Forbidden (17 page)

“Tristan.” A masculine voice jerked him from his thoughts.

Kat’s father was standing there, hands in his pockets, watching him. The older man’s gaze was penetrating. A father who would easily figure out if his daughter was being seduced by his future stepson.

Perhaps Kat was right…If he wanted to get her beneath him on a bed he’d have to be very stealthy.

“Mr. Roberts.” He nodded in greeting.

“Is my daughter all right?” Clayton asked, his brows knitted together. He walked up to Tristan, and Tristan had a distinct impression the other man was measuring him up, while trying to not to make his observations too overt. Just as Tristan was doing.

“She’s a bit overwhelmed, I believe.” Not a lie exactly.

Clayton Roberts cleared his throat and shuffled his shoes on the carpet. “Ahh, I knew I should’ve waited for all of this, given her more time, but…” He paused and raised his head. “I love your mother very much and didn’t
want
to wait.”

The man was open and honest, and Tristan couldn’t hate him for that. His mother had lived a hellish existence while married to his father. She deserved a good man, one who would love her the way his father had failed to.

“Then you’d better take good care of her.” It wasn’t a threat, but he’d be happy to make it one if Clayton didn’t do that.

With a chuckle, the American simply laughed. Did they always act so odd about such serious things? Kat certainly did.

“I will,” Clayton promised. “It’s not every day a man is given a second chance at happiness.”

“Good.” Tristan didn’t really know what to say. It was awkward talking to this man who would soon be his stepfather.

Fucking hell
. When Carter found out about this…his best friend would laugh clear through next week.

“I’ll check on Kat,” Clayton said, offering a warm but hesitant smile. “Why don’t you let your mother know we’ll be down for dinner?”

“I will,” Tristan replied. With a sinking feeling deep in his chest, he walked away from Kat’s door.

I’d like to thank Claire for being my “go-to” gal for all things English. You’re a wonderful friend for putting up with my silly e-mails about how modern Brits would do or say things. For Amanda, Chrissy, Jeanne, Angela, Amy, and Liz, beta readers and good friends who always help me make my stories sparkle and shine. I also have to send a huge thank-you to the publishing team of Hachette for taking on my British Stepbrother series and embracing it with such excitement and enthusiasm.

LAUREN SMITH was born and raised in Tulsa. She attended Oklahoma State University, where she earned a BA in both history and political science. Drawn to paintings and museums, Lauren is obsessed with antiques and satisfies her fascination with history by writing and exploring exotic, ancient lands.

THE BRITISH STEPBROTHER SERIES

Seduction

Climax

THE SURRENDER SERIES

The Gilded Cuff

The Gilded Cage

The Gilded Chain

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