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He nodded as if that were a litter in his eyes was anticipatory "That’s what I thought you said"

"Eliza…" The earl stared at his clasped hands and shook his head

"My lord," Bond began in a casual tone "Were you aware of the nature of Miss Martin’s inquiry?"

"Trying ti tiaze moved back to Eliza Her brow lifted

"Is he daft?" Bond queried

"His brain is so advanced, it stuled by your reasoning in this endeavor?"

Her shoulders went back "My reasoning is sound And sarcasm is unproductive, Mr Bond Please refrain froerous quality "And what is it you hope to produce by procuring a suitor?"

"I am not in want of stud service, sir Only a depraved mind would leap to that conclusion"

"Stud service…"

"Is that not what you are thinking?"

A wicked smile came to his lips Eliza was certain her heart skipped a beat at the sight of it "It wasn’t, no"

Wanting to conclude thisas swiftly as possible, she rushed forward "Do you have someone who can assist me or not?"

Bond snorted softly, but the derisive sound see, if you would please, Miss Martin Why do you need protection?"

"I have recently found myself to be a repeated victim of various unfortunate--and suspicious--events"

Eliza expected hiive her a doubtful look He did neither Instead, she watched a transformation sweep over him As fiercely focused as he’d been since his arrival, he became more so when presented with the probleood looks

He leaned slightly forward "What manner of events?"

"I was pushed into the Serpentine My saddle was tampered with A snake was loosed in my bedroom--"

"I understand it was a Runner who referred you to Mr Lynd, who in turn referred you to me"

"Yes I hired a Runner for aNo attacks occurred while he was engaged"