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"You wish to co more shocked than she'd felt at the invitation

No aainst him and it hurt to be away from him

Taking a deep breath, she let it out in a whoosh and then said, "Yes"

"The helicopter will arrive in the "

"I'll be ready"

She was, even though the helicopter arrived shortly after daybreak Nervesall too soon on the roof of the Kouros Industries building

Sebastian was there, helping her climb out of the helicopter He pulled her away fro her body close to his own and tucked down in a protective way Once they were clear, he stopped

Hisand his lips tasted so good, she didn't want to

Strong ar her into the already aroused contours of his hardintensity

Her lips clung to his as he pulled away and she htness she'd had inin his appearance with thirsty eyes

His were bloodshot, but fixed on her with intensity that belied their tiredness "You came"

"I said I would," she re from his kisses

"So you did"

"Your helicopter came early"

"I hoped you would be ready"

"I was"

The conversation was inane, but the undercurrents were explosive What neither said, but both felt as exhibited by their actions was a desperate need to be together as soon as possible

"Are you also ready to marry me?"

She sed "You go right for the jugular"

He shook his head "It should be s smooth I need you to say you know you are mine"

She could see that he did and to deny him was to deny herself

Not strong enough to deny them both, she said, "Yes"

The kiss that followed her acquiescence co picked up and only becaasp accompanied her and Sebastian's exit from the elevator he had carried her to He lifted his head as her eyes opened and she got the distinct irined expression on his face that it was a wholly new experience for hi in the elevator by one of his employees

The gasp had co the desk in the lobby She stared at the president of her co in Swahili

His jaw taut, Sebastian nodded to the receptionist and carried Rachel right out of the building to a wait­ing limousine

They were inside, her sitting on his lap, a very noticeable buain "When will you marry me?"

"As soon as you like"

"Do you want a big wedding?"

She smiled her approval at his desire to know her desires and not just assume they matched his own "No"

"Do you want to be married on the island?"

&nb

sp; "It doesn't matter"

She'd long ago learned that the trappings of life did notcircu, she'd only ever hoped she got to marry the prince

And she was going to

So, but that wasn't so bad At least he kne to apologize and he lis­tened Itinto his face, but he could be persuaded to look at an alternative per­spective After all, he'd canceled his planned wedding and agreed to a courtship because she'd wanted it His flexibility gave her hope for the future

That flexibility was not much in evidence when Rachel said she wanted Phillippa at the wedding and Sebastian told her hisand would not be back in Greece for a week