Compromising Kessen (14 page)

“Did your great-grandfather really marry the servant girl?” she asked pleadingly.

Christian felt ill. He didn’t want to be honest with her, because if he was honest, she would find out his great-grandfather did marry the servant girl, but then he cheated on her with a duchess from the ton and ended up sending the same servant girl to the countryside to live in a nunnery.

He decided to lie.

“They lived happily ever after.”

She beamed.

He felt better.

“I bet your childhood was amazing,” she said in a quiet voice. “Not that I’m saying mine wasn’t.”

“Of course,” he said agreeably.

“My father would probably disown me if he knew how much of a fantasy I actually lived in when I was small. I think it’s why I like books so much. I mean, how romantic is it to know your parents married for love, and that your aristocratic father left London to move to America with his wife?”

Christian didn’t say anything; he didn’t have to. They were sharing a moment, and he knew it would be ruined if he spoke. For reasons he didn’t have the energy to figure out, Kessen was being vulnerable. He would take what he could get.

It was exhausting, having to defend oneself against her constant stream of sarcasm.

“Were they happy?” he asked.

“My parents?”

He nodded.

“They were more than happy. They were something you would read about in romance novels. We did hospice during the last year so they could spend time together. He was such a good caretaker. I always told myself I would never marry, unless I could find a relationship like that.”

He winced. “And now you have to marry. I’m sorry.”

She brightened a bit. “No, it’s okay. I know you want to kill me most the time for speaking. But other than that, at least we have the whole physical attraction thing going for us.”

“You have no idea,” he moaned, putting his head in his hands.

She laughed. “Oh, I think I have some idea.”

He scooted away. “To prove my point, I’m going to put at least a good two feet of space between us, so your body heat doesn’t radiate anywhere near my vicinity.”

“If it’s too hot, stay out of the kitchen,” she snapped.

He rolled his eyes. “Oh, Kessen, the kitchen is exactly where I want to be.”

“I think that’s my cue to go to bed.”

“I think you’re right.” He held out his hand, and she took it. “Your bedroom is the first hall on the right. Breakfast is served at eight. Oh, and Kessen?”

She turned to look at him. “I have a surprise for you tomorrow morning.”

Kessen laughed. “Interesting.”

“I sure hope so.”

She winked and went up the stairs, leaving Christian feeling very alone. Her presence filled the room with so much warmth, it was hard for him to imagine going back to being without her. He was nearing dangerous territory with her. It was frightening how much he was beginning to like her for her personality. His life was hard enough being merely attracted to her; what was he going to do when he couldn’t have a normal day without her constant chatter?

Chapter Sixteen

Kessen didn’t even remember falling asleep. She grumbled when she looked down at her wrinkly clothes; apparently she was making a habit of falling asleep before she had time to change into more appropriate attire.

Her gaze darted around her large room in search of her suitcase. Her vision was fuzzy and sleepy, but she finally saw a flash of brown designer luggage by the door.

She tumbled out of bed and got ready.

By the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was struck with the realization that she would be getting married in six days now. It had a sobering effect on her, but looking around made her almost giddy for her marriage; it would mean she would inherit this wonderful house as well, after all, they would be married. Everything they owned would be shared unless there was some sort of evil Regency-style marriage contract she didn’t know about.

It was kind of Christian to bring her here, not that she was starting to like him or anything. No, that could not happen. But then again he had been so sweet the night before, listening like he actually cared, and he didn’t even take advantage of her sleepiness; instead he sent her to bed. Without him. That was the big shock, not that she thought he was that type of man.

Honestly, it was more than shocking! He didn’t even try anything! What was this feeling she was having? Was it—oh no, she moaned out loud, throwing her face into her hands. “I cannot be in love with this man.” Her voice rang through the room.

She took a few deep breaths before bounding down the stairs.

“Well, well, well. Look who we have here.”

It was a familiar male voice, but no, that was impossible. It couldn’t be.

“Nick?” Kessen asked curiously.

“Live and in person. Wow, I thought you’d be more shocked,” he said, walking around the corner. He was in his usual style of designer jeans and Henley shirt.

