Page 29 of The Betrothal

“What am I meant to do now? My hands are oily so I can’t touch anything.”

His grin turned wicked. “I’m sure we can think of things to do without needing our hands.”

I had no time to reply as the back door opened, although I couldn’t see who opened it from where I sat, Ben and Alex’s voices rippled through the house. And really, who else could it be?

Sebastian raised his finger to his lips, the sound of the men nearing.

“Made ourselves another fire, I see?” Alex’s disapproval entered the space before he did.

“Always so welcoming,” Sebastian replied for me and Alex stopped in his tracks.

“Seb.” He didn’t seem too pleased at the man being in his lounge, but from the little time I’d spent with him I suspected he was never pleased.

“Good to see you too.” Sebastian threw his arms around Alex without waiting for permission and I thought I saw the ghost of a smile on Alex’s scowling face.

“What are you doing here, Sebastian?”

Alex’s question was unanswered as Ben joined them and Sebastian released him, wrapping Ben up in another hug.

“Hello, Benji.”

Ben didn’t stiffen the way he did when I came within two metres of him, he softened, bringing his arms gradually up to embrace Sebastian back.

“Seb.”

They released one another.

“Sebastian?” Alex brought Seb’s attention back from where he was openly observing Ben.

“I was giving your guest medical treatment. I have to say I was disappointed to find out she was injured yesterday and had been offered no first aid?” His tone seemed jovial but his relaxed demeanour had stiffened somewhat.

A muscle in Alex’s jaw twitched.

“You were hurt?” Ben stepped towards me, then stopped himself.

“We had no idea.” Alex defended himself to Seb, diligently keeping his attention away from me.

“I’m fine.” I rubbed my palms together to diffuse the ointment, the friction causing me to wince.

Sebastian looked from me to the men, a blatant ‘see?’ was etched into his features so I threw my hands up, palms out.

“I’m fine. See?”

Sebastian switched from disapproving, smiling instantly. “Oh, absolutely, I can see that.”

Alex and I both huffed in time.

“Sebastian. Why are you here?”

“To check up on Benji.” He grinned at the pair. “He’s due a check-in.”

“And this happens to coincide with the onset of the largest storm in fifty years?”

Sebastian grinned. “Anything for my patients.”

A light laugh had both men turning to Ben who fell quiet, schooling his features.

“How did you even get here?” Alex was all business.