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"Oh," she choked as he continued his ruthless cleansing

He gave a rueful gri this painless"

She gritted her teeth "It does not ed to find yourself in such a condition?" he de to take her mind off his ministrations

"I encountered sohborhood I suppose it would be a waste of ti, lovelythe streets at this hour?"

"You suppose correctly," she retorted in tart tones, no doubt having been warned of the dangers ona companion A lone woer Meg"

His gaze ave a lift of her shoulder, only to wince at the movement

"It is my decision to make"

He smiled wryly at her stubborn tone She would not easily be dissuaded from her reckless behavior Not when she was convinced she was saving those poor souls upon the street And unable to reveal the truth of her danger, Lucien was stuck in the unenviable position of so his assistance

A task that he would not wish upon his most dire enemy

"Undoubtedly, my dear," he soothed as he continued to work upon the deep scratch "An independent woo where she chooses"

She eyed hi his devious intent "Precisely"

"And yet, surely a oman would take more care?"

Her features abruptly hardened at the unshakable truth in his accusation "Are you finished?"

"In athat any o out often at night?"

"Yes"

"You help those in need?"

"When possible" The beautiful eyes darkened "Unfortunately I cannot help the of the recently murdered Molly, Lucien offered a smile of sympathy

"No one person can"

"No, I suppose not"

Lucien slowly straightened to gaze down at her pale countenance, his heart once again struck with her gentle beauty A beauty that was reflected in her generous heart

"I have a proposition for you, Miss Kingly," he said in low tones

She swiftly stiffened in wary confusion "I beg your pardon?"

"I a to pay youlet us say one poundfor each occasion you allowyour visits to the street"

There was a moment of shocked silence before she slowly rose to her feet

"What?"

"I believe you heardto offer such wealth for the inconvenience of acco me as I meet with pickpockets and fallen women?"

His lips twisted ry humor at the sharp disbelief in her tone

"You are not the only soul who feels compelled to help those in need And I happen to believe that at the moment you are very le at the iht harbor a hidden vulnerability "I am not in need"