Kessen ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. “I can’t believe it! How? Why? Oh my! I missed you so much! Is Sammy here?”

“Easy!” Nick hugged her back. “I came for the wedding, naturally, because I’m your best friend, and also because page six didn’t do you any justice. Have you been getting any sun at all over here? And no, Sammy is not here. She had to work, but we have a internet chat date tonight.”

Kessen sighed. “I love you. Thanks so much for being here.”

“If I wasn’t so confident in my ability to seduce young Kessen, I would almost be jealous,” Christian said, coming into the room. “Although I suppose it helps that your best friend is married to your other best friend.”

Kessen laughed. “Don’t worry. Nick and I have never had that type of relationship.”

Nick snorted. “Yeah, on account that she would kill me. I did tell you about the machete threat, Christian. And that was probably the tamest threat she’s ever given me.”

“Scary.” Christian shook his head.

“Man, you have no idea.” Nick laughed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “So, what’s this I hear about you not drinking tea, Kessen?”

Kessen’s eyes flashed with anger as she pointed an accusing finger at Christian. “You ratted me out!”

He backed up with hands in the air. “I did nothing of the sort. I merely explained to Nick how we met … It’s all he needs to know in order to understand the type of relationship we have.”

“Coffee and tea don’t go well together,” Nick said to himself. “Although I see your point, Christian. She is really high strung. I wonder why? It’s not typical.”

Kessen looked between the two in shock. Could they have bonded any more over the past few hours?

“Well, it could be I’ve been keeping her away from sharp objects,” Christian offered.

Nick nodded his head knowingly. “Yes, she does like to throw things.” He paused, and then turned back to Christian. “Have you tried the Wall Street Journal, or Guitar Hero?”

“Both solid options,” Christian agreed. “I’ve actually been relying on my sensuality to coerce her into doing whatever I want. But sadly, I think those days are coming to an end. She is kind of prudish, don’t you think?”

Nick nodded emphatically. “A complaint I often hear. She tends to panic when things get too hot and heavy, if you know what I mean. In fact, I actually had to teach her how to French kiss when we were sixteen.”

“How did that turn out?”

Nick shuddered. “With two black eyes and a broken tooth.”

“Sounds about right.”

“Yes, well, I hope you’re at least enjoying my tutelage.”

“Oh, immensely. Thank you.” Christian shook his hand.

Kessen was rendered mute. Who were these people? What had happened to her best friend? Without thinking, she yelled, “Pick a side, Nick!”

“I’m sorry. Are we playing capture the flag?” he asked, confused.

Christian shrugged his shoulders but did nothing to hide his smug grin.

“No, you can’t be my best friend and still be his friend. It’s not possible—not okay. He’ll get an unfair advantage in all this dating business.”

“So you’re worried about things being fair?” Christian asked.

Kessen’s eyes darted between both men. “Exactly.”

They both looked at one another and laughed. Nick said, “Perfect.”

Christian said, ”I knew it.”

It made Kessen feel dumb and furious.

“I invited Duncan as well. I hope you don’t mind, Kessen. But I thought it would be only fair to have our two best friends here.”

Stupid interfering men, she thought. “Wait. Does that mean I’m alone with three men in this giant house?”

Christian smiled wickedly. “Yes, and to protect your virtue, I believe it necessary for you to move to the room which adjoins mine.” He looked to Nick. “No offense.”

“None taken,” Nick said between coughs of laughter. “In fact, I think that’s wise, my lord Very wise.”

Kessen yelled, then cursed and ran out of the room, leaving both men shocked with her amazing ability to make swear words sound dirtier than they actually were.

Stomping towards the kitchen helped a little, Kessen thought, as she reached the breakfast table. It was filled high with pastries and at least four different kinds of drinks including coffee.

Bless him.

Interesting choice of words considering she had in fact just cursed the two men who probably thought to put coffee on the table. She shrugged and took a sip. Bliss. Now at least she could think straight. What in the world was she going to do about Christian and Nick? The saying “all’s fair in love and war” came to mind with a vengeance.

