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True enough Had not Edhter--off her feet with eerous than Ed ned fro down their hard torsos, bodies steaave herself a mental shake as she reined in her daydreams Good God If he caused such a reaction in her--sohts of passion--what h Catie’s mind?

"I take the welfare of my tenants to heart, my lord"

"Rest assured, my lady, Catie is safe from the likes of me My tastes run toin her tu hair "--experienced women"

Meredith sensed he had just evaluated and placed her in the experienced and ory

Ha! If he only knew that was but a half-truth Surely he was accustomed to his choice of beautiful, sophisticated woht of her carrying another man’s child did not bother him, and he saw her as an easy conquest--aalready with child and with no one to hold him accountable should he take an unseeht she enjoyed bed play and missed such sport since her husband’s de day, she had never kissed a man

Ironically, Catie probably possessed e

With that huht, Meredith wrenched the reins free "But the mature, experienced woain, a knowing, intimate sound that sent shivers up her arle "It’s the experienced woman who usually seeks my company They know I can provide what they want"

Scandalized by his provocative words, his arrogance, and her own reaction, she sought an end to their conversation "Just stay away from her, my lord"

"Call me Nick," he said unexpectedly

"That would be improper" Nick So raw, bold Meredith looked him up and down It fit him perfectly

"And I shall call you Meredith" Most people pronounced her name harsh and clipped Not hie, his deep voice softening the accents It was all too alluring

"I would rather you not"

He smiled that wolf smile, his teeth a flash of white in his tanned face "Why is that? We are family, are we not? I am your brother of a sort"

Brother?

Meredith choked Undeniably, her thoughts often becaht stood out clear and confusion free Thiseyes told Meredith he did not regard her in a sisterly fashion either, that he estion

"Good day,to the formality of his title, a much needed barrier His hand on the bridle stopped her "Releaseas she jerked her head up and down, either sensing her one, he asked, "I had not given it a thought until just now… is it wise to ride in your condition?"

She stared at hi no idea to what he referred Then it dawned Her fingers drifted to her abdoed life there, a life she had cootten about because it did not exist "The exercise is good for me"

He frowned "Do not ?"

Naturally, he was correct Most woalled her to have overlooked such a consideration before she left thiswas inadvisable"

His gaze narrowed "Perhaps you need to adjust your reasoning You no longer have only yourself to consider"

Must his high-handedness extend to her person as well as Oak Run? She could not abide his interference He did not control her

"Do not scoldforfor years"

"Then why did your judg superciliously