The Vampire's Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls Book 5) (18 page)

Sebastian opened the day’s paper, a third cup of coffee on the table beside him. He should be in his office working, but he wasn’t in the mood to crack the books just yet. Tessa’s breakfast had been simple but very good. Cheese and mushroom omelets. A far greater accomplishment than Greaves could have pulled off.

Sebastian smiled. The two of them should be back soon. They’d been gone forty-five minutes already.

Evangeline still slept like the dead and would for at least four more hours. According to Greaves, she’d only just gone to bed as dawn approached.

Greaves was a light sleeper, but also a terrible snoop. For once, Sebastian was glad of it. The man had stayed up to keep an eye on her just as Sebastian had guessed he might. Because of that, Sebastian was giving him the remainder of the day off so he could get some rest.

Sebastian’s ears perked up at the sound of the mudroom door opening. It was at the far end of the house near the kitchen and led in from the garage. He set the paper aside and went to help Tessa with her things.

He met them in the kitchen and came to a sudden stop. “What is that?”

Tessa paused mid-sentence in her conversation with Greaves and turned to face Sebastian head on. “What is what?”

“That…thing in your arms.”

She frowned at him. “I know you don’t get out much, but do you really not know that this is a kitten?”

She held the ball of claws and fluff up so he could see it better. “See? Whiskers, a tail, fur—all the usual kitten parts.”

“I know what it is. What’s it doing in my house?”

She hugged it to her chest again. It mewled, a rather pitiful sound that Sebastian refused to let sway him. “Duncan is my cat and since I’m living here for the next seven days, so is he.”

“No.”

Her brow wrinkled. “It sounded like you said no.”

“I did. I don’t want that thing in here, tearing up my house, scratching on my antiques and generally treating the whole place like his…toilet. No. The cat goes back to your sister’s.”

Greaves had the good sense to stay out of it. He lifted Tessa’s bags. “I’ll just go put these in your quarters, miss.”

She shook her head. “Put them back in the car, Greaves. If Duncan goes, so do I.”

Greaves stayed right where he was.

Sebastian huffed out a breath. “You can’t be serious.”

“Have fun explaining to Evangeline where I am.”

“Tessa, please, you have to understand. Those animals are…”

“Are what?”

He grimaced and told the truth. “I don’t like them.”

She tipped her head. “Why?”

“Because they’re—”

“You’re scared of cats.”

“No, I am not.” Maybe a little. It was irrational, but one had chased him from the stables when he was a boy and he’d never quite gotten over it. Hugh had inherited one when he’d married Delaney, but thankfully that enormous beast seemed to sleep all day and was rarely around when Sebastian called.

“You are. I can see it. I’m sorry, but Duncan is just a baby. He’s not going to hurt you. And this is a great chance for you to get over that fear.”

Sebastian crossed his arms. “You’re forcing my hand. I have no choice but to agree. I find that very unfair.”

She smiled. “I think that’s sort of how actual marriage works. Give and take and compromise. Isn’t this fun?”

“No.” His good mood had fermented. “Keep it away from me.”

“Duncan is a he, not an it, and he sleeps with me.”

Sebastian scowled at the tiny, furry beast, instantly jealous. “On the bed? My bed?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

She pointed a finger at the ceiling. “Greaves, back to the car.”

Sebastian threw his hands in the air. “Greaves, take her things up to my room. She and I will work this out but apparently, the animal is staying.”

“Very good, sir. I’ll return for the rest of Duncan’s things in the car, then, miss.” Greaves departed for the upstairs.

“Thank you, Greaves.” Tessa looked at Sebastian and her grin widened in blatant satisfaction. “And thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. This is going to cost you.”

Her smile faltered. “How so?”

His mood meant his social graces mattered less. That sense of recklessness made his body thrum with energy. “I demand a goodnight kiss every evening and good morning kiss upon waking.”

She swallowed, but took a step toward him. “That hardly seems equal to having this innocent little kitten living here for the rest of the week.”

“You’re the one who brought up give and take. Am I the only one who should compromise then?”

“No.” She gave him a skeptical look. “Fine. Two kisses a day.”

“As many kisses as are required, but one will be mandatory at the beginning and end of each day.”

She hugged the beast closer. “Then Duncan gets the full run of the house. And you can’t complain about it.”

“I absolutely can complain about it. But I shall also try to remember that as you are my fiancée, I do things to make you happy. The creature is one of those.”

“His name is Duncan. Say it.”

Sebastian sighed. “Duncan. Happy?”

She kissed the beast on the head. “Want to hold him?”

“Not even remotely. Put him down.”

She twisted slowly back and forth, like she was rocking the beast to sleep. “His litter box isn’t set up yet. He might pee on one of your fancy antiques.”

Sebastian’s lip curled. “That’s exactly what I was—”

“I’m teasing you. Lighten up.”

Greaves came back in. “I’ll get Duncan’s things now. Where shall I set up his box, miss?”

“In the laundry,” Sebastian said.

“In the upstairs bathroom,” Tessa replied. “He’ll be in that bedroom most of the time. Although we should have a second box on this floor too. That one can go in the laundry room. His food and water can go here in the kitchen.”

“I’ll run to the Shop-n-Save and get another box this afternoon and buy some more food for him. Dry or canned?”

“Both and it has to be for kittens. He’s still growing.”

“Good to know. I may have to visit the pet shop in town to make sure I get the right kind. But I’m happy to do it.”

