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John grabbed her harshly by the shoulders and turned her around The expression on his face told her that he still cared for her, and she would have been overjoyed if he hadn't looked so couished "Tell me what happened," he insisted, his face pinched with concern "Tell "

She quickly told him about the incident in the alley

"Goddaasped as she saw a crack snake through the plaster

"And you're sure they said a highborn gentleman wanted you? You in particular?"

She nodded and winced as he shook her "And also that his ar"

John let out a foul expletive He'd shot his attacker just a few nights ago in the shoulder With a ragged sigh he lilass He picked up both and then discarded the glass, taking a healthy swig of the liquor directly froain and then held the bottle toward Belle "Want some?"

She shook her head, unnerved by his stark expression "No, thank you"

"Youharshly

"John, what is wrong?" Belle rushed to his side "What is going on?"

He looked her straight in the eye, straight into those perfect blue eyes that haunted hi the truth froer Not after his enemy had already decided that she was a valuable co to have to keep her close to him now if he wanted to keep her safe Very close At all times

"John?" Belle i to kill asped She swayed and would have fallen to the floor if he hadn't reached out and caught her "Who?"

"I don't know That's the damned part about it How in hell am I supposed to watchfor?"

"But do you have any enemies?"

"None that I know of"

"Merciful heavens," Belle breathed, and John had to crack a s

"Whoever wants me dead has realized that you are very, very i you"

"Am I?" Belle asked softly

"Are you what?"

"Very, very important to you?"