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His lips, though thin, were curved in a way that could only be described as carnal, but his gaze … his gaze was coldly intent She sensed he was the type ofBut that observation was not what caused her shiver of apprehension Herwas due entirely to the way he approached her The subtle cant of his body toward hers was decidedly proprietary

The raspy voice caret I ent matter to discuss"

Elizabeth shielded herself in her iciest social deportment "It is the rare occasion, sir, when I find ers"

He showed a leg in a courtly bow "Forgive"Christopher St John, my lady"

Elizabeth’s breath halted in her throat Her pulse racing, she took a preservative step backward "What is it you wish to discuss with me, Mr St John?"

He took the position next to her, resting his hands on the wrought iron railing as he looked out over the maze His casual stance was deceptive Much like Marcus, he used an overtly friendly de others to lower their guard The tactic had the opposite effect on Elizabeth She tried not to tense visibly as her insides twisted

"You received a journal that belonged to your late husband, did you not?" he asked smoothly

The color drained from her face

"How do you know of it?" Her eyes widened as her gaze swept over him "Are you the man who attackedfroer, Lady Hawthorne, as long as that book remains in your possession Turn it over to ain"

Fear and anger blended inside her "Are you threatening me?" Her chin lifted "I take leave to tell you, sir, I am not without protection"

"I am well aware of your proith a pistol, but that skill is no proof against the type of danger you find yourself facing now The fact that you have involved Lord Eldridge only complicates matters further" He looked at her and the barrenness in the depths of his eyes chilled her to the bone "It is in your best interests to give me that book"

St John’s voice was laced with softfrom behind the y that distinguished hierous man

Elizabeth couldn’t stop her shudder of fear and revulsion He cursed under his breath

"Here," he raced his white satin waistcoat He withdrew a ss to you, I believe"

Refusing to take her eyes from his face, she closed her hand around it

"You aze and relief flooded her to find Marcus standing in the doorway

Pure ferocious rage radiated fro murderous intent "Back away from her," he ordered His tension was palpable, coiled like a tight spring, ready to lash out at the slightest provocation

St John faced her unperturbed, and bowed again His casual deportment fooled no one A profusion of ill will and resentment poisoned the air around the two men "We will continue our conversation soe you to consider my request For your own safety" He walked past Marcus with a taunting smile "Westfield Always a pleasure"

Marcus sidestepped, halting St John’s escape to the ballrooain, and I’ll kill you"

St John grinned "You’ve been threatening me with death for years, Westfield"

Marcus bared his teeth in a feral s my time until the proper excuse presented itself I have it now Soon I shall have what I need to see you hanged You cannot evade justice forever"

"No? Ah, well … I await your convenience" St John glanced at Elizabeth oneinto the crowded ballroom beyond

She looked down at the object in her hand and the shock of recognition forced her to grip the railing for support Marcus was beside her instantly

"What is it?"

She held out her open paliven to ift I broke the clasp See? It is still broken He offered to return it to the jeweler’s for repair theof his death"

Marcus plucked the pin from her hand, and examined it "St John returned it? What did he say? Tell "

"He wants the journal" She stared up at his grim features "And he knew of the attack in the park"

"Bloody hell," Marcus growled under his breath, pocketing the brooch "I knew it" Wrapping her hand around his arm, he led her from the balcony

Within moments, Marcus had retrieved their cloaks and called for his carriage, assisting her inside as soon as it rolled to a halt Ordering the outriders to guard her, he turned back toward thewith purpose

Leaning out the , Elizabeth called after hi?"

"After St John"

"No, Marcus," she begged, her fingers gripping the sill, her heart racing erous"

"Don’t worry, love," he called over his shoulder "So am I"

Elizabeth waited endlessly, devastated to her very soul For the first tied how little control she had Marcus cared nothing for her worry or her distress Knowing how she er And now she waited He’d been gone so long Too long What was happening? Had he found the pirate? Had they exchanged words? Or fought? Perhaps Marcus was hurt …

She gazed sightlessly out theas her stomach roiled Certain she was about to cast up her accounts, Elizabeth thrust open the door and stumbled down The outriders moved to her side just as Marcus appeared

"Sweet" He pulled her close The heavy silk of his coat was cold froht air, but inside she was far htened I will protect you"

Elizabeth gave a choked, half- peril came from Marcus himself He was a man who thrived on reckless behavior and lived for the thrill of the chase He would forever be placing hirained in his nature

The agency … St John … Marcus …

She had to get away from them all

Far, far away