A knock has her turning to watch as the maid opens the door. “Mr. Becker would like to see you in the library, Miss Miller.”
Aiylin frowns and follows the maid from the room. This can’t be good she thinks. They walk down the broad steps and Aiylin stops to look at a massive chandelier. “The acoustics in this room must be amazing,” she murmurs before quickly catching up to the young girl. She stops on the first floor at a dark wooden door and knocks.
“Miss Miller is here, sir.” She steps back ushering Aiylin inside a beautiful library with a roaring fire and piano. When she starts to close the door, Aiylin stops her with a hand on the wood.
Sebastian is thankful she’s distracted as once again her simple beauty is mesmerizing. The blue gown is a perfect complement to her coloring. He can’t help but admire a young woman who can turn up frozen and drenched, yet, still wearing a smile.
“Leave it open,” she requests.
“Yes, Miss,” the maid turns and leaves.
Sebastian watches with a frown.
“What’s wrong, Miss Miller? Don’t you trust yourself?”
“Let’s just say that I’ve learned the hard way not to allow myself to be in a dangerous position.” Aiylin doesn’t smile as he approaches her. Her mouth goes dry, and her heart begins to race. She has to force herself not to back away from him. He's handsome. Not just attractive, but wickedly handsome, she thinks. There is a resemblance to Patrick, but Sebastian is more intense.
“You didn’t seem worried about your reputation earlier today as you cavorted in the snow,” he teases. Her nearness is affecting his ability to think straight. Space, that is what will be required in this situation.
Aiylin stares at him for a moment before sighing softly. “I don’t know you, Mr. Becker, though I must admit to being slightly disappointed. Patrick has told us so much about you, but I’m not seeing the man he described. He described a kind man, with a great sense of humor. I’ve yet to meet him.”
Sebastian’s eyes widen at her boldness. He stares at her taking in the color of her honey hair, to her plump pink lips and trails down her body. He raises his eyebrows at her dress. “You are definitely… more than I was expecting. Tell me, Miss Miller, how much money did my Aunt promise you if you came here?”
Aiylin fights back the blush and rush of shame that tries to creep in. She remembers her father’s words and glares up at him. “Patrick doesn't need your money,” she hisses, “and I'm not sure why you feel it’s necessary to shame and embarrass me, Mr. Becker. I know my worth, and I deserve better.” She tries to step around him only to flinch away when he reaches out for her.
“Forgive me,” he lifts his hands, and she backs away. “That’s the second time I’ve seen fear in your eyes, Miss Miller. Are you in trouble?”
“Of course not.” Aylin flushes, “I don’t know you, Sir. You haven’t earned the right to touch me.”
Sebastian grins, “Does Patrick have to ask permission to touch you?”
“What?” she gasps. “Don’t be ridiculous, he never touches me.” She rushes to the door, wondering what kind of people he’s used to being with. It’s time to go. Party or not, she won’t stand for this. “I’m sure I can take a train out first thing in the morning,” she mumbles.
“Wait!”
“What is it?” she stops and glances over her shoulder at him.
“My daughter, Tinley…”
“She’s your daughter?” she interrupts him. “Of course, that beautiful dark hair. Tinley is adorable, she must get that from her Mother.”
“True enough,” he laughs softly and gestures to a chair and asks, “Could we sit for a moment?” Aiylin is standing near the door with her arms wrapped protectively around her middle.
“Why? So you can continue attacking me?”
“Forgive me, Miss Miller. It’s just that my Aunt has done this before. Sent beautiful women to try to get money from me.”
Of course she did, Aiylin thinks. Was this her plan to send Mena here to entice Sebastian? Did he just call her beautiful? Shaking away the thought she nods.
“I believe that, considering how she’s treated Patrick lately. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with that.” Aiylin nods and walks cautiously to the chair. She sits across from him, perching on the edge of the seat should she need to run. Sebastian is quiet, and she can sense his hesitation as he sits and picks at the lint on his black jacket.
“I would ask that you be kind to my daughter. She’s struggling this Christmas, and I won’t have her feelings hurt.”
She stares at him for a quiet moment before replying. Her eyes trail over his face and takes in the serious look in his eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll be gone tomorrow. Therefore you can rest easy, Mr. Becker. Even if I could, I would never hurt a child,” she replies softly.
Tinley flies into the library followed by Elizabeth.
“There you are! Sebastian, the guests are arriving. Could you and Miss Miller stand together and greet them. You can make introductions.”
“Me too, Oma?” she asks.
“Of course, darling.”
Tinley rushes over and grasps Aiylin’s hand.
“Call me, Aiylin, please,” she says to Elizabeth. Tinley spins in her purple velvet dress.
“That dress is perfection on you,” Aiylin says, glancing down at Tinley.
“Thank you. Purple is my favorite, but I love yours too. Doesn’t she look beautiful, Daddy?”
Aiylin is smiling at him when he glances at her, “Yes, of course. If you like that much skin showing,” he quips.
“Some men like skin, Mr. Becker, though I suppose you are too old to keep up with the fashions of
