Coming Soon 2026 - Sebastian: Cambridge Book 3

Excerpt from SEBASTIAN: CAMBRIDGE BOOK 3

©2026 Elina Emerald

London, June 1818

Sebastian sat in the parlor room of Hortensia Investigations, sipping brandy by the fire while waiting for his sister-in-law Briana to finish up for the day. He was on guard duty again, under threat of death from his brother Victor if anything happened to her.

His mind began to drift to thoughts of the mysterious woman who'd saved his life at a notorious gambling den.

He'd been playing deep that night, winning too much and about to drink the fine brandy offered. Then she'd appeared, knocked the snifter out of his hand and slipped him a note saying: Do not drink the brandy.

If not for her warning, he'd be pushing up daisies at Kensal Green Cemetery by now.

She'd saved him and then disappeared without a trace before he could even thank her.

For weeks he'd searched for her with no luck. He couldn't eat, couldn't sleep properly, couldn't focus on anything but the memory of her face and the desperate need to know her name.

He heard the front doorbell ring, then Renwick's footsteps in the hall, the door opening, and a woman's voice. Low and husky, with an undercurrent that made every nerve in his body come alive.

"Good afternoon. I was told the proprietress of this establishment could help me with a criminal matter."

Sebastian's heart suddenly pounded, his body going tight and alert. He set down his glass and moved silently toward the hallway, staying in the shadows.

"Of course, miss," Renwick replied. "The mistress is just completing some paperwork. If you'll follow me, I'll take you directly to her office."

Sebastian positioned himself where he could see through the doorway as Renwick led the woman past.

His breath caught in his throat.

It was her.

That same smooth brown skin, those same dark, intelligent eyes, though now dressed in mourning black rather than a servant's plain dress.

Sebastian's heart hammered against his ribs as he watched her disappear toward Briana's office. Moving as silently as possible, he positioned himself near the door, which Renwick had left slightly ajar before departing. He knew he shouldn't eavesdrop, but he was beyond caring about propriety.

"Please, take a seat, Miss...?" Briana's voice drifted out.

"Price. Olivia Price."

Olivia. Finally, a name to go with the face that had haunted him for weeks.

"Miss Price, how may I help you?" Briana asked.

"I need help investigating a murder. My dearest friend Nerida Peters was found dead six weeks ago. Officer Charlie Maxwell gave me your address and said you were one of the finest investigators in London."

Sebastian stiffened and frowned with concern. Then he strained to hear more as the women's voices dropped lower. He caught fragments. Something about Nerida warning Olivia prior to her death that she was involved in something dangerous involving members of the ton.

"I believe the killer will be attending a house party in Mayfair," Olivia was saying, her voice becoming clearer. "I need access to the party, but I'm not of that social sphere. I thought your office could assist in investigating or perhaps if you could provide a letter of reference? Then I could work at the house party as a maid? I could gather evidence without drawing attention."

Sebastian's blood ran cold. The chit wanted to walk into a house party where a murderer would be present, alone and vulnerable?

Without thinking, he burst through the door.

"Like hell you are!" he growled.

Two faces turned to him. Briana looking confused and furious at the intrusion, and Olivia staring at him as if she'd seen a ghost, her dark eyes wide with shock.

"My lord," Olivia breathed, recognition dawning in her expression. "What are you doing here?"

"I've been searching for you for weeks!" Sebastian advanced into the room, his voice rough with fury. "Do you know how many sleepless nights you've caused me, you little minx?"

"Sebastian!" a heavily pregnant Briana snapped, struggling to her feet. "Get out! This is a private matter with my client!"

He ignored her.

"Briana is my sister-in-law," Sebastian bit out to Olivia, not taking his eyes off her. Then to Briana, "Who knows very well she is not permitted to take on any more dangerous cases."

Olivia stood abruptly, gathering her reticule, clearly assuming Sebastian found her unworthy of the establishment. "Then I'm sorry to have bothered you. My apologies."

"No, wait!" Briana called out.

But Olivia was already moving towards the door until Sebastian stepped into her path.

Olivia desperately tried to slip past him. "Please excuse me, my lord. I should not have come. I shall find another way..."

Sebastian's hand shot out, gently but firmly catching her arm. "You want entry into that house party?" His voice was low, intense. "Then you come with me. As my guest."

Olivia froze, her breath catching. "What do you mean?" she whispered.

Sebastian's gaze bore into hers, fierce and intense. "You heard me. You want access to the ton? You'll remain by my side."

They stared at one another for a long moment. Sebastian's gaze almost burning, while Olivia's breathing had gone shallow and rapid. Her pulse fluttered visibly at her throat.

Olivia knew this was her only chance to avenge Nerida’s death. "I... I accept," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Briana's mouth fell open in shock then she scowled. "Sebastian Cambridge, did you just steal my client?"

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Blurb

In the glittering ballrooms of Regency England, Sebastian Cambridge is a man of many faces. A rakish gentleman known for his devastating good looks and disarming charm, he is the envy of men and the object of many women's desires. Sebastian's reputation as a notorious card sharp and womanizer precedes him, with wealthy widows and high-stakes gamblers alike falling prey to his cunning. Arrogant and brash, Sebastian believes he is untouchable—until he meets an intriguing and determined woman seemingly immune to his charms.

Devastated by her friend's murder, Olivia Price, a woman of Caribbean and English ancestry is on a relentless quest for justice. Disguising herself as a servant in a notorious gentleman’s gaming club, she infiltrates high society in search of the killer. In this clandestine role she crosses paths with Sebastian inadvertently saving his life.

As their worlds collide, an unexpected and fiery alliance forms, sweeping them from the opulent splendor of London's elite gatherings to the dark, perilous corners of the city's underbelly. Amidst danger and treachery, they must navigate their growing feelings and unravel a web of secrets that threatens to destroy them both. If they survive they may just discover that the greatest gamble of all is falling in love.

Content Warning: Not suitable for persons under 18. It contains mature content.

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