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Finally, she spoke, "First, you’re sorry for invading my privacy for years, years before I even knew you existed Second, you’re sorry for kidnappingyou cared, and, oh yeah,one You’re sorry for fra in incarceration in a federal penitentiary" She sat back down and once again crossed her ar breasts

One doesn’t deal with people as successfully as Anthony Rawlings without understanding confrontation If he chose to retaliate, this scene would escalate to a place he didn’t want to go As he fought to allow her this release, she added, "I would prefer the words, but you are welcoh four, if that’s easier for you"

Tony leaned closer Avoiding his stare, she looked down at her tre hands Had her speech caused her hands to shake, or was it hiht for control evaporated into a need to reassure Fro of his acquisition, hadn’t he asked for honesty? Though her words were painful to hear, they were her version of the truth and she’d delivered When her green eyes finally peered at him froently reached for her hand and spoke softly, "I am deeply sorry for one and four" He rubbed her hand with his thumb "I did provide you with an alternative destination for number four"

Claire exhaled audibly

"I’m not proud of two, but three would never have happened without it" His tone deepened and slowed "I am not, and never will be, sorry for three, and for the record, I never lied about loving you, or pretended to love you I didn’t realize it at first, but I have loved you since before you knew my name" He bowed his head, kissed the soft skin atop of her hand, and continued, "And you forgot our divorce I’m sincerely sorry for that Had I known you would be released so soon… we could still be ain on her knee, he touched the fourth finger of her left hand "You could still officially be s ca up that she’d sold theaze went to the table Laying on the shiny surface were two phones Before Tony could comment, Claire reached for the smaller phone and slid it into her caently shook his head "If I didn’t want to see that phone before, I sure as hell do now"

"It’s my work phone," she answered too quickly

"Oh, I was unaware of your eot to inform you or your spies"

"Claire, I want to show you that I can change Have as o for it"

"Thank you for your permission I don’t need it I can have fifty phones if I want"

Tony nodded Her spunk seemed to be without bounds Why had he not allowed it to shine before?

Claire continued, "It’s docu, once it’s e"

His tone turned sultry "Before it isfor it, and fantasize about it Especially if he once had it and kno a an issue for you"

His pulse quickened If she only kne close he was to being that person again Not because he desired to harm her On the contrary, his desires were totally and completely centered on pleasure--his and more importantly hers Tony warned, "Be careful, Claire That could be interpreted as an invitation"

She stood "Then once again, you would be "

He stood and stepped toward her, yet she didn’t move Was it self-control or unabashed determination? Whatever she possessed flooded his systeh their bodies didn’t touch, electricity sparked between they that couldn’t be contained If he moved nearer, would they be burnt? His words came from somewhere deep in his throat "I believe you hat I want, asI want you to leave, you’re absolutely correct If you’re suggesting anything else, it couldn’t be farther frohtly Her words said one thing, but every ounce of her being said so else Perhaps it was a subtle scent, the way her cheeks reddened, or the hardening of her nipples under the light shirt He wasn’t exactly sure, but Tony knew his desires were shared

He wanted to kiss her and take her newfound boldness to the next level Hoould it translate to their bed? Then he reer shared a bed or a life As she lifted her chin and her lips neared his, Tony suht in front of him Instead of a kiss, he reached for her chin and bathed her cheeks in his warood liar"

If he leaned forward, he’d be able to feel her hard nipples against his chest Before he could move, she stepped back, sat, and crossed her arht Your deceitfulness far exceeds my modest attempts at dishonesty I bon to your superior duplicity"