Pregnant with the Billionaire's Baby(40)

Dinner had been an endless affair, with Sin almost able to feel Wallace’s disapproval of the fact that Luccy wasn’t present, as if the older man was well aware that Sin was responsible for her absence. Which he definitely was, Sin acknowledged ruefully; Wallace had an uncanny sixth sense that seemed to inform him of everything that transpired in the house he ran with such quiet efficiency.

It was well after midnight now, and Luccy had probably been asleep for hours, but Sin felt too restless to retire to his own bedroom, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to sleep even if he did.

How could he possibly go to sleep when he knew Luccy was in another bedroom only a short distance away?

How could he forget the tears he had seen in her eyes earlier as she had run away from him?

‘Master Sin?’

He drew in a deep, weary breath before turning to face Wallace. ‘Yes?’

The elderly man’s expression was slightly less stiff and disapproving than it had been earlier this evening. ‘I thought you might be interested to know that Miss Harper-O’Neill came to the kitchen for a hot drink a few minutes ago.’

Not asleep yet, after all?

Sin looked at the older man searchingly. Wallace knew better than anyone that Sin did not bring women here. Just as he must be wondering why Sin had made Luccy the exception ‘She did?’ he finally murmured.

Wallace nodded. ‘She looked as if she may have been…crying.’ A slight censure could once again be heard in his tone.

Deservedly so, Sin thought. ‘Tell me, Wallace,’ he mused heavily, ‘what would you do if you knew you had behaved like a complete bastard to the woman who—’ He broke off, frowning, sure that Luccy wouldn’t appreciate him telling Wallace—or anyone else yet—about her pregnancy. Sin wasn’t too happy himself with anyone else knowing, either, until the two of them had resolved the situation to his own satisfaction.

Wallace answered him anyway. ‘I think you already know, Master Sin, that an apology is in order. That it is not polite to behave like any sort of bastard to a female guest in your home, let alone someone as lovely as Miss Harper-O’Neill.’

It shouldn’t have surprised Sin that Luccy had managed to succeed in charming Wallace; she seemed to charm every male she met, of whatever age. Even his grandfather had—

God, he was even thinking like a bastard now!

‘Even if…’ Sin paused, choosing his words carefully. ‘Even if a part of you—a large part of you—still believed you had done nothing wrong?’

‘It is especially important that the man apologise in those circumstances, Master Sin.’

Sin eyed the older man. ‘When did you get to be so knowledgeable about women, Wallace?’ Wallace had been with the family for over thirty years now, and as far as Sin was aware there had never been a woman in his life during those years.

‘I believe it may have been from observing your father’s behaviour towards your mother…’

‘Oh.’

Amusement gleamed in the older man’s eyes. ‘Yes, Master Sin.’

Sin knew that his father had always found it more politically correct—and less of a strain!—to be the one to bring an end to an argument with the beautiful and fiery Claudia.

He gave the elderly butler a small smile. ‘Thank you, Wallace. I believe you are quite correct. As usual.’

‘Thank you, Master Sin.’ Wallace nodded. ‘If there is nothing else I can get you this evening…?’

He grimaced. ‘A gun might be useful!’

‘If you think that would solve the problem, Master Sin,’ the butler said calmly. ‘Personally, I’ve always found that an apology—a sincere apology—usually does the trick.’

Sin grinned. ‘And if it doesn’t?’

Wallace shrugged. ‘Then at least one has the personal satisfaction of knowing that one tried. If you’re sure that is all, I will wish you goodnight, Master Sin.’

‘’Night, Wallace,’ Sin returned distractedly.

Would Luccy even listen to any apology that Sin made? Probably not. But, as Wallace had so succinctly pointed out, at least he would have tried…





‘Yes…?’ Luccy warily answered the soft knock that had sounded on her bedroom door seconds ago, expecting to find Wallace standing outside, her eyes widening in alarm as she found herself looking at Sin instead as he stood so tall and imposing in the hallway.#p#分页标题#e#

She had switched on the light on the table beside her bed before getting out of bed, pulling a matching robe on over her peach silk nightgown. She clutched that robe about her now as she faced Sin defensively. ‘Yes?’