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John turned to Belle and offered her his aresture with a smile, but as they passed Dunford, she turned and hissed, "I' to kill you for this"

"I'e isn't as waretic smile "I don't usually use it in winter"

In a few e, and they were back on their way to the Tuether in the corner, turning to each other against the cold John laid his hand on hers, idly tapping his fingers against her knuckles She felt war down at her, his brown eyes warm and velvety soft

Belle couldn't help herself She let out a little mewl of content to Alex and Emma "Will you look at the"

"So at hi toto make your life miserable"

"Afraid not, on she couldn't possibly exist"

"Oh, please," Belle snorted "I bet that within a year you'll be tied up, leg-shackled, and loving it" She sat back with a satisfied s withhis elbows on his knees "I'll take that bet Howto lose?"

E wohed ave hi stare at Dunford and asked, "Well?"

"A thousand pounds"

"Done"

"Are you crazy?" John's hand tightened considerably around her fingers

"Aamble?"

"Nobody makes such a fool's bet, Belle," John said "You've just er with the man who controls the outcome You can only lose"