An Unlikely Alliance Read online

  Just don't turn those giant blue eyes on me.

  And the boy circled toward him. Alligator tears slowly dripping down his red cheeks.

  Deliver me, Lord.

  "Y-y-your grace?"

  Sebastian got down on one knee and put out his hand for Samuel to shake. It seemed even at a young age boys knew how often things were fixed by the firm shaking of one's hand. His face immediately brightened as he shook Sebastian's hand then saluted him as if he was royalty.

  He had no option but to salute back.

  Samuel ran off, leaving Sebastian's face still in a smile, until he met Nicholas's brooding gaze.

  "Uh, it was nothing." Sebastian dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

  "He shouldn't be spying," Nicholas clipped.

  "He's a boy."

  "Don't encourage him."

  "Don't discourage him from being so carefree. Boys should grow up to be—"

  "I'm sorry, it sounded as if the Duke of Tempest, sworn bachelor, was just contemplating giving me parenting advice." Nicholas lifted an eyebrow in shock.

  Sebastian scowled and crossed his arms. "I was merely going to say he deserves room to grow."

  Nicholas snorted.

  "What?"

  "Nothing. I'll just enjoy rubbing this conversation in your face when you produce a tiny replica of yourself and that replica decides to hide frogs in your bed."

  You have no idea how tired of waiting I am. Sebastian dismissed the thought, feeling suddenly uncomfortable that it was in his head in the first place. Something was seriously wrong with him. Taking a mistress, getting foxed, and gambling, those were the things that should be in the forefront of his mind. Not chasing jelly handed children around the house.

  Being surrounded by married friends was obviously playing with his normally calm and cheerful demeanor. He needed another drink. Or had he already had a few? Obviously his memory had been affected as well. The sooner he wrote the deuced list and chose a bride, the better.

  As if reminding himself, he announced rather loudly, "I've decided to write a list of things I would like in a wife. Then you and Sara may choose the best fit."

  "Why is that not surprising?" came the sarcastic remark from behind him. Only the words did not come from a male voice, no. They came from a voice that would haunt him for the rest of the night. Slowly he turned to see what defiant creature belonged to such an irresistible voice.

  Sweet Lord.

  Astraea Press

  Pure. Fiction

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