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“Oh”

“But—” Acheron couldn’t help sounding defensive “I’ress now, and I’m not the type to make the same mistakes”

“I see” Although, in truth, she no longer understood what he was getting to now

“I know I cannot co involved with me represents, but I pro inwith this—” He etup he had on “If there is a need for us tosuspiciously like a giggle bubble past her lips, and he stopped with a scowl “If you fucking laugh—”

“I’m n-not”

Hell could’ve frozen at the look in his eyes, and his voice had turned deadly soft when he spoke again “You make a terrible liar, Ms Jones”

“I’m sorry”

“You don’t sound like it”

This tied laugh escaped her “I’m sorry” But she wasn’t, not really How could she, when everything was so clear now, and it washer all choked up and unable to breathe?

The way Pippi was looking at him now made Acheron want to haul her close, but he forced himself to keep still, a part of him unable to trust that what he wanted was truly his for the taking now

And besides, there was still that other thing to talk about…

“Before you make a decision about us,” he said abruptly, “I wish to be completely truthful with you”

The tone of his voice ulp past the sudden luht”

“Asking you to agree to beselfish in another way It didn’t occur to iven myself sufficient time to analyzewas forcing you to take all the risks”

Like he had with Ms Longbourn, Pippi couldn’t help thinking

“I would have everything to gain – and you would have everything to lose”