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"If you kill hiet aith it," Belle hissed "Too many people know you want him dead You'll be arrested within minutes And if you're not, you'll never be able to show your face in England again"

"Stupid female Do you really think I think that I can shoot a noble in exile for five years I' eance Now co her toward a set of doors that led to the rest of the house

Belle acted out of sheer instinct He wouldn't hurt her now Not before he got John She wrenched her arrasp and ran back to John, as already advancing toward her "Quick, we've got to get away frorasped her hand and started to weave through the crowds Belle looked behind her Spencer was closing the distance between them Alex and Emma were behind him, but as a couple they couldn't move as quickly as he could alone "This is too slow," Belle said nervously "He'll get us before we reach the door"

John didn't reply He picked up the pace, his leg screah We need to get over there" Belle pointed to the doors clear across the ballroom Between the lords and ladies

"And how do propose we get there? Dance?"

Belle blinked "Why, yes!" With strength born out of fury and terror, she pulled John to a halt, planted her hand on his shoulder, and began waltzing

"Are you crazy, Belle?"

"Just waltz And lead us across the room We'll be there in no time Even Spencer wouldn't dare run across the dance floor"

John willed his injured leg into action and slowly began dancing, edging his way across the rooers into his shoulder, trying to propel him further

"Will you let me lead?" he hissed, followed by, "So sorry," when they bumped into another couple

She craned her neck "Can you see hi to make his way around the perimeter He'll never catch up with us A superb plan, love, if I do say so myself"

They whirled frantically, their movements furiously off-beat, but a few moments later, they reached the other side of the ballroo you ho to the authorities I should have done so long ago, but I didn't think they could do anything about verbal threats But a gun in the stoht to put hi him to the door "I can be your witness And I'm sure Alex and Elad that John wasn't planning to take the law into his own hands If he killed Spencer, he'd be hanged

They had just reached the cold night air when Eh to catch his breath "He's got your mother, Belle"

"What?" The blood drained from her face "How?"

"I have no idea, but I saw hio, and he was holding her very close to his side"