“Mm.”
Sebastian Cole’s reply was calm, almost detached. After a brief pause he added, “Is there anything else you need?”
The question was simple. In Vera Ashford’s ears it sounded entirely different.
Has he started to care about me?
Her heart raced. She pressed her lips together, forcing down the hopeful flutter in her chest.
“You’ve already given me so much, Sebastian. I don’t ask for much. As long as I can stay by your side… I’ll be satisfied.”
Sebastian’s expression shifted. He had never intended to keep things as they were with Vera.
“Vera, I already have a fiancée.”
The words of Old Master Cole echoed in his mind. His tone cooled. “Once you’ve settled in Crestview, we should keep our distance.”
The meaning was clear. Unless something important arose, she was not to contact hi
