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The blonde nodded, a e, unfettered breasts to sithin her pale blue gown

"Andwith anticipation

"You, my dark-eyed beauty, will serve as a distraction when required"

He was uncertain whether it was Lady Winter’s purse that captivated her lover’s attention, her beauty, or both Taking no chances, Christopher hoped Angelica’s exotic features and a careful y crafted façade of wealth would be enough to lure his rival away She was not nearly as refined as the Wintry Widow, but she was curvy enough and bore the clear hal marks of Spanish bloodlines In a darkened roo left on his wrist by Lady Winter’s ring, Christopher found himself desirous of the infaile in appearance and fierce in temperament He kneithout question, that his life was about to beco than it had been of late It was al that he had to wait a few days before he could tangle with her again

In the meantime, his appetites were roused by lack of female companionship He had been imprisoned for weeks Surely that was the only reason he was thinking of the Wintry Widoith such fierce carnal interest She was a task to acco more

Still, when he lifted his hand and waved his visitors away, he drawled, "Not you, Angelica I want you to stay"

She licked her lips

"Lock the door, love Then turn down the lamps"

Christopher sighed as the lights dimmed Not Lady Winter But in a darkened room, she could pass

Chapter 3

"Can I tel you all the s I adore about you,in a faint sed on the opposite bench, his large frame beautifully covered in creaold thread Against the backdrop of a serene lake and green grass, the singular color of his blue eyes stood out with stunning effect

"No?" he drawled "Well, then How about one? I do adore that tilt to your chin you affect earing your Wintry Widow façade And the ice blue silk hite lace is a stroke of genius"

Her smile widened She was nervous, and Siht to all eviate her disquiet Behind her, the i stone edifice that was the home of the Earl and Countess of Harwick provided the roof under which she would pass the next three days "It is expected, Si Mustn’t disappoint our hostess, you know"

"Of course not I, too, find it delightful So what is the infa for this weekend’s house party?"

"Who can say so early on?" she uests So on needlepoint, the gentle nearby on the lawn "A bit of ue?"

"Some sex?"

"Siesture, but his eyes gleah I do hope you have better sense than to choose St John"

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Because he is coarse, mhuirnin Tainted, as you are not I should not have touched you either You are too fine for the likes of me, but even I am a better loved hand that rested there Why could Siressions?

He reached over and squeezed her fingers "The blood you seek is on Welton’s hands"

"I wish that were true"

"It is" Simon settled back into his seat

"Tel me how it is that a known criminal would be invited here"

"Word has it the future Lord Harasa failed abduction attempt It is said that his father approached St John to act as the method of his retribution The ratitude st other things"

"A devil’s bargain"

"To be sure," Simon drawled smoothly "So tel me what your plans are, and I will formulate a way to assist you"

"There is too much uncertainty for me to steer a clear course Why did St John choose this venue for us to hed "If I were not so desperate, I would not play this game of his"

"You think best on your feet You always have"

"Thank you," she said earnestly, taking comfort in Simon’s esteem "At present, I wish merely to speak privately with St John Hopeful y, he will tel me at least a small measure of how he thinks our association can benefit him Based on that, I can move forward"