Sebastian eyed the old man carefully. The Duke of Holden had certainly aged since the last time Sebastian had seen him, but while Sebastian had expected gray skin, protruding bones, and a man who could barely speak, the gentleman before him looked fit with a ruddy, smiling face that was anything but gaunt or pallid.

“Ah, Edgefield,” the old duke said, reaching out to shake Sebastian’s hand.

Sebastian made his way to Holden’s beside and offered his hand. “Your Grace,” he said, bowing slightly. “It’s been too long.”

“Yes, why is that? Why haven’t you been coming to our holidays?” Holden asked, his white eyebrows slapped together over his bright blue eyes. “I didn’t marry you off to my granddaughter only to see less of you, son.”

“Oh, Grandpapa, there shall be time to discuss that sort of thing later,” Veronica interjected, waving a dismissive hand in the air, though Sebastian noticed she’d gone a shade paler. “Let’s just enjoy our time together right now.”

“I’m afraid I’m often called to town for Parliamentary purposes, Your Grace,” Sebastian lied with a wide smile on his face. “But I’m certainly happy to be here this Christmastide with you and Lady Whitmore, and my lovely wife.” And with that, he easily pulled Veronica into his arms and gave her a kiss intended to scorch off her boots.

Veronica’s entire body quaked. A shudder of pure lust swept through her. She clutched at his sleeves, her head tipping back while Sebastian’s tongue mastered her mouth, nearly smoking off her stockings. She clung to him, desperately wanting more, her mind completely blank.

Sebastian deepened the kiss until Veronica was certain she would melt into a puddle on the floor. His bold tongue stroked hers while his hand came up to cup the back of her head and hold her in place. His mouth moved over hers with a skill she had tried to forget, but was remembering now in ways that made heat suffuse her body and settle in the aching spot between her legs.

The sound of Mama clearing her throat made Sebastian break their contact. He left her standing next to the bed, her lips on fire. She tried to take a step but wobbled, feeling faint. Sebastian’s hand moved deftly to steady her elbow. Veronica was limp and speechless. Her breath came in small pants. She quickly glanced at Sebastian and didn’t mistake the flare in his eyes as he took a small step back. He was breathless, too. Good. He had been just as affected by their kiss.

She shook her head and reoriented herself to the surrounding scene. She was still standing in Grandpapa’s bedchamber and…and… Wait a moment. Sebastian had promised not to kiss her. And he’d just broken that promise…in front of her ailing grandfather, no less. Why, the man was despicable. That she’d clung to him and enjoyed it had nothing to do with it.

“Well now, young chap,” Grandpapa exclaimed with a hearty laugh. “I do hope you’ll continue that sort of behavior.” He winked at Sebastian. “We need an heir around here in the worst sort of way.”