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“I don't have tiuests to attend to”

“And their needs are more important than those of your family?”

Logan regarded her with a cool gaze, knowing exactly what kind of ga to play In his life there had been no end of married women who had pursued him for various reasons “What do you want?” he asked curtly,no attempt at politeness

His terse manner didn't seem to bother her Justine sestive walk “I want to know if you are reat concern to me”

“You'll have to ask her, Lady Bagworth”

“She wouldn't tell ”

“Do you have reason to suspect that my wife is discontented?”

“Only the obvious fact that you're a mismatch, Mr Scott A man like you…and my little sister…I'm sure she has no idea how to handle you Why, she must be absolutely terrified of you”

“She doesn't givehis growing conteworth, what kind of woman do you envision as a suitable match for a man like me?”

“Soed her shoulders in a practicedher puffed sleeves drop to her elbows, the front of her blue silk gown drooping over her brsts until the tips were nearly exposed She leaned back against a table, pushing her clvage together, and slanted a look from beneath her lashes

The pose was so blatant that Logan nearly laughed “A char the opposite “However, I have no interest in any woman but my wife”

Justine's eyes glinted with jealous fury “That can't be true,” she said baldly “You can't prefer that timid, plain mouse over me!”

Logan stared at her with asmile Of all the words that could be used to describe the rebellious girl who had enthusiastically invaded his life and changed everything, “tiest that you pull up your dress, Lady Bagworth, and return to the ball”

His flat refusal only seemed to fuel her determination “I can make you want me,” she said, and launched herself at him

Logan's mockery evaporated as he tried to separate hiled around hi over the carpet Logan let out a breath ofin a bad farce In the brief struggle, he barely heard the opening of the library door All of a sudden he heard his wife's voice, and he felt a stab of dis in Madeline's direction

“I've been looking for you, Justine,” Madeline said, staring at her sister rather than Logan For once it was iuarded

Logan's jaw bunched tightly With Justine's dress in disarray, the proximity of their bodies…he ell aware of how it looked If there was anything he couldn't stand, it was being manipulated by a woman

Shooting Justine a lance, he shoved her away and turned to face Madeline One part of his ested slyly that he should have made use of the opportunity to humble Madeline once and for all But he instantly rejected the idea Whatever else Madeline thought of hins on her sister He had no desire to be unfaithful to her

“Maddy…” he started, and for the first time in his life realized that he was at a loss for words Sweating, furious, he thought of a dozen ways to explain the situation but couldn't seem to produce a sound

Justine gave Madeline a defiant glance, her lips curving triumphantly “Your husband couldn't seem to help himself,” she said “All I wanted was to talk to him, but he—”

“I knohat happened,” Madeline said calmly “And I would appreciate it if in the future you would refrain fro yourself at my husband It's a nuisance he doesn't deserve…and neither do I”

Justine straightened her dress and pulled up her sleeves “Tell her whatever you like,” she said to Logan, her voice turning shrill “I'm sure you'll paint yourself as the innocent victirily she swept fro in her wake

Logan stared at his wife, feeling as aard as he had in his boyhood years, when he had been caught in a bit of mischief “Maddy, I didn't invite her—”

“I know,” she said matter-of-factly “You would never try to seduce your wife's sister, even if you were attracted to her”

“I'h his hair until it stood up wildly

“Here…don't do that” Madeline approached hiloved hand Her gentle touch soothed his aggravated teh with it, in any event She just wanted some attention”

“She nearly got ained for I was ready to kill her”

“I'm sorry you were put in such a situation”

He caught at her stroking hand and held it, staring into her small face “You have every reason to be suspicious, Maddy”

“I' him shake his head in frustration

“If our positions had been reversed, I would have believed the worst of you”

A faint, wry smile came to her lips “I've no doubt you would have”

Her words seemed to inflame him “Then how the hell can you stand there and claim you trust me, when you knoouldn't have done as much for you?”

“Why shouldn't I trust you?” she asked calenerous to me”

“Honorable?” Logan repeated, staring at her as if she had lost her wits “I took your virginity, got you with child out of wedlock—”

“When I first started work at the Capital, you made every effort to avoid me, despite the way I threw myself at you You made love to , and when I becanant, you married me in spite of your resentment I deceived you, and in return you've been honest and fair—”