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"Of course Enjoy yourself"

Christopher watched Amelia leave the room and then resumed his seat, only to stand a moment later when his wife entered in a profusion of pale pink skirts As always, the sight of her made his heart race with a mixture of attraction and pure joy

"You look a vision this afternoon," he said, rounding the desk to embrace her As she had since the ainst hiht that he adored

"You say that every day," she murmured, but her smile was filled with pleasure

"Because it’s true every day" He cupped her spine and ether like two ht

Maria shared the sa, but that was the extent of their physical similarities Amelia took after her father, the late Viscount Welton, with his eratefully claimed a different pater, took after their Spanish-blooded ure

St John and his wifeappearances complemented each other in ways oft commented on But they drew the most attention for their reputations The former Lady Winter was still known as the "Wintry Widow," a woman idely rumored to have murdered her first two husbands Christopher was her third and last husband, the husband of her heart, and he was frequently celebrated for reht in your wife’s bed, they jested

Christopher would s It wasn’t true, but he would not refute the misconception Feould understand how he died in her arht and was reborn

"I overheard the end of your conversation with A at the situation fro perspective"

"Oh?" This here their true similarities lay As different as they were on the exterior, on the interior they were alarly alike, both cri?"

"You are seeing only what interest the masked man had in Amelia What of her interest in him? That is where my worry ste the artfully arranged curls that tumbled about her ears and shoulders, and her full bosoed bodice "She has always been curious That is how she in with"

"Yes, but she allowed thisfor her Gypsy sweetheart all these years and keeps Ware at bay What was the fascination with this oaded such a response in her?"

"H, luxurious kiss "Would you mourn for me with such devotion, were I to pass on?" he queried, his lips ainst hers

"No" Maria smiled with the hint of mystery that kept him endlessly enthralled with her

"No?"

"Nothing or no one could ever take you fro" Her sside you It is the only way I will allow you to go"

Christopher’s heart swelled with love so fierce, it so Amelia was drawn to this est we do about that?"

"Watch her more closely, and find that man I want to know him and his intentions"

"Done" He smiled "Have you any plans for the rest of this afternoon?"

"Yes I’m quite busy"

He hoped he hid his disappoints to accomplish, he would not have minded an hour or two of his wife’s co love in the middle of the day with the drapes throide and the sun shining in Especially when she took the top and writhed above hi dramatically, Christopher released her "Enjoy yourself, love"

"That depends on you" Her dark eyes shined wickedly "You see, ’ from two to four I will need your help to accomplish that task"

Christopher was instantly aroused "I alanced down at the front of his breeches "Yes, I see that you are Shall we retire?"

"I should like that," he purred, his blood hot

A knock intruded from the open doorway They both looked over

"Hello, Tireat head was ducked to fit beneath the threshold

He bowed in greeting, then rumbled, "Did you still wish to speak with me?"

"Yes" Tim was one of Christopher’s most trusted lieutenants He was also infinitely patient and had a oender was obvious They sensed it and were far more open with him than they ith other men They listened to and trusted hi Amelia in line

Christopher looked down into Maria’s uplifted face "Don’t undress," he whispered for her ears only "I want to unwrap you ift," she teased

"You are Mythe tip of her nose, he stepped back fron sht to behold "You are so clever to anticipate my concerns You never require my input in matters"

"But I do," he refuted, "and I value it" His voice lowered with promise "Shortly, I shall show you howhis palm as she moved away and their hands separated "See you at dinner, Ti past him as he entered the room

"Yes, ma’am"

Tim looked at Christopher with a wry smile "I know that look This will be quick, eh?"

"Yes Very I want you to shadow Miss Benbridge"