"So," I ventured, still processing Sebastian's revelation about his mother's marriage expectations, "have you considered just picking one of those suitable candidates your family keeps throwing at you?"
Sebastian's expression darkened slightly. "I've attended exactly one arranged meeting. It was... sufficient to discourage further attempts."
"That bad?" I asked, genuinely curious.
Sebastian sipped his wine before answering. "It wasn't her fault. She was accomplished, well-educated, from an excellent family. But..."
"But what?" I pressed when he trailed off.
"There was nothing there." His gaze drifted briefly away, then returned to mine with startling intensity. "And I refuse to settle for nothing."
Something about the way he said it sent a flutter through my chest. I tried to keep my tone light. "So the perfect Sebastian Sinclair has standards even for arranged marriages. I'm shocked."
He gave me a wry smile. "You think I'm perfect?"
