He grimaced at the truth in her accusation. Unlike Gideon and Lucien, who had joined him to battle the traitorous vampires, he had never found pleasure in pursuing mortal females. Even before the Veil, he had held himself aloof.
"No, I fear I do not possess the skill for such adventures," he confessed, his gaze lingering upon the tempting curve of her lip. "That does not mean, however, that I do not find you fascinating."
Her lips thinned in disbelief. "Perhaps as a scientist finds a bit of mold fascinating."
This time his laugh echoed through the empty lane. She was certainly a maiden who preferred to speak what was on her mind. She was also far too perceptive.
"I would hardly compare you to mold, my dear. You are far too beautiful and intelligent. A rare combination."
She waved aside his words of flattery. "What is it that you want from me, sir?"
Sebastian stepped closer, realizing that his attempts to distract her with sweet words would not satisfy her suspicion. She did not desire to wrap her world in a rosy glow that dimmed any unpleasantness, as many young maidens preferred. She would face it with a bold, fearless manner.
"For the moment I only ask for your trust," he said slowly.
The dark eyes narrowed. "Why?"
His hand was reaching out to move softly over her raven curls before he could halt the movement.
"Because I fear that danger is stalking the streets of London," he murmured. "And you are alone."
She searched his countenance, as if seeking answers. Or perhaps she was simply attempting to determine if he were friend or foe.
At last she gave a slow shake of her head.
"But you will not tell me why I am in danger? Nor why you are willing to protect me?"
"You would not believe me if I did tell you the truth."
Annoyance tightened her features as she heaved a deep sigh. She raised slender fingers to press to her temple as if to still a sudden pain.
"I weary of these riddles," she said in dark tones.
Sebastian allowed his hand to briefly cup her pale face before he ruefully stepped backward.
She did, indeed, appear tired and far too fragile. His heart gave a squeeze of sympathy.
"You are very pale," he said gently. "We will speak of this again later."
"Yes, perhaps that would be for the best," she readily agreed. "Good day, sir."
He dipped his head. "Good day."
Resisting the ridiculous urge to reach out and keep her from leaving his side, Sebastian watched in silence as she slowly made her way the short distance down the alley and turned into the corner of her garden. Even from a distance he could feel the lingering anxiety that he had been unable to appease. He could feel it as sharply as if it were a part of himself.
A part of him desired to follow and wrap her in his arms so he could assure her that nothing would happen to her as long as he was near. Another part, however, urged him to return to his home and attempt to regain a measure of detachment. Nothing could be served by allowing his suddenly awakened emotions to cloud his wits.
Waiting until he was certain she was safely inside her house, Sebastian slowly turned to make his way back down the lane. He had a great deal to consider. Not the least of which was how he intended to put an end to Drake's threat.
Lost in thought, Sebastian had just passed the abandoned stables when he came to a sudden halt. Although there was nothing to be heard or seen, his senses alerted him that he was no longer alone.
With a fluid stealth, he had slipped his hand beneath his coat to grasp the hilt of his deadly dagger. Only then did he step forward to confront the lurking intruder.
"Who goes there?" he demanded in low tones. "Reveal yourself."
There was a sudden rustle among the leaves of a nearby hedge before a large, awkward form abruptly lumbered into the lane clutching a black cat.
"Me. Me."