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She sighed, re the fierce expression on his face when he had defended her He loved her He hadn’t said it yet, but he did, and he would He and Daniel would sort out whatever they needed to sort out, and this love story – her love story, she thought drea They would row up to beco fa family Marcus had always deserved And there would be treacle tart at least once a week

It would be grand

She shot one last glance at the h thankfully without quite so et back to the musicale Someone had to tell their o?" Daniel asked a fewside by side on the floor, leaning against the wall Marcus’s legs were bent; Daniel’s stretched out long At so had petered out, and in silent agree with pain as their ht up with their bodies and realized what they’d done to each other

Marcus lifted his head and looked around "Back to the party, I i to turn belligerent again, because he just wasn’t sure he had the energy to launch hiain

"You look like hell," Daniel said

Marcus shrugged "You look worse" At least he hoped so

"You were kissing her," Daniel said

Marcus shot hi to do about it?"

"I was going to ask you for her hand before you punched ut"

Daniel blinked "Oh"

"What the hell did you think I was going to do? Seduce her and toss her to the wolves?"

Daniel went instantly tense, and his eyes flashed with fury "Did you sedu – "

"Don’t," Marcus bit off, holding up a hand "Do not ask that question"

Daniel held his tongue, but he eyed Marcus with suspicion

"Don’t," Marcus said again, just to make it clear He reached up and touched his jaw Da as he flexed his fingers and inspected the bruises on his knuckles "Welco a brow

"Next time, tell us when you plan to arrive"

Daniel looked as if he ht reply but then just rolled his eyes

"Your mother did not mention your name for three years," Marcus said quietly

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you left You left, and – "

"I didn’t have a choice"

"You could have come back," Marcus said dismissively "You know you – "