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Claire’s acceptance fueled Tony’s new strength and sobered his thoughts His words began as a whisper and rose in volu her lips, he added, "And mine!"

He stood, seized Claire’s wrist, and pulled her up toward the bedroo this re-acquisition to the next level, they weren’t doing it on a hotel rooht He laid her upon the bed, pausing only for a er registered Within seconds, his shirt was gone and his body covered hers The weight of his chest flattened her breasts, as he relished the war and he was beyond the ability to stop Securing her hands above her head, he forcibly seized herbecaan at her ankles and worked his way toward her injuries As his lips inched upward, her scent beckoned his approach Maybe he wasn’t the only one to be here, but he sure as hell would do his best to et anyone else The lace panties didn’t stand a chance as the delicate fabric ripped under his deter up, he suddenly worried that she’d be upset; instead of anger, Tony saw yearning and desire Instantaneously, his cheeks rose and he flashed a devilish grin They both seemed to understand that he had a mission and there would be casualties--the panties were the first to go

Tony was exactly where he wanted to be It was faes He knehat Claire liked and what ood He knew that when his teeth nipped her hard nipples, she would arch her back and pull hihtly to her breast He knehen her nails clenched his shoulders and words became difficult for her to articulate, she was only moments away froressed, she’d be willing to take this renewal beyond the confines of the king-sized bed Against the wall, across the desk or in the shoere all acceptable alternatives

Although Tony would’ve liked to accept full credit for the heights they achieved, Claire was not an innocent bystander Her confidence and independence were not limited to verbal retorts Her boldness both surprised and satiated hi who her words, Tony, you are mine and nobody else’s, he acquiesced; he’d met his match

Perhaps he’d helped to create the wo more than to subdue, control, and doone, his life was es and money--none of that mattered None of it held a candle to the way her words touched hiue on his neck, her lips upon his skin, or her hands caressing…

She wasn’t only an a wo to speak to hienteel in the presence of others It was ined, more than he deserved

When they finally submitted to sleep, no need was left unfulfilled As his head settled against the soft pillow and Claire nestled against his chest, Tony wrapped his arm around her shoulder and allowed his body to relax For now, she was safe and they were together When her breathing slowed and her warm, sexy bodyaroma and closed his eyes

For the first tis fell into a deep sleep

Soh silent pain, cry behind closed doors, and fight battles nobody knows about

--Unknown Author

The firstto arrive at the estate addressed to Claire Nichols Raas a card, congratulating thened, the address was typed, and the return address was Cedar Rapids--too close for comfort Tony’s security team intercepted the card based on the unfamiliar name Other than the name, there was no obvious threat; nevertheless, Tony met with his security team and household staff Everyone was to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, and any such iteht directly to him Claire was not to be burdened

It wasn’t athe truth fro her--just as he’d promised to do After the deliveries in California, Tony wanted Claire to feel safe Though her laptop had not been found, he and Catherine had done everything possible to facilitate her sense of security, including h Claire tried to act strong, the attack bothered her more than she wanted to adht in late June when he realized she wasn’t in bed He scanned the large roo quietly onto the private patio, Tony found Claire wrapped in the pink robe Despite the war uncontrollably, and staring out into the sky When he silently approached from behind, she jumped at his touch

"O-oh, Tony, I didn’t hear you" Her dampened cheeks revealed her hidden tears

"What is it? Are you all right? Is the baby--"

She leaned into his e of her shoulders told another story "I didn’ther chin, he pulled her gaze upward "What do you ?" When she didn’t answer, he asked, "Has this happened before?"