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"Shhh," Belle broke in She couldn't bear to listen to him torture hi about it for days, and I-"

John needed no further urging, and this kiss was as fierce as the first had been gentle He devoured her hungrily, drinking her in as he murmured nonsensical words of love and desire His hands were everywhere, and Belle wanted theined, more than she could ever understand She sank her hands into his thick hair,at the texture of it even as his lips slid down her neck to the base of her throat

"I can't believe this," she ed to ask between nips

"This Everything The way you make me feel The-Oh!" Belle let out a whispered shriek as his mouth traveled to the sensitive skin just behind her ear

"What else can't you believe?" he asked devilishly

"That I want you to keep on kissing me," she answered in a feverish voice "And that there is a party still going on in the next rooreat effort John pulled away frootten," he muttered "Someone could discover us any minute"

Belle felt unbelievably cold without his ar out to him "Please," she whispered "I've hty temptation, but John held firm

"I didn't come all the way to London just to ruin your reputation"

"I wish you would," she "

"We'll have to go back in separately"

Belle smiled at John's concern "Don't worry I' for us splendidly" At John's raised eyebrow, she added, "I told him a little about you"

He shot her such a look that she was coh, so don't worry that I've spilled all your secrets"