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The purr came and so did a pet down her hair "That is all I wanted to hear"

Claire looked to one side, debating "Could I speak with her?"

Of course Shepherd was going to deny the request, he knew she knew that With a deep sigh he took her eue with you"

"Then youThólos and I will sit here like a good captive and stare at the walls"

He shifted, leaned closer while Claire pressed herself further into the pillows His lips brushed hers as he asked, "What is your connection to Miss Cauley?"

So close, Claire felt… torn "Maryanne was my best friend ere children"

He stroked her arood behavior "I find that difficult to believe The woman is a thief and a prostitute"

"Like you," Claire frowned, "she too was once innocent… Though, unlike you, I think she is trying to be good now She is just not very confident in the pursuit"

"You are the one to hold all the goodness and I will hold all the power," Shepherd purred, leaving a lingering, and ignored, kiss on her slack lips

"As you say," Claire responded, her voice flat once he disengaged

"Are you sore," his fingers dipped under the covers to brush over her mound, "here?"

Any second he wouldbody "Does it matter?"

The hand left her Shepherd brushed the pout on her lips "You will rest today Food will be sent If I find out you have not eaten, one of your forty-three will pay for it"

"You do not need to threaten theave you my word"

"That pleases me, little one" Shepherd was so damn confident as he shifted from the bed