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"My bedrooan to ascend the flight with quivery legs After the first few steps, she felt Si her in his muscular arms Before she could make a sound, he lifted her and carried her up the rest of the stairs with al ease

He took her to the bedroo the pale, timeworn ruffles and tattered lace and the framed needlework samplers that had been sewn by her own childish hands Undressing her roughly, Sihtly stale fro His clothes quickly joined her son the floor, then his body slid over hers She countered his urgency with unequivocal willingness, her arhtest touch He thrust into her, filling her with a low, thick slide, and she gasped and strained with the effort to accoentler, his urgency transfor intensity It seened to pleasure her, the satin reaches of hard ently over the tips of her breasts, the scent and taste that drugged her senses

Overwhel intimacy, Annabelle felt tears come to her eyes, and Simon coer, taking ive Hisher erratic breaths, as hethrusts that caused all her ainst his lips, begging wordlessly for hi at last, he quickened his pace and drove her to a piercing clax, their joining raw and exalted and astonishing in its potency

Minutes later, as Annabelle lay bonelessly over his body, her cheek nestled on his shoulder, she tried to sort through the bewilderment of her senses She had never been so satiated, every nerve glazed with pleasure And yet she had perceived soht that loomed even beyond what they had just experienced…some unrealized possibility that hovered just out of reach A feeling…a wish…a tantalizing so her eyes, Annabelle basked in the closeness of their bodies, while the elusive proly curious about the project that demanded so much of her husband’s attention, Annabelle asked Simon if she could visit the locomotive works, only to meet with refusals, diversions, and assorted tactics to keep her fro that for some reason Simon did not want to take her to the place, she becaly deter "All I want is one gli For heaven’s sake, after listening to you discuss the locomotive works so often, aren’t I entitled to see it?

"It’s too dangerous," Si into a place full of heavyhell-broth--"

"You’ve been telling me for weeks how safe it is, and how there is absolutely no reason forthat it’s dangerous?"

Realizing his tactical error, Simon scowled "The fact that it’s safe for me doesn’t mean that it’s safe for you"

"Why not?"

"Because you’re a wo like one of the aforeh slitted eyes "I’ll reply to that in a e to crown you with the nearest heavy object"

Simon paced around the parlor, frustration evident in every taut line of his body He stopped before the settee on which she reposed and towered over her "Annabelle," he said gruffly, "visiting the foundry is like looking through the doors of hell The place is as safe as we can h, dirty business And yes, there is always a chance of danger, and you…" He stopped and dragged his fingers through his hair, and looked around impatiently, as if it was suddenly difficult for hiaze With an effort, he forced himself to continue "You’re too important for me to risk your safety in any way It’s my responsibility to protect you"

Annabelle’s eyes widened She was touched and more than a little surprised by his admission that she was important to him As they stared at each other, she was conscious of a peculiar tension…not unpleasant, but disquieting nonetheless Leaning the side of her head against her hand, she studied him intently "You’re entirely welcome to protect me," she murmured "However, I don’t want to be locked in an ivory tower" Sensing his inner struggle, she continued reasonably "I want to knowthe hours that you’re away from me I want to see the place that is so important to you Please"

Simon brooded silently for a moment When he replied, there was an unht Since it’s obvious that I’ll have no peace otherwise, I’ll take you there tomorrow But don’t blame me when you’re disappointed I warned you what to expect"

"Thank you," Annabelle said in satisfaction, giving him a sunny smile that dimmed somewhat at his next words

"Fortunately, Westcliff will be visiting the foundry toood opportunity for the two of you to become better acquainted"