Read Online Once Upon an Accident 01 - The Accidental Countess by Melissa Schroeder - Free Book Online Page B

know how she’d trapped him into marriage. Why else would he marry her?
    “Mother was telling me we had some unfortunate accidents in the family.”
    She looked at Sebastian. He’d gained all of his strength back, and she had trouble concentrating when he stared at her. No longer weak, he was the epitome of male beauty. His color had returned, the golden hue reminding her of the moments she had seen him almost naked.
    On more than one occasion, his cool blue eyes caused her tongue to tangle and heart to almost jump out of her chest. She tried to turn her attention away to gain her composure but found her gaze traveling to his lips. They were full and sensuous, and all she could remember was the way they tasted when he kissed her. She licked her lips at the memory. His then twitched slightly, and her gaze shot to his. The mocking glint in his eyes told her he knew what she’d been thinking.
    Pulling herself from her thoughts, she asked, “Really, wh-what kind of accidents?”
    Sebastian’s smile faded. She found herself regretting her question.
    “Well, it seems that my uncle and cousin died recently.”
    “Oh,” she said and looked at his mother and sister. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
    Sebastian stared down at her, irritated at the relief he heard in her voice. His continued presence worried her more than his dead relatives. Didn’t she even care that he was leaving? He was her husband for Christ’s sake.
    Because of his irritation, his voice was a tad rougher when he spoke. “Yes, I have to take over the estate.”
    “The estate?” Her voice rose as she asked the question. Both his mother and sister stared at her, then at him.
    “Yes, dear, Sebastian must take up the reigns of the earldom.” His mother offered this.
    Colleen’s eyes widened then narrowed when she looked at him.
    “Earldom?” Her voice was hoarse.
    “Yes, darling , you are the new Countess of Penwyth.”
    Color seeped from her face, leaving her pale, and he felt a twinge of guilt. He wasn’t all that happy about the situation, but he would be damned if he allowed her to push him out now.
    The need to gain her acceptance of their marriage rode high in his priorities. He knew it had more to do with personal feelings than their uncomfortable position. Just that thought alone was enough to make him uncomfortable. It wasn’t a dream come true for him, but he would appreciate it if the woman didn’t act as if she were being condemned to death.
    Sebastian sat back with his arms crossed and enjoyed the show. This was one of the few times he had seen her at a loss for words.
    “Isn’t it exciting?” Anna said. Her bubbly voice made Colleen twitch.
    He smothered a laugh. The woman was going to give him hell as soon as they were alone. He looked forward to the battle. Sparring with Colleen was more exciting than any seduction he’d encountered. If she raised her voice to him, he might just have to kiss her. That thought sent warmth speeding through him, heating his blood. He shifted his weight, trying to relieve some of the tension his musings brought.
    “Exciting?” Colleen asked, her voice rising an octave.
    “Oh, yes.” Anna was oblivious to her sister-in-law’s distress. “Here I thought we would have to put up with all those insipid girls trying to catch themselves an earl, but now we have you. And you are ever so pleasant. Isn’t she, Sebastian?”
    He thought of that wedding kiss, the feel of her lips against his, the way she had tasted… “Why, yes, she is.” His voice had taken on a husky edge as his gaze slipped to her lips.
    “Really, Sebastian,” his mother admonished.
    Her voice brought him out of all thoughts of kissing, tasting. When he looked at her, he could tell from the expression on her face she knew what he was thinking. His face flushed in embarrassment.
    “Now, we will have to leave as soon as possible. You are going to be presented to society, and I’m sure we’ll have a lot of shopping to