Of course, she could learn quite a few things from Duncan if he ever showed up. He did seem to be an open book; in fact, she had thought him a lot like Nick.

Then again…

It could quite possibly be the worst week of her life. Three men, all of whom teased her mercilessly and wanted nothing more than to hear her curse, just so they can feel better about their ability to taunt her.

Drat. It was going to be a long week. The wedding wasn’t until Sunday, and it was only Monday. Well, she could always hide out. She took one of the meat pastries and sat at the table.

Muffled voices arose from the other room, then shouts of laughter, and finally hurried steps coming her way. She closed her eyes for what she was convinced would happen next.

“Kessen!” Duncan yelled, entering the kitchen.

She kept her eyes closed. She told herself if her eyes were closed, none of the men would see her.

“Is she praying?” Christian asked.

“Doubtful. She only does that when she plays Guitar Hero,” Nick said.

“Why?” Duncan asked.

“It gives her an edge,” Nick explained. “Not that I’ve seen it help in any of our time playing together, but it doesn’t hurt.”

“Ahhh,” they all said in unison. Kessen continued closing her eyes, but felt her face getting hot.

Christian was the first to pipe up. “Do you think we should let her stay like that for a while?”

Nick laughed. “She’s very stubborn.”

“I’ve noticed,” Christian mumbled.

Duncan laughed. ”Please, Christian. You’re not any better. Last year you punched yourself in the face just because someone suggested you wouldn’t be able to bruise yourself. When the doctor came, you refused pain medication because it might make you appear weak.”

“That’s kind of childish,” Kessen mumbled.

“Oh, so the princess isn’t asleep.” Christian acted surprised.

Kessen groaned and opened her eyes. It was like a romance novel brought to life. Three of the most attractive men in the world were staring at her with curious eyes. Christian looked as though he was about to devour her; Nick looked incredulous, and Duncan wore the most smug of expressions.

“Stupid meddling British people,” she said, taking another sip of coffee.

Nick laughed as he sat down. “You know she’s rather unpatriotic for being British.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Christian agreed. “She had the audacity to make fun of my accent, as if hers is better. No offense.”

Nick nodded. “I hate my voice. Americans have single-handedly destroyed the English language—and our friend Kessen here is on the forefront of that war.”

“I agree wholeheartedly.” Christian grabbed a cup of tea and sighed. “She won’t even acknowledge ‘God Save the Queen.’”

Kessen nearly dropped her coffee in her lap.

“Oh, yes. How does that go again?” Duncan asked, suddenly interested in the conversation.

Nick opened his mouth to speak, but upon looking at Kessen, he rapidly changed his mind.

“What’s wrong?” asked an amused Christian.

“I’m not fond of machetes, and she has a knife in her hand.”

Duncan sobered. “Wise choice, my friend. Wise choice.”

“So, this has been fun!” Kessen exclaimed, jumping out of her chair. “But I need to go.”

She reached the far end of the room when she heard Christian’s voice.

“But what about our date?”

Duncan laughed. “Yes, Kessen. What about it?”

She looked to Nick for help, but he was staring at the ceiling with reckless abandonment.

Exhaling and clasping her hands together, to keep from throwing things, she asked, “What date?”

All three men looked at each other, positively beaming, but nobody said anything.

She repeated herself.

Nick took another cup of tea and lifted it to Christian in a toast. It was obvious they were ignoring her.

Duncan, apparently taking pity on her misery, winked. “Be ready to go on an excursion in an hour.”

“Fine,” she bit.

“Fine!” Christian bellowed with a giant smile on his face.

Chapter Seventeen

But it wasn’t fine, not when she saw where they were going. “You have your own paintball field?” she squeaked.

Nick nudged Christian in the arm. “Didn’t I tell you once she threatened me with a paintball gun?”

“Perfect revenge, don’t you think?” Christian said, loading his gun. Though Kessen noticed Nick hide his smile. He obviously hadn’t let Christian in on Kessen’s secret talent with a paintball gun.

“Why isn’t Nick playing?” Kessen smirked in his direction. She knew why; she was just curious if anyone else knew why the little pansy wasn’t suited up.