A Night of Desire

Autumn Shelby froze. "What do you mean?"

"What do I mean? I shouldn’t have to spell it out, should I?" Seth Quinn calmly lifted his teacup and took a sip.

Seeing his confident expression, Autumn Shelby’s heart skipped a beat. ’Could he know something?’

’No, that’s impossible. When I went to the U.S.A., Sierra Sutton and I traveled separately. Officially, he went to England, not the U.S.A.’

’While in the U.S.A., even though we lived together and he accompanied me to the hospital, I was always very careful. We always stayed at least two meters apart.’

’So, I was certain that even if Seth Quinn investigated, he wouldn’t find anything.’

’He must be bluffing!’

Autumn Shelby composed herself and said, her eyes filled with confusion, "Seth, I really don’t understand what you’re talking about."

Seth Quinn looked up and stared at her for a moment, his gaze so intense it made her skin crawl, before speaking again. "Autumn, just because you hide things doesn’t mean I can’t find them. While you were in the U.S.A., there was a man constantly by your side.

I didn’t want to bring this up, because I’m the reason you got sick, and I feel a certain responsibility for you. But you’re insisting we lay it all out on the table. Why can’t you just let it go?

I don’t care if that man was an old flame from when we were together or a new love you found after going to the U.S.A. Since we both have people we can build a life with now, why don’t we just let go of the past and move on?"

This was the first time Seth Quinn had said her name since she’d returned, but Autumn Shelby heard no warmth in his voice. "Hah. Someone to build a life with? How would you know he’s the one for me? And that’s assuming this man you’re talking about even exists. Even if he did, couldn’t we just be friends?"

’Since he doesn’t even know who the man is, what do I have to feel guilty about?’

Seth Quinn nodded. "Mm, whether he’s a friend or not is none of my business. I’m just here to remind you to watch your step. If you stop now, we can part amicably. But if you refuse to back off, then I can’t guarantee the fate of you... or the Shelby Family."

Seth Quinn’s tone was casual, but the threat was unmistakable.

If Autumn Shelby were smart, she would know better than to test his limits. But by now, her heart was clouded by jealousy and indignation.

She was jealous that Clara Grant had earned Seth Quinn’s wholehearted love. She hated Clara Grant for stealing the position that was supposed to be hers. And she hated Seth Quinn for treating her with such coldness and injustice after she had given him so many years of her life!

’Stop now and leave him alone? Part amicably? How could she possibly accept that?’

Autumn Shelby shook her head. She reached out, trying to grab Seth Quinn, but accidentally knocked over the teacup in front of her.

The cup was facing Seth Quinn, so most of the tea spilled across the table and streamed toward him.

Seth Quinn couldn’t move away in time. The tea instantly ran to the edge of the table and poured onto his pants.

A large, dark stain immediately soaked into his thigh.

Autumn Shelby paused, not expecting to have soiled his pants. Grabbing a napkin, she got up and walked toward him. "Seth, I’ll clean it for you."

Seth Quinn frowned, dodging her hand as he stood up. "I’m going to the restroom."

With that, he turned and headed for the restroom.

Staring at his retreating back, Autumn Shelby bit her lower lip, nearly shredding the napkin in her hand.

’He’s still the same. He can’t even stand it when I get a little close!’

Suddenly, a phone started ringing.

Autumn Shelby turned and saw Seth Quinn’s phone light up on the table.

She frowned, reaching over to pick up the phone. The call was from Clara Grant.

A sudden smile lit up her face as she tapped the answer button.