastian suspected she was telling him everyone was watching. Malcolm, the marquess, wouldn’t give a damn. He had the title to do as he liked. A twinge of guilt ebbed through him that he was thinking such harsh thoughts about his brother.
Sebastian sighed and turned away from him, focusing on the empty stage. When the hell would the show start? Tonight’s opera was a drama about a sordid love affair between a prince and a farmer’s daughter. Sebastian wasn’t sure what made it tawdry. He imagined it was the different classes. He smirked at the ridiculousness of it all and took another sip of his drink.
Increased chatter drew his eyes to a box where opera watchers were arriving. His eyes narrowed as he realized it was Diana and Tremont. His stomach clenched at the sight. Yesterday, it had taken everything in him to appear unbothered at seeing Diana. He needed to get past this. There had to be an end to the madness of his emotions for her.
Lilah ran her hand down his thigh again. Sebastian forced himself to focus on her. He grinned wickedly at her, and she fluttered her eyelashes back at him. It seemed impossible, but Lilah somehow managed to scoot even closer to him. The play started but didn’t hold his interest. His eyes sought out Tremont’s box. Even in the dimly lit theater, Sebastian could tell Diana was staring at him.
Lilah leaned over and, with her lips practically touching his ear, whispered, “I’ve missed you.”
He reminded himself that Diana had made her choice. He was free to do as he liked. Sebastian looked at her again. She still watched him. Lilah continued to whisper in his ear, but he had no idea what she was saying. He was too distracted by Diana.
Suddenly, she was on her feet, followed by Tremont, but she shook her head insistently. Tremont sat back down, and then she was gone. Sebastian stood. “Excuse me.”
He made his way to the hallway Diana entered. He caught a flash of a skirt entering a side room and briskly headed in the same direction. The room had no door. It was more of an alcove than anything, but it was private.
“Diana.”
She turned and fury flashed in her eyes. “Why are you with her?”
He stepped back, shocked at her angry tone. She marched up to him. “Of all the people to bring back into your life, why her?”
Anger flared in him, and it had nothing to do with Lilah. “You are here with Tremont. What does it matter if I’m having a tryst? You are to be married. I don’t think you can dictate to me who I take as a lover.”
She shook her head. Sebastian wasn’t sure in response to what. She turned away from him. Again, he questioned, “What does it matter, Diana? We have both moved on. Why do you care?”
Diana spun back around. “Because I care about you. That viper hurt you, and you choose her of all people to bring back into your life.”
He said nothing, and she added angrily, “Whether she is a tryst or more, you deserve someone who respects you.”
Her eyes started to water, and Sebastian stayed quiet. She took a deep breath and looked up at him. “I’m your friend. That is why it matters.”
“My friend?” he said skeptically.
She marched up to him and poked him hard on the chest. “No matter how things ended, I will only and always want the best for you. That woman who hurt you so deeply is not it.”
“She is not the only woman to hurt me.”
His words hung between them. Confusion flashed across her face. “What are you insinuating?”
