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He shook his head The hopeful look on her face fell and he knew that he was on dangerous ground One wrong word or look and things would go downhill quickly

“Listen, Annabelle, I think I gave you the wrong iht it would be And with her staring right at hiht words “I didn’tbetween us II just got caught up in the moment”

Her gaze narrowed in on him and he prepared himself for her wrath He was certain that so as her was not used to being rejected—not that he was rejecting her He was just letting her know that he wasn’t emotionally available And he didn’t know if he ever would be

Annabelle got to her feet “I didn’t think that this,” she waved her hand at the couch, “was a prelude to e I may be a bit sheltered thanks to my father and my uncle, but even I am not naive Or perhaps that’s what you’re worried about, rew dark and the roorew distinctly chilly “Trust me That would not happen I wouldn’t allow it And I’m sorry you think so little of me”

“That isn’t what I meant”

She turned her back to hi all of the papers Oh, boy, had heAnnabelle gone? And how did he get her back?

He jah his hair “Annabelle, that isn’t what Iserious And I didn’t want you to get the wrong impression I like you, but that’s all it can ever be”

With all of her papers and pens gathered, she straightened Her guarded gazeit out I’ll ain And now, I’ to bed Alone”

When she started toward the door, he called out, “But what about the note?”

She paused and for a , but then she turned back to him “That’s not your proble your assistance going forward”

“Annabelle, I’s”

She turned and marched out the door

Great! Could he have s?

Frustration balled up in his gut He felt like throwing so sense of failure He’d meant to protect Annabelle and instead he’d done the exact opposite

Energy built up in his body and he needed to expunge it But when he glanced around, he knew this was not the place to take out his emotions This palace was ht be rich, but he’d be willing to guess that et out of here