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Loïc’s gaze seeo’s state of dishevel me know my brother wanted to meet with me” They turned to Minnow

“This is Minnow Korsgaard,” Rodrigo said formally, “Your brother’s fiancée”

Loïc lifted her hand to hison her face for long moments, then on her collar “Enchanté, mademoiselle”

Char – and probably a hell of a lot closer to Minnow’s age too He didn’t like this kid co his people

His woman dreay her hand, her smile neutral She didn’t see

“Mister Leduc, why don’t you bring your brother to your study, and I’ll arrange for refreshested

He glanced at her sharply, not wanting her to leave his side

Rodrigo put a hand to her shoulder and coaxed her toward Severin “I just et some tea too I’m sure Severin ant you there”

They both looked at Severin He held out his hand to Minnow, and she ers with his

They led Loïc through to the study The puppies followed behind theely subdued trail of fur, as if they could sense the tension

Severin took a seat on the couch, pulling Minnon beside hio usually chose His brother sat, leaning back in the leather club chair with an ease and class that Severin envied Coe and coarse

“So in your letter you said that our mother is dead”

“Yes, Martine is dead”

“What happened?”

“A house fell on her”

Severin blinked at him, not sure how to respond