“Thank you, Greaves.”

“My pleasure.” Greaves went out to the garage and came back a short while later with Duncan’s bag of toys, his carrier, and his covered litter box.

Sebastian frowned. The rook was entirely too accommodating toward this furry nightmare. “I’d better not smell that animal’s business.”

Greaves raised a brow. “I imagine he feels the same way about you, sir.”

Tessa snorted in laughter and gave the cat another kiss on the head.

Sebastian stared at her as Greaves left. “I cannot believe I ever thought you were a mouse.”

She shrugged one shoulder. The cat swatted at a strand of her hair. “I’ve been underestimated many times.”

“I’m sure.”

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take Duncan up and get him settled.”

“You owe me a kiss.”

“I’m taking Duncan upstairs, not going to bed.”

Sebastian wanted her more than he cared about what time it was. “This morning’s kiss. You’re one short.”

She shot him a look he couldn’t quite read, but her pulse increased ever so slightly. “Fine. But I’m not putting Duncan down.”

“I’m not kissing you with that animal sandwiched between us.”

Her brows lifted with a very
whatever
sort of expression. “I guess you’ll have to wait until tonight then.”

Before he could respond, she walked out of the kitchen, the cat cradled over one shoulder like a baby.

Sebastian shook his head in disbelief as she left. Thwarted by a wretched feline. Who was now going to be sharing his bedroom. What exactly had Tessa done to him to make him this addled?

Tessa held her laughter until she reached the bedroom, then let it out in one unladylike snort.

“Sorry, miss?” Greaves popped out of the bathroom, a litter scooper in one hand.

“Nothing.”

He went back in, returning a second later without the scooper. “Litter box is all set up. Little Bit must be hungry, don’t you think?”

“I’m sure. He can always eat.”

Greaves clasped his hands in front of him. “I could take him downstairs and feed him. There were a few cans left in the supplies we picked up from your sister’s, I believe.”

“There were. I put that bag on the counter in the mudroom.” She held Duncan out to the rook, suspecting that what he really wanted was to hold the kitten. “Here you go.”

Greaves took Duncan very carefully. The rook’s face broke out in an enormous smile. “He’s so soft. And little. I’m afraid to hold him too tightly.”

“He’s pretty durable.” She started unpacking her bags, which sat on the bench at the foot of the bed. “Not saying you don’t have to be careful with him, but you’re not going to hurt him if you’re gentle.”

Greaves lifted Duncan to see him eye to eye. “Hello there, little man. Welcome to the house. We’re going to take good care of you.”

Duncan swatted at Greaves’ nose.

The rook laughed. “You want to play, do you? We’ll play. I promise.” He looked at Tessa. “We’ve never had any animals. Hunting dogs, years ago, but nothing like this.” Greaves cradled Duncan against him. “I’ll play with him a bit, get him fed, then make that run to the store. Have to make sure he’s got everything he needs.”

Tessa smiled as she shook out her clothes and laid them on the bed to be hung up. Greaves was clearly smitten. “Thank you so much.”

With a nod Greaves headed for the door. He passed Sebastian on the way in.

“Was that my rook holding that animal?”

“That animal’s name is Duncan. And yes.” She shook her head. “You’re like a dog with a bone. Duncan’s not going to ruin anything or steal your breath while you sleep or—”

“Fortunately, breathing is an option for me.”

Tessa narrowed her eyes. “Aren’t you lucky?” She stared at the rest of her things. They were a tepid mix of navy, black and ivory. Nice. Serviceable. But Jenna was right. Boring. “I’ll need a little closet space. Very little, really. And a drawer. One should do.”

“Is that all you have?”

“No. The rest of my stuff is at my sister’s. I didn’t see the point in bringing everything. I just brought the good stuff.”

One of his brows lifted with skepticism. “That’s the good stuff?”

She put her hands on her hips. “I’m a librarian, not a fashion model.”

“Understood, but still.” He picked up one of her silk blouses. “Was this a hand-me-down from a great-aunt or something?”

She snatched it out of his hand. “I like simple, serviceable clothing. Things that don’t go out of style. I can’t afford to buy new things all the time. My clothes have to last and need to be classic pieces that transcend fads.”

“Your new salary will be more generous.”

“It can’t be worse.” She frowned at her clothes. Serviceable didn’t really cut it anymore. Not while living in this house with all its beautiful things. She was going to look like she was on staff, not engaged to the owner. She let out a long sigh.

He made a curious expression. “You’re unhappy with a better salary?”

She crossed her arms. “I’m unhappy because my things aren’t acceptable for the woman who’s supposed to be your fiancée. Or the dean of library studies, frankly.”

He sat on the edge of the bed. “You could go shopping if you wanted. There are places on Main Street. Women’s boutiques.”

“I could.” But that would require money she didn’t have. Her boring wardrobe would have to suffice. “Maybe later.”

“Why not now?”

She lifted her gaze to his. “Because I can’t afford it.”

His voice was gentle and kind when he answered. “I can.”

She sat on the end of the bed and stared at her clothes, laid out and waiting to be put away. “No. I don’t want to spend your money.”

“But I’ve put you in this position. It’s only fair you use my money. Which, according to our ruse, would very soon be our money. And I promise you, the woman in my life would have the best I could supply her with. The complete benefit of my economic status. Please, Tessa. You’re here because you’re helping me. Consider this a head start on your new dean’s wardrobe.”